Hip Distention Device Using Inflatable Balloons

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for accessing the joint surfaces during endoscopic hip surgeries, such as joint arthroscopy, are invasive and traumatic, leading to complications like numbness, nerve damage, and deep vein thrombosis, and fail to provide adequate visualization due to the mechanical dislocation of the femoral head from the acetabulum.

Innovation Solution

A device with flexible elongate members and inflatable or expandable distention structures is used to create a working space between the femoral head and acetabulum, employing a distraction structure with a tapered distal portion to penetrate and break tissue seals, allowing for less traumatic distention and improved visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If mechanical traction is used to dislocate the femoral head from the acetabulum, then a working space is created for surgical procedures, but patient trauma and complications increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking spaceVSAvoidpatient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the external mechanical traction system (rack and pinion) with an internal inflatable distention system. Inflatable members are inserted through catheters into the joint space and inflated to create working space, eliminating the need for external mechanical forces that cause patient trauma and complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inflatable members (balloons) that are inflated with fluid or gas to create controlled distention within the joint space. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach allows for precise control of working space creation without the traumatic effects of mechanical traction, enabling the femoral head to be gently separated from the acetabulum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Length of moving object

If mechanical traction is used to create working space, then access to joint surfaces is achieved, but visualization quality remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess distanceVSAvoidvisualization quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable distention system applies localized distention forces at specific points within the joint space, creating optimal visualization angles and distances for endoscopic cameras. The system can be positioned to distend specific regions (anterior, posterior, superior, inferior) to provide targeted access and high-quality visualization of particular joint surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If manual dislocation of the femoral head is performed, then working space is created, but surgical staff safety and patient comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking spaceVSAvoidsurgical staff safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated inflatable system. The inflatable members are controlled through catheters from outside the joint, eliminating the need for surgical staff to manually handle and manipulate the patient's leg, thereby improving safety and comfort for both staff and patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides a less invasive and more effective method for creating a working space in the hip joint, reducing trauma and complications, and enabling better access and visualization for surgical procedures by using inflatable or expandable structures to separate the femoral head from the acetabulum, thereby facilitating safer and more successful surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

a distention structure deployable through the lumen and adapted to exert a force between a first joint surface and a second joint surface and create a working space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic expansion: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a distraction structure having a generally tapered distal portion adapted to penetrate a tissue region and create an access space within a joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical penetration: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8858563B2Device and method for hip distention and access

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 HIPCO INC

AI summary

A device for accessing and distending a joint comprises a distraction structure having a generally tapered distal portion adapted to penetrate a tissue region and create an access space within a joint. The distraction structure also includes a lumen extending from a proximal surface to a distal portion. The device further includes a distention structure deployable through the lumen and adapted to exert a force between a first joint surface and a second joint surface and create a working space. The distention structure may, in some embodiments, include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongate member, a first expandable region deployable from a first substantially collapsed position to a second substantially expanded position, the first expandable region adapted to exert a force between the first joint surface from the second joint surface.