DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
RESECTION DEVICE

2. APPLICANT:
Meril Corporation (I) Private Limited, an Indian company of the address Survey No. 135/139, Muktanand Marg, Bilakhia House, Pardi, Vapi, Valsad-396191 Gujarat, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure relates to a medical device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a resection device.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[2] Generally, bone joints in human body are traumatized due to various reasons such as, for example, heavy physical activities, aging, repeated stress, injury and/or diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis etc. These health condition causes pain and/or limits mobility of the bone joints.
[3] To restore and treat a traumatized bone joint, an individual is advised to undergo surgical procedures such as, for example, knee arthroplasty for damaged knee joints, hip arthroplasty for damaged hip joints and shoulder arthroplasty for damaged shoulder joints. In the said procedures, at least a portion of the natural bone joint is replaced with an implant.
[4] The said procedure of arthroplasty involves preparing the bone joints by resecting a portion or the entire bone joint at a specific level (height) and angle using resection devices. Before resecting the bone joint, the devices are used to guide and place the cuts on the bone for optimal performance of the implant, according to anatomy of the patient. Conventionally, separate resection devices are provided for different implant sizes. Such devices allow bone cuts of specific width, height and angle. Since multiple devices should be made available to a surgeon, the overall cost increases. Further, the surgeon needs to select an appropriate device according to the anatomy of the patient. This makes the procedure more complex and time consuming.
[5] Additionally, the conventional devices rely on the surgeon’s experience and expertise for their effective use. Therefore, their performance is person-dependent and therefore, is prone to human errors. Further, they lack precision and fail to provide accurate customization according to the bone during the surgical procedure.
[6] Further, a general orthopedic surgery, such as that for treating a fracture or a deformity, also requires a precise surgical cut on the bone. Conventional devices used for resecting the bone in such a surgery too suffers from similar drawbacks as described above.
[7] Thus, there arises a need of a resection device that overcomes the problems associated with the conventional devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[8] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mere examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[9] The present disclosure relates to a resection device including an enclosure attachable to a bone, a plate disposed inside the enclosure, a plurality of optical fibers coupled to the plate, and a control assembly coupled with the plate. The plate includes a plurality of holes. Each of the plurality of holes extends from a proximal face of the plate to a distal face of the plate. Each of the optical fibers is coupled to a corresponding laser source and is configured to provide a passage for a laser signal. A distal portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers is configured to reside within a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes. The control assembly is configured to move the plate in a vertical direction and/or move the plate angularly around a rotational axis of the plate within a pre-defined range of angle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[10] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentality disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[11] Fig. 1 depicts an assembled view of a device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[12] Fig. 1a depicts an inner view of the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[13] Fig. 1b depicts a back perspective view of the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[14] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of a plate 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[15] Fig. 3 depicts a plurality of optical fibers 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[16] Fig. 4 depicts an exploded view of a coupling between the plate 130 and a first connector 165, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[17] Fig. 5a depicts an exploded view of a coupling of the plate 130 with a hinge component 163, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[18] Fig. 5b depicts an enlarged view of the coupling of the plate 130 with the hinge component 163, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[19] Fig. 5c depicts a perspective view of the hinge component 163, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[20] Fig. 6 depicts an exemplary method 200 for operating the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[21] Fig. 7 depicts the device 100 fixated on a target bone 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[22] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms “include” and “comprise”, as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “coupled with” and “associated therewith”, as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like. Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[23] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[24] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[25] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[26] The present disclosure discloses a resection device (or a device). The device is designed to provide surgeons with the ability to make accurate cuts (e.g., in bones, joints, soft tissues, etc.) while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues and structures. According to the teachings of the present disclosure, a single device is capable of being used for multiple implant sizes, thereby, facilitating a range of sizes of cuts at any desired position and/or orientation unlike conventional devices, which necessitate the use of separate devices for different sizes cuts of specific sizes, positions and/or orientations. Thus, the proposed device provides flexibility to the surgeon, eliminates the need for having multiple devices for different implant sizes (or different cut sizes), reduces procedure time, improves its efficiency and decreases the medical cost.
