Invention:
This invention is a simple and reusable handheld device for the surgical removal of infected tissue that uses simultaneous curettage (scraping), aspiration (suctioning), and irrigation (cleaning). The tool is unique among prior art for its use of curettage instead of reaming (drilling).
This tool can improve the process of removing tissue from a necrotizing infection while leaving adjacent healthy tissue intact. The project was funded by the University of Arizona’s Department of Biomedical Engineering.
Background:
Demand for orthopedic technology designed for surgical treatments like necrotic tissue removal and boring holes to remove material or create openings for implants has been and will continue to increase due to an increasing average population age and more frequent musculoskeletal diseases, trauma, and burns. At this time, high unit costs are prohibiting major market growth.
Many of the products that are currently available for sale that resemble this technology are converging on a reaming-irrigating-aspirating system that can perform many functions at once to increase efficacy by reducing destructive invasiveness and time spent in surgery.
Applications:
- Surgical removal of infected/necrotic tissue
- Simultaneous curettage (scraping), aspiration (suctioning), and irrigation (cleaning)
Advantages:
- Reusable
- Reliable market growth
- Emphasis on curettage instead of reaming
