Vertebral Stabilization Member Insertion Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive spine surgery techniques face challenges in stabilizing the spine effectively, particularly in procedures involving pedicle screw fixation and rod insertion, which often require larger incisions and cause more tissue damage and longer recovery times compared to traditional open surgery methods.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for inserting a vertebral stabilization member that is releasably clampable to an insertion device, allowing for rotation and positioning of the stabilization member relative to bone anchors, enabling its delivery through smaller access sleeves and reducing tissue damage during minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional open surgery methods are used for pedicle screw fixation and rod insertion, then effective spinal stabilization is achieved, but larger incisions are required causing more tissue damage and longer recovery times
Solution Approach 1:
The rod insertion device is divided into multiple functional segments: a delivery system for inserting the rod through a small incision, and a separate clamping mechanism for securing the rod to the pedicle screws. This segmentation allows the stabilization function to be achieved through a minimally invasive approach, avoiding the need for large incisions required by traditional single-piece insertion devices.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used for rod insertion, then tissue damage is reduced, but the ability to effectively stabilize the spine and properly position the rod is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism acts as an intermediary between the minimally invasively inserted rod and the pedicle screws. This intermediate device allows the rod to be properly secured to the anchors through a small incision, ensuring effective spinal stabilization without requiring large incisions. The clamping mechanism bridges the gap between the limited access of minimally invasive surgery and the stabilization requirements of spinal fixation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the stabilization member is rigidly fixed during insertion, then positioning precision is improved, but the ability to adjust the pathway and rotate the member is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a dynamic state during insertion to a static state during fixation. During the insertion phase, the rod can rotate and adjust within the delivery system to accommodate different pathways and positioning requirements. Once positioned, the clamping mechanism engages to rigidly secure the rod, providing the necessary stability for spinal stabilization. This dynamic-to-static transition resolves the contradiction between positioning flexibility and fixation precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for inserting a vertebral stabilization member, such as a rod. The insertion device includes an outer guide tube, a pin assembly including a pin and a pusher member extending therethrough. The insertion device is configured to actuate a rod between a first orientation and a second orientation angled with respect to the first orientation in order to position the rod in an appropriate location for attachment to bone.