[27] Referring to figures, Fig. 1 shows an assembled view of a resection device 100 (or a device 100), according to an embodiment. Fig. 1a shows an internal view of the device 100 and Fig. 1b shows a back view of the device 100. The device 100 is used for precisely cutting the diseased or damaged portions of a bone, for example, in orthopedic procedures such as joint replacement surgeries (arthroplasty) or bone resection for the treatment of tumors or deformities, etc. The device 100 is designed to provide surgeons with the ability to make accurate cuts with help of laser rays according to the anatomy of the patient. In an embodiment, the device 100 includes an enclosure 110, a plurality of optical fibers 120 (or optical fibers 120), a plate 130 and a control assembly.
[28] The enclosure 110 encloses various components of the device 100 including the plate 130and the control assembly. The enclosure 110 is attachable to a bone and is coupled to a desired area of the patient’s bone during the surgical procedure. In an embodiment, the enclosure 110 has a cuboidal shape. The enclosure 110 may be made of a biocompatible material, for example, a medical grade polymer. The shape and size of the enclosure 110 disclosed herein are merely exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. It should be understood that the enclosure 110 may have any shape and size as desired based upon requirements.
[29] In an embodiment, the enclosure 110 includes an opening 111 on a distal face 110a of the enclosure 110. The opening 111 provides a window to the laser rays for cutting the bone. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 111 has a rectangular shape, though it may have any other desired shape. The opening 111 may be dimensioned based upon requirements, for example, based upon anatomy of the patient population under consideration.
[30] In an embodiment, the enclosure 110 includes a slot 113 on a face 110b of the enclosure 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the slot 113 has a rectangular shape with curved edges, though it may have any other desired shape. The slot 113 extends vertically for at least a partial height of the enclosure 110. In an embodiment, the slot 113 extends through the height of the enclosure 110.
[31] The enclosure 110 includes one or more flanges disposed on the lateral sides of the enclosure 110. Each of the one or more flanges includes a hole configured to receive a corresponding fastener (e.g., a screw) to fasten the device 100 to the bone. In an exemplary embodiment, the enclosure 110 includes two flanges 115a. Each of the flanges 115a include a hole 115a1 (depicted in Fig. 1).
[32] In an embodiment, the plate 130 is disposed horizontally inside the enclosure 110. Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary plate 130, according to an embodiment. The plate 130 has a proximal face (not shown), a distal face 130b, a first end 130c, and a second end 130d. The plate 130 is coupled to the optical fibers 120.
[33] The plate 130 includes a plurality of holes 131 (or holes 131) disposed between the first end 130c and the second end 130d of the plate 130. The holes 131 extend between the proximal face 130a the distal face 130b of the plate 130. The holes 131 may be arranged in a pre-defined pattern. In an embodiment, the holes 131 are arranged in a row with a desired spacing between adjacent holes 131. In an exemplary embodiment, the spacing between adjacent holes 131 is 0.5 mm. It should be understood that the spacing between adjacent holes 131 may have any other value as desired. In an embodiment, the holes 131 may be arranged in two or more rows, with each row having two or more columns of the holes 131, thereby forming a two-dimensional grid of the holes 131. Each hole 131 of the holes 131 receives a distal portion of a corresponding optical fiber 120 of the optical fibers 120. The diameter of the holes 131 may correspond to the diameter of the optical fibers 120.
[34] In an embodiment, the plate 130 includes a first projection 131b1 (shown in Fig. 4) at the first end 130c and a second projection 131b2 at the second end 130d. The first projection 131b1 and the second projection 131b2 may be cylindrical, though the first projection 131b1 and second projection 131b2 may have any other shape, for example, tapered, frustum, cuboidal, etc. In an embodiment, the first projection 131b1 and the second projection 131b2 are identical, though they may have different shapes and dimensions. In an embodiment, the plate 130 may also include a slot 131a provided towards the second end 130d of the plate 130. The slot 131a, the first projection 131b1 and the second projection 131b2 help in coupling the plate 130 with various components of the device 100 as explained later.
