Apparatus and methods for reinforcing bone

• US 20070255287A1
• Filed: 04/26/2007
• Published: 11/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Illuminoss Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Illuminoss Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Rabiner, Robert A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,811,290 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/94
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3472 for bones, e.g. intraosseus injections
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7097 Stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant, e.g. balloon; devices for inserting or filling such implants disc prostheses made of inflatable chambers or pockets filled with fluid A61F2/441; replacing the nucleus pulposus A61F2002/444
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8811 characterised by the introducer tip, i.e. the part inserted into or onto the bone
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8816 characterised by the conduit, e.g. tube, along which fluid flows into the body or by conduit connections
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8827 with filtering, degassing, venting or pressure relief means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8836 for heating, cooling or curing of bone cement or fluid fillers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8855 inflatable, e.g. kyphoplasty balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00557 inflatable A61B2017/22051 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/036 abutting on tissue or skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/306 using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2430/02 for reconstruction of bones; weight-bearing implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 29/18 Materials at least partially X-ray or laser opaque

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for reinforcing weakened or fractured bone are disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a bone reinforcing mixture to a bone includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass through, and a bone fitting portion having an opening for accepting the tube, an insertion portion for insertion into the bone, and at least one relief valve.

Claims

1. An apparatus for delivering a bone reinforcing mixture to a bone comprising:

a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass through; and

a bone fitting portion having an opening for accepting the tube, an insertion portion for insertion into the bone, and at least one relief valve.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tube is a substantially flexible catheter.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the tube further comprises at least one of a radiopaque marker, a radiopaque band and a radiopaque tip.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the insertion portion is a screw-thread portion.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bone fitting portion further comprises:

a stopper that limits the insertion of the bone fitting portion into the bone;

a grip portion for assisting in inserting the bone fitting portion into the bone; and

an O-ring that allows the tube to move in the bone fitting portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the bone fitting portion further comprises a plurality of holes that run through the bone fitting portion for accepting a reinforcing material selected from the group consisting of orthopedic wires, stainless steel rods and metal pins.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the opening of the bone fitting portion is capable of accepting a variety of surgical devices.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the surgical device is self-expandable.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive system releasably attached at the proximal end of the tube for delivering the bone reinforcing mixture.

10. A system for reinforcing a bone comprising:

a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen for allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; and

a light source providing light to at least one second inner lumen and to assist in hardening the bone reinforcing mixture.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the light source is an ultraviolet (UV) light source.

12. The system of claim 10 further comprising a light source path extending substantially from the proximal end of the tube to the distal end of the tube.

13. A method for reinforcing a bone comprising:

penetrating the bone at a site adjacent to a weakened or fractured area of the bone to gain access to an interior of the bone;

forming a bone void in the interior of the bone having a distal edge and a proximal edge;

inserting a bone fitting portion at the penetration site, the bone fitting portion having an opening, an insertion portion for insertion into the bone, and at least one relief valve;

positioning a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween through the opening of the bone fitting portion so the distal end of the catheter is within the bone void;

infusing a bone reinforcing mixture through at least one inner lumen of the catheter into the bone void; and

removing the catheter from the bone fitting portion.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising removing medullary material located in a medullary cavity of the bone to form the bone void.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising moving the catheter towards the proximal edge of the bone void and infusing the bone reinforcing mixture through the catheter.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising moving the catheter towards the distal edge of the bone void and infusing the bone reinforcing mixture through the catheter.

17. The method of claim 13 further comprising adding the bone reinforcing mixture until the bone reinforcing mixture has filled the bone void.

18. The method of claim 13 further comprising inserting reinforcing materials into the bone void before positioning the catheter through the opening, the reinforcing materials providing structure and support for the bone reinforcing mixture.

19. The method of claim 13 further comprising allowing the bone reinforcing mixture to harden and removing the bone fitting portion from the bone.

20. The method of claim 13 further comprising inserting an optical rod into a central space of the bone void and illuminating the rod to harden any remaining bone reinforcing mixture.