Surgical Cannula Stabilizer with Ball-and-Socket Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional kyphoplasty procedures face challenges in stabilizing the cannula during the delivery of inflatable bone tamps or bone void fillers due to lack of soft tissue and bony anatomy, often requiring an extra pair of hands to maintain proper trajectory, which can lead to difficulties in accurately positioning the instruments at the bone defect.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system featuring a device with a ball and socket configuration, utilizing a pivoting member with a collet and cap to securely hold the cannula in a fixed trajectory, allowing single-handed operation by a practitioner without the need for additional assistance, ensuring precise positioning and stabilization during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical assistant is used to hold the cannula, then the cannula can be stabilized during delivery, but the device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-stabilization of the cannula through its own structural features (ball and socket joint, pivot member, collet) without requiring external assistance from surgical assistants. The cannula is secured within the pivot member's passageway, and the collet provides mechanical locking to maintain stable positioning during delivery of bone void filler or inflatable bone tamps.
2Ease of operation
If the cannula is held manually by a physician, then the trajectory can be maintained, but the precision and stability of positioning deteriorate due to hand fatigue or movement
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the cannula holding function into distinct mechanical components: the ball and socket joint for trajectory adjustment, the pivot member for securing the cannula, and the collet for locking. This segmentation transforms manual control into a structured mechanical system that maintains positioning accuracy without relying on continuous manual stabilization.
3Device complexity
If the cannula is held without stabilization aids, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cannula may shift or rotate during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The ball and socket joint utilizes spherical geometry to enable smooth rotational movement and trajectory adjustment of the cannula. The spherical ball fits within the socket, allowing multi-directional positioning while maintaining stable contact points. This curved geometry provides inherent stability while permitting the flexibility needed for accurate positioning at the bone defect site.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a first member extending along an axis. The first member includes a first portion connected to a second portion by a hinge. Inner surface of the first and second portions define a cavity having a pivoting member is movably disposed therein. The pivoting member includes an inner surface defining a passageway having a second member disposed therein. A cap has an inner surface that engages an outer surface of the pivoting member. The pivoting member is movable between a first orientation such that the second portion is spaced apart from the pivoting member and the pivoting member is rotatable to a selected trajectory relative to the longitudinal axis and a second orientation such that the second portion engages the pivoting member to fix the second member in the selected trajectory. Methods of use are disclosed.