[35] In an exemplary embodiment, the plate 130 has rectangular shape, though the plate 130 may have any other desired shape including, but not limited to, oval, square, and so forth. The plate 130 may be suitably dimensioned. The plate 130 may be made of a biocompatible material such as, without limitation, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, etc. In an example implementation, the plate 130 is made of 17-4PH stainless steel.
[36] In an embodiment, the plate 130 is configured to move vertically and/or move angularly (or tilt) around a rotational axis within a pre-defined range of angles. In an embodiment, the pre-defined range of angles includes angles between 0 degree to 180 degrees with respect to the rotational axis of the plate 130. The rotational axis may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate 130. The vertical position and the tilt of the plate 130 is controlled during the surgical procedure according to the requirement of the surgery basis patient anatomy. The control assembly is configured to move the plate 130 vertically and/or angularly. The control assembly is disposed inside the enclosure 110. An exemplary embodiment of the control assembly is explained later.
[37] Fig. 3 depicts the optical fibers 120, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical fibers 120 have a pre-defined diameter and a pre-defined length. Each of the optical fibers 120 is coupled to a corresponding laser source and is configured to provide a passage for a laser signal (or lasers). The lasers are used to cut the bone. The lasers have a desired wavelength and energy. The wavelength and energy of the lasers may be chosen based upon, for example, thickness, density, or strength etc. of the bone to be cut. The lasers passing through different holes 131 have the same wavelength and energy, according to an embodiment.
[38] The optical fibers 120 are coupled to the plate 130 using a coupling technique including, but not limited to, soldering, using grommets or insulated bushing, and so forth. A distal portion of each optical fiber 120 of the optical fibers 120 is configured to reside within and coupled with a corresponding hole 131 of the holes 131 and a distal end of each optical fiber 120 is aligned with a distal end of the corresponding hole 131. A proximal end of each optical fiber 120 of the optical fibers 120 is coupled to the corresponding laser source (not shown).
[39] Each laser source may be coupled to a control unit (not shown). The control unit is configured to selectively activate or deactivate each laser source, i.e., control whether or not the laser source emits the laser signal. The control unit may also be configured to control the wavelength, intensity and timing of the laser signal emitted by the laser source. Thus, the bone resection is precisely controlled during the surgical procedure. In an embodiment, the control unit includes a computing device (e.g., a microcontroller, a computer, a processor, an application specific integrated circuit, etc.) and memory (e.g., a random-access memory, a read only memory, a flash memory, a hard disk, or any other computer readable memory). The memory may store software, which when run by the computing device controls the laser sources.
[40] The number of optical fibers 120 may be chosen based upon requirements, for example, depending upon the widest size of the cut that may be needed for a bone based upon the anatomy of the patient population in consideration. The number of holes 131 equals the number of optical fibers 120. In an exemplary implementation, the device 100 includes sixty optical fibers 120 and sixty holes 131. Cuts of various sizes may be achieved by activating laser sources corresponding to all or a subset of optical fibers 120 (or holes 131) as needed. For example, to achieve a cut of a first size, laser sources corresponding to 8th to 54th holes are activated, to achieve a cut of a second size (which may be larger than the first size), laser sources corresponding to 6th to 55th holes are activated and so on. It is possible that laser sources that may be activated may not be contiguous. For example, laser sources corresponding to the 6th – 30th holes and corresponding to 40th to 55th holes may be activated to achieve cuts at two different locations on the bone.
