Inflatable Bone Tamp with Integrated Orientation Balloon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable bone tamps (IBTs) for treating musculoskeletal fractures are costly to manufacture and require multiple components, making them expensive and complex to assemble, with issues related to component alignment and visualization during use.
Innovation Solution
A simplified surgical system with a reduced component count, featuring a biocompatible hypotube and inflatable balloon configuration that eliminates the need for platinum/Iridium markers and certain assembly components, allowing for lower production costs and easier visualization of the balloon's position before inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional IBT components are used with platinum/Iridium markers, then visualization and orientation indication are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes platinum/Iridium markers and inner stylets from the IBT system, extracting only the essential inflatable balloon component that can be directly inserted into the bone without requiring additional attachment components or markers for visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of orientation indication and balloon attachment into the inflatable balloon itself, eliminating the need for separate platinum/Iridium markers and inner stylets by designing the balloon to perform both functions inherently
2Reliability
If multiple components are assembled to form the IBT, then functional performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IBT into a minimal component structure with the inflatable balloon as the primary functional element, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled while maintaining essential functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable balloon is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, indicates orientation, attaches to the bone, and creates the necessary cavity, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function
3Measurement precision
If platinum/Iridium markers are used for orientation indication, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive platinum/Iridium markers with a disposable inflatable balloon that provides sufficient positioning accuracy through its inherent design and inflation characteristics, eliminating the need for costly radiopaque markers
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 system reduces manufacturing costs by 50-70% while maintaining performance, allowing for efficient bone compression and cavity creation with improved positioning accuracy and reduced complexity in assembly and use.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the inflatable member to compress a portion of the bone and create a cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an outer member extending between a first end and a second end. The outer member comprises an inner surface defining a passage. The device includes an inflatable member having a first end extending from the second end of the outer member and a second end. The inflatable member includes an inner surface defining a chamber. The inner surface of the outer member is continuous with the inner surface of the inflatable member. The device includes an inner member having a first end positioned within the passage and a second end coupled to the second end of the inflatable member such that the inner member does not engage the inner surface of the outer member. Systems and methods are disclosed.