Instrumentation for the prevention of embolisms during total joint arthroplasty

Abstract

The invention herein describe reduces the concerns associated with the use of intramedullary instrumentation by providing for the reduction of pressure within the medullary canal as the intramedullary instrument is inserted. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment a sleeve having a proximal end connected to a vacuum source is fitted over the intramedullary rod so that as the rod is inserted into the intramedullary canal, the pressure within the canal is reduced to thereby reduce the magnitude of cells released into the blood stream. In order to draw air from the medullary canal, the proximal end of the sleeve includes a gasket which seal against the intramedullary rod causing the air to be drawn only from the distal end of the sleeve. In an alternative embodiment, an air passage is provided directly through the instrument with the exposed end of the instrument being connected to a vacuum source.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.