PASSIVE SAFETY INTRAOSSEOUS DEVICE

Abstract

A portable and passive safety intraosseous device to allow for direct introduction of medications, etc., within the intermedullary space of a subject patient's bone or, if needed, the removal of certain substances from such a subject patient's bone. Such a device permits direct drilling and placement of a cannula within the subject bone with access external to the subject patient's skin, permitting, as well, connection of a tube for such introduction/removal purposes. The ability to provide a passive safety unit allows for facilitated utilization in, for instance, emergency situations with the entire device provided for utilization thereof. The device includes a drilling component with a permanently attached stylet and a removable cannula, a power supply for a single drilling operation, a mechanism to draw the stylet back into the drill component after use and disengagement from the cannula, and an automatic closure that activates with the separation of the cannula.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/556,397, filed on Sep. 9, 2017, and 62/566,498, filed on Oct. 1, 2017. The entirety of both provisional applications are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to a portable and passive safety intraosseous device to allow for direct introduction of medications, etc., within the intermedullary space of a subject patient's bone or, if needed, the removal of certain substances from such a subject patient's bone. Such a device permits direct drilling and placement of a cannula within the subject bone with access external to the subject patient's skin, permitting, as well, connection of a tube for such introduction/removal purposes. The ability to provide a passive safety unit allows for facilitated utilization in, for instance, emergency situations with the entire device provided for utilization thereof. The device includes a drilling component with a permanently attached stylet and a removable cannula, a power supply for a single drilling operation, a mechanism to draw the stylet back into the drill component after use and disengagement from the cannula, and an automatic closure that activates with the separation of the cannula.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ability to internally deliver fluids and/or medicaments to a patient for quick and effective resolution of certain medical problems has, of course, been the desire of the medical industry since its inception. Although intravenous delivery is a standard for certain situations, there are emergency instances that require a much more robust and safer procedure than first having access to an individual's arm or neck and then, in a potentially difficult position, undertaking venipuncture to provide such an IV line. One particularly effective alternative to such IV-based methods is intraosseous delivery, or the access to the intramedullary space of certain properly sized and located bones within a subject patient's body. For example, again, considering emergency situations in particular, there may occur the need to access a proper introductory space for a patient at an automobile accident site. Such a patient may be suffering from cardiac arrest or other type of malady at that moment requiring quick action to introduce necessary fluids/medicaments for treatment. With an IV-based procedure, again, if the patient is situated in a difficult position for such IV access, or at least in terms of access at a proper and suitable vein for such a purpose, the ability to provide such a necessary action may be compromised. Finding the vein, for instance, may be difficult and require multiple attempts by the emergency medical technician, incurring time that is of enormous necessity. Thus, there is an alternative that may provide more access points for such fluid/medicament delivery. Such intraosseous processes allow the paramedic, clinician, EMS personnel, etc. the ability to locate a suitable bone (whether in the arm, leg, knee, or even sternum) and then introduce a cannula therein for delivery of needed fluid/medicament within the intermedullary space thereof. Such a procedure has proven to be an effective alternative to IV methods on occasion, but in terms of emergency access situations, and the ability, at least, to introduce fluid/medicament within a bone that is close to, for instance, a patient's heart, is particularly effective and desired. Additionally, such an intraosseous method may also permit removal of, for example, blood plasma, bone marrow, and the like, in less stressful situations than emergencies. In any event, the versatility of such a device is particularly important and aids immeasurably within the medical industry as a result.

To date, there have been utilized certain intraosseous devices to different levels of effectiveness and versatility. Initially, the “standard” method employed was basically the manual screwing in of a cannula and stylet. Such a method is, clearly, dependent upon the abilities of the user to first determine the proper location for such an introduction and, more importantly, the need to properly gauge the depth of such a drilling/screwing stylet component to enter the subject patient's bone. Guides may be provided at the skin surface for some degree of control and depth determinations, but the ability to properly operate and apply such a manual device has not proven effective and/or desirous in developed nations. Certainly, though, the ability to provide some type of manual intraosseous device in other countries that lack access to battery, etc., powered devices leaves the usefulness of such a device to the capabilities of the actual user and whether s/he can control and direct such a screw-type implement correctly. Relative speed of introduction is likewise then a potential drawback of this type of device.

Other devices, such as spring-loaded ballistic types have also been employed within the industry. Such gun-like delivery devices are, frankly, limited in their benefits to the industry simply because the user must properly hold and aim such a device while it basically shoots a cannula device through a subject patient's skin and into his or her bone. The user must align everything properly, hope that the cocked device does not prematurely shoot the sharp cannula component, and then keep the device in place while shooting a sharp dart-like implement into the desired bone. Such a method has proven highly suspect at the emergency use level, primarily because of the difficulties in keeping the alignment, etc., in place correctly and, more importantly, the lack of control of the depth of introduction within the subject bone. If employed with certain target bones, such a “shot” dart may crack certain bones, potentially causing potential problems such as leakage of intramedullary fluids or, more importantly, introduction within the bone of undesirable substances (not to mention significant pain for the subject patient, too). Additionally, such a device may misfire, hitting undesired locations, may dislodge from a patient's bone readily particularly when the stylet is removed, or even fail to penetrate the target bone. As such, the drawbacks of this type of intraosseous device are prevalent.

Another device utilized currently includes a separate drill component that magnetically attaches to a stylet (trochar)/cannula implement. Whether utilizing this magnetic drill option or the projecting type, the stylet/cannula combination has proven to be highly effective due to the ability of the stylet to generate the primary bone entry results (drilling or shooting) with a proper tapered end while being removable from the cannula thereafter. This configuration allows for the stylet to drill, shoot, penetrate, etc., while preventing bone, skin, and fluid from clogging the cannula upon removal therefrom. It thus also allows the cannula to be of a suitable bore to provide optimum injection (drip) into or removal from the subject bone intermedullary space. In other words, the combination of stylet and cannula has proven to be important and highly desirable for intraosseous utilization.