[41] In an embodiment, the device 100 includes a sheath 121 configured to enclose the optical fibers 120. The sheath 121 has a tubular structure and protects the plurality of optical fibers 120 from external interference and also enhances safety. A distal end of the sheath 121 is coupled to a proximal end of the plate 130 and is configured to move vertically within the slot 113 in response to the plate 130 moving vertically. The slot 113 receives a distal portion of the sheath 121. The sheath 121 moves vertically within the slot 113 in sync with the vertical movement of the plate 130 during the surgical procedure. The sheath 121 may be made of a biocompatible material including, but not limited to Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), etc., or combinations thereof.
[42] The device 100 includes a control assembly coupled with the plate 130. The control assembly is provided to control the movement of the plate 130. The control assembly is configured to at least one of: move the plate 130 in a vertical direction and move the plate 130 angularly around the rotational axis of the plate 130 within the pre-defined range of angles. In an embodiment, the control assembly is configured to both - move the plate 130 in the vertical direction and move the plate 130 angularly around the rotational axis. Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b illustrate an exemplary control assembly, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the control assembly includes a plurality of rods (e.g., a first rod 141, a second rod 143, and a third rod 145), at least one motor (e.g., a first motor 151 and a second motor 153), a first gear assembly, a second gear assembly, a hinge component 163, and a plurality of connectors (e.g., a first connector 165 and a second connector 167). Each of the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly includes at least one gear. In the depicted embodiment, the first gear assembly includes a first gear 161a, a second gear 161b, and a third gear 161c, and the second gear assembly includes a fourth gear 161d, a fifth gear 161e and a sixth gear 161f. It should be understood that the number of gears in the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly may be chosen based upon requirements.
[43] In an embodiment, the first motor 151 is disposed on a proximal face 110c of the enclosure 110. The first motor 151 is fixedly coupled to the enclosure 110 using any suitable coupling mechanism including, but not limited to, screws, bolts-nut and so forth. The first motor 151 is coupled to the first rod 141 such that the first rod 141 is configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the first motor 151. In an embodiment, the first motor 151 is coupled to the first rod 141 via the first gear assembly. The first motor 151 is configured to rotate in the clockwise and anticlockwise direction. The first motor 151 is configured to rotate of the first rod 141 via the first gear assembly as explained below.
[44] In an embodiment, a shaft (not shown) of the first motor 151 is coupled to the first gear 161a. The first gear 161a is operatively coupled to the second gear 161b, which in turn is operatively coupled to the third gear 161c. The first gear 161a, the second gear 161b, and the third gear 161c are mutually coupled via engagement of respective teeth provided on their outer surface as shown in Fig. 1c. The third gear 161c is coupled to the first rod 141 and is configured to rotate the first rod 141. Thus, the first gear assembly is configured to transfer the rotational motion of the first motor 151 to the first rod 141.
[45] The first rod 141 is coupled to the plate 130 via a threaded coupling. In an embodiment, the first rod 141 is coupled to the plate 130 using the first connector 165 at the first end 130c of the plate 130. The first connector 165 is coupled to the plate 130, using any known coupling mechanism, for example, welding, bonding, snap-fit, etc. In an embodiment, the plate 130 is coupled to the first connector 165 using a snap-fit mechanism. Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary coupling between the plate 130 and the first connector 165. The first connector 165 may include an aperture 165c provided on an inner side of the first connector 165. The first projection 131b1 of the plate 130 is configured to fit within the aperture 165c of the first connector 165. The inner dimensions of the aperture 165c of the first connector 165 correspond to outer dimensions of the first projection 131b1 of the plate 130.
[46] At least a portion of the first rod 141 is disposed inside the enclosure 110 (depicted in Fig. 1a) towards a first side 110d of the enclosure 110. In an embodiment, one end of the first rod 141 passes through a hole on a bottom face of the enclosure 110 and is fixedly coupled with the enclosure 110, for example, using a fastener. The other end of the first rod 141 passes through a hole on a top surface of the enclosure 110 and is operatively coupled to the third gear 161c such that the first rod 141 is configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the third gear 161c. The first rod 141 has first threads 141a on the outer surface of the first rod 141 for at least a partial length of the first rod 141. In the depicted embodiment, the first threads 141a extend for the entire length of the first rod 141.
