Cranial anchoring and positioning system and method
Inventors
Turner, Raymond • Spiotta, Alex • Turk, Aquilla • Chaudry, Imran • Semler, Mark
Assignees
Medical University of South Carolina MUSC • MUSC Foundation for Research and Development
Publication Number
US-10265136-B2
Publication Date
2019-04-23
Expiration Date
2036-02-10
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A cranial anchor system configured to attach to an opening in a cranium includes an anchor member. The anchor member has a middle anchor portion and a lower anchor portion coupled to and disposed in a downward direction relative to the middle anchor portion. The lower anchor portion has a plurality of contact members, each of which have a leg that extends at least partially in the downward direction, a tab connected to the leg, and a rib disposed between the leg and the tab. The system further includes an outer sheath and an inner sheath disposed within the outer sheath and slidable relative to the outer sheath.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a cranial anchor system designed to attach to an opening in a cranium, typically a burr hole created during surgical procedures that require access to the cranial cavity. The system comprises an elongate anchor member with distinct upper, middle, and lower anchor portions. The lower anchor portion features multiple contact members, each having a leg, a tab extending in a radial direction, and a rib positioned between the leg and tab. These structures enable reliable engagement with the bone at the edge and interior of the burr hole, securing the anchor member to the skull.
In addition to the anchor member, the system includes an outer sheath that is at least partially rotatable within the anchor member, and an inner sheath that slides within the outer sheath along a second axis, providing a channel through which surgical instruments, suction, or other devices can access the brain. The device also incorporates a height adjustment mechanism that moves the inner sheath along its axis by rotational operation. This system aims to minimize trauma to the skull, particularly by avoiding the need for additional bone screws used in conventional cranial anchoring devices.
The problem addressed by the invention is the need for precise, secure cranial anchoring systems that do not inflict unnecessary trauma on the skull, as in existing systems that require multiple bone fixation screws. The improved anchoring system as disclosed herein seeks to provide secure attachment to a patient's skull through the novel configuration of contact members, while minimizing the amount of damage needed to create secure access, thereby increasing surgical precision and reducing operative time.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims, which cover two principal inventive features.
Cranial anchor system with anchor member and sheaths
The system includes: - An anchor member elongate along a first axis, with upper, middle, and lower portions. The middle anchor portion defines a recess about the axis. The lower anchor portion has multiple contact members, each with: - A leg extending at least partially downward - A tab connected to the leg and extending at least partially radially - A rib between the leg and the tab - An outer sheath, elongate along a second axis and defining a first channel, with a lower portion that is at least partially disposed within the middle and lower anchor recesses, such that it is rotatable within those recesses - An inner sheath disposed within the first channel, slidable relative to the outer sheath along the second axis, and defining a second channel - A height adjustment device, rotatably and slidably coupled to the inner sheath, and rotatably coupled to the outer sheath, such that rotating the device about the second axis moves the inner sheath along that axis
Cranial anchor system with locking member and threaded regions
The system comprises: - An anchor member elongate along a first axis, containing upper, middle, and lower portions as above, with a plurality of contact members each having a leg, tab, and rib - An outer sheath, elongate along a second axis, defining a first channel, and with a lower portion rotatable in the middle and lower anchor recesses - An inner sheath disposed within the first channel, slidable relative to the outer sheath along the second axis, defining a second channel - A locking member with an internal locking surface configured to engage the lower outer sheath portion to restrict its movement relative to the anchor member - The upper anchor portion defines a first threaded region around the first axis, while the locking member defines a second threaded region that mates with the first This feature emphasizes the locking mechanism and threaded engagement to secure the system.
The inventive features focus on a cranial anchor system incorporating a specialized anchor member with contact members, a rotatable and slidable sheath system, a height adjustment device to position the inner sheath, and a locking mechanism using threaded engagement to restrict movement of the sheath within the anchor member.
Stated Advantages
The system allows precise and secure positioning of medical devices in a fixed location relative to the patient, enhancing control and accuracy during medical procedures.
The cranial anchoring system minimizes trauma to the skull by avoiding the use of additional bone fixation screws required in conventional systems.
The anchoring system enables more efficient installation and removal compared to traditional methods that use multiple bone screws, potentially reducing operative time.
Documented Applications
Brain biopsy.
Intraventricular surgery, such as colloid cyst removal or third ventriculostomy.
Intracranial hemorrhage clot removal.
Deep brain electrode placement.
Interested in licensing this patent?