Thus, with the magnetically attached stylet/cannula device, such is then placed at a location external of a subject patient and aligned with a location for a suitable bone and then the drill is activated to introduce the stylet therein. After drilling, the stylet is detached from the drill (which is then used for future drilling procedures) and then unscrewed from the cannula, leaving an access port for fluid, etc., introduction therein through the recessed cannula, fluid, etc., and/or removal from the same port. To accommodate different bone sizes and/or different size subject patients (adults as compared with young children and/or infants, for instance), this system includes two differently sized stylet/cannula implements (color coded as well), one at 45 millimeters and the other at 25 millimeters in length (with 15 millimeters for pediatric usage). The cannula includes an external circular lip to prevent further introduction within the subject patient's skin and bone and a further separator may be placed prior to drilling to further limit the depth of introduction, as well (one may be placed after drilling, too, to best ensure the cannyula remains in place). Such a system has proven effective in certain situations, particularly with hospital-based, non-emergency instances due to the control aspects involved and the ability to capture and easily dispose of the stylet post-drilling. There are, however, significant drawbacks with such devices and procedures, namely the requirement for effective control prior to skin introduction; instances have occurred where the user attempts to set the stylet properly at the skin surface only to lose control and impale or at least scar the subject patient, even in non-emergency situations. Also, the necessity of handling the extremely sharp stylet has proven difficult and hazardous, particularly after detachment from the cannula and most particularly in emergency situations. As such an implement must be disposed of immediately, for obvious reasons, the potential for the user to harm the patient of her- or him-self is exacerbated with a free stylet in such an instance. Likewise, then, the dependence upon the drill component itself to be fully charged for use, if not also provided and/or found easily for such a purpose, is of significance as well. The separate provision of a drill in this type of situation, coupled with the determination of proper length stylet/cannula, locating such proper length stylet/cannula, attaching same to the drill, and then drilling with all in place without harming the subject patient, is of consequence within this particular area of the medical industry.

Of further importance, if not the highest importance, however, is that whether in terms of the projectile or magnetically attached drill type (or any other types within the prior art, including spring-loaded drills, sternum-applied drilling stylet/cannula implements, etc.) there is always an issue related to the potential for contamination of the stylet and high potential for contact with a user, patient, or other bystander during utilization. In other words, and as examples, with the standard projectile and magnetically attached stylet/cannula drill devices, there is a requirement of the user to physically detach the used stylet from the cannula and remove the same with the drilling/shooting tip exposed thereafter without proper coverage. The only possible means to prevent contamination appears to be the potential provision of a cushion-like implement to insert the stylet tapered end into after such use. However, in any situation typically provided as of today, the lack of automatic coverage and requirement of active removal with such exposure, no matter how prolonged it may be, leaves too much of a chance for transfer of contamination. As such, there remains a need for a truly passive safety protocol that is nonexistent within the intraosseous device market today.

Furthermore, with the reusable drill implement of the magnetically attached stylet/cannula method and device, such a drill is potentially contaminated after each use. Additionally, in emergency situations, such a magnetically attached device requires the actual locating of, unpacking of, and applying (attaching) of such a stylet/cannula implement to a potentially previously contaminated and potentially questionable power level for sufficient operation, such that clear difficulties in utilization thereof exist. There thus exists a significant need to provide an intraosseous device and system that overcomes all of these clear deficiencies. To date, however, the separate drill with detachable stylet/cannula has been the standard, leaving much to be desired, particularly as an emergency medical tool and specifically in terms of a passive safety protocol.

ADVANTAGES AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A distinct advantage of the versatile apparatus now disclosed is the provision of a drill with stylet/cannula implement that exhibits total passive safety to avoid any potential exposure to contaminated components subsequent to application of the cannula within a target patient's bone. Another advantage includes the ability to provide a potentially disposable drill/stylet combination that accords the ability to have the entirety of the device provided as a single portable structure, thus eliminating the need to locate separate component parts prior to utilization and simplified disposal of the same. Another advantage is the ability to provide a drill component that has a proper shape that allows for facilitated manual operation for stylet/cannula introduction if needed. Yet another advantage is the ability of the stylet to be retracted back within the drill subsequent to drilling completion and detachment from the cannula. Still another advantage of the overall device and system is the potential for a sensor to determine the exact moment of entry within the intermedullary space of a subject bone, thus eliminating the possibility of such a device from entering such a space too far or not far enough, maximizing the amount of space such a device permits fluid introduction and/or removal from the subject bone.

Accordingly, the inventive intraosseous device comprises a disposable drill/stylet combination, wherein said drill includes a stylet retraction port therein, a retracting mechanism attached to said stylet and disposed within said drill, and a cannula connected in detachable relation to said stylet, wherein said stylet is permanently attached to said drill, wherein said retracting mechanism operates subsequent to utilization of said drill to introduce said stylet and cannula within the intermedullary space of a subject bone, said retracting mechanism moving said stylet from an external location to said stylet retraction port within said drill subsequent to a drilling operation, and wherein said cannula is attached to said drill with a Luer lock component with a lip portion present external to said drill and an automatic closure internally within said drill that activates upon disengagement of said cannula from said drill. The external lip of the cannula also provides, if needed, a surface for a user to grab while maneuvering the drill. Also encompassed herein is the inclusion of a sensor on said stylet, wherein said sensor measures pressure subsequent to bone entry such that once passed through to said intermedullary space the pressure difference deactivates the drill and activates the retraction mechanism and detaching from said cannula. The method of utilization of such a device (with or without the sensor as described) is also encompassed herein wherein the cannula as retained within the bone and skin and accessing said intermedullary space of the subject bone allows for introduction or removal of fluid, etc., therein.