[47] The first rod 141 is coupled to the first connector 165 via a threaded coupling, according to an embodiment. For example, the first connector 165 includes a hole 165a. The first rod 141 passes through the hole 165a of the first connector 165. Threads 165b are provided on an inner surface of the hole 165a of the first connector 165. The threads 165b of the first connector 165 are complementary to and are configured to engage with the first threads 141a of the first rod 141. Due to the threaded coupling between the first connector 165 and the first rod 141, the first connector 165 is configured to move longitudinally (in vertical direction) in response to the rotation of the first rod 141. Consequently, the plate 130 too is configured to move longitudinally in response to the rotation of the first rod 141. Thus, the rotation of the first rod 141 causes the plate 130 to move in the vertical direction. The direction of the vertical movement of the plate 130 depends upon the rotational direction of the first rod 141. Thus, the threaded coupling of the first connector 165 and the first rod 141 translates the rotational motion of the first rod 141 into a linear motion of the plate 130. Though the plate 130 and the first connector 165 are shown as separate components, in another embodiment, the plate 130 and the first connector 165 may form an integrated structure such that the plate 130 may include the hole 165a having the threads 165b that are engaged with the first threads 141a of the first rod 141.
[48] Third rod 145 provides support to the plate 130 towards the second end 130d of the plate 130. At least a portion of the third rod 145 is disposed inside the enclosure 110 towards a second side 110e of the enclosure 110. In an embodiment, one end of the third rod 145 passes through a hole on the top face of the enclosure 110 and is fixedly coupled with the enclosure 110, for example, using a fastener 169 (e.g., a bearing). Similarly, the other end of the third rod 145 passes through a hole on the bottom face of the enclosure 110 and is fixedly coupled to the enclosure 110, for example, using a fastener (similar to the fastener 169). The third rod 145 has third threads 145a on the outer surface of the third rod 145 for at least a partial length of the third rod 145. In the depicted embodiment, the third threads 145a extend for the entire length of the third rod 145.
[49] The third rod 145 is coupled to the plate 130 via a threaded coupling. In an embodiment, the third rod 145 is coupled to the plate 130 using second connector 167 at the second end 130d of the plate 130. The second connector 167 is coupled to the plate 130, using any known coupling mechanism, for example, welding, bonding, snap-fit, etc. In an embodiment, the plate 130 is coupled to the second connector 167 using a snap-fit mechanism. Figs. 5a illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary coupling between the plate 130 and the second connector 167. The second connector 167 may include an aperture (not shown) provided on an inner side of the second connector 167. The second projection 131b2 of the plate 130 is configured to fit within the aperture of the second connector 167. The inner dimensions of the aperture of the second connector 167 correspond to outer dimensions of the second projection 131b2 of the plate 130. The first connector 165 and the second connector 167 may have any shape as desired. In an embodiment, the first connector 165 and the second connector 167 are identical, though the first connector 165 and the second connector 167 may have different shapes and dimensions.
[50] In an embodiment, the third rod 145 is coupled to the second connector 167 via a threaded coupling. For example, the second connector 167 includes a hole 167a (shown in Fig. 5a). The third rod 145 passes through the hole 167a of the second connector 167. Threads 167b are provided on the inner surface of the hole 167a (shown in Fig. 5a). The threads 167b of the second connector 167 are complementary to and are configured to engage with the third threads 145a of the third rod 145. For example, the first connector 165 includes a hole 165a. The first rod 141 passes through the hole 165a of the first connector 165. Threads 165b are provided on an inner surface of the hole 165a of the first connector 165. The threads 165b of the first connector 165 are complementary to and are configured to engage with the first threads 141a of the first rod 141. Due to the threaded coupling between the third rod 145 and the second connector 167, the third rod 145 is configured to rotate in response to the linear movement of the second connector 167 (i.e., in response to the vertical movement of the plate 130). Thus, the control assembly moves the plate 130 vertically. The vertical movement of the plate 130, and hence, the vertical position of the holes 131, may be controlled by controlling at least the rotational direction of the first motor 151, the rotational speed of the first motor 151 and/or the duration for which the first motor 151 rotates. In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the rotational speed, the rotational direction and the duration of the rotation of the first motor 151 as desired by sending one or more first control signals to the first motor 151 during the surgical procedure.
