Inflatable Bone Tamp With Stiffening Stylet For Angled Fractures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable bone tamps (IBTs) are ineffective for treating calcaneus fractures due to their design being suited for flat surfaces, whereas calcaneus fractures occur on angled portions of the bone, requiring a more specialized IBT for effective bone reduction and manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system and method employing a balloon and catheter with a stiffening stylet, where the stylet is inserted through a membrane valve to provide additional strength to the elongated shaft, allowing for effective inflation and manipulation of the balloon in angled bone structures, such as the calcaneus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional inflatable bone tamp is used for calcaneus fractures, then the bone lifting function is provided, but the device cannot effectively treat angled bone surfaces due to its flat-surface design
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is equipped with an angled tip rather than a flat surface, matching the specific geometric requirements of calcaneus fracture sites. This localized adaptation of the balloon's end geometry enables effective treatment of angled bone surfaces while maintaining the overall inflation mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the elongated shaft is made flexible to navigate bone structures, then insertion ease is improved, but structural strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated shaft is constructed from flexible materials that allow it to bend and navigate through bone structures during insertion, while still maintaining sufficient structural integrity to support the balloon and transmit inflation forces effectively.
3Strength
If the shaft is made rigid to provide strength, then structural stability is improved, but ease of insertion and navigation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft utilizes flexible material construction that provides adequate structural support while allowing the device to bend and follow the anatomical path during insertion, eliminating the need for completely rigid structures.
4Reliability
If the balloon is inflated to high pressure for effective bone manipulation, then treatment efficacy is improved, but risk of device failure or tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angled tip design concentrates the inflation force at a specific localized point on the bone surface, improving treatment efficacy for calcaneus fractures while distributing stress more effectively to reduce the risk of unintended tissue damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system and method for correction of a bone injury or disorder are provided. The device includes an elongated shaft that extends between a proximal end and a distal end and defining an interior lumen. A valve disposed with the proximal end of the elongated shaft and including a membrane. An inflatable structure is coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A stylet is configured for insertion through the membrane and is removably disposed in the interior lumen of the elongated shaft such that the stylet provides strength to the elongated shaft.