Curved Cannula Navigation in Vertebral Bone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for accessing the posterior midline section of the vertebral body, particularly in the S1 segment, face challenges due to varying bone densities, leading to inaccurate navigation and positioning of treatment devices, as existing systems fail to predictably follow a curved path within cancellous bone.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a deployable curved Nitinol tube and a deflectable cannula with a preformed curve allows for navigation through angular ranges in bone, ensuring the treatment device deploys linearly and accurately to the target zone, regardless of bone density, using a combination of straight and curved stylets to maintain the curved path and facilitate treatment device delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a straight linear access route is used to access the vertebral body, then the procedure is simple, but it is difficult to access the posterior midline section of the vertebral body
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 geometry enables the cannula to navigate through the cancellous bone and reach the posterior midline section of the vertebral body, overcoming the limitation of straight linear access while maintaining procedural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a probe is advanced through varying densities of bone, then the probe can reach the target area, but the positioning becomes unpredictable and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the access device by incorporating a preformed curve in the cannula. This curved configuration compensates for the unpredictable path caused by varying bone densities, ensuring that the probe follows a predetermined curved trajectory and achieves accurate positioning in the posterior midline section regardless of bone density variations
3Productivity
If a side exiting coaxial needle is used for aspiration biopsy, then multiple aspirations are possible, but the needle deviates from a linear path into the tissue site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing structural support only where needed - within the curved cannula path through the cancellous bone. The stylet maintains the curved path accuracy locally along the cannula trajectory, enabling multiple aspirations with consistent linear path accuracy into the tissue site despite the overall curved approach
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
The system enables predictable and accurate deployment of treatment devices along curved paths within bone, ensuring precise targeting and effective treatment delivery by maintaining the curved channel and supporting the flexible element through varying cancellous bone densities.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising a deployable curved Nitinol tube and a deflectable cannula with a preformed curve
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 radial opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curveable cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curveable cannula comprising a curveable distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the radial opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curveable 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.