U.S. patent application number 11/781568 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for apparatus and method to access the bone marrow for oncology and stem cell applications.
Invention is credited to Larry J. Miller.
Application Number | 20080015467 11/781568 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29712091 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080015467 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Larry J. |
January 17, 2008 |
Apparatus and Method to Access the Bone Marrow for Oncology and
Stem Cell Applications
Abstract
An apparatus for removing portions of bone marrow from a bone is
provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a hollow drive shaft
operable to engage a gear assembly. The hollow drive shaft includes
a first end operable to penetrate the bone and a second end
operable to allow retrieval of portions of bone and bone marrow.
The apparatus also includes a removable trocar. The removable
trocar includes an inner channel operable to convey portions of
bone and bone marrow. The gear assembly is able to engage and
rotate the hollow drive shaft. A motor operable to drive the hollow
drive shaft into the bone marrow by rotation of the hollow drive
shaft and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power
the motor are also included.
Inventors: |
Miller; Larry J.; (Spring
Branch, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.;PATENT DEPARTMENT
98 SAN JACINTO BLVD., SUITE 1500
AUSTIN
TX
78701-4039
US
|
Family ID: |
29712091 |
Appl. No.: |
11/781568 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11389733 |
Mar 27, 2006 |
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11781568 |
Jul 23, 2007 |
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10448650 |
May 30, 2003 |
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11389733 |
Mar 27, 2006 |
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60384756 |
May 31, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/568 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 50/33 20160201;
A61M 2005/1581 20130101; A61B 90/11 20160201; A61B 17/1637
20130101; A61B 2010/0208 20130101; A61M 1/008 20130101; A61B
17/3496 20130101; A61B 90/70 20160201; A61B 2050/3008 20160201;
A61B 17/1671 20130101; A61B 17/32002 20130101; A61B 2017/0046
20130101; A61B 17/3472 20130101; A61M 2210/02 20130101; A61B 10/025
20130101; A61B 2010/0258 20130101; A61B 17/3476 20130101; A61B
2017/3405 20130101; A61B 17/3423 20130101; A61B 2017/00734
20130101; A61B 2017/00398 20130101; A61B 17/1613 20130101; A61M
2005/1585 20130101; A61B 17/1617 20130101; A61B 2090/034 20160201;
A61B 17/32053 20130101; A61B 2090/0813 20160201; A61M 5/158
20130101; A61B 17/1622 20130101; A61B 2217/005 20130101; A61B
2017/320024 20130101; A61B 10/0283 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/568 |
International
Class: |
A61B 10/02 20060101
A61B010/02 |
Claims
1. A method for performing a bone marrow biopsy using a hollow
drive shaft having an inner channel with a removable trocar
disposed in the inner channel comprising: inserting a first end of
the hollow drive shaft and a first end of the trocar into a bone
and associated bone marrow using a powered apparatus; removing the
trocar from the inner channel of the hollow drive shaft; applying
suction to the inner channel of the hollow drive shaft; and
retrieving portions of bone marrow from the inner channel of the
hollow drive shaft.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: connecting a second
end of the hollow drive shaft to a suction swivel apparatus;
attaching one end of a suction tube with the suction swivel
apparatus; and attaching another end of the suction tube with a
receptacle interposed between the suction tube and a source of
suction such that a bone marrow specimen may be retrieved into the
receptacle.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising removing the hollow
drive shaft from a housing containing the hollow drive shaft after
use of the hollow drive shaft.
4. A method of performing a bone marrow biopsy using a hollow drive
shaft having an inner channel operable to receive an inner trocar
having a split-needle configuration within the inner channel
comprising: inserting a first end of the hollow drive shaft into a
bone and associated bone marrow using a powered apparatus;
advancing the inner trocar having the split-needle configuration
past the first end of the hollow drive shaft to open the inner
trocar and insert the inner trocar into the associated bone marrow;
and closing the inner trocar to retain a bone marrow specimen as
the inner trocar is withdrawn from the inner channel.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising moving the inner trocar
between an open position and a closed position.
