Curved Cannula Access for Basivertebral Nerve Ablation in Bone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to navigate a treatment device accurately through varying bone densities to reach the posterior midline section of vertebral bodies, particularly the S1 segment, due to difficulties in maintaining a linear path and ensuring precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system using a deployable curved Nitinol tube and a cannula with a deflectable tip that regains its preformed curve upon exiting the trocar, allowing a flexible treatment instrument to navigate through angular ranges in bone, supported by a set of stylets to maintain the desired path and deploy the device linearly towards the target zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a straight linear access route is used to place a probe in the vertebral body, then the surgical procedure is simpler, but it is difficult to reach the posterior midline section of the vertebra and S1 segment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved cannula with a preformed curve and a deflectable tip that can be steered to navigate through bone tissue along a curved trajectory. This curved access route enables the probe to reach the posterior midline section of the vertebral body and S1 segment, which is inaccessible via straight linear approaches, while maintaining surgical feasibility through a minimally invasive percutaneous technique
2Adaptability or versatility
If a probe is navigated through varying densities of bone, then the target area can be reached, but it is difficult to ensure accurate positioning in the posterior midline section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates imaging guidance (such as fluoroscopy or CT) to provide real-time feedback on probe position and trajectory. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to monitor probe advancement through varying bone densities and make adjustments to ensure accurate positioning in the posterior midline section of the vertebral body or S1 segment
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula features a deflectable tip that can be dynamically adjusted during the procedure. The tip can be steered or bent to follow the curved path through bone tissue, adapting to varying bone densities and anatomical variations while maintaining the ability to reach the target location with precision
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 predictable and accurate deployment of treatment devices through varying cancellous bone densities, ensuring precise targeting of regions like the BVN by maintaining a controlled curved channel.
Implementation Method 1
A cannula with a deflectable tip that regains its preformed curve upon exiting the trocar
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of ablating a basivertebral nerve (BVN) in a lumbar or sacral vertebral body of a patient. An introducer and one or more instruments are selected after a pre-surgical evaluation. The introducer has a handle coupled to a shaft defining a central channel and an opening at a distal tip thereof. The introducer is inserted through a pedicle of the vertebral body such that its opening reaches a cancellous portion of the vertebral body. The one or more instruments are delivered through the central channel. A distal deflectable section of the one or more instruments is advanced past the introducer's opening to position it proximate to the BVN in a posterior midline section of the vertebral body. An active element is extended relative to at least a portion of the one or more instruments. Energy is delivered to the active element to ablate at least a portion of the BVN.