External fixation assembly and method of use
US8454603B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/00544
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.