6. A method of harvesting bone marrow for transplantation using a
hollow drive shaft having an inner channel with a removable trocar
disposed in the inner channel comprising: inserting the hollow
drive shaft and the removable trocar into a bone and associated
bone marrow using a powered apparatus coupled with the hollow drive
shaft; removing the removable trocar from the inner channel of the
hollow drive shaft; applying suction to the inner channel of the
hollow drive shaft and retrieving portions of the associated bone
marrow; replacing the trocar into the hollow drive shaft; changing
the site of harvest within the bone and associated bone marrow; and
repeating the steps of removing the trocar from the hollow drive
shaft and applying suction to the inner channel of the hollow drive
shaft to retrieve portions of the associated bone marrow until a
sufficient quantity of bone marrow has been harvested for bone
marrow transplantation.
7. The method of claim 6 the step of inserting the hollow drive
shaft and the trocar into the bone and associated bone marrow
further comprises using a motor engaged to a gear assembly operable
to rotate the hollow drive shaft.
8. The method of claim 6 further comprising removing the hollow
drive shaft from a housing containing the hollow drive shaft after
inserting the hollow drive shaft into the bone and associated bone
marrow.
9. A method for performing a bone marrow biopsy using a hollow
drive shaft having an inner channel with a trocar disposed in the
inner channel comprising: inserting the hollow drive shaft and the
trocar into a bone and associated bone marrow using a powered
apparatus; attaching a suction apparatus to a suction port attached
to one end of the trocar extending from the hollow drive shaft;
applying suction to the trocar; and retrieving portions of the
associated bone marrow from the inner channel of the trocar using
the suction apparatus.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: changing the location
in the associated bone marrow where sampling occurs using an
operating mechanism attached to the trocar; and aligning a sample
port in the trocar with a sample port formed in the hollow drive
shaft.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of inserting the hollow
drive shaft and the trocar into the bone and associated bone marrow
further comprises using a suction swivel apparatus that allows
attaching a suction tube to the suction port to remain attached
while drilling into the bone marrow without twisting the suction
tube.
12. The method of claim 9 further comprising selecting portions of
the associated bone marrow for removal by limiting longitudinal
movement of the trocar.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of selecting portions
of the bone marrow for removal further comprises using a ratcheted
gear operable to control the depth of sampling from the associated
bone marrow.
14. The method of claim 9 further comprising: changing the location
in the associated bone marrow where sampling occurs using an
operating mechanism attached to the trocar; and aligning a sample
port of the trocar with one of three sample ports formed in the
hollow drive shaft.
15. A method for performing a bone marrow biopsy using a hollow
drive shaft having an inner channel with a removable removable
trocar disposed in the inner channel comprising: inserting the
hollow drive shaft and the removable trocar into a bone and
associated bone marrow using a powered apparatus; attaching a
suction apparatus to a suction port attached to one end of the
removable trocar extending from the hollow drive shaft; applying
suction to the removable trocar using the suction apparatus; and
retrieving portions of bone marrow from the inner channel of the
removable trocar using the suction apparatus.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: changing the
location in the associated bone marrow where sampling occurs using
an operating mechanism attached to the removable trocar; and
aligning a sample port in the removable trocar with a sample port
formed in the hollow drive shaft.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of inserting the hollow
drive shaft and the removable trocar into the bone further
comprises using a suction swivel apparatus that allows a suction
tube attached to the suction port to remain attached while drilling
into the associated bone marrow without twisting the suction
tube.
18. The method of claim 15 further comprising selecting portions of
the bone marrow for removal by limiting longitudinal movement of
the removable trocar.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of selecting portions
of the associated bone marrow for removal further comprises using a
ratcheted gear operable to control the location of sampling from
the associated bone marrow.
20. The method of claim 15 further comprising: changing the
location in the associated bone marrow where sampling occurs using
an operating mechanism attached to the trocar; and aligning a
sample port of the trocar with one of three sample ports formed in
the hollow drive shaft.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/389,733 entitled "Apparatus and Method to Access the
Bone Marrow for Oncology and Stem Cell Applications" filed on Mar.
27, 2006, by Larry J. Miller, which is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/448,650 entitled "Apparatus and Method to
Access the Bone Marrow for Oncology and Stem Cell Applications"
filed May 30, 2003, by Larry J. Miller, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/384,756, filed May
31, 2002, and entitled "Apparatus and Method to Provide Access to
Bone Marrow". The contents of these applications are incorporated
herein in their entirety by this reference.
[0002] This application is copending with patent application Ser.
