Curved Bone Cannula for Basivertebral Nerve Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for chronic back pain, such as vertebral fusion and discectomy, are costly, addictive, temporary, or ineffective, and navigating treatment devices to the posterior midline section of vertebral segments, especially S1, is difficult due to varying bone densities and anatomical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system for generating a curved path in bone using a deployable curved tube or cannula with a preformed curve, allowing a flexible treatment instrument to navigate through varying bone densities and accurately position devices like neuromodulation devices at the basivertebral nerve, utilizing materials like Nitinol for flexibility and shape memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a straight linear access route is used to place a treatment device in the vertebral body, then the device placement is simple, but it is difficult to reach the posterior midline section of the vertebra, especially S1 segment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved cannula with a preformed curve (e.g., 30-45 degrees) instead of a straight linear access route. This curved configuration enables the treatment device to navigate through the bone and reach the posterior midline section of the vertebral body, particularly the S1 segment, while maintaining procedural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a probe navigates through varying densities of bone, then it can reach the target area, but it is difficult to ensure accurate positioning in the posterior or posterior midline section of the vertebral body
Solution Approach 1:
The curved cannula serves as an intermediary structure that guides the treatment device through the varying densities of bone. The preformed curve of the cannula ensures that the device follows a predictable path to the posterior midline section, maintaining positioning accuracy despite variations in bone density.
3Reliability
If existing treatments like vertebral fusion or discectomy are used for chronic back pain, then pain relief may be achieved, but the treatments are costly, addictive, temporary, or ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and treats the basivertebral nerve directly within the vertebral body through a minimally invasive percutaneous approach. By targeting the specific pain-generating structure (basivertebral nerve) rather than performing complex procedures like vertebral fusion or discectomy, the treatment achieves effective pain relief with reduced procedural complexity and no addiction risk.
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 predictable deployment of treatment devices to target intraosseous nerves, such as basivertebral nerves, without veering off course, facilitating effective modulation and reducing recovery time.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing materials like Nitinol for flexibility and shape memory
Implementation Method 2
utilizing materials like Nitinol for flexibility and shape memory
Data Source
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AI summary
System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, and having a curved distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the distal opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.