Alternatively, the overall device may be provided with an internal movable combination of a stylet and cannula that are not directly connected, but are co-connected through a rotatable base. In such a configuration, the stylet may, for instance, be integrated within such a base in that it may be permanently affixed thereto and aligned with the opening shaft of the cannula so as to egress out of the top with the tapered end available for drill purposes. The cannula may then be attached to such a base through an two or more outer arm extensions from the base that include flanges that insert and turn within complementary structures on the base of the cannula in order to allow simultaneously for temporary attachment (and detachment through turning of the internal drill device base a specific distance after drilling has been completed) and rotation of the cannula in concert with the stylet. The movable nature allows for a stationed motor and gear box within the housing of the drill device with the extendible stylet/cannula combination arranged to retain gear association with the motor and gear box (to permit such rotation for drilling results) while allowing as well for retraction of the stylet once drilling has been effectuated. In addition, an internal seal (or door) may be provided initially to ensure the internal stylet and cannula are protected from contamination prior to use; if so, such a door may be configured to move and thus open to provide an egress point through the distal end of the drill device for the stylet/cannula combination to exit for drilling to commence. At the same time, an opposing door/seal component may be primed upon such extension in order to automatically close upon retraction of the stylet after use and/or upon detachment of the cannula from the internal extendible base (and thus from the drill device itself). In this manner, the passive safety necessity is provided in an alternative manner but still as effective, if not more effective, than the prior disclosure above. The user merely activates the internal base extension to open the drill egress point for the stylet/cannula to exit, activate the motor to effectuate the gear box and extended gear shaft to rotate the stylet and cannula simultaneously for drilling within a target patient's skin and bone until entering the target intermedullary space thereof, stopping such a drilling action, rotating the drill a slight turn to disengage the cannula from the base, at which point the stylet and internal base return automatically within the drill device and the primed door/seal closes automatically as well, leaving only the cannula with its Luer lock end available for attachment with an IV line or like implement as needed for fluid, etc., introduction or material, etc., removal from the target intermedullary bone space. If further desired, the user may include the application of a disinfectant on the Luer lock tip to further ensure contamination is not an issue.

A further possible embodiment of the disclosed system is the provision of a small profile device in folded disposition prior to utilization with the stylet/cannula component extended outside the drill body and covered in such a configuration. Upon need for use, the device may then be, if desired, easily disengaged from the folded configuration to allow for access of the stylet/cannula component for drilling within a subject patient bone with the unfolded other component being a handle with a grip, a switch (to activate and deactivate the drill assembly associated with the stylet/cannula), and a further configuration to properly direct and apply force for the stylet/cannula to be drilled within he subject patient bone. Such a configuration may be provided with the ability to accomplish such a result while using a single hand, as well, thus allowing for freedom of use of the caregiver's other hand for other needed actions and/or activities, particularly in an emergency situation. The caregiver may thus complete such an intraosseous drilling action and then either press a release button or rotate the device in relation to the now-implanted cannula to disengage from the cannula itself and force, through a retractable assembly, such as, in one possible embodiment, a spring device to return the stylet within the drill body. Additionally, the device may then, as above, cause, upon movement of the stylet component into and within the drill body, the closure of a door component to seal the drill body from the exterior environment. In such a manner, as above, the entire procedure is passive in terms of the safety aspects thereof. The caregiver/user simply opens the folded device, directs and drills the extended stylet/cannula component within the subject patient bone, releases the cannula from the drill body thereby causing the stylet component to retract into and within the drill body itself, and the automated sealing door closes at the exact moment the stylet moves from within the confines of the cannula (implanted within the subject patient bone) and within the confines of the drill body. Thus, again, as discussed above, such a possible embodiment provides total protection post-contact and insertion within a subject patient's body (and thus after contact with and potential infection by, bodily fluids and other possible substances associated with internal contact, at least; such also prevents any possible issues with contact with the subject patient's skin, as well, if necessary) through a guarantee that any contact with the stylet is prevented since each possible occurrence would only happen while within the confines of the cannula or the drill body. Upon disengagement from the cannula as it has been implanted, the stylet automatically retracts within the drill body; the automatic door closing sealing the drill body at the exact moment of stylet entry therein creates a barrier to contact with the used stylet, as well. In any event, such a further embodiment allows for further protections and even simpler handling and utilization thereof if desired. Furthermore, the ability to then capture the used stylet within the sealed drill body provides, as above, a means to dispose of the entire device without any contact with an infected portion.

As well, such a separate possible embodiment also allows for the handle component to house the power generator of the overall drill motor. With a proper revolving handle around a hinge, such a structure may allow for a simple manner of disengaging the handle after utilization thereby permitting the caregiver/user the ability to dispose of the sealed drill body separately from the powering handle component, thus allowing for facilitated disposal overall. Also, with the sealed drill body, such may be provided without any means to reopen such a component without damaging the entirety thereof, thus preventing any subsequent utilization thereof, or even attempts at utilization, thereby guaranteeing mistaken activities with such a used stylet in the future. Likewise, the handle may also be configured to disengage automatically upon cannula disengagement from the drill body, as well, again preventing any further attempts at utilizing a “spent” and possibly infected device.

In any event, the disclosure herein is directed to the complete passive safety capability of an intraosseous device and the method of such a result utilizing such a device. The stylet component, again needed to best ensure proper drilling through such a bone and prevention of deposition of bone fragments and other body materials within the cannula (for effective utilization thereof to introduce and/or remove materials therethrough to and/or from the target bone). Thus, although retraction thereof would be potentially preferred, particularly for the most reliable and effective passive safety regimen with such an intraosseous device, such a stylet component may actually be provided as a removable component from the internal structures of the drilling device itself. Thus, if desired, the stylet may be detachable, and thus not permanently attached, to the drilling components and still be considered within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the stylet may be screwed or otherwise connected within an internal rotatable base structure and not permanently integrated or attached thereto, and still be within the scope of this invention. In other words, mere provision of a detachable stylet would not accord any distinction from the disclosed structures and inventive features of this passive safety intraosseous device.

