Apparatus and methods for reinforcing bone

• US 7,811,290 B2
• Filed: 04/26/2007
• Issued: 10/12/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Illuminoss Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Illuminoss Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Rabiner, Robert A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Robert; Eduardo C
• Assistant Examiner(s): COMSTOCK, DAVID C
• Application Number:
  US11/789,906
• Publication Number:
  US 20070255287A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,265 Days
• Field of Search: 606 92- 95, 606/108, 606/192
• 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 extending the tube through, a screw-thread portion for screwing through layers of the bone, and at least one relief valve,

wherein the screw-thread portion extends through an outer surface of the bone, through an inner surface of the bone, and into a medullary canal of the bone, and

wherein the tube extends completely through the bone fitting portion and into the bone.

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

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the distal end of the flexible catheter includes a balloon portion capable of inflating and deflating.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the at least one inner lumen extends outward through a sidewall of the balloon portion, ending in a plurality of passageways for delivering the bone reinforcing mixture.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a light source providing light to at least one second inner lumen of the tube, wherein the light assists in hardening the bone reinforcing mixture.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the light source is an ultraviolet (UV) light source.

11. 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 at least one second inner lumen for allowing a light source to pass therethrough to provide light and assist in hardening the bone reinforcing mixture; and

a bone fitting portion having an opening for extending the tube through and a screw-thread portion for screwing through layers of the bone,

wherein the screw-thread portion extends through an outer surface of the bone, through an inner surface of the bone, and into an inner void of the bone, and

wherein the tube extends completely through the bone fitting portion and into the bone.

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

13. The system of claim 11 wherein the light source produces visible light.

14. A system for reinforcing a bone comprising:

a flexible 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;

a bone fitting portion having an opening for extending the flexible tube through, a screw-thread portion for screwing through layers of the bone, and at least one relief valve;

an adhesive system engaging the proximal end of the flexible tube for housing the bone reinforcing mixture; and

a light source providing light to assist in hardening the bone reinforcing mixture,

wherein the screw-thread portion extends through an outer surface of the bone, through an inner surface of the bone, and into a medullary canal of the bone, and

wherein the flexible tube extends completely through the bone fitting portion and into the bone.

15. The system of claim 14 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.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein the distal end of the flexible tube includes a balloon portion capable of inflating and deflating.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein the light source produces ultraviolet light.

18. The system of claim 14 wherein the light source produces visible light.

19. The system of claim 14 wherein the light source produces light having a wavelength between about 380 nm to about 780 nm.