Vertebra Approximating Device for Minimally Invasive Spinal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive spinal correction surgeries face challenges in aligning misaligned vertebrae with spinal rods, as existing techniques find it difficult to approximate laterally displaced vertebrae for proper coupling in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of instruments and methods involving bone anchors, approximating devices with winch mechanisms, and cannula systems that allow for the lateral translation of misaligned vertebrae to align them with spinal rods, using clamps, winch mechanisms, and guide systems to facilitate correct positioning and coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If minimally invasive procedures are used for spinal correction surgery, then patient trauma and recovery time are reduced, but the ability to approximate and align misaligned vertebrae with the spinal rod is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an approximating device as an intermediary instrument that operates through the cannula to bridge the gap between the misaligned vertebra and the spinal rod. This mediator enables the surgeon to approximate the vertebra laterally without requiring open surgical exposure, thus maintaining the minimally invasive approach while overcoming the limitation of reduced manual access.
Solution Approach 2:
The approximating device introduces lateral movement capability through the cannula, adding a dimensional aspect to the minimally invasive procedure. By enabling lateral translation of the vertebra through the constrained cannula pathway, the system overcomes the typical limitation of restricted access in minimally invasive surgery.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If percutaneous techniques are used to insert anchors, then surgical invasiveness is reduced, but the difficulty of moving misaligned vertebrae increases
Solution Approach 1:
The approximating device serves as a mediator that connects the spinal rod to the misaligned vertebra through the cannula pathway. This intermediary instrument enables manipulation and approximation of the vertebra without requiring direct surgical exposure, thus maintaining low invasiveness while providing the necessary mechanical capability to move the misaligned vertebra.
Solution Approach 2:
The approximating device is inserted through the cannula, nesting the approximation function within the existing percutaneous access pathway. This nested approach allows the complex manipulation function to be delivered through a simple minimally invasive route, reducing surgical invasiveness while enabling vertebra movement.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional open surgery is used to align vertebrae, then alignment precision is improved, but patient trauma and procedure invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The approximating device acts as a mediator that delivers precise alignment capability through the minimally invasive cannula pathway. By providing mechanical approximation functionality within the constrained access environment, the device achieves alignment precision comparable to open surgery while avoiding the need for extensive surgical exposure and patient trauma.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective approximation and coupling of misaligned vertebrae with spinal rods, enhancing the precision and efficiency of minimally invasive spinal correction surgeries by providing tools to align vertebrae with the central axis of the spinal column.
Implementation Method 1
the winch mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the winch mechanism is a cable winch mechanism
Implementation Method 3
The cannula is attached to the guide portion of the guide system with a ratchet mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and instruments are provided for connecting a rod extending along a patient's spinal column to a misaligned vertebra. The method comprises implanting a bone anchor in the misaligned vertebra, attaching an approximating device to the implanted bone anchor and rod, approximating the vertebra toward the rod using the approximating device, and connecting the rod to the bone anchor on the approximated vertebra. In certain embodiments the approximating device may include a winch mechanism. In other embodiments the approximating device is a cannula used in conjunction with a guide system.