No. 11/389,732, filed Mar. 27, 2006, and entitled "Apparatus and
Method to Access the Bone Marrow for Oncology and Stem Cell
Applications", which a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/448,650 entitled "Apparatus and Method to Access the Bone
Marrow for Oncology and Stem Cell Applications" filed May 30, 2003,
by Larry J. Miller, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/384756, filed May 31, 2002, and
entitled "Apparatus and Method to Provide Access to Bone Marrow".
The contents of these applications are incorporated herein in their
entirety by this reference.
[0003] This application is also copending to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/449,503, filed May 30, 2003, and entitled,
"Apparatus and Method To Provide Access To Bone Marrow"; and
copending with U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/449,476, filed
May 30, 2003, and entitled "Apparatus and Method to Access Bone
Marrow". The contents of these applications are incorporated herein
in their entirety by this reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present invention is related to an apparatus and method
for withdrawing specimens from the bone or bone marrow. The
apparatus and method can be used to extract stem cells or bone
marrow for transplantation or diagnostic purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] There are many clinical conditions where it is important to
be able to access and retrieve bone marrow. In some cases it may be
necessary to treat diseases with a bone marrow or stem cell
transplant to restore functioning blood cells in the body after
high-dose chemotherapy. Such conditions may include acute
leukemias, brain tumors, breast cancer, Hodgkin's disease, multiple
myeloma, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, ovarian cancer,
sarcoma and testicular cancer. In other cases it is necessary to
access the bone marrow to obtain a sample of the marrow for
diagnostic testing. These conditions may include cancer of any type
and hematologic disease of any origin.
[0006] Current techniques for gaining access to bone marrow can be
difficult, traumatic and occasionally dangerous, depending on the
site selected for harvest, the operator's expertise and the
patient's anatomy. In general, the devices available for gaining
access to the medullary cavity of the bone, where the bone marrow
is located, include a trocar-fitted needle, with handles to
facilitate application of pressure and rotation. These types of
devices require substantial force to break through the outer cortex
of the bone by a fracturing technique. The exertion of high
pressure upon the needle causes pain for the patient and often
damages the tip of the needle. This is particularly a problem when
harvesting from the sternum of a patient because the excess force
can cause penetration through the sternum and can damage underlying
structures such as the heart and great vessels.
[0007] Another disadvantage of current techniques to access the
bone marrow is that frequently more than one penetration site into
the bone is required to retrieve enough bone marrow to either
perform diagnostic tests or for transplantation purposes. To
retrieve an adequate sample of bone marrow for either a bone marrow
or stem cell transplant, a physician may need to put the needle
into several different parts of the pelvis which may require up to
six needle puncture sites or more. This multiple-pass requirement
can be extremely painful for a patient and may deter people from
donating bone marrow. This technique of using multiple passes can
also cause fatigue in smaller operators who may lack strength to
complete multiple-pass procedures.
[0008] Retrieving bone samples for diagnostic purposes is likewise
difficult. Occasionally the core sample of bone is not retrieved
because it is not extracted successfully with a standard biopsy
needle. Thus, multiple attempts may be necessary to obtain a
satisfactory bone or bone marrow biopsy.
[0009] Current techniques require that biopsy needles be forced by
manual pressure into bone. These techniques may have undesirable
side effects such as damaging a needle tip or having the needle
slide off the proposed bone target and into organs or soft
tissues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] There is a need for an apparatus and method to access the
bone marrow that is minimally traumatic to the patient and that
allows a sufficient amount of bone marrow to be removed the first
time the bone is penetrated. In accordance with teachings of the
present invention, an apparatus and method for the removal of
portions of bone marrow from a bone are provided.
[0011] In one embodiment the apparatus includes a housing and a
hollow drive shaft operable to engage a gear assembly. The hollow
drive shaft includes a first end operable to penetrate the bone and
a second end operable to allow retrieval of portions of bone and
bone marrow. The hollow drive shaft also includes an inner channel
operable to convey portions of bone and bone marrow. The apparatus
also includes a removable trocar with a first end operable to
penetrate the bone and a second end. The removable trocar includes
an inner channel operable to convey portions of bone and bone
marrow. The gear assembly is able to engage and rotate the hollow
drive shaft. A motor operable to engage the gear assembly and drive
the hollow drive shaft into the bone marrow by rotation of the
hollow drive shaft and a power supply and associated circuitry
operable to power the motor are also included.
