Apparatus to inject fluids into bone marrow and other target sites

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11065382
  • Patent Number
    11,065,382
  • Date Filed
    Friday, December 28, 2018
    5 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, July 20, 2021
    2 years ago
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for providing access to bone marrow and delivering a quantity of fluid to an intraosseous space. The apparatus may include a driver having a housing and a drive shaft, and a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism for releasably retaining a portion of a cartridge assembly having a plunger assembly. A plunger operating assembly may be disposed within a longitudinal bore of the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism. The plunger operating assembly may include a plunger barrel having a chamber configured to receive a portion of the plunger assembly of the cartridge assembly. The apparatus may also include a drive housing for transmitting rotational forces from the drive shaft to the cartridge assembly.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to apparatus and methods for delivery of fluids to a target site such as, but not limited to, bone marrow of a bone and removal of fluids from a target site.


BACKGROUND

Every year, millions of patients are treated for life threatening emergencies in the United States. Such emergencies include shock, trauma, cardiac arrest, drug overdoses, diabetic ketoacidosis, arrhythmias, burns, and status epilepticus just to name a few. For example, according to the American Heart Association, more than 1,500,000 patients suffer from heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) every year, with over 500,000 of them dying from its devastating complications.


An essential element for treating all such emergencies is the rapid establishment of an intravenous (IV) line in order to administer drugs and fluids directly into the circulatory system. Whether in the ambulance by paramedics, or in the emergency room by emergency specialists, the goal is the same—to start an IV in order to administer life-saving drugs and fluids. To a large degree, the ability to successfully treat such critical emergencies is dependent on the skill and luck of the operator in accomplishing vascular access. While it is relatively easy to start an IV on some patients, doctors, nurses and paramedics often experience great difficulty establishing IV access in approximately 20 percent of patients. These patients are probed repeatedly with sharp needles in an attempt to solve this problem and may require an invasive procedure to finally establish an intravenous route.


A further complicating factor in achieving IV access occurs “in the field” e.g. at the scene of an accident or during ambulance transport where it is difficult to see the target and excessive motion make accessing the venous system very difficult.


In the case of patients with chronic disease or the elderly, the availability of easily-accessible veins may be depleted. Other patients may have no available IV sites due to anatomical scarcity of peripheral veins, obesity, extreme dehydration or previous IV drug use. For these patients, finding a suitable site for administering lifesaving drugs becomes a monumental and frustrating task. While morbidity and mortality statistics are not generally available, it is known that many patients with life-threatening emergencies have died of ensuing complications because access to the vascular system with life-saving IV therapy was delayed or simply not possible. For such patients, an alternative approach is required.


SUMMARY

In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, an apparatus operable to deliver a quantity of fluid to a target site such as bone marrow of a bone may be provided. The apparatus may include a driver, a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism and a cartridge assembly having a fluid reservoir with a bone penetrating needle coupled thereto.


In another embodiment an apparatus for delivering a quantity of medication to a target site may include a driver, a plunger operating assembly or a plunger barrel having a first spring, a retractable sleeve having a second spring and a fluid reservoir with a bone penetrator attached thereto.


In still another embodiment an apparatus for delivering a quantity of fluid to bone marrow of a bone is provided that may include a powered driver having a drill shaft operable for attachment with a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism, a gear assembly operable to engage and rotate the drill shaft, a motor, a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor. The plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism may include a plunger operating assembly and a retractable sleeve. A cartridge assembly having a fluid reservoir along with a plunger assembly and a bone penetrating needle may be releasably engaged with the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism.


In another embodiment a method for delivering a quantity of medication to a target site such as, but not limited to, bone marrow of a bone may be provided including compressing or cocking a portion of a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism, inserting a fluid filled cartridge assembly into the cocked plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism and penetrating into bone marrow until the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism injects a quantity of fluid into the bone marrow.


In a further embodiment a cartridge assembly operable to deliver medication to bone marrow of a bone may be provided with a detachable fluid reservoir, a plunger assembly, a bone penetrating needle and associated fittings. The fluid reservoir may be formed at least in part from glass, glass composites, plastic or plastic composites.


For some embodiments, a bone penetrating needle may include a hollow longitudinal bore with a closed tip at one end of the longitudinal bore. Side ports communicating with the longitudinal bore of the bone penetrating needle may be angled to block or facilitate passage of certain substances.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete and thorough understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:



FIG. 1A is a schematic drawing in elevation showing one example of an apparatus operable to deliver a quantity of medication to bone marrow;



FIG. 1B is an exploded, schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing one example of an apparatus operable to deliver a quantity of medication to bone marrow in an unloaded, cocked position;



FIG. 1C is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing one example of an apparatus operable to deliver a quantity of medication to bone marrow in a loaded position;



FIG. 1D is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing one example of an apparatus operable to delivery a quantity of medication to bone marrow in a third, released position;



FIG. 1E is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing a bone penetrator communicating with bone marrow in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure;



FIG. 1F is a schematic drawing showing an isometric view with portions broken away of one example of a pawl latch assembly satisfactory for use with the apparatus of FIGS. 1B-1D;



FIG. 1G is a schematic drawing showing an isometric view with portions broken away of a pawl latch assembly holding a plunger operating assembly or plunger barrel in a first, cocked position;



FIG. 1H is a schematic drawing showing an isometric view in section with portions broken away of the pawl latch assembly and plunger operating assembly of FIG. 1G in a second, released position;



FIG. 1I is a schematic drawing in section taken along lines 1I-1I of FIG. 1G;



FIG. 1J is a schematic drawing in section taken along lines 1J-1J of FIG. 1H;



FIG. 2A is a schematic, exploded drawing in elevation showing one example of a cartridge assembly satisfactory for use with an apparatus operable to deliver a quantity of medication to bone marrow;



FIG. 2B is a schematic drawing in elevation and in section showing the cartridge assembly of FIG. 2A;



FIG. 2C is a schematic, exploded drawing in elevation showing another example of a cartridge assembly satisfactory for use with an apparatus operable to deliver a quantity of medication to bone marrow;



FIG. 2D is a schematic drawing in elevation and in section showing the cartridge assembly of FIG. 2C;



FIG. 3A is a schematic drawing in elevation with portions broken away showing one example of a bone penetrating needle operable for communicating fluids with bone marrow;



FIG. 3B is a schematic drawing in elevation with portions broken away showing another example of a bone penetrating needle operable for communicating fluids with bone marrow;



FIG. 3C is a schematic drawing in section taken along lines 3C-3C of FIG. 3A;



FIG. 4A is an exploded, schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing one example of a cartridge assembly releasably engaged with a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism incorporating teachings of the present disclosure;



FIG. 4B is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing release of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 4A from the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure;



FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing one method of delivering a quantity of medication to bone marrow;



FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation showing another example of an apparatus including a driver operable to deliver a quantity of medication to bone marrow;



FIG. 7A is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing another example of a cartridge assembly releasably engaged with a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism incorporating accordance with teachings of the present disclosure;



FIG. 7B is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing release of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 7 A from the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure;



FIG. 8A is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing still another example of a cartridge assembly releasably engaged with a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism incorporating teachings of the present disclosure; and



FIG. 8B is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing release of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 8A from the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the disclosure and advantages are best understood by reference to FIGS. 1A-8B wherein like numbers refer to same and like parts.


The term “fluid” may be used within this patent application to include any liquid or any mixture of liquids, particulate matter, dissolved medication and/or drugs appropriate for injection into bone marrow or other target sites. The term “fluid” may also be used within this patent application to include body fluids such as, but not limited to, blood and cells which may be withdrawn from a target site.


The terms “fluid reservoir” and “reservoir” may be used in this patent application to include any chamber, cavity, ampoule, barrel, receptacle or any other device satisfactory for use with a cartridge assembly or other apparatus incorporating teachings of the present disclosure.


Examples of apparatus operable to access bone marrow and other target sites in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure are shown generally in FIGS. 1A-4B and 6-8B. One example of a method to access bone marrow or other target sites in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure is shown generally in FIG. 5. However, the present disclosure is not limited to examples such as shown in FIGS. 1A-4B and 6-8B or the method of delivering fluid to bone marrow as outlined in FIG. 5.


Various features of the present disclosure may be described with respect to apparatus 20 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and apparatus 220 as shown in FIG. 6. Apparatus 20 may have several positions such as an uncocked and unloaded position (not expressly shown), a cocked and unloaded position such as shown in FIG. 1B, a cocked and loaded position such as shown in FIG. 1C and a discharged position after fluid has been injected from a cartridge assembly at a target site such as shown in FIG. 1D.


Apparatus 20, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, may include housing 22 with driver assembly 30 and plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50 disposed therein. Cartridge assembly 130 may be disposed within portions of housing 22. See FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D. Housing 22 may include handle 24 which has been sized and contoured to fit the hand of an operator (not expressly shown). Handle 24 may include on/off switch or trigger 32. Housing 22 may also include receiver portion 26 having a generally hollow, tubular configuration. First end or distal end 27 of receiver portion 26 may be open with portions of retractable sleeve 58 slidably disposed therein. Second end or proximal end 28 of receiver portion 26 may be sealed or closed to protect various components associated with driver assembly 30 and plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50.


Driver assembly 30 may include motor 34 connected to gearbox 36. Gearbox 36 may be attached to drive shaft 38 to produce rotational motion of plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50. Various types of motors may be satisfactorily used to produce rotational, reciprocal or any other type of motion suitable to achieve desired results. In this example embodiment, motor 34 may be powered by battery pack 40. In alternative embodiments, motor 34 may be powered by electricity from a standard wall outlet, an AC to DC converter or solar power generator. A compressed or wound spring, gas cartridge or any other satisfactory power source for operating a motor may also be used to operate apparatus 20.


Plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50 may include first spring 51, second spring 52 and third spring 53. See FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D. First spring 51 may sometimes be referred to as “plunger spring” 51. Second spring 52 may sometimes be referred to as “retractable sleeve spring” 52. Third spring 53 may sometimes be referred to as “torsional spring” or “pawl latch spring” 53. Various functions associated with springs 51, 52 and 53 will be discussed later in more detail.


Plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50 may also include rotatable housing 54, retractable sleeve 58, plunger operating assembly 82, and pawl latch assembly 110. Retractable sleeve 58 may sometimes be referred to as “spring loaded retractable sleeve 58.” Plunger operating assembly 82 may sometimes be referred to as “spring loaded plunger barrel 82.” Pawl latch assembly 110 may sometimes be referred to as “spring loaded pawl latch assembly 110.” Each of these components will be discussed later in more detail.


Drive housing 54 may be used to transmit rotational forces or drilling forces from drive shaft 38 to a cartridge assembly releasably engaged within plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50. The cartridge assembly may include a fluid reservoir, a plunger assembly and a hollow, bone penetrating needle. Hollow, bone penetrating needles and hollow drill bits incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may sometimes be referred to as “bone penetrators.” Rotational and/or drilling forces from drive shaft 38 may be used to insert a bone penetrating needle into bone marrow at a selected target site.


Examples of cartridge assemblies incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown in FIGS. 1B, 1D, 1C, 2A and 2B. However, a wide variety of other cartridge assemblies may be satisfactorily used with a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism incorporating teachings of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to cartridge assemblies 130 and 130a. The present disclosure is also not limited to using only rotational and/or drilling forces to insert a bone penetrating needle attached to a cartridge assembly at a selected target site. A plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may also apply longitudinal or axial force to a cartridge assembly to insert an attached bone penetrating needle into bone marrow at a selected target site. Examples of drivers which apply linear force (sometimes referred to as “impact drivers” or “impact driver devices”) are shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/064,156 entitled “Impact-Driven Intraosseous Needle” filed Feb. 23, 2005. Such drivers may be satisfactorily used with a cartridge assembly incorporating teachings of the present disclosure.


Drive housing 54 may be described as having a hollow, generally cylindrical configuration defined in part by longitudinal bore 56. Plunger operating assembly 82 may be slidably disposed within longitudinal bore 56 which extends between first end 54a and second end 54b of rotational housing 54. Portions of plunger operating assembly 82 may extend from first end 54a of rotational housing 54. See FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D and 1H. First end 54a of rotational housing 54 may also be operable to releasably engage a cartridge assembly incorporating teachings of the present disclosure with plunger and drive mechanism 50.


Second end 54b of drive housing 54 may be securely engaged with drive shaft 38. For embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D, coupling 42 may be securely engaged with exterior portions of drive shaft 38 and interior portions of rotational housing 54 proximate second end 54b. Various types of mechanical fasteners such as set screws, pins, and/or detents may be satisfactorily used to engage coupling 42 with drive shaft 38 and drive housing 54. Engagement between second end 54b and drive shaft 38 generally prevents longitudinal movement of drive housing 54 relative to receiver portion 26 of housing 22.


The exterior dimensions and configurations of drive housing 54 may be selected to allow rotation of drive housing 54 with respect to retractable sleeve 58 and other components associated with plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50. Drive housing 54 may also be rotatably disposed within various components associated with housing 22 such as receiver portion 26 and interior support 23b.


Plunger operating assembly 82 may be triggered or activated to apply force to a plunger assembly associated with a cartridge assembly engaged with first end 54a of drive housing 54 to inject fluids from the cartridge assembly into bone marrow at a target site. Plunger operating assembly 82 may have a first, retracted or cocked position such as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1G and a second, extended or released position such as shown in FIGS. 1D and 1H. Plunger operating assembly 82 preferably includes first end 82a which may extend from first end 54a of drive housing 54. Second end 82b of plunger operating assembly 82 may be disposed adjacent to coupling 42 when plunger operating assembly 82 is in its first retracted or cocked position. See FIG. 1B. As discussed later in more detail, pawl latch assembly 110 may be releasably engaged with shoulder 88 to hold plunger operating assembly 82 in its first, retracted or cocked position. See FIGS. 1B and 1G.


Plunger operating assembly 82 may sometimes be described as a “plunger barrel.” Plunger operating assembly 82 may have a generally cylindrical configuration defined in part by reduced outside diameter portion 84 and enlarged outside diameter portion 86. See FIGS. 1G and 1H. Shoulder 88 may be formed on the exterior of plunger operating assembly 82 between reduced outside diameter portion 84 and enlarged inside diameter portion 86. Reduced outside diameter portion 84 may include a generally hollow, cylindrical chamber or cavity 94.


A plunger rod or plunger shaft extending from an associated cartridge assembly may be disposed within cavity 94. For example, FIGS. 1C and 1D show cartridge assembly 130 releasably engaged with first end 54a of drive housing 54 and portions of plunger shaft 142 extending from cartridge assembly 130 into cavity 94. During loading of apparatus 20, portions of plunger shaft 142 extending from cartridge assembly 130 or plunger shaft 142a extending from cartridge assembly 130a may be inserted into cavity 94.


Enlarged outside diameter portion 86 (FIG. 1B) may include generally hollow, cylindrical chamber or cavity 96 with portions of first spring or plunger spring 51 disposed therein. When plunger operating assembly 82 is released from its first position by activation of pawl latch assembly 110, first spring 51 may provide sufficient force or energy to propel plunger shaft 142 and attach plunger or piston 144 into attached cartridge assembly 130 to inject fluids from cartridge assembly 130 into bone marrow at a target site.


Plunger and drive mechanism 50 may also include retractable sleeve 58 slidably disposed within housing 22. Sleeve 58 may be described as a generally elongated, hollow cylinder defined in part by first end or distal end 58a and second end or proximal 58b. Sleeve 58 may have a first, extended position such as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C and a second, retracted position such as FIG. 1D.


As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, cut-out or window 60 may be formed in sleeve 58 proximate first end or distal end 58a. Window 60 may be used to confirm that a cartridge assembly has been loaded and properly seated into apparatus 20. For some applications a retractable sleeve may be formed from clear, plastic-type material (not expressly shown) which would not require the use of cut-out or notch 60 to indicate when a cartridge assembly has been releasably installed within apparatus 20.


As shown in FIGS. 1B-1D and 1G-1J, sleeve 58 may include reduced outside diameter portion 64 and enlarged outside diameter portion 66 with shoulder 68 formed there between. Ramp or trigger 70 may be formed on the inside diameter of sleeve 58 proximate shoulder 68. See FIGS. 1C, 1I and 11. Ramp 70 may contact pawl latch assembly 110 while drive housing 54 is rotating to release plunger operating assembly 82 when an associated cartridge assembly has been inserted to a desired depth at a target site. As shown in FIGS. 1D, 1I and 1J, longitudinal movement or sliding of sleeve 58 from first end 27 of housing 22 towards second end 28 of housing 22 will result in ramp 70 contacting portions of pawl latch assembly 110 when drive housing 54 is rotating. Movement of retractable sleeve 58 from its first extended position to a second retracted position will generally not result in ramp 70 contacting or releasing pawl latch assembly 110.


For some applications, receiver portion 26 of housing 22 may include first interior support 23a and second interior support 23b. See FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D. Interior supports 23a and 23b are preferably spaced from each other and securely engaged with receiver portion 26. For some applications interior supports 23a and 23b may have a generally circular opening formed therein (not expressly shown). The opening in first interior support 23a may be sized to slidably receive reduced outside diameter portion 64 of sleeve 58. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C interior support 23a may engage or contact shoulder 66 when sleeve 58 is in its first, extended position.


Second interior support 23b may have a generally circular opening formed therein (not expressly shown) and may be sized to be compatible with the outside diameter of drive housing 54. See FIGS. 1B-1D. Second spring 52 maybe disposed within receiver portion 26 of housing 22 between second support 23b and a recess defined in part by shoulder 72 formed on the interior of enlarged outside diameter portion 66 of sleeve 58. Portions of drive housing 54 may be disposed within second spring 52. See FIG. 1C.


When a bone penetrating needle of an associated cartridge assembly is inserted into bone marrow at a target site, sleeve 58 will generally retract or slide from first end 27 of housing 22 towards second end 28 of housing 27. See FIG. 1D. This movement will compress second spring 52 between second support 23b and shoulder 72 formed on the interior of enlarged outside diameter portion 66. When apparatus 20 is removed from contact with a patient's skin, second spring 52 will return sleeve 58 to its first, extended position as shown in FIG. 1B with shoulder 68 contacting first support 23a.


Movement of retractable sleeve 58 from its first, extended position (FIGS. 1B and 1C) to its second, retracted position (FIG. 1D), as an associated bone penetrating needle is inserted into bone marrow at a target site, may result in pawl latch assembly 110 contacting ramp or trigger 70 during rotation of drive housing 54. See FIGS. 1I and 1J. Ramp 70 will then move pawl latch assembly 110 from its first, blocking position (FIGS. 1B and 1G) to its second position (FIGS. 1D and 1J) which results in release of plunger operating assembly 82 from its first, cocked position such as shown in FIG. 1B. First spring 51 may then move plunger operating assembly 82 to its second, released or fired position such as shown in FIG. 1D. Pawl latch assembly 110 is only one example of a mechanism satisfactory for releasing a plunger operating assembly from a cocked position.