[51] Though the plate 130 and the second connector 167 are shown as separate components, in another embodiment, the plate 130 and the second connector 167 may form an integrated structure such that the plate 130 may include the hole 167a having the threads 167b that are engaged with the third threads 145a of the third rod 145.
[52] In an embodiment, the second motor 153 is disposed on the proximal face 110c of the enclosure 110 (depicted in Fig. 1b). The second motor 153 is fixedly coupled to the enclosure 110 using any suitable coupling mechanism including, but not limited to, screws, nut-bolts, and so forth. The second motor 153 is coupled to the second rod 143 such that the second rod 143 is configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the second motor 153. In an embodiment, the second motor 153 is coupled to the second rod 143 via the second gear assembly. The second motor 153 is configured to rotate in the clockwise and anticlockwise direction. The second motor 153 is configured to rotate of the second rod 143 via the second gear assembly as explained below.
[53] In an embodiment, a shaft (not shown) of the second motor 153 is coupled to the fourth gear 161d. The fourth gear 161d is operatively coupled to the fifth gear 161e, which in turn is operatively coupled to the sixth gear 161f. The fourth gear 161d, the fifth gear 161e and the sixth gear 161f are mutually coupled via engagement of respective teeth provided on their outer surface as shown in Fig. 1b. The sixth gear 161f is coupled to the second rod 143 and is configured to rotate the second rod 143. Thus, the second gear assembly is configured to transfer the rotational motion of the second motor 153 to the second rod 143.
[54] At least a portion of the second rod 143 is disposed inside the enclosure 110 (depicted in Fig. 1a) towards the second side 110e of the enclosure 110. In an embodiment, one end of the second rod 143 passes through a hole on the bottom face of the enclosure 110 and is fixedly coupled with the enclosure 110, for example, using a fastener (similar to the fastener 169). The other end of the second rod 143 passes through a hole on the top surface of the enclosure 110 and is operatively coupled to the sixth gear 161f such that the second rod 143 is configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the sixth gear 161f.
[55] In an embodiment, the second rod 143 is coupled to the plate 130 such that the plate 130 is configured to rotate (or tilt or angularly move) around the rotational axis in response to the rotation of the second rod 143. The direction in which the plate 130 tilts, depends upon the rotational direction of the second rod 143.
[56] An exemplary coupling of the second rod 143 and the plate 130 is illustrated in Figs. 5a – 5b. In an embodiment, the second rod 143 and the plate 130 are coupled via the hinge component 163. The second rod 143 and the hinge component 163 are coupled using a threaded coupling, according to an embodiment. The second rod 143 has second threads 143a on the outer surface of the second rod 143 for at least a partial length of the second rod 143. In the depicted embodiment, the second threads 143a extend for the entire length of the second rod 143. The hinge component 163 includes a hole 163b having threads 163c provided on the internal surface of the hole 163b as depicted in Fig. 5c. The threads 163c of the hinge component 163 are complementary to and are configured to engage with the second threads 143a of the second rod 143. The plate 130 includes a slot 131a provided towards the second end 130d of the plate 130. The slot 131a is configured to receive at least a portion of the hinge component 163. The hinge component 163 includes a projection 163a provided towards the second end 130d of the plate 130. The projection 163a is configured fit within a corresponding aperture (not shown) provided on an inner face of the slot 131a. In an embodiment, the projection 163a is cylindrical, though it may have any other shape, such as, frustum, tapered, cuboidal, etc. The coupling of the hinge component 163 and the plate 130 via the projection 163a forms a hinge mechanism. Consequently, the hinge component 163 is configured to translate the rotational motion of the second rod 143 into an angular motion, causing the plate 130 to move angularly around the rotational axis. Thus, when the second rod 143 rotates, the plate 130 tilts.