[0012] In another embodiment, an apparatus for removing portions of
bone and bone marrow from a bone for diagnostic or therapeutic
purposes is provided that includes a housing and a hollow drive
shaft operable to engage a gear assembly. The hollow drive shaft
includes a first end operable to attach to a penetrator and a
second end operable to allow retrieval of portions of bone marrow.
The hollow drive shaft also includes an inner channel operable to
convey portions of bone marrow to an operator. The detachable
penetrator is able to penetrate the bone marrow and collect
specimens of bone marrow. Also included is a trocar having a first
end operable to penetrate the bone marrow and a second end. The
trocar can be removably inserted into the inner channel of the
hollow drive shaft. A connector operable to releasably attach the
penetrator to a hollow drive shaft is also included. A gear
assembly operable to engage and rotate the hollow drive shaft is
provided. A motor operable to engage the reduction gear assembly
and drive the penetrator into the bone marrow by rotation of the
hollow drive shaft and a power supply and associated circuitry
operable to power the motor are also provided.
[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention a hollow drive
shaft assembly operable to remove bone or tissue from a bone marrow
is provided. An outer hollow drive shaft and a removable inner
trocar operable to penetrate the bone marrow are included. The
outer hollow drive shaft is removably coupled to a gear assembly
and the outer hollow drive shaft includes an inner channel operable
to convey portions of bone and bone marrow.
[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention a method for
performing a bone marrow biopsy is provided that includes inserting
a hollow drive shaft and trocar into the bone marrow by means of a
powered apparatus. The trocar may be removed from the hollow drive
shaft and suction may be applied to an inner channel of the hollow
drive shaft so that portions of bone and bone marrow may be
retrieved from the inner channel of the hollow drive shaft.
[0015] An alternative method of performing a bone marrow biopsy is
provided that includes attaching a penetrator to a hollow drive
shaft and inserting an inner trocar into the hollow drive shaft and
penetrator. The penetrator is then inserted into the bone marrow by
a powered apparatus. The inner trocar is removed from the hollow
drive shaft and penetrator, and suction may be applied to the inner
channel of the hollow drive shaft to retrieve portions of bone
marrow. In a particular embodiment of the invention the site of
bone marrow biopsy is controlled by a second end of the trocar
comprising a ratcheted gear operable to control the depth of
sampling from the bone marrow.
[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, a method of
harvesting bone marrow for transplantation is provided that
includes inserting a hollow drive shaft and inner trocar into the
bone marrow by means of a powered apparatus coupled with the hollow
drive shaft. The inner trocar is removed from the hollow drive
shaft. A suction is then applied to the inner channel of the hollow
drive shaft to retrieve portions of bone marrow. The inner trocar
may be replaced into the hollow drive shaft. The steps of removing
the inner trocar from the hollow drive shaft and applying suction
to the inner channel of the hollow drive shaft to retrieve portions
of bone marrow may be repeated until a sufficient quantity of bone
marrow has been harvested for bone marrow transplantation.
[0017] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the site of
harvest within the bone marrow may be changed by a ratcheted gear
attached to the second end of the trocar. The gear may be used to
change the depth of sampling from the bone marrow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] A more complete and thorough understanding of the present
embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to
the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate
like features, and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for
removing a bone marrow sample shown in longitudinal cross
section.
[0020] FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of a hollow drive shaft of
the current invention.
[0021] FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment of a trocar of the current
invention.
[0022] FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus of the
current invention.
[0023] FIG. 1E illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for
removing a bone marrow sample shown in longitudinal cross
section.
[0024] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a hollow drive shaft or
penetrator of the current invention.
[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a hollow drive shaft or
penetrator of the current invention.
[0026] FIG. 2C illustrates an example of an inner trocar of the
current invention.
[0027] FIG. 2D illustrates an example of a hollow drive shaft or
penetrator of the current invention.
[0028] FIG. 3A illustrates an example of an attachment of the
current invention.
[0029] FIG. 3B is an illustration of an attachment of the current
invention.
[0030] FIG. 4A is an illustration of a hollow drive shaft and
trocar of the current invention.
[0031] FIG. 4B is an illustration of a hollow drive shaft and
trocar of the current invention.
[0032] FIG. 4C is an illustration of a hollow drive shaft and
trocar of the current invention in cross section.
[0033] FIG. 4D is an illustration of a hollow drive shaft and
trocar of the current invention in cross section.
