Flexible drill bit and angled drill guide for use with the same
US10022131B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/00946
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible drill bit comprising: a proximal shaft portion for connecting to a source of turning; a distal cutting tip portion for boring into a material; and an intermediate shaft portion extending between the proximal shaft portion and the distal cutting tip portion, the intermediate shaft portion being characterized by (i) sufficient longitudinal flexibility so as to permit the flexible drill bit to be passed along a curve, and (ii) sufficient torsional strength to permit the flexible drill bit to bore into the material. Apparatus for drilling a hole in material, the apparatus comprising: an angled drill guide comprising a curved distal section, a less-curved proximal section, and a lumen extending therebetween, wherein the less-curved proximal section comprises a flat extending therealong for reducing the effective diameter of the less-curved proximal section so as to minimize interference between the angled drill guide and the side wall of an access cannula.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.