Additionally, the ability to provide a stationed, as opposed to sled-based, motor and gearbox combination within the drill device itself, would also allow for a configuration wherein the drill handle may actually be provided within the middle of the underside of the drill housing, rather than at the near end. In this manner, the user would have greater control of the drill itself with the trigger control (which may include two structures or one in series, related to initially extending the internal base with the stylet/cannula combination and opening the first door/seal for such egress, as well as priming the second closing door/seal as well as activate the drill operations thereafter such extension) in place within such a mid-placed handle. Such a handle may also be provided as a swiveling or other like implement that stows in such a manner to provide a smaller and thinner size when not in use. Such a configuration may allow for more efficient packaging and shipping, with the added benefit of housing, as an example, a power supply situated therein (such as one or more batteries). In this manner, the swiveling (or other design) handle component may be provided with a power connection within its top portion that contacts, upon placement in full extension, with a complementary connection within the drill housing. Thus, when stowed, the power supply will not have any way to initiate any power usage until activated physically by the user, thus providing a more reliable result upon utilization.

Furthermore, with such a device, and due to the common actions and expectancies of users that undertake detachment activities of rotating implements, the actual roratation alignment of the stylet/cannula combination may be provided in counter-clockwise fashion, rather than clockwise, if desired. In this way, the user may employ the drill as needed, and in a direction as above, and then the rotation to detach the cannula, at least, may be clockwise, rather than counter-clockwise, to make it potentially easier for the user. Of course, the typical clockwise drilling and counter-clockwise detachment may also be utilized.

The disclosure thus provides a novel intraosseous device that exhibits complete passive safety in order to prevent any possible contact with the used stylet by a user (and such a result is achieved without any action by the user to actively maneuver any parts that would be external to the drill and cannula during such an activity). Such accords the user with, as well, the potential for a completely disposable drill/stylet combination for a single use purpose of both. In such a manner, the drill is provided not only with a power supply that is focused on such a single use directive, but also provided, if desired, with a shape that allows the user the ability to manually screw the drill component (such as if the power supply somehow proves ineffective at the moment of actual use). The permanent connection with the stylet, with the automatic closure to prevent stylet exposure upon disengagement with the cannula, allows for complete passive safety and, if desired, disposal as a single unit of the drill/stylet combination, thus according the user, particularly in an emergency instance, the ability to completely and safely handle the overall device post-drilling and cannula retention. The ability to avoid any need to handle the loose stylet after drilling, and the prevention, automatically, upon such drill disengagement with the cannula of any exposure to such a contaminated stylet, provides such a basis and benefit. As well, the single drill/stylet combination in disposable form allows for the user to know in each instance that s/he will have the entire device at hand at that moment when it is needed. There is no need to keep a separate drill with a box of differently sized stylet/cannula implements; to the contrary, with this inventive device, the user has, as one possible example, an entire hermetically sealed drill/stylet and cannula device ready for utilization, and thus need only to then operate the drill with the stylet and cannula in place, introduce the stylet and cannula within a subject patient's bone and into the subject bone's intermedullary space, discontinue the drilling, decouple the retraction mechanism automatically to detach the stylet from the cannula and deliver the stylet into the drill and within the retracted stylet port. Thus, with this inventive device, the user has an all-in-one device that leaves a bone-retained cannula for utilization as a port therein for fluid delivery and/or removal and a separate, integrated drill/stylet combination that, with the sharp stylet retracted within the drill body and automatically and completely enclosed from any external exposure as well, can then be placed as a single implement within a sharps (and the like) disposal bag (or like container) without any fear of puncture from the now-contaminated stylet. Such a device and system has not been employed let alone disclosed within the medical industry.

Additionally, then the inventive device may include a sensor at the stylet tip (or at least adjacent thereto), or as described above, the motor itself, that activates upon pressure application at the skin and/or bone of the subject patient. Once such is introduced in this manner, the sensor increases in pressure detection once the stylet contacts the bone itself. Thus, once the stylet enters the subject bone intermedullary space, the pressure drastically reduces, indicating the presence of the stylet within such a space. Once this pressure difference is measured, the sensor indicates the same to the drill motor and stops the power from running at that instant. Such a pressure sensor thus accords the user the ability to control the depth of the stylet/cannula entry, effectively preventing the stylet from entering the bone too far and, for the most part, allowing for maximal access to the intermedullary space of the subject bone for introduction/extraction of fluids, etc., through the retained cannula. Furthermore, then, the sensor deactivation of the drill may further lead to activation of the retraction mechanism of the stylet to decouple from the cannula (thus leaving the cannula, again, retained within the patient's skin and bone for further utilization) and then retract up into the drill within a recessed port therein for safe handling thereafter. Certainly, the sharp end of such a stylet is to be avoided both prior to and after actual utilization as an intraosseous implement. The ability, particularly when in an emergency situation, to merely handle a device with an exposed stylet prior to drilling, and not afterwards (when contact with the subject patient's fluids, etc., heightens the potential problem with piercing/puncturing one's self as a paramedic, clinician, EMS personnel, etc.) is of enormous importance, certainly. Such a retraction mechanism thus may be employed as the drill stopping and then turning the other direction until the stylet is delivered to the retraction port. The drill, as noted above, also includes an enclosure that automatically closes upon disengagement from the cannula or upon retraction of the stylet. If desired, however, the drill may also or alternatively include an enclosure that automatically maneuvers in place over the stylet egress opening upon movement of the stylet implement into the retraction port (such as a spring-loaded sliding mechanism that activates once the entirety of the stylet passes through such an opening). In this manner, also, the coupling of the stylet to the cannula may be provided with an abutment as the drill activates in the “forward” (towards the bone) direction, thereby causing the cannula to move with the stylet. In the opposite direction however, the abutment may release as the stylet rotates in the opposite direction allowing for the decoupling of the two components as needed. Certainly, any other type of coupling and decoupling mechanism may be employed for such a purpose and the retracting mechanism may be of any other type as well. For instance, a spring-loaded component may work with the drill to push the stylet “forward” when the drill is activated and then, upon disengagement of the drill, the spring releases as well forcing the stylet up into the drill chamber of placement within the retraction port. In such a possible alternative, then, the coupling with the cannula may be the same type of abutment configuration but with the discontinuation of the drill according the spring-loaded implement therein to not only move the stylet upward into the drill chamber, but also when the alignment allows for decoupling with the cannula, the full movement is further permitted and operated.

