Handheld Surgical Instrument Spring-Driven Bone Marrow Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfracture procedures for accessing bone marrow require manual operation with multiple tools, leading to inconsistent results, excessive force application, and potential damage to the bone due to the need for three hands, and lack of precision in hole creation, which can result in suboptimal healing outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A handheld surgical instrument with a direct-drive mechanism that allows for one-handed operation, providing precise control over the depth and direction of hole creation, using a semi-flexible metal wire for power transmission and a disposable tip to ensure consistent and controlled access to bone marrow, enabling precise hole creation without the need for excessive force or multiple operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual hammer and awl method is used, then bone marrow access can be achieved, but operation consistency and precision deteriorate due to subjective and uncontrolled external force delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hammer-and-awl mechanical system with an automated impacting mechanism that uses a spring-loaded driver and impactor to deliver controlled, consistent forces to create bone marrow access channels, eliminating the variability of manual hammering
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed to be self-operating where the spring-loaded mechanism automatically delivers the impacting force without requiring external hammering by the operator, making the system self-sufficient and consistent
2Manufacturing precision
If automated microfracture devices with external power sources are used, then operation precision improves, but device complexity and facility requirements worsen due to need for compressed air or electrical power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable, self-contained spring-loaded mechanism that requires no external power sources. The entire impacting system is integrated into a single-use instrument that can be sterilized and disposed of, eliminating the need for complex facility infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power source function from external facilities and integrates it directly into the instrument itself through a compact spring-loaded mechanism, making the device independent of external compressed air or electrical systems
3Ease of operation
If aggressive force is applied to remove the tip, then bone plate access is achieved, but tip breakage and bone damage worsen due to excessive lateral and axial force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual twisting and hammering method with a controlled rotational mechanism that uses a torque-limiting driver to systematically remove the tip through controlled rotation, preventing the excessive forces that cause breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The tip removal process uses periodic rotational movements with controlled torque application, allowing systematic removal through repeated small increments rather than single aggressive forces, reducing the risk of breakage
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 instrument enables precise and controlled access to bone marrow, reducing the risk of damage and improving healing outcomes by allowing single-handed operation with precise control over hole size, shape, and depth, thereby enhancing tissue repair and reducing recovery time.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage element, wherein the energy storage element is a spring coupled to an impacting mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a power transmission mechanism configured to transmit energy from the energy storage element to the impacting mechanism, wherein the power transmission mechanism includes a semi-flexible metal wire
Data Source
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AI summary
A handheld surgical instrument comprising an energy storage element, wherein the energy storage element is a spring coupled to the impacting mechanism, an impacting mechanism has a tip configured to impact a bone, wherein the tip includes a tapered point, a power transmission mechanism is configured to transmit energy from the energy storage element to the impacting mechanism, wherein the power transmission mechanism includes a semi- flexible metal wire guided by a hollow shaft, wherein the hollow shaft includes a distal end, the semi-flexible metal wire is includes a bend toward the distal end, a trigger mechanism is configured to release energy from the energy storage element, wherein the bend includes an angle between 14 degrees and 46 degrees, wherein the trigger mechanism includes a manual lever which, when actuated, simultaneously retracts the tip and charges the energy storage element.