Steerable Vertebral Assembly for Single-Path Off-Axis Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tools for treating vertebral compression fractures, such as kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, face challenges in accessing off-axis locations within the vertebra due to their fixed curvature, limiting versatility and requiring multiple access paths, which can be difficult and invasive.
Innovation Solution
A steerable assembly comprising a steerable instrument and a deformable conduit, allowing for adjustable curvature and positioning off-axis from a straight access path, enabling single-tool access to varied anatomical shapes and tissue densities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed curvature surgical tools are used to access off-axis locations, then the tools can reach certain target sites, but the versatility is limited and multiple access paths are required
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool incorporates a deflectable portion that can be dynamically adjusted between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the tool to access both on-axis and off-axis target sites within the vertebra through a single access path, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-curvature tools while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple access cannulae are placed using bi-pedicular approach, then off-axis treatment locations can be accessed, but the procedure becomes more invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steerable assembly allows a single access cannula to be dynamically steered to reach off-axis treatment locations by deflecting the deflectable portion to assume a curved configuration. This eliminates the need for multiple access cannulae and their associated incisions, thereby reducing procedural invasiveness while maintaining ease of operation through a unified access approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pre-formed curved needles are used, then off-axis locations can be accessed, but the fixed degree of curvature limits versatility across different surgical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool features a deflectable portion that can be actively steered to assume different curved configurations as needed, rather than having a fixed pre-formed curvature. This dynamic steering capability provides versatility across different surgical applications with varying curvature requirements while maintaining ease of operation through controlled deflection mechanisms that allow the operator to adjust the curvature on-demand.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for off-axis treatment of a vertebral body. A deflectable portion of the steerable instrument is removably disposed within a distal portion of a deformable conduit, both of which are directed to within an access cannula. A control surface of the steering instrument is manipulated with the deflectable portion and the distal portion positioned within the access cannula. The access cannula prevents deflection of the steerable assembly and causes potential energy to be stored within the steerable instrument. The potential energy may be stored as tension on a control element of the steerable instrument. The steerable assembly is advanced relative to the access cannula. The release of the potential energy causes lateral deflection of the deflectable portion of the steering instrument and the distal portion of the deformable conduit to assume a curved configuration within the cancellous bone that is off-axis from a longitudinal axis of the access cannula.