Minimally Invasive Working Channel Proximal Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques face challenges in securing and maneuvering working channels to access lumbar spine pathologies without causing trauma to surrounding tissues, requiring precise control over the movement of the working channel's proximal and distal ends to ensure safety and effective access.
Innovation Solution
A minimally-invasive surgical access system featuring a tube with a sliding tab and annular frame that allows for controlled lateral and cranial-caudal movement of the proximal end while securing the distal end, utilizing spherical elements and caps to limit motion and provide stable fixation, enabling two-point fixation between the proximal and distal portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the proximal end portion of the working channel is fully fixed, then stability and precision are improved, but the ability to adjust angle and access different tissue areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel is designed with a dynamic proximal end that can transition between fixed and movable states. The channel includes a proximal end portion that can be selectively fixed or released, allowing it to move laterally and change angles when not fixed, and remain stable when fixed during surgical procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the proximal end portion of the working channel is allowed to move laterally, then access to different tissue areas is improved, but uncontrolled motion and loss of precision may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel incorporates a dynamic proximal end portion that can be selectively fixed or released. When released, it allows lateral movement for accessing different tissue areas; when fixed, it provides stable positioning and precise control during surgical procedures.
3Reliability
If the working channel is fully fixed at both ends, then stability is maximized, but the ability to maneuver and adjust during surgery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel is designed with a dynamic proximal end portion that can be selectively fixed or released. The distal end remains fixed for stability, while the proximal end can be released to allow lateral movement and angle adjustment for maneuvering during surgery, then fixed when stable positioning is required.
4Ease of operation
If the proximal end portion is completely free to move, then maneuverability is improved, but axial stability and control are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel incorporates a dynamic proximal end portion that can be selectively fixed or released. When released, it allows lateral movement and angle adjustment for maneuvering; when fixed, it provides axial stability and control during surgical procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed at minimally invasive systems in which the proximal end portion of the working channel has either zero or a limited range of movement in the lateral direction. A first embodiment has a slidable collar attached to a pair of flanges, wherein movement of the collar is bounded by an annular frame. A second embodiment has a substantially spherical element attached to the tube. A third embodiment has a plurality of caps. A fourth embodiment is adapted for a larger working channel.