Alternatively, then, the potential presence of a sensor may be employed on the motor and/or gearbox as well or instead. In this manner, the initial torque of the drill, prior to skin and bone contact, will be monitored and upon penetration through the target bone, such a reading will again be attained thus indicating and allowing for immediate deactivation of the motor and/or gearbox (and effectively stopping the drill). Thus, because the torque measurements (and pressure, for that matter) will increase as the rotating stylet/cannula combination past through the target bone, once such is completed and the intermedullary space has been reached, the pressure measurements will change significantly enough to provide such deactivation indications and/or controls automatically. In other words, the specific gear required to effectuate such a drilling operation will initiate at a starting level, move to another higher gear thereafter to increase the torque applied, and, upon penetrating through a target bone, the gear may then change back to a lower one. At that point, such a sensor may then activate to turn off the drill motor.

Another potential embodiment of the overall intraosseous device utilizes an internal spring-loaded component housing the stylet, a gearbox, and a motor (such as on a sled-type implement). Such a spring-loaded component thus rests in non-compressed (fully protracted) state with the stylet present within the body of the drill housing itself (as well as the gearbox and motor which are connected thereto). Upon decision to utilize the device, the user would compress the spring through an external handle (with a separate handle utilized as a post for such a compression force to take effect), thereby pushing the overall sled-type component outward to an egress opening within the drill. At such an opening would be the cannula with a Luer lock attachment with a screw-type portion connected to the drill at such an egress opening and a lip portion external thereto. The cannula includes a lumen that is permanently attached to the Luer lock implement, as well, and aligned such that the spring-loaded component forces the permanently attached stylet therethrough the bore of the hollow cannula and extending to provide the stylet tapered end through the end thereof. At such a point, the spring allows for the sled-type implement to move linearly to such a stop and then latches a catch point within the drill that prevents any further movement to decompression state. Once this latch is in place, the motor is then aligned with a power source, or alternatively, a switch is properly closed to allow for the motor to then be activated. With activation, the stylet then drills as a drill bit-like implement with the user then pushing forward on the drill device itself to force the style and cannula through the target patient's skin and target bone until reaching a desired depth (whether alerted by sensor or not). Once this action is over, the user can then, as one example, turn the drill a quarter, half, third, etc., any degree rotation to unlatch the sled-type implement from the cannula allowing it to then retract in to the non-compressed spring status. Of course, any manner of unlatching may be undertaken as long as the retraction occurs while the cannula is still attached to the drill. Such effectively moves the gearbox, motor, and most importantly, used stylet back within the confines of the drill housing. Thereafter, the user then detaches the cannula from the drill end; such may be accomplished with a turning action, as noted above, subsequent to and to a larger degree than for the retraction operation. Once this occurs, and the screw-type portion of the cannula Luer lock is free from the drill, a pressure-based closure (in contact with the cannula when in place), then automatically and immediately covers the egress opening of the drill. Such a pressure-based closure may be provided on one side of the Luer lock and thus close instantaneously in that one direction once the Luer lock (or portion thereof) and the pressure-based closure are no longer in contact with one another. Alternatively, there may be two opposing pressure-based closures that meet half way across the drill housing egress opening upon disengagement of the Luer lock. As another possible alternative, the drill may include a pressure-based or other type of automated closure that is further within the drill housing as to cover an enclosure tube housing the stylet prior to extension and after retraction back into the drill. In other words, such a tube may provide a directional cover or at least a simple enclosure for the extendible and retractable stylet. External to such a tube, which itself would include an egress opening to permit such extension of the stylet into and through the cannula when in use, but within the confines of the drill housing, may thus be a pressure-based closure, much like that discussed for the Luer lock cannula egress opening. However, in this situation, the pressure-based cover would not be primed for spring (or the like) decompression until the stylet retracts back into such a tube and/or the movable platform including the stylet, gearbox, and motor, at least, moves back into its original decompressed state. In this manner, either the stylet tube cover pressure-based closure may be provided, in one possible embodiment, in such a primed position separate from the location of the platform, or it may be actually aligned and attuned to the platform movement. Thus, is not aligned (and thus separate) from the platform movement and/or location, the closure may be activated by a mechanical device that releases the spring thereof only upon retraction of the stylet and/or entire platform. If aligned with the platform and/or stylet, then such a pressure-based closure may be maneuvered itself into place over the tube egress opening when the stylet is extended into and through the cannula core and then activate at its own static location to close upon such stylet and/or platform retraction. In either case, this alternative provides, again, a definitive passive safety implement and procedure for intraosseous activity due to the automatic retraction of the stylet and then automatic enclosure thereof upon such movement. If desired, as well, the retraction mechanism may be related directly to the motor activation which may be programmed or at least controlled by the attainment of a proper depth of stylet and thus cannula insertion within a target bone. In such a manner, then, the motor may be associated with a sensor or simply by the completion of the necessary drilling action (drill no longer moves forward, for example, while drilling), or the power supply ends after the necessary amount has provided the drilling result desired. In either case, the combination of such automatic turn off and automatic retraction thereafter (will the potential for automatic closure of the stylet housing tube) provides a total automated passive safety result heretofore unexplored within this medical area. Such a result, whether utilizing the Luer lock “controlled” closure device or the stylet retraction “controlled” closure device, the ability to provide total protection from used stylet contamination, particularly in terms of the automatic closure of the only access opening (or openings) to such a retracted used stylet provides such a passive safety benefit and method wherein the stylet has no possible external contamination itself outside the cannula and/or drill housing subsequent to drilling.

