Johnson & Johnson has been granted a patent for a discectomy tool featuring a cannula with a steering wire and a flexible transmission shaft. The tool allows for precise cutting within a lumbar disc through a method that includes rotating the cutting tip and steering it via a longitudinal recess. GlobalData’s report on Johnson & Johnson gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Johnson & Johnson, Surgical robots was a key innovation area identified from patents. Johnson & Johnson's grant share as of June 2024 was 55%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Discectomy tool with steering and irrigation features
The patent US12042158B2 outlines a method for performing a discectomy using a specialized discectomy tool. The procedure begins with the introduction of a cannula into a working channel until its cutting tip reaches the annulus of a lumbar disc. The tool features a transmission shaft that rotates within the cannula, causing the cutting tip to rotate as well. This shaft includes a flexible portion, allowing for maneuverability. Steering is achieved by moving a first steering element located in a longitudinal recess of the cannula, which induces flexion in both the cannula and the transmission shaft. The design ensures that the steering element cannot be removed radially from its recess, enhancing the tool's stability during operation.
Further claims detail additional features of the discectomy tool, including the presence of multiple steering elements and cutouts in the cannula to facilitate directional flexing. The tool may also incorporate a flexible helical auger that aids in transporting material removed from the disc back through the cannula. This auger is designed to rotate in conjunction with the transmission shaft, allowing for simultaneous steering and material removal. The claims emphasize the tool's ability to navigate the annulus effectively while ensuring that the removed material is efficiently transported proximally. Overall, the patent presents a comprehensive method and apparatus for enhancing the precision and effectiveness of discectomy procedures.
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