Cannulated Bone Screw with Movable Occluders for Controlled Substance Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for delivering substances to bones lack customization and control over delivery location and amount, especially for specific areas within a bone, and do not allow for real-time adjustment during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cannulated, fenestrated bone screw with an insert that can be positioned and secured externally or internally, allowing for controlled delivery of substances through aligned fenestrations, with optional balloons for sealing and a pump for regulated delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If delivery pins or needles are used to deliver medication into bone, then substance delivery to bone is achieved, but customization of delivery location and amount is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the delivery function into multiple fenestrations positioned at different locations along the bone screw shaft. Each fenestration can be selectively activated or blocked using movable occluders, allowing independent control of substance delivery to different bone regions without requiring multiple custom-fabricated pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone screw incorporates movable occluders that can be dynamically positioned to block or open specific fenestrations during the procedure. This dynamic control enables real-time adjustment of delivery location and amount, transforming a static delivery device into an adaptable system that can be customized without remanufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bone screws are fabricated ahead of time for later use, then fixation function is provided, but ability to customize delivery to specific areas is substantially limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw is pre-fabricated with multiple fenestrations and movable occluders during manufacturing, but the specific delivery configuration is not determined until surgery. The occluders are positioned during the procedure to activate only the fenestrations needed for that patient's specific anatomical requirements, combining pre-manufacturing benefits with intraoperative customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows change of delivery parameters (location, amount, timing) by repositioning the movable occluders during surgery. This parameter adjustment capability enables customization for different patients and different treatment stages without requiring multiple pre-fabricated screws with fixed delivery characteristics.
3Quantity of substance
If bone screws deliver substances to the interior of a bone, then substance delivery is achieved, but control or regulation of the amount of substance delivered is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The substance delivery pathway is segmented into multiple discrete fenestrations that can be independently controlled. By selectively opening or blocking individual fenestrations with movable occluders, the total amount of substance delivered can be regulated in a stepwise manner, providing quantitative control without requiring complex dosing mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If substance delivery is directed to certain areas within the bone, then focused delivery is achieved, but location or configuration of the bone screw must be changed
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fenestrations are distributed at different locations along the bone screw shaft, each capable of delivering substance to different regions of the bone. By selectively activating specific fenestrations using movable occluders, focused delivery to particular bone areas is achieved without requiring repositioning or reconfiguration of the bone screw itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable occluders provide dynamic control over which fenestrations are active, enabling the delivery pattern to be changed in real-time by simply repositioning the occluders. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows directed delivery to different bone areas without the mechanical complexity of adjusting the bone screw's location or orientation.
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 precise and customizable delivery of substances to specific bone areas, allowing for real-time adjustment and multiple uses, enhancing the effectiveness of bone treatments and surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
A suction device is coupled to the insert and configured to remove material from the bone through the insert fenestration
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)
AI summary
A device for implantation within a bone is provided. The device includes a first end, a second end, and a shaft connecting the first and second ends. The shaft defines a cannulation extending along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The device includes a seal coupled to the shaft, and the seal includes an inner surface facing the cannulation of the shaft. The seal is configured to provide access to the cannulation following implantation of the device within a bone, and the seal is configured to self-seal after access is provided to the cannulation.