Insertion apparatus for an intramedullary nail
Inventors
Giordano, Michael • Powers, Chris M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11439451-B2
Publication Date
2022-09-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
A tool for manipulating the position of an implantable medical device. In some embodiments the tool includes a readily releasable grasping feature that securely couples the implant to the tool while the implant is being manipulated. Preferably, the user can simply release the implant from the tool. The tool in other embodiments includes an internal pathway for accommodating non-linear implants, such as curved rods, wires, or nails. In yet other embodiments the tool has multiple handles, each handle being adapted and configured to permit manipulation of the implant in a single predetermined orientation, but with alternative handles for grasping in different hand orientations. Still further embodiments pertain to a kit having a tool and a plurality of collets, each collet being adapted and configured to grasp a different size of implant, but each collet having identical tool coupling features such that any collet in the kit can be used with the single tool. Still further, yet other embodiments pertain to tools having quick release mechanisms for the acceptance or removal of a collet, and some include external features for preventing inadvertent release of the collet when coupled to an implant.
Core Innovation
The patent describes an apparatus for manipulation of an intramedullary nail. The apparatus uses an internal channel for passage of the nail and a collet with a compressible diametral section for frictional coupling to the nail. A rotatable, hand-adjustable knob changes or maximizes the frictional force applied by the collet, and a retention mechanism retains or permits removal of the collet.
The described configurations include horizontal and vertical handles, or handles arranged in an approximate T-shape, and channels adapted to receive a curving portion of the nail. Other features include a two-position retention mechanism, an axial sliding compression member, and a knob that limits access to the retention mechanism. The problem addressed by the apparatus is not explicitly described in the patent.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims identify seven independent claims: claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, covering seven inventive features for manipulating an intramedullary nail.
Threaded knob and retained collet
Claim 1 recites a first member defining an internal channel and pocket, a hand-grippable second member, and a collet with a compressible diametral section for frictional coupling to the nail. A two-position retention mechanism retains or permits removal of the collet, while a threadably coupled, rotatable hand-adjustable knob compresses the collet to maximize friction, with the collet unable to rotate within the pocket.
Axial sliding compression member
Claim 2 recites a channel-bearing first member, a hand-grippable second member, a removable collet, and a rotatable hand-adjustable knob with a two-position retention mechanism. An axially sliding compression member surrounds a distal portion of the collet, and rotation of the knob toward the compressing position drives the member relative to the collet to maximize frictional force against the nail.
Handle arrangement with a parallel threaded hole
Claim 4 recites a channel-bearing first member, a hand-grippable second member, a collet, and a two-position retention mechanism. The second member extends on opposing sides of the channel exit's central axis, and one portion includes a threaded hole having an axis generally parallel to that central axis.
Handle arrangement with a through-going threaded hole
Claim 5 recites a channel-bearing first member, a hand-grippable second member, a compressible collet retained in or released from the pocket, and a two-position retention mechanism. The second member extends on opposing sides of the channel exit's central axis, and a threaded hole extends through both the distal and proximal sides of a portion of the second member.
Curved-nail channel with shielded release mechanism
Claim 6 recites horizontal and vertical handles, a channel configured to receive a second curving portion of the nail, and a collet whose frictional force changes with adjustment of a hand-adjustable knob. The collet is releasably coupled to the horizontal handle, the knob limits user access to the retention mechanism, and the vertical handle includes a threaded hole with an axis generally parallel to the exit's central axis.
Curved-nail channel with a through-going threaded hole
Claim 7 recites horizontal and vertical handles, a channel configured to receive a second curving portion of the nail, and a releasable collet whose frictional force changes with knob adjustment. The knob limits access to the retention mechanism, and a threaded hole extends through both the distal and proximal sides of a portion of the vertical handle.
Approximate T-shaped handle arrangement
Claim 8 recites a first handle with an internal channel and an adjustable collet, and a gripping second handle forming an approximate T-shape with the first handle extending from the second handle. The first handle has a finger-sized ridge or depression, the second handle extends on opposing sides of the channel, and the second handle includes a threaded hole generally parallel to the exit's central axis.
The independent claims cover channel-guided intramedullary-nail manipulation with frictional collet coupling and releasable retention, alongside differing knob-driven compression and handle configurations. They also specify curved-nail passage, access limitation to the retention mechanism, and threaded-hole arrangements.
Stated Advantages
The ergonomic handle configurations support manipulation of the intramedullary nail.
Ball bearings in the compression mechanism reduce torque transfer.
Shielding the release button or limiting access to the retention mechanism prevents inadvertent release.
Hammer-impact and slap-hammer features support insertion and extraction.
Documented Applications
Manipulation of an intramedullary nail, including insertion and extraction.
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