[0034] FIG. 5A-C illustrates example gear assemblies of the current
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention and its advantages
are best understood by reference to FIGS. 1A-5C herein like numbers
refer to same and like parts.
[0036] FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an apparatus for removing
bone marrow from a bone. Apparatus 10 may be used to obtain a
sample of bone marrow from any suitable bone in the body such as
the iliac crest or the sternum. In one embodiment, apparatus 10
includes housing 12, a hollow drive shaft 14, removable trocar 19,
gear assembly 37, motor 38 and power supply 39. Housing 12 may
include on/off switch 3, handle 5 and guard 6. Handle 5 may be
angled downward to allow ease of operation and also to allow end of
hollow drive shaft 14 to turn without obstruction from a hand.
Housing 12 encompasses power source 39, motor 38 and associated
circuitry 18, hollow drive shaft 14 and gear assembly 37. Hollow
drive shaft 14 includes inner channel 15 and collar 16. Gear 17 of
gear assembly 37 engages collar 16 of hollow drill shaft 14 and
thereby rotates hollow drive shaft 14.
[0037] Removable trocar 19 may be inserted into inner channel 15 of
hollow drive shaft 14. Trocar 19 is hollow and has an inner channel
operable to convey bone and bone marrow samples. Trocar 19 may have
a handle 8 that can be used to tighten trocar 19 in place or to
remove it from inner channel 15 of hollow drive shaft 14. Hollow
drive shaft 14 may include luer lock connector 4 at the point where
it exits housing 12. A luer lock connector may allow hollow drive
shaft to connect to a suction apparatus such as a tubing or syringe
or to any other suitable apparatus that would assist in obtaining a
bone or bone marrow biopsy specimen. An access port, such as a
suction port may also releasably attach to an end of hollow drive
shaft where it exits housing 12, for example to a luer lock
connector. Such an attachment may be a plug, a port, a suction
apparatus, swivel port or other adapter.
[0038] FIG. 1B shows hollow drive shaft 14 removed from apparatus
10. In one embodiment, hollow drive shaft 14 may include one or
more thrust bearings 21. Thrust bearings may absorb pressure from
the thrust of a drive shaft into bone during drilling. Also
included in hollow drive shaft are side ports shown in further
detail in FIG. 2. FIG. 1C illustrates removable trocar 19 which
includes handle 8. Handle 8 may be formed into a shape that is
easily grasped and turned during the process of obtaining a biopsy.
Removable trocar 19 may include one or more side ports operable to
access a bone marrow specimen shown in greater detail in FIG.
2.
[0039] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1D, housing 12 may include
a releasable hatch or door 12a that may be opened to allow hollow
drive shaft and attached gear 17 to be removed after use of
apparatus 10. This may be desirable where apparatus 10 is reusable
and hollow drill shaft 14 and removable trocar 19 are disposable. A
releasable hatch or door may also be desirable to clean the inside
of apparatus 10.
[0040] In another embodiment of the current invention, shown in
FIG. 1E, detachable penetrator 20 may be attached to hollow drive
shaft 14 by means of connector 36 and drilled into bone 2. In this
embodiment, removable trocar 19 may be inserted into inner channel
15 of hollow drive shaft 14 and into the hollow channel of
penetrator 20. Penetrator 20 may include side ports to permit
access to bone and bone marrow samples during a biopsy or bone
marrow harvest procedure. One advantage of an embodiment that
includes a detachable penetrator is it allows penetrators of
various sizes and configurations to be attached to hollow drive
shaft 14. In this embodiment, connector 36 includes an inner
channel operable to allow retrieval of bone and bone marrow
specimens.
[0041] FIGS. 2A-D show an end 22 of either a hollow drive shaft or
a penetrator that is suitable to penetrate a bone. FIG. 2A,
illustrates hollow drive shaft or penetrator end 22 which may
include multiple sampling ports 23 through which bone marrow or
other biopsy material may be aspirated. Sampling ports 23a, 23b and
23c are each operable to retrieve a portion of bone marrow. When
removable trocar end 24 is in position within inner channel of
hollow drive shaft end 22 sampling port 13 of removable trocar end
24 may align with sampling port 23a, 23b, or 23c. An operator may
determine the level in the bone marrow where a specimen is taken or
which sampling port (23a, 23b or 23c) to align with trocar sampling
port 13. Hollow drive shaft or penetrator end 22 may include
serrated tip 25 as shown in FIG. 2B or any other suitable
configuration for sampling bone or bone marrow.
