Vertebral Access Assembly With Aligned Stylet and Reamer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for accessing bony anatomy, such as the vertebral body, require multiple separate instruments and steps, leading to inaccuracies and prolonged anesthesia time due to user error and complex workflows.

Innovation Solution

A integrated system comprising a working cannula, reamer, and stylet, where the reamer is removably coupled to the cannula and stylet, allowing for a single-unit workflow with reduced instrumentation and improved accuracy through coupling features and indicia for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate instruments are used sequentially, then access to bony anatomy can be achieved, but the number of steps increases and user error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate instruments (access cannula, stylet, reamer) into a single integrated instrument assembly. The stylet is inserted through the access cannula, and the reamer is coupled to the stylet, forming a unified system that reduces the number of separate components and sequential steps required to access bony anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested configuration where the stylet is positioned within the access cannula, and the reamer is positioned within the stylet. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be contained within one another, reducing the number of separate instruments needed while maintaining all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If multiple separate instruments are used sequentially, then access to bony anatomy can be achieved, but the time under anesthesia increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess achievementVSAvoidanesthesia time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated instrument assembly allows multiple functions (access creation, guidance, and reaming) to be performed in a single continuous operation rather than through multiple sequential steps with separate instruments, thereby reducing the total time the patient remains under anesthesia.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stylet is pre-positioned within the access cannula before the reaming operation begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the guiding element is already in place, eliminating the need to insert and position separate instruments sequentially during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple separate instruments are used sequentially, then access to bony anatomy can be achieved, but the risk of inaccuracies and user error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess precisionVSAvoidworkflow complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple instruments into a single integrated assembly that maintains precise alignment between components. The coupling features ensure that the stylet and reamer remain properly positioned relative to the access cannula throughout the procedure, reducing the risk of misalignment and user error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stylet acts as an intermediary element that provides continuous guidance from the access cannula through the reaming process. This intermediary component ensures accurate positioning and alignment are maintained throughout the procedure, reducing the risk of inaccuracies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces the number of steps and handling of separate instruments, enhancing precision and efficiency in accessing bony anatomy, thereby minimizing user error and anesthesia duration.

Implementation Method 1

The reamer head includes cutting geometries configured to drill or ream through tissue, and in particular cortical and cancellous bone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

The stylet hub may include a proximal impaction surface configured to be impacted by a surgical mallet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS12478386B2Systems and methods for providing access to within bony anatomy

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for providing access to within a vertebral body. A stylet is removably disposed within a reamer, and the reamer is removably disposed within a working cannula. A tip of the stylet is positioned distal to a reamer head with a stylet hub being positioned proximal to a reamer hub. The reamer hub may include indicia configured to be aligned with the stylet hub to indicate a distance by which the tip is positioned beyond a distal end of the reamer. Complementary coupling features on the reamer hub and the stylet hub are configured to facilitate the workflow and provide mechanical advantage during removal of the stylet from the reamer. The system may include a spacer device configured to be positioned between the reamer hub and the stylet hub. The spacer device may be coupled to a stylet shaft of the stylet.