Steerable Vertebral Conduit for Single-Cannula Off-Axis Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical methods for treating vertebral fractures, such as kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, face challenges when accessing off-axis locations within the vertebra due to the limitations of pre-formed tools with fixed curvature, which lack versatility and require multiple access cannulae, complicating procedures and increasing invasiveness.
Innovation Solution
A steerable assembly comprising a steerable instrument and a deformable conduit, allowing for adjustable curvature between a straight and curved configuration, enabling off-axis access within the vertebra without multiple access paths, adaptable to varying tissue densities and anatomical shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-formed tools with fixed curvature are used to access off-axis locations, then off-axis treatment is achieved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase due to requiring multiple access cannulae
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates a deflectable portion that can dynamically change its curvature and orientation during the procedure. The deflectable portion includes control elements (such as pull wires or shape memory alloys) that allow the operator to adjust the curvature radius and angle in real-time, transforming a static tool into a dynamic one that can adapt to different anatomical configurations without requiring multiple pre-formed instruments or access paths
Solution Approach 2:
The steerable instrument with a deformable conduit serves multiple functions: it can access on-axis locations when straight, and off-axis locations when curved. The same single instrument can be used for both cavity creation and material delivery, and can reach multiple different target sites within the vertebra through a single access cannula, making it a universal tool that replaces multiple specialized tools
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-formed tools with fixed curvature are used, then off-axis access is possible, but adaptability decreases due to predetermined curvature that cannot be adjusted for different tissue densities and anatomical shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates a deflectable portion that can dynamically change its curvature and orientation during the procedure. The deflectable portion includes control elements (such as pull wires or shape memory alloys) that allow the operator to adjust the curvature radius and angle in real-time, transforming a static tool into a dynamic one that can adapt to different anatomical configurations without requiring multiple pre-formed instruments or access paths
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument allows continuous variation of geometric parameters including curvature radius, curvature angle, and deflection direction. The control elements enable smooth transitions between different curvature states, allowing the operator to precisely match the instrument's shape to the specific anatomical requirements of each patient and procedure, rather than being constrained to fixed predetermined curvatures
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access cannulae are placed for off-axis treatment, then treatment coverage is improved, but invasiveness and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steerable instrument with a deformable conduit serves multiple functions: it can access on-axis locations when straight, and off-axis locations when curved. The same single instrument can be used for both cavity creation and material delivery, and can reach multiple different target sites within the vertebra through a single access cannula, making it a universal tool that replaces multiple specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple access cannulae and multiple pre-formed curved instruments into a single steerable instrument. By combining the access function, curvature adaptation function, and material delivery function into one integrated system, the procedure requires only a single cannula insertion while maintaining the ability to treat multiple off-axis locations
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 provides flexible off-axis access, minimizing invasiveness by allowing a single tool to adjust to different angles and tissue types, enhancing procedural flexibility and reducing the need for multiple cannula insertions.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable conduit... The steerable instrument is actuatable to move the deflectable portion away from the longitudinal axis of the access cannula in order to deform the deformable conduit so that the deformable conduit occupies a deformed position
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for off-axis a vertebral body. A steerable assembly includes a steering instrument, a steering handle, and a trigger. A deflectable portion of the steering instrument and a distal portion of a deformable conduit are configured to be directed through and beyond the access cannula. A control surface of the trigger is configured to receive a pull or squeeze input to pivot the trigger to move the steering instrument to an operating mode in which increased tension on the steering instrument curves the deflectable portion of the steering instrument and the distal portion of the deformable conduit. A mounting block may be fixed within the steering handle, and a proximal end of the shaft may be fixed to the mounting block. The steering handle includes a guide movably supported within a void and coupled to the control element. A rear surface of the trigger engages the guide.