With such in mind, then, the ability to retract the stylet automatically, seal it off automatically, and provide any further automatic protections simply through the disengagement of the drill from the cannula (thus providing the necessary access for drug delivery, matter removal, or other end use, including, without limitation, stem cell collection) is of great importance to provide the necessary passive safety results. As such, although it may be preferable to have a fully integrated stylet (as it is connected with the gearbox, motor, and/or any other component within the drill), such may actually be avoided to provide, for example, and without limitation, the ability to provide a recyclable drill, albeit with, for example, a module including the retracted stylet, with or without any other inner component, that is completely disposable, is also a possible embodiment of this disclosure. In other words, the ability to retract the stylet automatically is the important consideration; the fully integration thereof within the drill is a possible embodiment, but not required in every instance due to the potential to jettison the retracted (and safely enclosed) stylet after use. Of course, being held in such an enclosed state within the confines of the drill housing allows for full disposability of the entire device, if desired, as well.

In terms of disposability, then, the device may be configured and supplied to allow for a single use thereof, again, if desired. In fact, the device may be provided within a single hermetically sealed (and pre-decontaminated or like treated state in total, ostensibly for safety for the target patient, of course) package (such as a polyolefin, like polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, or other polyolefin, or blend thereof, a polyester, a nylon, a polyacrylate, a polylactic acid, etc., and combinations thereof) that may easily be opened by a user, kept by his or her side during utilization, and then used as a final disposable (or returnable) package to hold the used drill device. In such a manner, then, the user may utilize the separable connection means (such as a perforated line, a tearable zip-lock, and the like) to access the drill device in total, use it until the cannula remains in the bone for active delivery or material removal therefrom, as needed, and then take the safe, stylet retracted and sealed device and place it back within the packaging with a different sealing implement provided to prevent any other possible contamination thereof. Such could then be totally destroyed, if desired, or the mechanical portions thereof may be reclaimed and recycled for inclusion within another new drill device with full decontamination of any components thereof as originally used. Such a stylet, however, will never be utilized again and the tube within such an implement is thereafter kept after retraction may be a modular component that allows for utilization of the other structures and components that did not involve direct contact with the target patient's skin, fluids, and bone.

To provide a compact structure, initially, as stored and transported before utilization, such a device may include, as alluded to above, a foldable handle portion. In such a manner, the handle of the drill device may actually stow to avoid a bulky end portion thereof. This folding handle may also include a power source (batteries, for instance) that remain unaligned with the electrical parts of the drill until moved to the desired position. Such a handle may thus also be provided as detachable from the drill, to allow for facilitation of possible recycling thereof. Decontamination and disinfection (as needed) may thus be undertaken with the detached power supply/handle component to allow for acceptable further utilization in a different and later activity. The foldable handle may thus fold either forward on the bottom rear portion of the drill or backward thereon.

The overall drill may, in this type of embodiment, include two or more sled-type implements if desired in order to more efficiently (and possibly reduce size overall of the device) accomplish such a passive safety result. Additionally, the drill may have a handle that folds for more improved storage purposes and may include a battery (or multiple batteries) therein as well. The cannula may be provided with screw-type channels at the insertion end, as well, to potentially improve retention with a target bone as well as facilitate drilling therein. Additionally, the drill may solely rotate the stylet component for such an action or, alternatively, may engage with the cannula to rotate simultaneously with the stylet.

These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as additional novel features, will be apparent from the description provided herein. The intent of this summary is not to be a comprehensive description of the subject matter, but rather to provide a short overview of some of the subject matter's functionality. Other systems, methods, features and advantages here provided will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the accompanying FIGURES and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages that are included within this description, be within the scope of any claims filed now and/or later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in any claims that are filed now and/or later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of one possible embodiment of a drill device described herein prior to utilization in an intraosseous procedure.

FIG. 2 depicts the same device as in FIG. 1 with the stylet inserted through the cannula for drilling operations.

FIG. 3 depicts the same device as in FIG. 2 subsequent to drilling with the stylet retracted.

FIG. 4 depicts the same device as in FIG. 3 subsequent to cannula detachment.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a drill device having an extendible internal base alternative embodiment in pre-extended form and with a mid-portion handle in stowed position as packaged.

FIG. 6 shows the device in FIG. 5 with an unstowed handle.

FIG. 7 shows the device in FIG. 6 with opened initial door at the drill device distal end.

FIG. 8 shows the device in FIG. 7 with the internal base assembly extended and the stylet/cannula combination provided with portions external the egress point of the distal end.

FIG. 9 shows the internal assembly of FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 in greater detail.

FIG. 10 shows the device in FIG. 8 with the cannula in place within a patient's target bone and skin, the internal assembly with the stylet retracted within the device, and the drill device second door closed to protect from the retracted stylet automatically.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the close-up of the stylet/cannula combination of FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 show different close-up views of the interface between the internal assembly rotatable arms and the cannula base with the capability of temporarily connecting therebetween and the ability of detaching through a slight turn and pull away of the internal assembly.

FIG. 15 shows a side perspective view of another potentially preferred embodiment of a stowed and folded handheld passive safety intraosseous device of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows the deployed and ready to use device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the same device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the same device of FIG. 16.

FIGS. 19 and 19A show a cross-sectional view (19 side perspective and 19A side view) of the device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 shows a side, bottom cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 16 after the stylet has been retracted within the drill body.

FIG. 20A shows a side perspective cross-sectional view as in FIG. 20.

FIG. 20B shows a close-up side perspective view of the sealed drill body after cannula disengagement.

FIG. 21 shows a side cross-sectional view of the stylet and cannula with stylet motor shaft permanent connection.

FIG. 21A shows the disengaged stylet and cannula of FIG. 21.

