Minimally Invasive Working Channel Proximal Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques face challenges in securing the working channel's distal end while allowing controlled movement of the proximal end to access lumbar spine pathologies effectively, with limitations on lateral and axial motion to prevent tissue trauma.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive surgical access system comprising a tube with a sliding tab and annular frame that allows for controlled lateral and axial movement, featuring a collar with flanges and slots, and a spherical element for secure anchoring and limited motion, along with caps for additional fixation and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the proximal end portion of the working channel is fully fixed to prevent tissue trauma, then tissue safety is improved, but the ability to adjust the angle for accessing disc tissue is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal end portion of the working channel is designed with dynamic movement capabilities through a mechanical linkage system. The linkage allows the proximal end to move laterally and rotate to adjust the angle of the working channel, while the distal end remains fixed or limited in movement, thus maintaining tissue safety while enabling angle adjustment for accessing disc tissue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the proximal end portion of the working channel is allowed to move laterally to adjust access angle, then adaptability is improved, but tissue trauma increases due to uncontrolled motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a controlled dynamic mechanism where the proximal end portion can move laterally and rotate within defined limits. The mechanical linkage and positioning system ensure that movements are controlled and reversible, allowing angle adjustment while preventing excessive motion that could cause tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the mechanical linkage and positioning system that provide real-time information about the position and movement of the proximal end portion. This allows the operator to adjust the angle while receiving feedback on the degree of movement, ensuring that tissue trauma is avoided while achieving the desired access angle.
3Reliability
If the working channel is fully fixed at both ends to prevent tissue trauma, then tissue safety is improved, but the ability to reposition for different surgical procedures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel system is designed with selective fixation: the distal end portion is fixed or limited in movement to ensure tissue safety, while the proximal end portion is equipped with dynamic positioning capabilities through mechanical linkages and actuators. This allows the channel to be repositioned for different surgical procedures while maintaining safety at the tissue interface.
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.