FIG. 1E shows bone penetrator 160 inserted into bone 334 and associated bone marrow 336. Bone 334 may be generally described as a humeral head. For some applications a humeral head may be a preferred target site due to relatively high blood flow rates through associated bone marrow and relatively easy access. Various types of connections may be used to communicate fluids with bone marrow 336 via bone penetrator 160 and intravenous tubing 340. For example right angle connector 342 may be engaged with one end of tubing 340. Right angle connector 342 has the advantage of allowing tubing 340 to be connected to bone penetrator 160 at an angle that will not kink or pinch off the lumen of tubing 340. Right angle connector 342 may also include Luer fitting 343 sized to be inserted into end 302 of hub 300. Locknut 344 may be used to engage right angle connector 342 with threaded connection 303 adjacent to second end 302 of hub 300.


Many medical devices such as syringes, hypodermic needles, catheters, IV tubing and stop cocks may include either a pin (male) or box (female) Luer type fitting. The pin end or box end may include threads which allow releasably engaging an associated medical device with other equipment having a complimentary Luer type fitting. Luer type connections may sometimes be described as Luer slips or Luer locks. Luer slips may require a half twist of an associated collar to securely engage a pin end and a box end with each other. A Luer lock functions by forming a watertight fit between a pin and a box when engaged and when twisted by a half turn or more. Luer locks frequently include a threaded locking collar on a box end which mates with ears or projections from an associated pin end to provide a more positive, locked connection. Luer connections generally form fluid tight seals. Some Luer connections may include tapered fittings.


For some applications second end 302 of hub 300 may be modified to have one or more features of such previously described Luer connections. Second end 302 and threaded connection 303 of hub 300 may be designed to accommodate attachment of various types of connectors used to communicate fluids with bone marrow or other target sites via bone penetrator 160.



FIG. 1E illustrates only one example of a connector that may be used to communicate fluids between bone penetrator 160 and tubing 340. Intravenous tubing may be used to provide intravenous fluids and/or medications to associated bone marrow. The tubing may also be used in withdrawing a sample of blood from the bone marrow. Other connectors or adapters may also be used to connect a penetrator to intravenous tubing, other types of tubing and/or a syringe.


As shown in FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D and 1F-1J pawl latch assembly 110 may be disposed within portions of drive housing 54 intermediate first end 54a and second end 54b. Pawl latch assembly 110 may include pivot shaft 112 with pawl or cam 114 rotatably mounted thereon. Pawl 114 may include first lobe 114a and second lobe 114b extending from pivot shaft 112. First lobe or first portion 114a may be sized to releasably engage shoulder 88 formed on the exterior of plunger operating assembly 82. Second lobe or second portion 114b may be sized to engage ramp or trigger 70. Third spring or pawl spring 53 may also be mounted on pivot shaft 112 and engaged with pawl 114.


Pawl 114 may have a first position such as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1G which corresponds with the first, cocked position of associated plunger operating assembly 82. Third spring 53 preferably biases pawl 114 to its first position which releasably engages first lobe 114a with shoulder 88. Pawl 114 may have a second position which corresponds with the second, released position for plunger operating assembly 82. See FIGS. 1D and 1H.


For some applications drive housing 54 may include opening or channel 116 extending from first end 54a. Opening or channel 116 may be sized to accommodate insertion of pivot pin 112 into associated pawl 114 and third spring 53. See FIGS. 1G and 1H. Drive housing 54 may also include opening or channel 118 sized to receive the opposite end of pivot shaft 112. See FIGS. 1B and 1D. A window or notch maybe formed in the exterior of drive housing 54 to allow inserting portions of pawl 114 including lobe 114b therethrough.


When plunger operating assembly 82 is in its first, cocked position, second lobe or second portion 114b of pawl 114 will be spaced longitudinally from ramp or trigger 70. During rotation of an associated cartridge assembly and insertion of a bone penetrator at a target site, retractable sleeve 58 will slide longitudinally relative to the exterior of drive housing 54. The longitudinal movement of retractable sleeve 58 in combination with rotation of drive housing 54 will result in ramp or trigger 70 engaging second lobe 114b which rotates pawl 114 on pivot pin 112. Such rotation results in first lobe 114a releasing or allowing plunger operating assembly 82 to move from its first, cocked position to its second, released position. As previously discussed, this movement may result in injection of fluids from cartridge assembly 130 through penetrator 160 into bone marrow at a target site.


Cartridge assemblies formed in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure may include a fluid reservoir having a generally hollow, cylindrical configuration defined in part by a first, distal end and a second, proximal end. A hub with a hollow, bone penetrating needle may be attached to the first, distal end. Portions of a plunger assembly may be slidably disposed within the fluid reservoir to force fluids contained in the fluid reservoir through an attached hollow, bone penetrating needle. The plunger assembly may include a plunger shaft and plunger piston. Portions of the plunger shaft may extend from the second, proximal end of the fluid reservoir.


For some applications, cartridge assemblies incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may be prefilled with a specific fluid using techniques associated with prefilled syringes. For other applications, cartridge assemblies incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may normally be empty until filled with a fluid or medication prior to use of each cartridge assembly. Cartridge assemblies incorporating teachings of the present disclosure will often be disposed of after a single use. However, for some applications, cartridge assemblies incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may be used multiple times and may be used at one or more target sites.


Cartridge assemblies and associated fluid reservoirs may have a wide variety of configurations and functions similar to a hypodermic syringe, an insulin syringe or a tuberculin syringe. For example, fluid reservoirs 132 and 132a (FIGS. 2A and 2C) may contain a quantity of fluid with medication or a drug for delivery to bone marrow or another selected target site. The medication or drug may often be available in liquid form. However, any suitable form of drug including solid, powder, capsule or any other known form may be used. Medication or drugs may include, for example, emergency drugs for cardiac resuscitation, antibiotics, antidotes and any other drug suitable for administration to a body. Fluid reservoirs 132 and 132a may also be used for injection of intravenous fluids or any other substance desired for a specific purpose.


Various features of the present disclosure may be described with respect to cartridge assemblies 130 and 130a as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. Cartridge assemblies incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may have some characteristics associated with medical syringes. However, various components associated with cartridge assemblies 130 and 130a may be modified in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure to accommodate insertion of an associated hollow, bone penetrating needle into bone marrow or other selected target sites.


Cartridge assembly 130 may include barrel or fluid reservoir 132 having a generally hollow, cylindrical configuration defined in part by inside diameter 134. Barrel 132 may include first end 131 and second end 133. Hub 300 and associated hollow bone penetrating needle or bone penetrator 160 may be releasably engaged with first end 131. Barrel 132 may be formed from reusable glass, disposable plastic, glass composite, plastic composites and any other material suitable to contain fluids depending upon intended uses for cartridge assembly 130. Barrel 132 may sometimes be described as an “ampoule.”


Various types of plunger assemblies may be satisfactorily used with a cartridge assembly incorporating teachings of the present disclosure. For some applications plunger assembly 140 may include plunger shaft or plunger rod 142 and plunger piston 144. For some applications first end 145 of plunger shaft 142 may be releasably engaged with plunger piston 144. For other applications plunger shaft 142 may be securely engaged with plunger piston 144. One or more projections 146 may be formed on the outside diameter of plunger piston 144 to form a generally fluid tight, moveable seal with respect to inside diameter 134 of barrel 132. Plunger piston 144 may also function as a fluid seal or stopper to maintain any fluids contained within fluid reservoir 132 prior to loading cartridge assembly 130 into apparatus 20 or 220. Various types of elastomeric materials may be satisfactorily used to form plunger piston 144.


Plunger assembly 140 may slidably move from second end 133 of barrel 132 toward first end 131 in response to an axial force applied to plunger shaft 142. Release of plunger operating assembly 82 from its first, retracted or cocked position (FIG. 1B) allows first spring or plunger spring 51 to apply an axial force or a longitudinal force to plunger shaft 142 and move piston 144 from its first position adjacent to second end 133 to a second position adjacent to first end 131 of fluid reservoir 132 (FIG. 1D). Such movement of piston 144 may result in fluid from barrel 132 being injected through bone penetrating needle 160 into bone marrow or another target site.


Piston 144 may include recess 148 sized to receive threaded connection 303 formed adjacent to second end 302 of hub 300. Engagement of piston 144 with the threaded connection 303 may allow disengagement of reservoir 132 from hub 300. Drive connector 150 may be securely engaged with second end 133 of barrel 132 opposite from hub 300 (FIGS. 2A and 2B).


Drive connector 150 may have one or more recesses 152 formed therein and sized to receive corresponding segment 154 extending from first end 54a of drive housing 54. See for example FIGS. 4A and 4B. The dimensions of each recess 152 may be selected to form a secure, snug fit with associated segment 154. Rotation of drive housing 54 will result in each segment 154 contacting associated recess 152 to rotate drive connector 150 and attached barrel 132. The connection formed between hub 300 and first end 131 of barrel 132 is preferably designed to allow transfer of such rotation to attached bone penetrating needle 160.


As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a plurality of magnets 138 may be disposed in drive connector 150 at locations which allow forming a releasable magnetic engagement with first end 54a of drive housing 54. Recesses 152, segments 154 and magnets 138 cooperate with each other to allow releasable engagement between cartridge assembly 130 and first end 54a of drive housing 54.


As shown in FIGS. 1E, 2A and 2B, hub 300 may be used to stabilize an attached bone penetrator such as, but not limited to, bone penetrating needle 160 during insertion into a patient's skin, soft tissue and adjacent bone or other target site. The combination of hub 300 with bone penetrator 160 may sometimes be referred to as a penetrator set or intraosseous needle. First end 301 of hub 300 may have a size and configuration compatible with a selected target site for inserting bone penetrator 160. Examples of such target sites include, but are not limited to, a humeral head, a tibia, or a sternum. Second end 302 and threaded connection 303 of hub 300 may be operable to be releasably engaged with barrel 132. End 131 of barrel 132 may have a generally circular opening sized to receive second end 302 of hub 300 therein. Optional O-ring 306 or any other suitable fluid seal may be disposed on exterior portions of hub 300 to form a fluid barrier between adjacent interior portions of barrel 132. See FIGS. 2A and 2B.


