Beveled Cannula Cutting Tool for Endoscopic Spinal Intervention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoscopic techniques for spinal interventions face challenges in effectively removing bone tissue while maintaining visual control, as existing cutting tools either require a very small diameter for insertion through a working channel, leading to prolonged procedures, or must be used without visual guidance, risking nerve tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A device with a cutting tool that can be manually or automatically moved, featuring a beveled distal end and a conical cutting edge, allowing for oscillating movements to ensure precise bone removal while maintaining visual monitoring through an optical probe, and additional anchoring tools for secure guidance during central constrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a small diameter cutting tool (maximum 3.5mm) is used to maintain visual control through the working channel, then visual monitoring is maintained, but the bone tissue removal operation takes too much time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual controlVSAvoidbone removal speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the cutting tool with the optical probe into a single integrated unit. The cutting tool comprises a cutting element and an optical probe that works together as one device, allowing the larger diameter cutting tool to be used while maintaining visual control through the integrated optical channel. This eliminates the need to choose between small tool diameter and visual monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tool serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a cutting instrument for bone removal and as an optical conduit for visual monitoring. The integrated design allows the single tool to perform both cutting and visualization functions that previously required separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a larger diameter cutting tool is used to remove bone tissue more quickly, then productivity improves, but the optical probe must be removed and the procedure must be performed without direct visual control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebone removal speedVSAvoidvisual monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the cutting tool with the optical probe into a single integrated unit. The cutting tool comprises a cutting element and an optical probe that works together as one device, allowing the larger diameter cutting tool to be used while maintaining visual control through the integrated optical channel. This eliminates the need to choose between small tool diameter and visual monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a cutting tool with perpendicular distal end is used, then the cutting edge configuration is simple, but the tool cannot effectively penetrate or align with the work area when bone growths are present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting edge configurationVSAvoidalignment with work area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end of the cutting tool features an asymmetric beveled configuration rather than a symmetric perpendicular end. The bevel creates a sloping surface that facilitates penetration through bone tissue and allows the tool to self-align with the work area, improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 efficient and safe removal of bone tissue during endoscopic spinal interventions by allowing for larger diameter cutting tools with visual control, reducing the risk of nerve damage and improving procedural efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the apparatus preferably includes means for automatic drive to allow the bladed cannula-type cutting tool to perform repetitive, oscillating movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillating movement:

Implementation Method 2

by inserting an optical probe (endoscope) adapted to this channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP2096982B1Apparatus and method for minimally invasive intervention on the spinal column
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 JOIMAX GMBH
  • EP2096982B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2096982B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2096982B1 patent drawingFigure 3.1~3.2

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for minimally invasive intervention in the skeletal area, particularly on the spinal column. Said apparatus comprises at least the following two elements: a cannula, of which a distal end has a generally beveled shape relative to a symmetrical axis of the cutting tool (2); an optical probe (endoscope) to be inserted through the hollow space of the cannula. The apparatus is further characterized in that the cannula is designed as a hollow cutting tool (2) in which the most extreme region of the distal end has a cutting edge (26) that is incorporated into the edge of the wall of the cutting tool (2).