Hip Joint Capsule Access With Expandable Portal Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing the hip joint is challenging due to its dual tissue barriers, requiring precise portal creation that risks damaging delicate structures and necessitates cumbersome distraction tables, increasing procedure duration and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for accessing the hip joint by attaching a first device to the capsule, distending it with a second device, and creating a controlled portal using grasping members or expandable hooks to secure the cannula, allowing for safer and more efficient access without distraction tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step portal creation method is used, then access to the hip joint is achieved, but the procedure duration increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access device is divided into distinct functional components: a needle for initial penetration, a guidewire for pathway establishment, an expandable anchor for secure attachment to the capsule, and a cannula for instrument passage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the need for multiple separate steps and instruments while maintaining safety through controlled progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable anchor is pre-loaded within the cannula assembly, ready for deployment upon reaching the capsule. The needle and guidewire are pre-positioned to create the initial pathway. This preliminary preparation of components eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly steps during the procedure and allows for rapid, controlled deployment of the access system.
2Reliability
If traditional multi-step portal creation method is used, then access to the hip joint is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle, guidewire, expandable anchor, and cannula are combined into a single integrated access assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate devices and steps required, simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining the safety benefits of the multi-component design. The components work together as a coordinated system rather than separate entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable anchor automatically deploys and secures to the capsule when the cannula is advanced, without requiring separate manipulation or assembly steps. The self-expanding mechanism provides automatic stabilization of the access pathway, reducing the complexity of manual operations required by the surgeon.
3Ease of operation
If access portal is created through tough joint capsule, then access to the hip joint is achieved, but risk of accidental plunging and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable anchor is deployed before the cannula is fully advanced, creating a cushioning barrier between the needle/cannula tip and the underlying joint structures. This anchor acts as a safety stop that prevents accidental plunging through the capsule and potential damage to cartilage or other delicate tissues within the joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable anchor serves as an intermediary element between the external access tools and the internal joint structures. It mediates the interaction by providing a secure attachment point that controls the depth and position of the cannula, preventing direct contact between the sharp needle tip and vulnerable joint tissues.
4Ease of operation
If distraction table is used to create space, then access to the hip joint is facilitated, but device complexity and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access device is extracted from the traditional distraction table setup and designed to function independently. The self-expanding anchor and integrated cannula system creates its own stable pathway without requiring external distraction equipment, eliminating the complexity and setup time associated with distraction tables while maintaining safe access to the joint.
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
Facilitates safer, faster, and more convenient access to the hip joint, reducing the risk of tissue damage and enabling improved visualization and workspace, while eliminating the need for cumbersome distraction tables.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable anchor is expanded radially to engage with the capsule
Implementation Method 2
pulling the retraction element proximally through the cannula retracts the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.