The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 14, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 22, 2000
Peter Alexander Cole, Madison, MS (US);
Douglas Eric Parsell, Ridgeland, MS (US);
Other;
Abstract
An intramedullary catheter nail apparatus and method is disclosed that provides both the mechanical stabiliazation and therapeutic drug delivery needed to optimize long bone repair. In the preferred embodiment, the intramedullary catheter nail contains circular channels running along its length that have open communication with the outer surface of the nail, but are primarily receded within the nail. Enclosed in these channels are end-capped, catheter tubes with perforated regions mared with radiographically-visible rings. Once the nail is mechanically fixed within the repaired long bone, the catheter tubes are retracted the needed distance so as to position the perforated regions adjacent to the site of bone fracture or disease. Internal catheter tubes would preferably unite as exiting the nail. Catheter tubing would exit the patient's body through a subcutaneous port, thus allowing convenient and sterile connection to a pumping source of therapeutic agents, such as an infusion pump. The delivery of growth factors, analgesics, chemotherapeutic, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, diagnostic agents or mixtures of various components of differing classes directly to the trauma site would be facillitated.