Device for driving fixation elements into bone and method of use thereof
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10420598-B2
Publication Date
2019-09-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone is described. Also described are methods for using a implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone and a kit comprising a pneumatic implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone.
Core Innovation
The patent describes a pneumatic implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone. The device includes a chamber for holding at least one fastener or fixation element and a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end connected to the chamber for propelling the fastener or fixation element from the chamber and through the barrel into bone contacted with the distal end.
A propellant source is functionally connected to the chamber, and a mechanism releases propellant from the propellant source into the chamber and charges the chamber in order to propel the fastener or fixation element. The propellant directly engages the fastener or fixation element to drive it, without the use of a piston, and the document further describes embodiments in which propulsion may be gas-driven without a piston.
The disclosed embodiments additionally include replaceable and/or disposable cartridges and interchangeable barrels. In some embodiments, a safety mechanism or interlock requires distal barrel contact with tissue or bone to permit charging the chamber with propellant, and the document also describes associated methods and kits for delivering fixation elements.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims emphasize a pneumatic implanting device with direct propellant engagement of the fastener or fixation element without a piston, together with chamber charging via a propellant release mechanism. Additional inventive features include pressure regulation, a safety interlock tied to distal barrel contact with bone, replaceable compressed-gas propellant sources, and kit and method aspects.
Pistonless pneumatic drive via direct propellant engagement
A pneumatic implanting device in which propellant directly engages the fastener or fixation element to drive the fastener or fixation element without the use of a piston.
Chamber and barrel propelling arrangement
A chamber for holding at least one fastener or fixation element and a barrel having a proximal end connected to the chamber for propelling the fastener or fixation element from the chamber through the barrel into bone contacted with the distal end.
Propellant source and mechanism for releasing propellant to charge the chamber
A propellant source functionally connected to the chamber and a mechanism for releasing propellant from the propellant source into the chamber and charging the chamber in order to propel the fastener or fixation element from the chamber through the barrel.
Propellant release with pressure regulation
The device includes a mechanism for releasing propellant that regulates the pressure of the propellant charging the chamber.
Safety interlock tied to distal barrel contact with bone
The device includes a releasing mechanism with a safety feature that prevents charging the propellant chamber unless the distal end of the barrel is in contact with bone.
Replaceable compressed-gas propellant source
The device is configured so that its propellant source is a replaceable canister of compressed gas.
Method for intramedullary nail delivery into the medullary canal after reduction
A method that fixes a fractured long bone by reducing the bone fragments, accessing the medullary canal, aligning the device’s barrel at the access point, and actuating propellant release to deliver an intramedullary nail that fixes the fragments in the reduced state.
Kit with replaceable cartridge for holding fastener or fixation element in the chamber
A kit that further includes a replaceable cartridge for containing said at least one fastener or fixation element in said chamber.
Across the provided material, the key inventive emphasis is on a pneumatic implanting device where propellant directly engages the fastener without a piston, using a chamber and barrel arrangement that propels the fastener into bone contacted at the distal end. The refinements further include propellant release pressure regulation, optional safety interlocks requiring distal barrel contact with bone, replaceable compressed-gas propellant sources, and kit/method aspects including medullary canal delivery of an intramedullary nail and a replaceable cartridge holding the fastener or fixation element.
Stated Advantages
Drives a fastener or fixation element into bone using propellant that directly engages the fastener without the use of a piston.
Documented Applications
Fixing a fractured long bone by delivering an intramedullary nail into the medullary canal after fracture reduction.
Delivering a Kirschner wire (k-wire) for reduced fracture fixation.
Using a kit that includes the pneumatic implanting device together with a fastener or fixation element and optionally propellant cartridges and filler materials.
Tension band fixation of a patella using a k-wire.
Intramedullary nail fixation in a metacarpal or phalanx.
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