Implantable Device Longitudinal Channels Bone Void Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for introducing bone substitute materials into bone voids, such as the intramedullary canal, often lead to increased pressure, risking embolization of contents into the bloodstream, which can be fatal, and existing venting techniques may result in insufficient material deposition and increased fracture risk.
Innovation Solution
The use of implantable devices with longitudinal channels that create a venting path to minimize pressure build-up during insertion, allowing escape of void contents and ensuring sufficient material deposition without fracturing the cortical bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If bone substitute material is inserted or injected into the bone void using a syringe or similar device, then the bone void is filled with the material, but the pressure within the bone void increases which may cause embolization of void contents into the bloodstream
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is segmented into multiple components: aouter delivery needle, an inner needle, and a venting needle. This segmentation allows simultaneous material delivery and pressure venting, resolving the contradiction between filling the bone void and maintaining low pressure. The venting needle specifically addresses the pressure issue while the inner needle delivers the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting needle acts as an intermediary element that provides a controlled escape path for bone marrow and other void contents. This mediator allows pressure relief without compromising the material delivery function, enabling safe filling of the bone void by diverting excess pressure through the venting pathway.
2Stress or pressure
If a second hole known as a venting hole is drilled through the cortex into the medullary canal to provide an exit path for void contents, then pressurisation is reduced, but material may escape through the venting hole and fracture risk at the drilled hole increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device combines multiple functions in a single integrated system: the inner needle delivers material while the venting needle simultaneously provides pressure relief. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for a separate venting hole in the cortical bone, avoiding the associated risks of material escape and fracture while still achieving pressure reduction.
3Ease of manufacture
If the entrance to the bone void is occluded during material or device insertion, then material delivery is facilitated, but venting path is blocked resulting in increasing pressurisation of the bone void
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into separate functional components: the inner needle for material delivery and the venting needle for pressure relief. This segmentation allows the entrance to be effectively occluded for material delivery while maintaining a separate venting path, resolving the contradiction between insertion efficiency and pressure control.
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
This method effectively reduces the risk of embolization by maintaining low pressure within the bone void during insertion, ensuring adequate material placement, and minimizing the risk of fracture at the venting site.
Implementation Method 1
The longitudinal channel creates a venting path that allows for depressurisation of contents of the bone void
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an invention that provides a method of treating a bone void of a patient through the use of an implantable device whilst minimising the potential for an increase in pressure within the bone void thus avoiding embolization of the void contents into the patient's bloodstream.