Curved Cannula Navigation for Basivertebral Nerve Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accessing and treating intraosseous nerves within vertebral bodies, particularly the basivertebral nerves, face challenges due to the difficulty in navigating treatment devices through varying bone densities and accurately positioning them in the posterior midline section of the spine, especially the S1 segment, which can lead to ineffective treatments and prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for navigating a flexible treatment instrument through bone using a deployable curved tube or cannula with a preformed curve, allowing precise deployment of energy or fluid delivery devices to target the basivertebral nerve by creating a curved path that follows a predetermined angle, supported by a tube-within-tube system or steerable cannula, enabling accurate positioning and modulation of the nerve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a straight linear access route is used to reach the posterior midline section of the S1 vertebral segment, then the device structure is simple, but it is difficult to accurately position the treatment device in the target area 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 curved cannula is designed to navigate through varying bone densities and reach the posterior midline section of the S1 vertebral segment by following a predetermined curved path, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula incorporates a deployable curved section that can transition from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded curved state at the target location. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to the complex anatomical geometry and achieve accurate positioning in the posterior midline section while keeping the overall device structure manageable
2Reliability
If a curved path is created to navigate through varying bone densities to the posterior section, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device structure and operation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is pre-formed with a predetermined curve geometry that matches the required navigation path through the bone. This preliminary configuration ensures predictable navigation through varying bone densities to reach the posterior section, while the curve is designed to be self-contained within the device structure to minimize operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable curved section of the cannula is nested within a straight outer tube during insertion. Once positioned, the curved section is deployed by expanding it from the nested state. This nesting approach allows the complex curved path to be achieved without increasing the overall device profile or operational complexity during insertion
3Ease of manufacture
If direct access to the basivertebral nerve is attempted, then precise nerve location knowledge is required, but this increases the difficulty and risk of the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The curved cannula serves as an intermediary device that creates a controlled access path to the posterior midline section without requiring direct visualization or precise pre-knowledge of the basivertebral nerve location. The cannula's predetermined curve guides the treatment device to the target area, simplifying the procedure while maintaining adequate positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment device delivered through the curved cannula incorporates energy delivery capabilities (such as radiofrequency or microwave energy) that create a controlled heating zone. This energy parameter change allows for effective nerve modulation without requiring precise anatomical knowledge, as the energy spreads to create a therapeutic zone around the target area
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 navigation and treatment of intraosseous nerves, such as the basivertebral nerve, by creating a controlled heating zone without requiring direct access, allowing for effective modulation of the nerve regardless of bone density variations and reducing the need for precise nerve location knowledge.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a therapeutic dose of energy to a treatment location within the bone... creating a controlled heating zone
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 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 to allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.