Nucleotomy Device with Integrated Suction for Disc Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating a nucleic space in an intervertebral disc for repairing damaged discs are inadequate, as they lack efficient tools for drilling channels within the vertebra and effectively removing debris during the process.
Innovation Solution
A nucleotomy device with a tool holder, cutting tool, and injection/suction means that allows for rotational and longitudinal movement of a cutting tool with a bimetallic knife, enabling precise channel creation and debris removal within the intervertebral disc, utilizing an electric motor and physiological saline for effective nucleic space formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a cutting tool is introduced to create a nucleic space in the intervertebral disc, then the precision of nucleic space formation is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to the need for integrated cutting and debris removal mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (cutting, debris removal, and irrigation) into a single integrated nucleotomy device. The cutting tool is integrated with injection and suction means within the same device body, allowing simultaneous or coordinated operation of these functions through a single instrument insertion, thereby improving precision while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can perform cutting, debris removal, and irrigation functions. The injection and suction means are integrated into the device structure, allowing it to handle multiple surgical tasks (cutting nucleic material, removing debris, and flushing the cavity) with a single device, improving overall surgical precision and efficiency.
2Productivity
If injection and suction means are added to remove debris during cutting, then the efficiency of debris removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection and suction functions are merged into the same device structure that performs cutting. The suction means are integrated with the cutting tool pathway, allowing debris to be removed through the same access route as the cutting operation, thereby improving debris removal efficiency while avoiding the need for separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection and suction means enable continuous debris removal during the cutting process. The suction can operate continuously or intermittently throughout the cutting operation, maintaining clear visibility and preventing debris accumulation, which improves overall surgical efficiency and productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustment means are added to limit the stroke of translational movements, then the precision of cutting depth control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment means are configured to pre-limit the stroke of translational movements before the cutting operation begins. The device includes mechanical stops or adjustment mechanisms that are set beforehand to control the maximum depth of cutting, ensuring precise depth control is built into the device structure rather than requiring complex real-time control systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible metal rod with bimetallic knife is used as a cutting tool, then the adaptability of the tool to curved paths is improved, but the reliability of the connection between the drive means and the knife decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool uses a flexible metal rod that can bend and follow curved anatomical paths within the intervertebral disc. The flexibility of the rod allows it to navigate the complex geometry of the disc space, improving adaptability to curved trajectories while maintaining structural integrity through the metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes a connecting element that acts as an intermediary between the rigid drive means and the flexible bimetallic knife. This connection element transfers rotational motion from the motor through the flexible rod to the knife, maintaining reliable power transmission despite the flexibility required for curved path navigation.
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
Enables the precise creation of a nucleic space within the intervertebral disc for implant placement, facilitating effective repair of damaged discs by ensuring accurate cutting and efficient debris removal, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor with rotary drive
Implementation Method 2
a flexible connection making it possible to connect one of the ends of the metal rod to a bimetallic knife made of superelastic material, said torsion cable being able to deform to follow small radii of curvature
Implementation Method 3
injection and suction means allowing the removal of debris from the core resulting from the cut
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a nucleotomy device which enables, from a transosseous approach previously pierced in the body of a vertebra Va, a nuclear space Es to be created in an intervertebral disc DI, said appliance comprising a tool holder (2) provided with a first connection means (3) ensuring the placement of an electric motor (4) having rotary drive, a second connection means (5) for placing a cutting tool having a blade (6), a drive means (?) providing rotation and longitudinal translation movements to the cutting tool (6), and an injection and suction means (8) enabling the nucleus debris from cutting during the arrangement thereof to be evacuated inside the intervertebral disc.