[0042] FIG. 2C shows removable trocar end 24 having a sampling port
13 near tip 27 through which a sample of bone or bone marrow can be
retrieved as well as through a sampling port 23a, 23b or 23c. When
sampling port 23a, 23b or 23c of hollow drive shaft or penetrator
22 is aligned with sampling port 13 of removable trocar 24, a
portion of bone marrow may be suctioned out of the bone. Removable
trocar 24 may be removed allowing bone marrow to be suctioned
through one or more sampling ports 23 of hollow drive shaft or
penetrator 22 at different sites in a bone marrow cavity
sequentially. FIG. 2D shows another example of tip 25 of hollow
drive shaft or penetrator end 22 having internal threads 26 that
are able to engage a specimen of bone and core it out as hollow
drive shaft or penetrator 22 is drilled into bone. Threads 26 may
engage and adhere to a portion of bone or to a semisolid substance
such as bone marrow and maintain contact with the specimen so it
may be successfully retrieved.
[0043] FIG. 3A shows operating mechanism 32 that may be included in
some embodiments of the invention and may be attached to hollow
drive shaft 14 and manipulated to change the depth in a bone marrow
where sampling occurs. Operating mechanism 32 includes handle 35
and gear 33. Gear 33 engages gear 34 attached to trocar 19. Suction
port 28, shown attached to trocar 19, may be used to retrieve
portions of bone marrow from inner channel 15 of hollow drive shaft
14.
[0044] FIG. 3B shows an example suction port 28 that may be
connected to trocar 19 where it exits housing 12. In one embodiment
of the invention a suction port or suction swivel apparatus may
also be connected to the hollow drive shaft 14. This feature allows
a suction apparatus of the type well known to one skilled in the
art to be used to obtain bone marrow samples. Suction port 28 may
also be configured to attach directly to a penetrator for example
in an embodiment of the invention where the penetrator is detached
from the housing before it is accessed for bone marrow retrieval.
Also shown in FIG. 3B is a suction swivel apparatus 45 that allows
a suction tube 41 to attach to suction port 28. Suction swivel
apparatus 45 allows suction port 28 to remain attached to suction
tube 41 while an attached drilling apparatus is drilling into bone
marrow without kinking or twisting suction tube 41. Also shown in
FIG. 3B is receptacle 43 that is interposed between suction tube 41
and a source of suction such that a bone marrow specimen may be
successfully retrieved into receptacle 43 and not lost into a
suction machine.
[0045] FIG. 4A-D shows an example hollow drive shaft end or
penetrator end 44 and inner trocar 42 having a split-needle
configuration. An inner trocar 42 is inserted into a hollow drive
shaft or penetrator end 44. Inner trocar 42 shown in the open
position in FIG. 4A is advanced past the end of hollow drive shaft
end or penetrator end 44 where it may be opened and inserted into
bone, bone marrow or other tissue. Inner trocar 42 may be closed,
shown in FIG. 4B, so that a specimen is retained in its grasp as it
is withdrawn from the body. FIG. 4C shows a cross section of the
split-needle inner trocar 42 where the tip of the inner trocar 42
is in the open position. FIG. 4D shows a cross section of the
trocar 42 is shown in the closed position.
[0046] The apparatus may or may not include a reduction gear
assembly. A reduction gear assembly may include a worm gear
assembly shown in more detail in FIG. 5A and may include first
connector 50 that connects shaft 52 of motor 38 to worm gear 54. A
reduction gear assembly may be used to decrease the RPMs between
the motor and penetrator assembly to provide an optimum RPM at the
point of insertion of penetrator assembly into bone. FIG. 5B
illustrates a further embodiment of a reduction gear assembly
wherein a first spur gear 57 engages a second spur gear 58. FIG. 5C
illustrates an alternate embodiment of a reduction gear assembly
wherein spur gear 58 is offset forty-five degrees relative to
hollow drive shaft 14 which may be preferable in some embodiments
of the present invention. In this embodiment spur gear 58 may be
offset at any angle and is not limited to forty-five degrees. Other
gears may be used in a reduction gear assembly, for example a
planetary gear (not expressly shown) may be used alone or in
combination with a worm gear or a spur gear.
[0047] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *