Modular Vertebral Spacer With Camming Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacer-type implants for bone and tissue structures lack the ability to adjust spacing during implantation, requiring multiple instruments and larger surgical incisions, which increases patient morbidity and complicates the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
A modular tissue spacer device with end members and an intermediate spacer featuring a coupling mechanism, including projections and a camming device, allows for adjustable spacing and secure fixation between tissue fragments using a single instrument, minimizing incision size and enhancing surgical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-length spacer device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the surgical incision size increases and multiple instruments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device incorporates a camming mechanism that transforms rotational motion into linear distraction motion, allowing the device to dynamically adjust its length during implantation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to be compressed to a smaller insertion profile while maintaining the ability to achieve the required distraction distance, thereby reducing incision size without sacrificing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer device features nested components where the intermediate spacer can be positioned within the distraction mechanism during insertion. This nesting allows the entire assembly to be introduced through a smaller incision, and then the spacer is deployed to its functional position, reducing the required incision size while maintaining device capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple insertion instruments are used, then the spacing can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated instrument: the distraction mechanism, the spacer delivery system, and the fixation mechanism are all contained within one device. This single instrument performs what would traditionally require multiple separate tools, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining precise spacing control through the camming mechanism's inherent measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single insertion instrument serves multiple purposes: it distracts the bone fragments, delivers the intermediate spacer, secures the device in place, and provides fixation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized instruments while maintaining the precision required for proper spacing control.
3Ease of operation
If a single instrument is used for distraction and implant insertion, then the surgical incision size is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single instrument is divided into distinct functional modules: a distraction mechanism with camming surfaces, a spacer containment chamber, and a fixation system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while being integrated into a compact single-instrument design, managing complexity through modular organization rather than monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a camming mechanism that converts rotational motion (easier to control in a confined space) into linear distraction motion. This dimensional transformation allows the instrument to achieve the required distraction function within a compact form factor that can be introduced through a smaller incision, managing complexity through clever mechanical geometry.
4Productivity
If the spacer device allows distraction and insertion with one instrument, then surgical efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate spacer is pre-positioned within the distraction mechanism during manufacturing, and the camming surfaces are pre-configured with precise geometries. This preliminary preparation of components during manufacturing reduces the complexity of intraoperative assembly and adjustment, allowing the complex functions to be achieved through pre-planned, pre-configured components rather than requiring complex intraoperative manipulation.
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
The solution enables precise spacing adjustment and stable fixation between tissue fragments, reducing patient morbidity and simplifying the surgical procedure by allowing for distraction and implant insertion with a single instrument, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the means for deflecting at least one of the projections of the first pair of projections and at least one of the projections of the second pair of projections may comprise a camming device
Data Source
AI summary
Tissue spacer implants, surgical distraction instruments, surgical insertion tools, coupling devices, surgical kits, surgical methods for distraction, and methods for coupling bodies are disclosed. The tissue spacer implants include a first end member, a second end member, and an intermediate spacer member having a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the first end member with the intermediate spacer member and to couple the second end member with the intermediate spacer member. The surgical instruments may be used for inserting these implants and include a first elongated member, a second elongated member, a distraction mechanism, and an actuator. The coupling devices may be used to couple the components of the implants.