Curved Bone Cannula for Precise Nerve Access in Vertebrae
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques struggle to navigate a treatment device accurately and predictably through varying bone densities, particularly in the posterior midline section of vertebral bodies, and current coaxial needle systems fail to maintain a linear path during aspiration biopsies due to tissue density variations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a deployable Nitinol tube and cannula with a preformed curve allows for navigating a flexible treatment instrument through bone, creating a predictable curved path by deploying a cannula with a deflectable tip that regains its curve upon exiting the trocar, supported by a curved stylet to maintain the desired trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a straight linear access route is used to navigate a probe through bone, then the device structure is simple, but the probe cannot accurately reach the posterior midline section of the vertebral body due to varying bone densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved cannula with a preformed curve instead of a straight linear access route. The cannula is designed with a specific curvature radius to navigate through varying bone densities and reach the posterior midline section of the vertebral body, improving probe positioning accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula features a deflectable tip that can be actively steered during insertion. This dynamic capability allows the operator to adjust the cannula's trajectory in real-time to compensate for variations in bone density and anatomical differences, ensuring accurate delivery of the treatment device to the target location.
2Reliability
If a coaxial needle system is used for aspiration biopsy, then the initial needle placement is straightforward, but subsequent passes deviate from the linear path due to tissue density variations
Solution Approach 1:
The inner needle is designed with a flexible construction that allows it to follow the curved path defined by the outer cannula. This flexibility ensures that the needle maintains a consistent trajectory through varying tissue densities during aspiration biopsy, improving path consistency while keeping the system easy to operate.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid straight needle is used to access the posterior section of the SI vertebral body, then the needle structure is simple, but the needle cannot navigate through varying densities of bone to ensure accurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is designed with a preformed curve to match the anatomical path required to reach the posterior section of the SI vertebral body. This curved geometry allows the system to navigate through varying bone densities while maintaining accurate target zone positioning, with the added benefit that the curve is preformed rather than requiring complex active control mechanisms.
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 accurate deployment of treatment devices to target zones within bone, regardless of cancellous bone density, by ensuring the flexible element follows a predetermined curved path without deviation, enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing a deployable Nitinol tube and cannula with a preformed curve allows for navigating a flexible treatment instrument through bone, creating a predictable curved path by deploying a cannula with a deflectable tip that regains its curve upon exiting the trocar
Data Source
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 the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curved cannula comprising a curved distal end configured to be extended outward from the distal opening to generate a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a treatment device to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.