FIG. 21B shows a rear side perspective view of the stylet and cannula connection as in FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of the device of FIG. 15 post-use and upon separation of sealed drill body and handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference now should be made to the drawings, presented as non-limiting possible embodiments in accordance with the descriptions provided above. The ordinarily skilled artisan would fully understand the breadth and scope intended herein in relation to the following potentially preferred types.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

FIG. 1 depicts the drill 10 with a housing 12, completely enclosing a rotatable stylet 16, connected permanently to an implement 18 rotated by a gearbox 20, which is powered by a motor 22. A power source 34 is provided in the handle 36 thereof, as well. A platform 38 for placement of the gearbox 20 and motor 22 is provided that forces the gearbox 20 and motor 22, and thus stylet 16, to slide along a track 24 and is related with a spring 50. In non-compressed form, the platform 24 rests as shown, with the stylet 16 tapered end at the tip of a Luer lock 54 opening of the cannula 14. The cannula 14 is connected with the drill housing 12 at an egress opening 44 and is provided in this state prior to and during utilization. Also present within the housing 12 is a spring-based 42 closure 40 internal thereto that is compressed in form as the Luer lock end 54 of the cannula 14 is present within the drill housing 12.

FIG. 2 shows the compression of the platform 24 moving spring 50 through external pressure to a lever 32 which maneuvers the gearbox 20 and motor 22 with the stylet 16 forward along the track 24 such that the stylet 16 moves through the cannula 14 bore and out the end thereof in order to provide a tapered drill bit. The motor 22 includes a connection 26 that aligns with a power source, 28 as well, in order to allow for motor activation in such a state. The spring 50 connects with a movable latch with two separate components 46, 48 at such an extending state and remains static until user activation changes such a status. The user may then place the stylet tip on a target patient's skin (56 of FIG. 3, for instance) in the area for bone access (58 of FIG. 3) and apply the power to a switch 29 and the handle that leads to the power component 34 through a lead 31 that then leads through a wire 30 to the motor 22 to rotate the stylet 16 for such operation until the stylet 16 and cannula 14 have reached a selected depth therein.

FIG. 3 provides post-drilling status as the cannula 14 resides within the bone 58 and attached to the drill housing 12, but the spring 50 has been delatched (such as through a compressed switch, button, and the like, or twisting and/or turning of the drill a slight amount to achieve the delatching result) and the platform 24, including the gearbox 20, motor 22, and stylet 16, has retracted, leaving the stylet 16 within the confines of the drill housing 12 subsequent to the drilling step.

FIG. 4 thus shows the detachment of the cannula 14 from the drill housing 12 (such as through a twisting or turning motion of the drill itself). The instant such cannula 14 moves sufficiently outward through the egress opening 44, the closure 40 springs 42 over such an opening 44, thereby encasing the stylet 16 in total. The drill body with stylet 16 is thus sealed and may be disposed of while the cannula 14 remains in the subject patient's bond 58 for introduction of medicaments or removal of fluids, etc., therefrom and therethrough.

FIGS. 5-10 show a different embodiment from that above, with a drill device 110 and a housing 112, a stylet 116, a cannula 114, a revolving hinged handle 136 housing a power supply 134 and having a switch 129, a hinge 133, and an electrical connector 160. The drill body includes a first closed door 143, a motor 122, a gearbox 120 a drive shaft 119, a stylet holder 118, a cannula Luer lock component 152, an opening for the cannula and stylet to exit 144, an electrical connector 162 for the handle to contact, and a second sealing door 140. In this embodiment, as well, is a annual controller device 132 to mave the cannula 114 and stylet 116 as attached together internally to an external location for skina dn bone contact. FIG. 6 shows the handle turning to engage electrical contacts 160, 162 which activates the initial door 143 to allow egress of the cannula 114 and stylet 116 through the opening 144. The manual controller 132 then moves thThe handle switch 129 then operates the drill to implant the cannula 114 within a patient's bone (58 of FIG. 3). FIG. 9 shows the internal portion of the drill body with a compressed spring 121 that engages to retain the stylet 116 in place for the drill operation. A compressed door spring 142 awaits activation upon retraction of the stylet spring 121 to seal the opening (144 of FIG. 5) as well. The actual Luer lock 154 is shown to allow the needed access for intravenous, etc., utilization after implantation within a subject patient bone, as well. The drive shaft 119 provides the necessary rotation of the stylet 116 and attached cannula 114 during operation with the stylet storage tube 118 awaiting final disposition therein after utilization. FIG. 10 shows the disengagement of the cannula 114 from the drill housing and the sealed door 140 in place. As well, the stylet 116 has been retracted and sealed within the tube 118 for disposal thereof.

FIG. 11 provides a multi-sided taper 117 of the stylet 116, but with even edges thereover, and an even multi-tooth 115 cannula 114 edge below such a taper 117 configuration of the stylet. This overall configuration provides an effective drilling capability, particularly through bone. Of course, any functional design and configuration would be permitted within these structures.

FIGS. 12-14 show a close-up of the interface of cannula base 152 and internal assembly base rotatable component 170. The arms 166 thereof the rotatable base extend perpendicular and then again upward with flanges that are complementary to notches 164 within the cannula base 152. Here two opposing arms 166 are present to accord directional torque when engaged with further flanges 168 preventing the cannula 114 from moving away from the base assembly 152 during use. With a turn (either direction clockwise or counter-clockwise, depending on how the configuration is provided) the base assembly arms 166 are removable from the cannula base 152, allowing for the cannula 114 to remain in a target patient's bone and skin while the drill device, and the internal assembly including the stylet, retract back. The Luer lock 154 is thus present to provide the connections needed for medicament delivery and/or fluid, etc., removal from such a bone.