Cartridge assembly 130a as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D may include barrel or fluid reservoir 132a having a hollow, generally cylindrical configuration defined in part by inside diameter portions 134a, 134b and 134c. Barrel 132a may include first end 131a and second end 133. Hub 300 and associated bone penetrating needle 160 may be engaged with first end 131a. Barrel 132a may be formed from materials such as used to form barrel 132.


Various types of plunger assemblies may be satisfactorily used with cartridge assembly 130a. For some applications plunger assembly 140a may include plunger shaft or plunger rod 142a and plunger piston 144a. For some applications, first end 145 of plunger shaft 142a may be securely engaged with plunger piston 144a. For other applications, first end 145 may be releasably engaged with piston 144a such as shown in FIGS. 2D, 4B, 7B and 8B.


One or more projections 146 may be formed on the outside diameter of plunger piston 144a to form a generally fluid tight, moveable seal with respect to inside diameter portion 134a. First end 147 of piston 144a may be configured to form a generally fluid tight seal with tapered interior surface 134b of barrel 132a. Plunger piston 144a may also function as a fluid seal or stopper to maintain fluids contained within reservoir 132a prior to inserting cartridge assembly 130a into apparatus 200 or 220. Various types of elastomeric materials may be satisfactorily used to form plunger piston 144a.


Plunger assembly 140a may slidably move from second end 133 of barrel 132a towards first end 131a in response to an axial force applied to plunger shaft 142a. Release of plunger operating assembly 82 from its first, retracted position allows first spring or plunger spring 51 to apply an axial force or a longitudinal force to move piston 144a from its first position adjacent to second end 133 to a second position which forms a generally fluid tight seal with tapered, inside diameter portion 134b of barrel 132a.


As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, second end 302 of hub 300a may also be engaged with barrel 132a. End 131a of barrel 132a may include reduced inside diameter portion 134c with threads 137 formed therein. The dimensions of inside diameter portion 134c may be selected to be compatible with the outside diameter of second end 302 of hub 300a. Second end 302 of hub 300a may include threads 303 or other suitable fitting formed on the exterior therein. Threads 303 may be engaged with threads 137. Second end 302 may have a generally cylindrical pin type configuration compatible with engaging first end or box end 131a of barrel 132a. For many applications hub 300a will remain securely engaged with first end 131a of barrel 132a during use of associated cartridge assembly 130a.


For some applications first end 301 of hub 300a may have the general configuration of a flange. Slot or groove 304 may be formed in first end 301 and sized to receive one end of protective cover or needle cap 334. Slot or groove 304 may be used to releasably engage cover 334 with hub 300a.


As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, a plurality of ridges 320 may be formed on exterior portions of hub 300a to allow an operator to grasp the associated penetrator assembly or penetrator set while loading an associated cartridge assembly into apparatus 20 or 220. Ridges 320 may also aid in removal of bone penetrator 160 from a target site. Longitudinal ridges 320 may also be grasped for engagement and/or disengagement of hub 300a with first end 131a of barrel 132a.


The dimensions and configuration of first end 301 of hub 300a may be varied to accommodate various target sites and/or patients. Hub 300a may be satisfactorily used with a wide variety of flanges or other configurations compatible with contacting a patient's skin. The present disclosure is not limited to hub 300a or bone penetrator 160.


For some applications a cartridge assembly may include only a single hollow bone penetrating needle. For other applications a cartridge assembly may include an outer penetrator such as a cannula or hollow bone needle or hollow drill bit (not expressly shown) and an inner penetrator such as a stylet, trocar or other removable device (not expressly shown) disposed within the outer penetrator. For some embodiments bone penetrating needles 160 and 160a may include a stylet (not expressly shown).


Penetrators may be relatively small for pediatric patients, medium-sized for adults and large for oversized adults. The length and diameter of the penetrator used in a particular application may depend upon the size of a bone to which the apparatus may be applied. Penetrators may be provided in a wide variety of configurations depending upon intended clinical purposes for insertion of the associated penetrator assembly. For example, there may be one configuration for administering drugs or fluids to a patient's bone marrow and an alternative configuration for sampling bone and/or blood from a patient. Other configurations may be appropriate for bone and/or tissue biopsy. Some penetrators may be suitable for more than one purpose. The configuration and size of a bone penetrator may also vary depending upon the target site chosen for insertion of each penetrator. The present disclosure is not limited to bone penetrators 160 or 160a.


A wide variety of hollow bone penetrating needles and hollow drills may be satisfactorily used to deliver a quantity of medication to bone marrow or other target sites in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. Hollow, bone penetrating needles 160 and 160a as shown respectively in FIGS. 3A and 3B are representative of only two examples of bone penetrators that may be satisfactorily used with apparatus of the present disclosure. Bone penetrators 160 and 160a are examples of a single, hollow penetrator. The size of bone penetrators 160 and 160a may vary depending upon a selected target site and/or intended applications for an associated cartridge assembly.


Bone penetrating needles 160 and 160a may be formed of stainless steel or any other suitable material. Respective closed tips 162 suitable for drilling through a bone into associated bone marrow, may be formed on a respective first end of bone penetrators 160 and 160a. Closed tip 162 may include at least one cutting edge 170 that enables efficient drilling through bone to associated bone marrow with minimal trauma to respective outer bony cortex.


Outside diameter or exterior portion 168 of bone penetrators 160 and 160a may be selected to accommodate secure engagement with an associated hub. A second end of each bone penetrator 160 and 160a opposite from respective tip 170 may be sized to receive fluid from an attached cartridge assembly.


Bone penetrators 160 and 160a may include one or more side ports 164 for release of medication or communication of fluid with adjacent bone marrow. Side ports 164, holes in the side of bone penetrators 160 and 160a, may be configured to block passage of bone chips and debris into longitudinal bore 166. By way of example and not limitation, one way to configure side ports 164 is to angle each side port 164 in a direction that is opposite to the direction of drilling. Alternatively, bone penetrating needle 160 and 160a may include a sleeve (not expressly shown) that blocks passage of bony fragments into longitudinal bore 166 of bone penetrator 160 or 160a.



FIG. 3C is a schematic drawing in section showing side port 164 offset or angled relative to longitudinal axis 169 of longitudinal bore 166. One or more side ports 164 may be formed at an acute angle relative to associated longitudinal bore 166 and longitudinal axis 169 to minimize obstruction or clogging of each side port 164 and associated longitudinal bore 166 by bone fragments (not expressly shown) and/or soft body tissue (not expressly shown). For example if drilling occurs in a clockwise direction, side ports 164 may be angled counter-clockwise. See FIG. 3C.



FIGS. 4A and 4B show another mechanism satisfactory for releasably engaging a cartridge assembly with portions of a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. However, a wide variety of releasable mechanisms other than magnets 138 such as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D or ball detent mechanisms such as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B or collet latch mechanisms such as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B may be satisfactorily used with an apparatus operable to deliver fluid to bone marrow in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure.


One of the features of such ball detent mechanisms and collet latch mechanisms includes maintaining positive engagement between an associated plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism and an attached cartridge assembly until after an associated plunger assembly has moved from a first position to a second position. Such movement may result in fluids contained in the cartridge assembly being injected at a target site before disengagement of the cartridge assembly from the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism.


Plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50a such as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B may include retractable sleeve 158 which functions similar to previously described retractable sleeve 58. Retractable sleeve 158 may include groove or recess 170 formed on the inside diameter of retractable sleeve 158. Balls 172 cooperate with drive connector 150 to maintain positive engagement between cartridge assembly 132a and first end 54a of drive housing 54 until after fluid has been injected from cartridge assembly 132a.


As an associated drive apparatus inserts bone penetrator 160 to a desired depth at a target site, retractable sleeve 158 will move to its second position which allows balls 172 to move radially outward into recess 170. See FIG. 4B. Movement of balls 172 into recess 170 may allow disengagement of drive connector 150 from first end 54a of drive housing 54. Portions of plunger shaft 142a may slide out of cavity 94 in plunger operating assembly 82. See FIG. 4B. After plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50a has inserted bone penetrator 160 at a target site and plunger shaft 142a has moved piston 144 from its first position to its second position proximate inside diameter portion 134a, the associated drive apparatus may be disengaged from cartridge assembly 132a. End 145 of plunger shaft 142a may also be disengaged from piston 144a.


In one embodiment steps such as outlined in FIG. 5 may be followed to employ apparatus 20 in delivering medication or fluid to bone marrow at a target site. Method 500 may begin with first step 502 which includes manually compressing plunger barrel 82 and plunger barrel spring 52. Plunger barrel 82 may be releasably engaged by pawl latch assembly 110 when plunger barrel spring 52 has been compressed. Step 504 may include inserting or loading cartridge assembly 130 or 130a into retractable sleeve 58 and releasably engaging respective cartridge assembly 130 or 130a with an associated plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism. In one embodiment, cartridge assembly 130 or 130a may engage drive housing 54 by a magnetic mechanism such as one or more magnetic discs 138.


Once cartridge assembly 130 or 130a is engaged with drive housing 54 and plunger operating assembly 82 is in its compressed position, apparatus 20 may be considered “armed” and ready to “fire” an associated bone penetrator into a target site such as a bone overlying bone marrow. Alternative target sites may include other body tissues or body cavities. Use of apparatus 20 to deliver medication or fluid may be applied to any desirable sites in the body.


