Multichannel Cannula for Bone Stabilization and Substance Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering substances to fractured bones are imprecise and cause additional trauma, as they often require drilling separate holes or use fenestrated implants, which limit accessibility and increase bone trauma.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel cannula system that stabilizes the bone with a wire and uses a single hole for both substance delivery and implant placement, featuring a first channel for the wire and a second channel with inlet and exit portals for substance delivery or removal, allowing precise delivery and removal of materials without additional bone trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate hole is drilled in the bone for substance delivery after implant placement, then substance delivery is enabled, but additional bone trauma occurs and accessibility to the intended delivery location is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the implant and substance delivery system into a single integrated device. The implant includes a reservoir containing substance and a membrane that allows substance passage, eliminating the need for separate delivery holes and reducing bone trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical stabilization of the bone fracture while also functioning as a substance delivery device. The single structure performs both support and medication delivery roles.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fenestrated or slotted implant is used for substance delivery, then substance delivery through the implant is enabled, but the implant structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous or permeable membrane within the implant structure that allows substance passage without requiring fenestrations or slots. This membrane provides controlled substance delivery while maintaining the structural integrity and simplicity of the implant design.
3Device complexity
If substance is delivered into a drilled hole without fracture stabilization, then substance delivery is simplified, but precision in delivering substances to the intended location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs fracture stabilization with the implant before substance delivery. The implant is first positioned to stabilize the bone, then the substance is delivered through the implanted device, ensuring both precision and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant acts as an intermediary device that first establishes mechanical stability and then serves as a controlled delivery mechanism for the substance. This intermediate stabilization step ensures precise substance delivery to the intended location.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes a cap having a delivery port in fluid communication with the inlet portal and a channel for receiving the cannula therein, and a distal tip. The method further includes inserting the multichannel cannula into the hole in the bone such that the first channel receives the stabilizing wire, and delivering the substance into the bone by introducing the substance into the second channel such that the substance exits through the exit portal.