FIGS. 15-18 show another potentially preferred embodiment with a device that may be operated with a single hand, opened, aimed, drilled, and sealed (and possibly separated from its handle) easily and safely. The drill device 210 includes a drill housing 212, a handle 236, a hinge 233 at the handle/drill housing interface, grips for handling 276, a handle switch for operation 229, a stowed cannula/stylet cover 272, a cannula 214 and stylet 216, a cannula attachment 254, a cannula holder 253, and a drill housing opening 244. The cannula 214 and stylet 216 stows in the cover 272 until the caregiver/user opens the handle 236 through the hinge 233 (a button, release component, etc., may be employed for such a purpose) with the cover 272 protecting from piercing, etc., and keeping the cannula 214 and stylet 216 protected from infection, etc., prior to utilization. Upon opening, the cannula 214 and stylet 216 are thus available for utilization (implantation/insertion within a patient's bone). The switch 229 is activated to start the drilling action. FIGS. 19 and 19A show differing views of the cross-sectional internal components thereof, with a slide track 224 to permit the retraction of the stylet 216. A compressed spring 250 awaiting disengagement for such a purpose. A motor 218 to provide torque and a drive shaft 220 permanently attached to the stylet 216. A spring-loaded component 22 is present to operate the sealing door (240 of FIG. 20B), as well. The drill housing 212 includes a hinge connector 280 to permit disengagement through the hinge nut 233, as well.

FIGS. 20 and 20A show the retracted stylet 216 upon disengagement from the cannula 214 and retraction of the spring 250 to cause such an action (slide along the track 224 of FIG. 19, for instance). The power supply 234 in the handle 236 provides the needed electrical charge to provide the motor 218 to operate and the drive shaft(223 of FIG. 21B), as well. The disengagement of the stylet 216 may be through rotation of the drill housing 212 after introduction of the cannula 214 and stylet 216 within a subject patient's bone. Upon retraction, then, FIG. 20B shows the sealing door 240 over the drill housing opening 244 to keep the used stylet 216 therein safely. The springs 220 activate upon retaction of the stylet 216, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 20A, as well.

FIGS. 21 and 21B show the connection of the cannula 214 and stylet 216 with the permanently attached motor shaft 223, as well. The cannula cover attachment 253 includes therein the needed Luer lock 254 for utilization with IVs, etc., after implantation. FIG. 21A shows the separation of cannula 214 and stylet 216, as well, with the Luer lock 254 accessible.

FIG. 22 thus shows the sealed door 244 over the drill housing opening 240 and the separation of the handle 236 through the hinge nut 233 disengagement from the drill housing connection 280 and the handle connection 281 (from the opening thereof 283). The sealed drill housing may thus be disposed of (such as within a sharps container, or the like) and the handle may be disposed of separately. Such separation allows for the smaller profile devices to be disposed of as needed, particularly if batteries and other power devices are not permitted within sharps containers.

Thus, with this type of device, of which this is merely one possible embodiment, of course, there is provided a totally passive safety procedure for intraosseous activities. In addition, the entirety of the drill may then be disposed of to further reduce, if not remove, any potential for contamination thereafter externally. The drill may further be provided within a hermetically sealed enclosure prior to actual utilization with the cannula in place and the only requirement being the spring movement to introduce the stylet for drilling purposes through the cannula bore. Additionally, there may be provided a battery/motor (or other component) separator to ensure, as best possible, the power supply is not depleted prior to actual removal from such an enclosure. Thus, a tab, for instance, of plastic (which may be the same plastic as for the enclosure itself), may be integrated within the enclosure structure to act as such a separating component. Upon opening the enclosure, then, the separating component automatically disengages between power supply and other component, thus allowing for the connection to then flow electricity as needed.

The cannula may also be provided herein as a MRI-safe metal to permit such a subsequent activity without the need to remove and introduce another one after such an action is undertaken.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the description herein cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drill/stylet combination, wherein said drill includes a stylet retraction port therein, a retracting mechanism attached to said stylet and disposed within said drill, a gearbox, a motor, a power supply, and a cannula connected in detachable relation to said stylet, wherein said stylet is attached to said gearbox or rotating component attached therto, wherein said retracting mechanism operates subsequent to utilization of said drill to introduce said stylet and cannula within the intermedullary space of a subject bone, said retracting mechanism moving said stylet from an external location to said stylet retraction port within said drill subsequent to a drilling operation, and wherein said cannula is attached to said drill with a Luer lock component with a lip portion present external to said drill and an automatic closure internally within said drill that activates upon disengagement of said cannula from said drill.

2. The device claim 1 further including a sensor on said stylet, wherein said sensor measures pressure subsequent to bone entry such that once passed through to said intermedullary space the pressure difference deactivates the drill and activates the retraction mechanism and detaching from said cannula.

3. A method of introducing substances into and/or removing substances from a target intramedullary space of a bone utilizing the device of claim 1, said method comprising the steps of:

a) providing said device;

b) determining the properly located bone portion for introduction thereof said stylet/cannula of said device;

c) activating said device to drill said stylet/cannula therein until reaching the desired depth within the intermedullary space of said bone;

d) deactivating said drill once said depth is reached, thereby activating the retracting mechanism thereof thereby decoupling said stylet from said cannula and retracting said stylet into said drill within a retraction port therein;

e) placing said drill/retracted stylet implement within a disposable container;

f) utilizing said retained cannula for introduction or removal of said substances.

4. A method of introducing substances into and/or removing substances from a target intramedullary space of a bone utilizing the device of claim 2, said method comprising the steps of:

a) providing said device;

b) determining the properly located bone portion for introduction thereof said stylet/cannula of said device;

c) activating said device to drill said stylet/cannula therein until reaching the desired depth within the intermedullary space of said bone as indicated by said sensor;

d) deactivating said drill once said depth is reached through a signal from said sensor, thereby activating the retracting mechanism thereof thereby decoupling said stylet from said cannula and retracting said stylet into said drill within a retraction port therein;

e) placing said drill/retracted stylet implement within a disposable container;

f) utilizing said retained cannula for introduction or removal of said substances.