After preparing a selected target site, for example a humeral head or a proximal tibia, apparatus 20 may be seated with first end 58a of retractable sleeve 58 disposed against skin overlying a bone and bone marrow at the target site for insertion of bone penetrating needle 160. Switch or trigger 32 may be activated to begin drilling into the bone and adjacent target bone marrow. See FIGS. 1C and 1D. Bone penetrating needle 160 may first penetrate the skin, followed by adjacent soft tissue, outer bone cortex and enter bone marrow at the target site. As first end 58a pushes against tissue overlying a target bone marrow, retractable sleeve 58 will contact pawl latch assembly 110 to release plunger operating assembly 82. As first spring 51 decompresses, plunger operating assembly 82 moves plunger shaft 142 into reservoir 132. As plunger shaft 142 is forced into reservoir 132, fluid or any other substance present within reservoir 132 is forced into the target bone marrow or intraosseous space of a bone.


After medication or fluid delivery, apparatus 20 may be disengaged from cartridge assembly 130. Reservoir 132 may then be detached from hub 300. Bone marrow may then be accessed through a connector attached with second end 302 of hub 300. See FIG. 1E. These steps describe only one embodiment of an apparatus operable to administer fluid such as a drug or medication to a target site. Other mechanisms may or may not include one or more of these steps.


Apparatus 220 as shown in FIG. 6 represents another embodiment operable to provide access to bone marrow or any other target site. Apparatus 220 may have several positions including plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 250 in an uncocked and unloaded position (not expressly shown), a cocked and unloaded position (not expressly shown), a cocked and loaded position such as shown in FIG. 6, and a discharge position after fluid has been injected from cartridge assembly 130a at a target site (not expressly shown).


Apparatus 220, as shown in FIG. 6, may include driver 221 with housing 222 and a drive assembly (not expressly shown) disposed therein. The drive assembly may include a motor, gearbox or gear head, and drive shaft 238 extending from housing 222. Driver 221 may sometimes be referred to as “powered” driver. Plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 250 may or may not be releasably engaged with driver 221. Plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 250 will typically be in an uncocked and unloaded position while engaging drive shaft 238 of driver 221 therewith.


Housing 222 may include handle 224 which has been sized and contoured to fit the hand of an operator (not expressly shown). Handle 224 may include on/off switch or trigger 232. Drive shaft 238 may extend from first end 227 of housing 222. Second end 228 of housing 222 may be sealed or closed to protect various components such as a motor, gearbox or gear head and a power source that may be disposed within housing 222.


Examples of power drivers satisfactory for use with a plunger operating and cartridge drive assembly incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,442 entitled “Tissue Penetrating Device and Methods of Using Same” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,154 entitled “Intra-Osseous Needle Drill.” Power drivers which may also be satisfactorily used with a plunger assembly incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/449,530 entitled “Apparatus and Method to Provide Emergency Access to Bone Marrow” filed May 30, 2003 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/449,476 entitled “Apparatus and Method to Access Bone Marrow” filed May 30, 2003. Manual drivers (not expressly shown) may also be satisfactorily used with cartridge drive mechanisms and/or plunger operating assemblies incorporating teachings of the present disclosure to provide access to bone marrow or other target sites in a patient's body.


Plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 250 may include first spring 251 and second spring 252. First spring 251 may sometimes be referred to as “plunger spring” 251. Second spring 252 may sometimes be referred to as “retractable sleeve spring” 252. One or more additional springs may also be disposed within plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 250 depending upon mechanisms used to releasably retain a cartridge assembly within plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 250 and/or allow plunger operating assembly 280 to move from a first, cocked position to a second, uncocked position.


Plunger operating assembly 280 may be disposed within longitudinal bore 256 of plunger operating and drive mechanism 250 adjacent to second end 254b. Plunger operating assembly 280 may include plunger barrel 282. Plunger barrel 282 may include chamber or cavity 292 which is sized to receive portions of a plunger assembly therein. Plunger operating assembly 280 may be moved from an uncocked position (not expressly shown) to a cocked position such as shown in FIG. 6. A cartridge assembly and bone penetrating needle incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may be inserted into retractable sleeve 258 and releasably engaged with an associated drive connector. Drive connectors 150, 150a, 150b or any other drive connector incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may be used.


First end or distal end 258a of retractable sleeve 258 may then be placed adjacent to a selected target site. Switch 232 may be depressed to activate driver 221 to rotate drive shaft 238 and insert bone penetrating needle 160 to a desired depth at the target site. As bone penetrating needle 160 is inserted into the target site, retractable sleeve 258 will move longitudinally from a first, extended position to a second, retracted position which results in release of plunger operating assembly 280 from its first, cocked position and allows first spring or plunger spring 251 to force plunger assembly 140a to move from its first position to its second position which results in the injection of fluids contained within reservoir 132a into bone marrow at the selected target site. After plunger assembly 140a has completed injection of the fluid, various release mechanisms such as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B may be satisfactorily used to disengage cartridge assembly 130a from plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 250.


Plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 250 may also include drive housing 254 defined in part by first end 254a and second end 254b. Drive housing 254 may have a generally hollow cylindrical configuration defined in part by longitudinal bore 256 extending from first end 254a towards second end 254b. Retractable sleeve 258 may be slidably disposed within longitudinal bore 256 and extend from first end 254a. Retractable sleeve 258 may also include first end or distal end 258a and second end or proximal end 258b. The outside diameter of retractable sleeve 258 and the inside diameter of longitudinal bore 256 are preferably selected to allow longitudinal, sliding movement of retractable sleeve 258 from its first, extended position as shown in FIG. 6 to a second, retracted position (not expressly shown).


Second end 254b of drive housing 254 may be generally closed except for opening 262 which is preferably sized to receive drive shaft 23S. Rotation of drive shaft 23S may be transmitted through portions of drive housing 250 adjacent to opening 256. Drive housing 254 may be used to transmit rotational forces or drilling forces from drive shaft 23S to a cartridge assembly releasably engaged with plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 250.



FIGS. 7A and 7B show portions of plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50b with cartridge assembly 130a releasably attached thereto. Release mechanism 180 may be generally described as a collet latch assembly having a plurality of collet fingers 182 with respective collet heads 184 disposed on the end of each collet finger 182. Collet latch assembly 180 may be satisfactorily used to releasably engage drive connector 150a of cartridge assembly 130a proximate first end 54a of drive housing 54b.


Plunger barrel 82a may include recess or groove 188 formed on the exterior thereof. As an associated plunger barrel 82a is shifted from a cocked position to a released position, groove 188 will be aligned with second end 186 of collet fingers 182. The dimensions of groove 188 are preferably selected to allow second end 186 of each collet finger 182 to be received therein. An associated retractable sleeve (not expressly shown) may include an enlarged inside diameter portion which accommodates radial expansion of collet fingers 182 and associated collet heads 184 to release their engagement with drive connector 150a. As a result the associated drive apparatus may be removed from cartridge assembly 130a.



FIGS. 8A and 8B show portions of plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism 50c with cartridge assembly 130a releasably attached thereto. Release mechanism 180a may be generally described as a collet latch assembly having a plurality of collet fingers 182a with respective collet heads 184a disposed on the end of each collet finger 182a. Collet latch assembly 180a may be satisfactorily used to releasably engage drive connector 150a of cartridge assembly 130a proximate first end 54a of drive housing 54c.


Plunger shaft or plunger rod 142b may include recess or groove 176 formed on the exterior thereof. As an associated plunger barrel (not expressly shown) moves from a cocked position to a released position, recess or groove 176 will be aligned with balls 172a and second end 1S6a of each collet finger 182a. The dimensions of recess 176 are preferably selected to allow balls 172a to be received therein. An associated retractable sleeve (not expressly shown) may include an enlarged inside diameter portion which accommodates radial expansion of collet fingers 182a and associated collet heads 184a to release their engagement with drive connector 150a. As a result, the associated drive apparatus may be removed from cartridge assembly 130a.


Apparatus 20 or 220 may be used to access the bone marrow of any bone in the body including but not limited to the tibia, humeral head, or sternum. Apparatus 20 or 220 may be used to access the femur, radius, ulna, iliac crest and medial malleolus or any other target site in a body including non-bony targets. Apparatus 20 or 220 may be used to access the bones and bone marrow of adults, children and any animal species. Apparatus 20 or 200 may also be used to access other tissues or body cavities.


Apparatus 20 and 220 may be used to administer a unit dose of medication to bone marrow or other target sites in any form suitable for delivery. Such drugs include, but are not limited to medications for resuscitation during the treatment of cardiac arrest, antibiotics, poison antidotes, nerve gas antidotes and radio protectants to protect the body against radiation exposure. Apparatus 20 or 220 may be used to administer any suitable fluids or other substances suitable for injection into bone marrow or other sites in the body. Such fluids may include, but are not limited to, normal saline, lactated Ringer's solution, blood, plasma, albumin or any other bio-compatible fluid.


Apparatus 20 and 220 formed in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure may have ergonomic designs that allow insertion pressure or forces, such as rotational, drilling, impact, longitudinal, and/or manual forces, to be applied with relative ease and at the same time permit insertion of a bone penetrator extending from an associated cartridge assembly. Handle 22 and 222 may be aligned with an anatomically neutral position of an operator's hand and wrist as a powered driver rotates a releasably engaged cartridge assembly with a bone penetrator extending therefrom. This alignment may allow better axial orientation of apparatus 20 and 220 as an associated bone penetrator is inserted into bone marrow or other target site with less chance of excessive movement and/or misalignment of the bone penetrator which might result in undesired widening and/or elongation of an associated insertion hole.


Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims
  • 1. An apparatus operable to provide access to bone marrow, the apparatus comprising:a driver including a housing and a drive shaft, the housing having a first end and a second end, and the drive shaft extending from the first end of the housing;a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism configured to releasably retain a portion of a cartridge assembly having a plunger assembly;a plunger operating assembly disposed within a longitudinal bore of the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism, the plunger operating assembly including a plunger barrel having a chamber configured to receive a portion of the plunger assembly of the cartridge assembly; anda drive housing having a first end, a second end, and a generally hollow cylindrical configuration extending from the first end toward the second end, wherein the drive housing is operable to transmit rotational forces from the drive shaft to the cartridge assembly releasably engaged with the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism.
  • 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism is releasably engageable with the driver.
  • 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism is operable to assume an uncocked and unloaded position, a cocked and unloaded position, a cocked and loaded position, and a discharge position.
  • 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism is operable to assume the uncocked and unloaded position while engaging the drive shaft of the driver.
  • 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism further comprises a retractable sleeve configured to receive the cartridge assembly and a bone penetrating needle.
  • 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism includes a first spring.
  • 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the retractable sleeve is operable to move longitudinally from a first, extended position, to a second, retracted position, to release the plunger operating assembly from a cocked position and allow the first spring to force the plunger assembly of the cartridge assembly to move from a first position to a second position.
  • 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a release mechanism operable to disengage the cartridge assembly from the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism.
  • 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism further includes a second spring.
  • 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a retractable sleeve slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore and operable to extend from the first end of the drive housing.
  • 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the drive housing includes an opening configured to receive the drive shaft.
  • 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driver is a powered driver.
  • 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driver further includes a handle extending from the second end of the housing, the handle including a trigger operable to activate the driver.
  • 14. An apparatus for delivering fluid to an intraosseous space, the apparatus comprising: a plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism configured to releasably engage a drive shaft of a driver and a portion of a cartridge assembly having a plunger assembly;a plunger operating assembly disposed within a longitudinal bore of the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism, the plunger operating assembly including a plunger barrel having a chamber configured to receive a portion of the plunger assembly of the cartridge assembly; anda drive housing having a first end, a second end, and a generally hollow configuration extending from the first end toward the second end, the drive housing operable to transmit rotational forces from the drive shaft to the cartridge assembly engaged with the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism.
  • 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a release mechanism operable to disengage the cartridge assembly from the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism.
  • 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the release mechanism includes a collet latch assembly configured to releasably engage a drive connector of the cartridge assembly proximate the first end of the drive housing.
  • 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the collet latch assembly includes a plurality of collet fingers with respective collet heads disposed on an end of each collet finger.
  • 18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism further comprises a retractable sleeve configured to receive the cartridge assembly and a bone penetrating needle, the retractable sleeve slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore and operable to extend from the first end of the drive housing.
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/064,272, filed Mar. 8, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/718,638, filed Mar. 5, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,295,487, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/347,506, filed Dec. 31, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,664, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/190,331, filed Jul. 27, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,811,260, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/449,503, filed May 30, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,328, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/384,756, filed May 31, 2002, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

