System and method for forming a curved tunnel in bone
Inventors
Griffiths, Jerry R. • Fernandez, Jose
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9642629-B2
Publication Date
2017-05-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
A drill system for forming a curved tunnel in a bone includes a drill bit guidance device. The drill bit guidance device includes an elongated stationary outer tube extending along a first axis and an elongated inner tube. The elongated inner tube is configured to slidably move within the elongated stationary outer tube along the first axis and to exit from a distal end of the elongated outer tube. The elongated inner tube has a partially slotted distal end portion including a plurality of semi-cross-sectional slots extending perpendicular to the first axis. Each slot is configured to collapse inward in the slot direction when exiting the distal end of the elongated outer tube, thereby curving the distal end portion of the elongated inner tube.
Core Innovation
The patent describes a drill system for forming a curved tunnel in a bone using a drill bit guidance device with an elongated stationary outer tube extending along a first axis and an elongated inner tube configured to slidably move within the elongated stationary outer tube along the first axis and to exit from a distal end of the elongated stationary outer tube. The elongated inner tube comprises a partially slotted distal end portion with a plurality of semi-cross-sectional slots extending perpendicular to the first axis.
Each of the semi-cross-sectional slots is configured to collapse inward in a direction of the slot when exiting the distal end of the elongated stationary outer tube, thereby curving the partially slotted distal end portion of the elongated inner tube. The system further includes a drive shaft disposed within the elongated inner tube and a flexible actuator rod arranged parallel to the drive shaft, with a distal end of the flexible actuator rod attached to the partially slotted distal end portion.
In implementations where a flexible shaft and a drill bit are included, the curving of the partially slotted distal end portion of the elongated inner tube is configured to curve the flexible shaft and guide the attached drill bit along a curved path. The patent also describes maintaining a radius of the curved path by maintaining a constant ratio between the length of the drive shaft and the length of the collapsed partially slotted distal end portion.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies three independent claims (clm-00001, clm-00020, clm-00021). Across these independent claims, the core coverage centers on a drill bit guidance device with an elongated stationary outer tube and a slidable partially slotted inner tube whose semi-cross-sectional slots collapse inward to curve a distal end portion, and on coupling this curving to one or more shafts that guide a drill bit along a curved path.
Collapsing semi-cross-sectional slots to curve the partially slotted distal end portion
An elongated inner tube configured to slidably move within an elongated stationary outer tube and exit from a distal end, wherein the elongated inner tube comprises a partially slotted distal end portion with a plurality of semi-cross-sectional slots extending perpendicular to the first axis, and each semi-cross-sectional slot is configured to collapse inward when exiting the distal end, thereby curving the partially slotted distal end portion.
Parallel flexible actuator rod attached to the partially slotted distal end portion
A drive shaft disposed within the elongated inner tube and a flexible actuator rod arranged parallel to the drive shaft, wherein a distal end of the flexible actuator rod is attached to the partially slotted distal end portion.
Curving the flexible shaft to guide an attached drill bit along a curved path
A drive shaft, a flexible shaft, a drill bit, and a flexible actuator rod arranged such that the elongated inner tube surrounds the drive shaft, the flexible shaft, and the flexible actuator rod; the drill bit is attached to a distal end of the flexible shaft; a distal end of the drive shaft is attached to a proximal end of the flexible shaft; the flexible actuator rod is arranged parallel to the drive shaft and has a distal end attached to the partially slotted distal end portion; and the curving of the partially slotted distal end portion is configured to curve the flexible shaft and guide the attached drill bit along a curved path.
Universal grip, handle block, thrust assembly, and linkage assembly for coupling to drive shaft
A universal grip, a handle block, a thrust assembly, and a linkage assembly wherein the universal grip is attached to the handle block; the handle block comprises a first through-opening dimensioned to receive the elongated stationary outer tube; the thrust assembly is pivotally linked to the handle block via the linkage assembly and comprises a shank chuck, a tube bushing, a thrust end cap, first and second thrust bushings, and an actuator slide; and the actuator slide comprises a second through-opening dimensioned to receive the elongated inner tube, with a proximal end of the drive shaft connected to the shank chuck.
Across the independent claims, the main inventive features are the use of a partially slotted distal end portion whose semi-cross-sectional slots collapse inward when exiting a stationary outer tube to curve the distal portion, and the mechanical coupling of this curving to a drive shaft and a flexible actuator rod (and, in one claim, to a flexible shaft and a drill bit) so that the drill bit is guided along a curved path. One independent claim further specifies a particular mechanical arrangement using a universal grip, handle block, thrust assembly, and linkage assembly with defined through-openings and a connection to a shank chuck.
Stated Advantages
Reduced invasiveness.
Reduced risk of misaligned intersecting paths.
Reduced procedure complexity/time.
Reduced foreign-object-related infection/rejection risk.
Documented Applications
Ligament re-attachment/repair by drilling one or more U-shaped tunnels, threading sutures through the tunnels and ligament, and tying to attach the ligament without screws.
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