[57] The rotation (i.e., the angular movement) of the plate 130, and hence, the orientation of the holes 131, may be controlled by controlling at least the rotational direction, the rotational speed of the second motor 153 and/or the duration for which the second motor 153 rotates. In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the rotational direction, the rotational speed and duration of the rotation of the second motor 153 as desired by sending one or more second control signals to the second motor 153 during the surgical procedure. The first motor 151 and the second motor 153 may be communicatively coupled to the control unit. The memory of the control unit may store software, which when run by the computing device of the control unit, causes the control unit to send the one or more first control signals and the one or more second control signals to the first motor 151 and the second motor 153, respectively.
[58] By controlling the laser sources corresponding to the holes 131, the vertical position and tilt of the plate 130, the device 100 can be adapted to achieve different sizes of cuts at various positions and/or orientations for different implant sizes. This improves the overall usability of the device 100.
[59] The first motor 151, the second motor 153, the first rod 141, the second rod 143, the third rod 145, the first gear 161a, the second gear 161b, the third gear 161c, the fourth gear 161d, the fifth gear 161e, the sixth gear 161f, the hinge component 163, the first connector 165 and the second connector 167 may be made of a biocompatible material such as, without limitation, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, etc. In an example implementation, the first motor 151, the second motor 153, the first rod 141, the second rod 143, the third rod 145, the first gear 161a, the second gear 161b, the third gear 161c, the fourth gear 161d, the fifth gear 161e, the sixth gear 161f, the hinge component 163, the first connector 165 and the second connector 167 are made of 17-4PH stainless steel. The dimensions of the first rod 141, the second rod 143 and the third rod 145 may be chosen based upon requirements. In an embodiment, the first rod 141, the second rod 143 and third rod 145 may be identical, and have a pre-defined length ranging between 5 mm and 50 mm and have a pre-defined diameter ranging between 2 mm and 10 mm.
[60] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method 200 for operating the device 100. The method 200 has been explained herein in the context of resecting the femur 10 of a patient. It should be appreciated that the method 200 may be similarly applied for resecting other bones. At step 201, the device 100 is fixated at a target bone, for example, the femur 10 depicted in Fig. 7. The device 100 is positioned at a desired location (e.g., the distal end of the femur 10) such that the distal face 110a of the enclosure 110 contacts a surface of the target bone. The device 100 is then fixated with the target bone with the help of fasteners 100a inserted via the holes 115a1 of the enclosure 110 (shown in Fig. 7).
[61] At step 203, the vertical position of the plate 130 is adjusted as needed. To move the plate 130 vertically, the first motor 151 is rotated in a desired direction. For example, the first motor 151 is rotated clockwise to move the plate 130 vertically upward and is rotated anticlockwise to move the plate 130 vertically downward. When the first motor 151 rotates, the first rod 141 rotates and as a result, the plate 130 moves vertically as described earlier. The first motor 151 is rotated until the plate 130 moves to the desired location. The first motor 151 is then stopped.
[62] At step 205, the tilt (or the orientation) of the plate 130 is set to a desired angle. To rotate the plate 130, the second motor 153 is rotated in a desired direction. For example, the second motor 153 is rotated clockwise to tilt the plate 130 upward and is rotated anticlockwise to tilt the plate 130 downward. When the second motor 153 rotates, the second rod 143 rotates and the plate 130 tilts accordingly as explained earlier. The second motor 153 is rotated until the plate 130 is tilted at the desired angle. Consequently, the holes 131 and the optical fibers 120 are oriented at that angle. The second motor 153 is then stopped.
[63] At step 207, a pre-defined number of laser sources having a desired frequency and energy, are activated based upon the size of the cut. The corresponding optical fibers 120 transmit the lasers and emit them from the corresponding holes 131. These lasers cut the bone. Once a cut of a desired depth is achieved, the vertical position and tilt of the plate 130 may be adjusted again as needed in a similar manner as described above.