US Referenced Citations (474)
Number Name Date Kind
1539637 Bronner May 1925 A
1954620 Connell Apr 1934 A
2317648 Siqveland Apr 1943 A
2419045 Whittaker Apr 1947 A
2660635 Wood Nov 1953 A
2766907 Wallace, Jr. Oct 1956 A
2773501 Young Dec 1956 A
3104448 Morrow et al. Sep 1963 A
3120845 Horner Feb 1964 A
3173417 Horner Mar 1965 A
3175554 Stewart Mar 1965 A
3507276 Burgess Apr 1970 A
3529580 Stevens Sep 1970 A
3543966 Ryan et al. Dec 1970 A
3697223 Kovalcik et al. Oct 1972 A
3734207 Fishbein May 1973 A
3750667 Pshenichny et al. Aug 1973 A
3802555 Grasty et al. Apr 1974 A
3815605 Schmidt et al. Jun 1974 A
3835860 Garretson Sep 1974 A
3893445 Hofsess Jul 1975 A
3935909 Mabuchi et al. Feb 1976 A
3991765 Cohen Nov 1976 A
4021920 Kirschner et al. May 1977 A
4099518 Baylis et al. Jul 1978 A
4124026 Berner et al. Nov 1978 A
4142517 Contreras Guerrero de Stavropoulos et al. Mar 1979 A
4170993 Alvarez Oct 1979 A
4185619 Reiss Jan 1980 A
4194505 Schmitz Mar 1980 A
4258722 Sessions et al. Mar 1981 A
4262676 Jamshidi Apr 1981 A
4266555 Jamshidi May 1981 A
4306570 Matthews Dec 1981 A
4333459 Becker Jun 1982 A
4359052 Staub Nov 1982 A
4381777 Garnier May 1983 A
4399723 Marleau Aug 1983 A
4413760 Paton Nov 1983 A
4420085 Wilson et al. Dec 1983 A
4441563 Walton, II Apr 1984 A
4469109 Mehl Sep 1984 A
4484577 Sackner et al. Nov 1984 A
4487209 Mehl Dec 1984 A
4504267 Parmelee et al. Mar 1985 A
4543966 Islam et al. Oct 1985 A
4553539 Morris Nov 1985 A
4578064 Sarnoff et al. Mar 1986 A
4605011 Naslund Aug 1986 A
4620539 Andrews et al. Nov 1986 A
4630616 Tretinyak Dec 1986 A
4646731 Brower Mar 1987 A
4654492 Koerner et al. Mar 1987 A
4655226 Lee Apr 1987 A
4659329 Annis Apr 1987 A
4692073 Martindell Sep 1987 A
4711636 Bierman Dec 1987 A
4713061 Tarello et al. Dec 1987 A
4716901 Jackson et al. Jan 1988 A
4723945 Theiling Feb 1988 A
4728876 Mongeon Mar 1988 A
4736850 Bowman et al. Apr 1988 A
4758225 Cox et al. Jul 1988 A
4762118 Lia et al. Aug 1988 A
4772261 Von Hoff et al. Sep 1988 A
4787893 Villette Nov 1988 A
4793363 Ausherman et al. Dec 1988 A
4838282 Strasser et al. Jun 1989 A
4844259 Glowczewskie, Jr. et al. Jul 1989 A
4867158 Sugg Sep 1989 A
4919146 Rhinehart et al. Apr 1990 A
4921013 Spalink et al. May 1990 A
4922602 Mehl May 1990 A
4935010 Cox et al. Jun 1990 A
4940459 Noce Jul 1990 A
4944677 Alexandre Jul 1990 A
4969870 Kramer et al. Nov 1990 A
4986279 ONeill Jan 1991 A
5002546 Romano Mar 1991 A
5025797 Baran Jun 1991 A
5036860 Leigh et al. Aug 1991 A
5057085 Kopans Oct 1991 A
5074311 Hasson Dec 1991 A
5116324 Brierley et al. May 1992 A
5120312 Wigness et al. Jun 1992 A
5122114 Miller et al. Jun 1992 A
5133359 Kedem Jul 1992 A
5137500 Lhotak Aug 1992 A
5137518 Mersch Aug 1992 A
5139500 Schwartz Aug 1992 A
RE34056 Lindgren et al. Sep 1992 E
5145369 Lustig et al. Sep 1992 A
5172701 Leigh Dec 1992 A
5172702 Leigh et al. Dec 1992 A
5176415 Choksi Jan 1993 A
5176643 Kramer et al. Jan 1993 A
5187422 Izenbaard et al. Feb 1993 A
5195985 Hall Mar 1993 A
5203056 Funk et al. Apr 1993 A
5207303 Oswalt et al. May 1993 A
5207697 Carusillo et al. May 1993 A
5249583 Mallaby Oct 1993 A
5257632 Turkel et al. Nov 1993 A
5261877 Fine et al. Nov 1993 A
5269785 Bonutti Dec 1993 A
5271414 Partika et al. Dec 1993 A
5279306 Mehl Jan 1994 A
5312351 Gerrone May 1994 A
5312364 Jacobs May 1994 A
5312408 Brown May 1994 A
5315737 Ouimet May 1994 A
5324300 Elias et al. Jun 1994 A
5330480 Meloul et al. Jul 1994 A
5332398 Miller et al. Jul 1994 A
5333790 Christopher Aug 1994 A
5334204 Clewett et al. Aug 1994 A
5339831 Thompson Aug 1994 A
5341316 Nishigaki Aug 1994 A
5341823 Manosalva et al. Aug 1994 A
5348022 Leigh et al. Sep 1994 A
5356006 Alpern et al. Oct 1994 A
5357974 Baldridge Oct 1994 A
5361853 Takamura et al. Nov 1994 A
5368046 Scarfone et al. Nov 1994 A
5372583 Roberts et al. Dec 1994 A
5383859 Sewell, Jr. Jan 1995 A
5385151 Scarfone et al. Jan 1995 A
5385553 Hart et al. Jan 1995 A
5389553 Grubisich et al. Feb 1995 A
5400798 Baran Mar 1995 A
5405348 Anspach, Jr. et al. Apr 1995 A
5405362 Kramer et al. Apr 1995 A
5423824 Akerfeldt et al. Jun 1995 A
5431655 Melker et al. Jul 1995 A
5451210 Kramer et al. Sep 1995 A
5484442 Melker et al. Jan 1996 A
5497787 Nemesdy et al. Mar 1996 A
5505737 Gosselin et al. Apr 1996 A
D369858 Baker et al. May 1996 S
5514097 Knauer May 1996 A
5526821 Jamshidi Jun 1996 A
5529580 Kusunoki et al. Jun 1996 A
5549565 Ryan et al. Aug 1996 A
5554154 Rosenberg Sep 1996 A
5556399 Huebner Sep 1996 A
5558737 Brown et al. Sep 1996 A
5571133 Yoon Nov 1996 A
5586847 Mattern, Jr. et al. Dec 1996 A
5591188 Waisman Jan 1997 A
5595186 Rubinstein et al. Jan 1997 A
5601559 Melker et al. Feb 1997 A
5624214 Carroll Apr 1997 A
5632747 Scarborough et al. May 1997 A
5651419 Holzer et al. Jul 1997 A
5672155 Riley et al. Sep 1997 A
5709275 Neumaier Jan 1998 A
5713368 Leigh Feb 1998 A
5724873 Hillinger Mar 1998 A
5733262 Paul Mar 1998 A
5752923 Terwilliger May 1998 A
5762639 Gibbs Jun 1998 A
5766221 Benderev et al. Jun 1998 A
5769086 Ritchart et al. Jun 1998 A
5779708 Wu Jul 1998 A
5800389 Burney et al. Sep 1998 A
5807275 Jamshidi Sep 1998 A
5807277 Swaim Sep 1998 A
5810826 Akerfeldt et al. Sep 1998 A
5817052 Johnson et al. Oct 1998 A
5823970 Terwilliger Oct 1998 A
D403405 Terwilliger Dec 1998 S
5858005 Kriesel Jan 1999 A
5865711 Chen Feb 1999 A
5868711 Kramer et al. Feb 1999 A
5868750 Schultz Feb 1999 A
5873499 Leschinsky et al. Feb 1999 A
5873510 Hirai et al. Feb 1999 A
5885226 Rubinstein et al. Mar 1999 A
5891085 Lilley et al. Apr 1999 A
5911701 Miller et al. Jun 1999 A
5911708 Teirstein Jun 1999 A
5916229 Evans Jun 1999 A
5919172 Golba, Jr. Jul 1999 A
5921987 Stone Jul 1999 A
5924864 Loge et al. Jul 1999 A
5927976 Wu Jul 1999 A
5928238 Scarborough et al. Jul 1999 A
5938636 Kramer et al. Aug 1999 A
5941706 Ura Aug 1999 A
5941851 Coffey et al. Aug 1999 A
5951026 Harman, Jr. et al. Sep 1999 A
5960797 Kramer et al. Oct 1999 A
5980469 Burbank et al. Nov 1999 A
5980545 Pacala et al. Nov 1999 A
5984020 Meyer et al. Nov 1999 A
5989257 Tidwell Nov 1999 A
5993417 Yerfino et al. Nov 1999 A
5993454 Longo Nov 1999 A
6007496 Brannon Dec 1999 A
6017348 Hart et al. Jan 2000 A
6018094 Fox Jan 2000 A
6022324 Skinner Feb 2000 A
6027458 Janssens Feb 2000 A
6033369 Goldenberg Mar 2000 A
6033411 Preissman Mar 2000 A
6063037 Mittermeier et al. May 2000 A
6071284 Fox Jun 2000 A
6080115 Rubinstein Jun 2000 A
6083176 Terwilliger Jul 2000 A
6086543 Anderson et al. Jul 2000 A
6086544 Hibner et al. Jul 2000 A
6096042 Herbert Aug 2000 A
6102915 Bresler et al. Aug 2000 A
6106484 Terwilliger Aug 2000 A
6110128 Andelin et al. Aug 2000 A
6110129 Terwilliger Aug 2000 A
6110174 Nichter Aug 2000 A
6120462 Hibner et al. Sep 2000 A
6126670 Walker et al. Oct 2000 A
6135769 Kwan Oct 2000 A
6159163 Strauss et al. Dec 2000 A
6162203 Haaga Dec 2000 A
6183442 Athanasiou et al. Feb 2001 B1
6210376 Grayson Apr 2001 B1
6217561 Gibbs Apr 2001 B1
6221029 Mathis et al. Apr 2001 B1
6228049 Schroeder et al. May 2001 B1
6228088 Miller et al. May 2001 B1
6238355 Daum May 2001 B1
6247928 Meller et al. Jun 2001 B1
6248110 Reiley et al. Jun 2001 B1
6257351 Ark et al. Jul 2001 B1
6267763 Castro Jul 2001 B1
6270087 Mickel et al. Aug 2001 B1
6273715 Meller et al. Aug 2001 B1
6273862 Privitera et al. Aug 2001 B1
6283925 Terwilliger Sep 2001 B1
6283970 Lubinus Sep 2001 B1
6287114 Meller et al. Sep 2001 B1
6302852 Fleming, III et al. Oct 2001 B1
6309358 Okubo Oct 2001 B1
6312394 Fleming, III Nov 2001 B1
6315737 Skinner Nov 2001 B1
6325806 Fox Dec 2001 B1
6328701 Terwilliger Dec 2001 B1
6328744 Harari et al. Dec 2001 B1
6358252 Shapira Mar 2002 B1
6402701 Kaplan et al. Jun 2002 B1
6419490 Kitchings Weathers, Jr. Jul 2002 B1
6425388 Korinchock Jul 2002 B1
6428487 Burdorff et al. Aug 2002 B1
6443910 Krueger et al. Sep 2002 B1
6458117 Pollins, Sr. Oct 2002 B1
6468248 Gibbs Oct 2002 B1
6478751 Krueger et al. Nov 2002 B1
6488636 Bryan et al. Dec 2002 B2
6523698 Dennehey et al. Feb 2003 B1
6527736 Attinger et al. Mar 2003 B1
6527778 Athanasiou et al. Mar 2003 B2
6540694 Van Bladel et al. Apr 2003 B1
6540697 Chen Apr 2003 B2
6547511 Adams Apr 2003 B1
6547561 Meller et al. Apr 2003 B2
6550786 Gifford et al. Apr 2003 B2
6554779 Viola et al. Apr 2003 B2
6555212 Boiocchi et al. Apr 2003 B2
6572563 Ouchi Jun 2003 B2
6575745 Meller et al. Jun 2003 B2
6575919 Reiley et al. Jun 2003 B1
6582399 Smith et al. Jun 2003 B1
6585622 Shum et al. Jul 2003 B1
6595911 LoVuolo Jul 2003 B2
6595979 Epstein et al. Jul 2003 B1
6613054 Scribner et al. Sep 2003 B2
6616632 Sharp et al. Sep 2003 B2
6620111 Stephens et al. Sep 2003 B2
6626848 Neuenfeldt Sep 2003 B2
6626887 Wu Sep 2003 B1
6638235 Miller et al. Oct 2003 B2
6656133 Voegele et al. Dec 2003 B2
6689072 Kaplan et al. Feb 2004 B2
6702760 Krause et al. Mar 2004 B2
6702761 Damadian et al. Mar 2004 B1
6706016 Cory et al. Mar 2004 B2
6716192 Orosz, Jr. Apr 2004 B1
6716215 David et al. Apr 2004 B1
6716216 Boucher et al. Apr 2004 B1
6730043 Krueger et al. May 2004 B2
6730044 Stephens et al. May 2004 B2
6749576 Bauer Jun 2004 B2
6752768 Burdorff et al. Jun 2004 B2
6752816 Culp et al. Jun 2004 B2
6758824 Miller et al. Jul 2004 B1
6761726 Findlay et al. Jul 2004 B1
6796957 Carpenter et al. Sep 2004 B2
6839789 Kramer et al. Jan 2005 B2
6846314 Shapira Jan 2005 B2
6849051 Sramek et al. Feb 2005 B2
6855148 Foley et al. Feb 2005 B2
6860860 Viola Mar 2005 B2
6871759 Rake et al. Mar 2005 B2
6875183 Cervi Apr 2005 B2
6875219 Arramon et al. Apr 2005 B2
6884245 Spranza, III Apr 2005 B2
6887209 Kadziauskas et al. May 2005 B2
6890308 Islam May 2005 B2
6905466 Salgo et al. Jun 2005 B2
6930461 Rutkowski Aug 2005 B2
6942669 Kurc Sep 2005 B2
6969373 Schwartz et al. Nov 2005 B2
7001342 Faciszewski Feb 2006 B2
7008381 Janssens Mar 2006 B2
7008383 Damadian et al. Mar 2006 B1
7008394 Geise et al. Mar 2006 B2
7018343 Plishka Mar 2006 B2
7025732 Thompson et al. Apr 2006 B2
7063672 Schramm Jun 2006 B2
7081123 Merboth et al. Jul 2006 B2
7137985 Jahng Nov 2006 B2
7186257 Kim Mar 2007 B2
7207949 Miles et al. Apr 2007 B2
7226450 Athanasiou et al. Jun 2007 B2
7229401 Kindlein Jun 2007 B2
7278972 Lamoureux et al. Oct 2007 B2
7331930 Faciszewski Feb 2008 B2
7565935 Phillips Jul 2009 B1
7670328 Miller Mar 2010 B2
7699850 Miller Apr 2010 B2
7811260 Miller et al. Oct 2010 B2
7815642 Miller Oct 2010 B2
7850620 Miller et al. Dec 2010 B2
7951089 Miller May 2011 B2
7988643 Hoffmann et al. Aug 2011 B2
8038664 Miller et al. Oct 2011 B2
8142365 Miller Mar 2012 B2
8217561 Fukuzawa et al. Jul 2012 B2
8308693 Miller et al. Nov 2012 B2
8419683 Miller et al. Apr 2013 B2
8480632 Miller et al. Jul 2013 B2
8506568 Miller Aug 2013 B2
8641715 Miller Feb 2014 B2
8656929 Miller et al. Feb 2014 B2
8668698 Miller et al. Mar 2014 B2
8684978 Miller et al. Apr 2014 B2
