Bone Marrow Aspiration Device And Method

What is this patent about?

’669 is related to the field of medical devices, specifically those used for bone marrow aspiration . Bone marrow aspiration is a procedure to collect a sample of bone marrow for diagnostic testing. Traditional aspiration needles can be difficult to maneuver within the bone, potentially causing trauma and requiring multiple punctures to obtain sufficient sample volume. This can dilute the sample with blood and reduce its quality.

The underlying idea behind ’669 is to provide a bone marrow aspiration device with improved control and maneuverability within the bone. The key inventive insight is the integration of a screw mechanism that allows for precise adjustment of the cannula's depth and controlled retraction, enabling aspiration from multiple locations within the bone marrow space with a single insertion. This mechanism also provides leverage to remove the cannula if it becomes lodged.

The claims of ’669 focus on a bone marrow aspiration device featuring a cannula with a closed distal end and side apertures for aspiration. The cannula extends through a lead screw and threaded jacket mechanism , which allows adjustment of the exposed cannula length. The lead screw's length is at least 50% of the cannula's maximum exposed length, enabling the mechanism to reposition the cannula to different depths within the bone with rotation of the handle.

In practice, the device is inserted into the bone with the cannula extending a desired distance. The screw mechanism's jacket is then secured against the patient's skin, providing leverage. By rotating the handle, the cannula can be advanced or retracted in a controlled manner, allowing aspiration from different locations within the bone marrow. The closed distal end of the cannula with side apertures helps to minimize blood contamination of the sample.

This design differentiates itself from prior approaches by providing a mechanical advantage for both insertion and retraction of the cannula, as well as precise depth control. Traditional needles often require forceful insertion and can be difficult to remove if lodged. The screw mechanism provides a controlled and less traumatic method for accessing and sampling bone marrow from multiple locations, potentially improving sample quality and reducing patient discomfort.