[64] At step 209, the device 100 is unfastened from the target bone by removing the corresponding fasteners, once the bone resection is complete.
[65] Thus, by dynamically controlling the vertical position and the tilt of the plate 130 as well as transmitting the laser through desired optical fibers 120 (and associated holes 131) based upon the surgery requirements, any size of the cut at any position and/or orientation is achieved. Therefore, the same device 100 can be used for different implant sizes. Bones are resected using lasers, which increases the precision of the cut. Further, the first motor 151 and the second motor 153 can be automatically and precisely controlled by the control unit. Therefore, manual errors are eliminated, and overall accuracy and efficacy of the procedure are improved.
[66] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. A resection device (100) comprising:
a. an enclosure (110) attachable to a bone;
b. a plate (130) disposed inside the enclosure (110) and comprising a plurality of holes (131), each of the plurality of holes (131) extends from a proximal face of the plate (130) to a distal face (130b) of the plate (130);
c. a plurality of optical fibers (120) coupled to the plate (130), each of the plurality of optical fibers (120) is coupled to a corresponding laser source and configured to provide a passage for a laser signal, wherein a distal portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers (120) is configured to reside within a corresponding hole (131) of the plurality of holes (131); and
d. a control assembly coupled with the plate (130) and configured to at least one of: move the plate (130) in a vertical direction or move the plate (130) angularly around a rotational axis of the plate (130) within a pre-defined range of angles.
2. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control assembly comprises:
a. a first motor (151); and
b. a first rod (141) disposed within the enclosure (110), the first rod (141) is coupled to the first motor (151), and is coupled to the plate (130) via a threaded coupling;
c. wherein, in response to the rotation of the first motor (151), the first rod (141) is configured to rotate, causing the plate (130) to move in a vertical direction.
3. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first motor (151) is coupled to the first rod (141) via a first gear assembly comprising at least one gear.
4. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first rod (141) is coupled to the plate (130) via a first connector (165) comprising a hole (165a) having threads (165b) configured to engage with first threads (141a) provided on an outer surface of the first rod (141).
5. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control assembly comprises:
a. a second motor (153);
b. a second rod (143) coupled to the second motor (153) and configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the second motor (153);
c. a hinge component (163) coupled to the second rod (143) and the plate (130), the hinge component (163) configured to translate the rotational motion of the second rod (143) into an angular motion, causing the plate (130) to move angularly around the rotational axis.
6. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hinge component (163) comprises a hole (163b) having threads (163c) provided on an inner surface of the hole (163b) and configured to engage with second threads (143a) provided on an outer surface of the second rod (143).
7. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plate (130) comprises a slot (131a) configured to receive at least a portion of the hinge component (163) and wherein, the hinge component (163) comprises a projection (163a) configured to fit within an aperture provided on an inner surface of the slot (131a).
8. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second motor (153) is coupled to the second rod (143) via a second gear assembly comprising at least one gear.
9. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control assembly comprises a third rod (145) disposed within the enclosure (110) and coupled to the plate (130) via a threaded coupling.
10. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the third rod (145) is coupled to the plate (130) via a second connector (167) comprising a hole (167a) having threads (167b) configured to engage with third threads (145a) provided on an outer surface of the third rod (145.
11. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, where the resection device (100) comprises a control unit configured to selectively activate and deactivate each laser source.
12. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a distal end of each of the plurality of optical fibers (120) is aligned with a distal end of the corresponding hole (131).
13. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes (131) is arranged in a row.
14. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resection device (100) includes a sheath (121) configured to enclose the plurality of optical fibers (120), the sheath (121) is coupled to the plate (130) and is configured to move vertically within a slot (113) provided in the enclosure (110), in response to the vertical movement of the plate (130).
15. The resection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined range of angles comprises angles between 0 degrees and 180 degrees.