8690791 Miller Apr 2014 B2
8715287 Miller May 2014 B2
8812101 Miller et al. Aug 2014 B2
8870872 Miller Oct 2014 B2
8876826 Miller Nov 2014 B2
8944069 Miller et al. Feb 2015 B2
8974410 Miller et al. Mar 2015 B2
8998348 Frank Apr 2015 B2
9072543 Miller et al. Jul 2015 B2
9078637 Miller Jul 2015 B2
9295487 Miller et al. Mar 2016 B2
9439667 Miller Sep 2016 B2
9717847 Miller et al. Aug 2017 B2
10258783 Miller et al. Apr 2019 B2
20010005778 Ouchi Jun 2001 A1
20010014439 Meller et al. Aug 2001 A1
20010026051 Gifford et al. Oct 2001 A1
20010047183 Privitera et al. Nov 2001 A1
20010053888 Athanasiou et al. Dec 2001 A1
20020042581 Cervi Apr 2002 A1
20020055713 Gibbs May 2002 A1
20020091039 Reinbold et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020120212 Ritchart et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020133148 Daniel et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020138021 Pflueger Sep 2002 A1
20020143269 Neuenfeldt Oct 2002 A1
20020151821 Castellacci Oct 2002 A1
20020151902 Riedel et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020158102 Patton et al. Oct 2002 A1
20030028146 Aves Feb 2003 A1
20030032939 Gibbs Feb 2003 A1
20030036747 Ie et al. Feb 2003 A1
20030050574 Krueger Mar 2003 A1
20030078586 Shapira Apr 2003 A1
20030114858 Athanasiou et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030125639 Fisher et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030153842 Lamoureux et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030191414 Reiley et al. Oct 2003 A1
20030195436 Van Bladel et al. Oct 2003 A1
20030195524 Barner Oct 2003 A1
20030199787 Schwindt Oct 2003 A1
20030199879 Spranza Oct 2003 A1
20030216667 Viola Nov 2003 A1
20030225344 Miller Dec 2003 A1
20030225364 Kraft et al. Dec 2003 A1
20030225411 Miller Dec 2003 A1
20040019297 Angel Jan 2004 A1
20040019299 Ritchart et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040034280 Privitera et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040049128 Miller et al. Mar 2004 A1
20040049205 Lee et al. Mar 2004 A1
20040064136 Papineau et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040073139 Hirsch et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040092946 Bagga et al. May 2004 A1
20040127814 Negroni Jul 2004 A1
20040153003 Cicenas et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040158172 Hancock Aug 2004 A1
20040158173 Voegele et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040162505 Kaplan et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040191897 Muschler Sep 2004 A1
20040210161 Burdorff et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040210198 Shih Oct 2004 A1
20040215102 Ikehara et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040220497 Findlay et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040249389 Kim Dec 2004 A1
20050027210 Miller Feb 2005 A1
20050040060 Andersen et al. Feb 2005 A1
20050075581 Schwindt Apr 2005 A1
20050085838 Thompson et al. Apr 2005 A1
20050101880 Cicenas et al. May 2005 A1
20050113716 Mueller, Jr. et al. May 2005 A1
20050119660 Bourlion et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050124915 Eggers et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131345 Miller Jun 2005 A1
20050148940 Miller Jul 2005 A1
20050165328 Heske et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050165403 Miller Jul 2005 A1
20050165404 Miller Jul 2005 A1
20050171504 Miller Aug 2005 A1
20050182394 Spero et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050200087 Vasudeva et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050203439 Heske et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050209530 Pflueger Sep 2005 A1
20050215921 Hibner et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050228309 Fisher et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050261693 Miller et al. Nov 2005 A1
20060011506 Riley Jan 2006 A1
20060015066 Turieo et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060036212 Miller Feb 2006 A1
20060052790 Miller Mar 2006 A1
20060074345 Hibner Apr 2006 A1
20060079774 Anderson Apr 2006 A1
20060089565 Schramm Apr 2006 A1
20060122535 Daum Jun 2006 A1
20060129082 Rozga Jun 2006 A1
20060144548 Beckman et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060149163 Hibner et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060167377 Ritchart et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060167378 Miller Jul 2006 A1
20060167379 Miller Jul 2006 A1
20060189940 Kirsch Aug 2006 A1
20060206132 Conquergood et al. Sep 2006 A1
20070016100 Miller Jan 2007 A1
20070149920 Michels et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070213735 Saadat et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070270775 Miller et al. Nov 2007 A1
20080015467 Miller Jan 2008 A1
20080015468 Miller Jan 2008 A1
20080045857 Miller et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080045860 Miller et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080045861 Miller et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080045965 Miller et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080140014 Miller et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080177200 Ikehara et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080215056 Miller et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080221580 Miller et al. Sep 2008 A1
20090069716 Freeman et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090093677 Smith Apr 2009 A1
20090248029 Paulos Oct 2009 A1
20100204611 Zambelli Aug 2010 A1
20100298784 Miller Nov 2010 A1
20110046507 Herndon Feb 2011 A1
20110082387 Miller et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110184425 Cheraux Jul 2011 A1
20110203821 Puzio et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110251518 Swisher et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110306841 Lozman et al. Dec 2011 A1
20120165832 Oostman, Jr. et al. Jun 2012 A1
20150129456 Miller et al. May 2015 A1
20150223786 Morgan et al. Aug 2015 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (46)
Number Date Country
2138842 Jun 1996 CA
2366676 Sep 2000 CA
2454600 Feb 2003 CA
2320209 May 1999 CN
2664675 Dec 2004 CN
10057931 Aug 2002 DE
0517000 Dec 1992 EP
0807412 Nov 1997 EP
1099450 May 2001 EP
1314452 May 2003 EP
1447050 Aug 2004 EP
1421907 Oct 2010 EP
853349 Mar 1940 FR
2457105 Dec 1980 FR
2516386 May 1983 FR
629824 Sep 1949 GB
2130890 Jun 1984 GB
1052433 Jun 1984 JP
59119808 Aug 1984 JP
6132663 Sep 1986 JP
1052433 Feb 1989 JP
2001-505076 Apr 2001 JP
9208410 May 1992 WO
9307819 Apr 1993 WO
9325151 Dec 1993 WO
9631164 Oct 1996 WO
9806337 Feb 1998 WO
9852638 Nov 1998 WO
9918866 Apr 1999 WO
9952444 Oct 1999 WO
0009024 Feb 2000 WO
0056220 Sep 2000 WO
0178590 Oct 2001 WO
0193931 Dec 2001 WO
0241792 May 2002 WO
02096497 Dec 2002 WO
03015637 Feb 2003 WO
2005072625 Aug 2005 WO
2005110259 Nov 2005 WO
2005112800 Dec 2005 WO
2008033874 Mar 2008 WO
2008081438 Jul 2008 WO
2009070896 Jun 2009 WO
2011070593 Jun 2011 WO
2011123703 Oct 2011 WO
2012175946 Dec 2012 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (15)
Entry
Gunal et al., Compartment Syndrome After Intraosseous Infusion: An Experimental Study in Dogs, Journal of Pediatric Surgery, vol. 31, No. 11, pp. 1491-1493, Nov. 1996 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Vidacare Corporation Comments to Intraosseous Vascular Access Position Paper, Infusion Nurses Society, 6 pages, May 4, 2009 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Hakan et al., CT-guided Bone BiopsyPerformed by Means of Coaxial Bopsy System with an Eccentric Drill, Radiology, pp. 549-552, Aug. 1993 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Astrom, K.G., “Automatic Biopsy Instruments Used Through a Coaxial Bone Biopsy System with an Eccentric Drill Tip,” Acta Radiologica, 1995; 36:237-242, May 1995 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Astrom, K. Gunnar 0., “CT-guided Transstemal Core Biopsy of Anterior Mediastinal Masses,” Radiology 1996; 199:564-567, May 1996 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Cummins, Richard O., et al, “ACLS—Principles and Practice”, ACLS—The Reference Textbook, American Heart Association, pp. 214-218, 2003 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Riley et al., “A Pathologist's Perspective on Bone Marrow Aspiration Biopsy: I. Performing a Bone Marrow Examination,” Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis 18, pp. 70-90, 2004 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Pediatrics, Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics; 2005, American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care of Pediatric and Neonatal Patients: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Downloaded from www.pediatrics.org [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Lakat A. Parapia, Trepanning or trephines: a history of bone marrow biopsy, British Journal of Haematology, Haematology, pp. 14-19 2007 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Pediatric Emergency, Intraosseous Infusion for Administration of Fluids and Drugs, www.cookgroup.com, 1 pg, 2000 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Michael Totty, “Technology (A Special Report)—The Wall Street Journal 2008 Technology Innovation Awards—This years winners include: an IV alternative, a better way to make solar panels, a cheap, fuel efficient car and a better way toto see in the dark”, The Wall Street Journal, Factiva, 5 pages, 2008 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Buckley et al., CT-guided bone biopsy: Initial experience with commercially available hand held Black and Decker drill, European Journal of Radiology 61, pp. 176-180, 2007 [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Special Procedures, Cardinal Health, “Proven reliability for quality bone marrow samples,” 2003. [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
BioAccess.com, Sino le Use Small Bone Power Tool—How It Works, 1 Pg., Jun. 9, 2008. [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
F.A.S.T. 1 Intraosseous Infusion System with Depth-Control Mechanism Brochure, 6 pages, 2000. [Cited in related U.S. Appl. No. 15/064,272].
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20190134301 A1 May 2019 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60384756 May 2002 US
Divisions (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 12347506 Dec 2008 US
Child 12718638 US
Parent 11190331 Jul 2005 US
Child 12347506 US
Continuations (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 15064272 Mar 2016 US
Child 16236031 US
Parent 12718638 Mar 2010 US
Child 15064272 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 10449503 May 2003 US
Child 11190331 US