Hip Joint Dilator With Simultaneous Guidewire Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for accessing the hip joint for arthroscopic surgery are challenging due to the strong vacuum force and tough capsular tissue, often resulting in accidental damage to the articular cartilage and femoral head when using dilators and guidewires.
Innovation Solution
A surgical method and device that advances a dilator over a guidewire while simultaneously retracting the guidewire, using a handle with couplings and an actuator mechanism to control the movement, reducing the risk of damage by allowing controlled access to the joint space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional techniques are used to advance a dilator over a guidewire into the hip joint, then access to the joint space is achieved, but there is a high risk of accidental damage to the articular cartilage and femoral head due to excessive force and loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled advancement mechanism as an intermediary between the operator and the dilator-g guidewire assembly. This mechanism includes a guide structure with controlled movement capability that allows the dilator to be advanced gradually while maintaining control over the guidewire position, preventing sudden movements that could damage joint structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic control system where the dilator and guidewire are advanced in a coordinated, step-by-step manner. The mechanism allows for controlled movement where the dilator can be advanced slightly, then the guidewire position is adjusted, creating a dynamic balance that prevents excessive force application and loss of control.
2Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied to advance the dilator through the capsular tissue, then access to the joint space is achieved, but iatrogenic damage occurs to the articular surface of the acetabulum and/or femoral head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by first establishing a controlled guide structure in place before advancing the dilator. This guide structure pre-defines the safe pathway through the capsular tissue, allowing the dilator to follow a predetermined safe route that avoids direct contact with and damage to the articular cartilage and femoral head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning through a controlled advancement mechanism that limits the maximum force and speed of dilator insertion. The mechanism includes features that absorb or mitigate excessive force, preventing it from reaching levels that could damage the articular surfaces, while still allowing sufficient force to penetrate the capsular tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for accessing an interior space of a joint such as a hip joint in preparation for arthroscopic surgery are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a joint access device having a handle and a dilator shaft and/or sheath coupled to a distal end of the handle. The device can be advanced over a guidewire inserted into a joint to a first position and the guidewire can be reversibly locked to the handle. The handle can be associated with an actuator configured to be actuated to cause the dilator shaft and/or sheath to advance distally toward a second position within the joint while simultaneously retracting the guidewire coupled to the handle.