Apparatus for introducing portals in bone having movable bone probe

Apparatus for introducing a bone portal into a bone, the apparatus comprising:

• a stylet configured to support an infusion tube assembly, the infusion assembly comprising a bone portal;
• a handle drivingly coupled to the stylet by a release mechanism, the release mechanism comprising a bone probe that, in a first configuration, extends generally parallel to the stylet, the release mechanism operative to uncouple the driving coupling between the handle and the stylet upon axial motion of the bone probe relative to the handle;
• a base releasable coupled to the handle by a tubular shield that is telescopic with the handle and extends around the stylet and bone probe, the base comprising a first guide configured to maintain the stylet and bone probe in the first configuration, the first guide comprises an aperture in a raised portion of the base and the stylet passes through the aperture;
• wherein the stylet and bone probe are movable apart from one another to a second configuration and wherein:
• the base is detachably coupled to the shield by a base release mechanism comprising an actuating member movable between a coupled configuration wherein the base is coupled to the shield and an uncoupled configuration wherein the base is not coupled to the shield and
• the actuating member is arranged so that motion of the handle toward the base moves the actuating member from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration.

Apparatus for introducing a bone portal into a subject, the apparatus comprising:

• a handle;
• a stylet and a probe mounted to a carrier assembly coupled to the handle, the stylet and probe extending proximally from the handle and the stylet pivotally mounted to the carrier assembly;
• an infusion tube assembly removably supported on the stylet, the infusion tube assembly comprising a tube having a bone portal at a first end thereof and a fitting at another end thereof, the fitting extending transversely outward of the stylet for a distance greater than a spacing between the stylet and the probe;
• a release mechanism operable by axial force on the probe to allow the carrier assembly to move distally into the handle;
• wherein the stylet and probe are movable apart from one another at least when the carrier assembly is moved distally into the handle;
• and
• a base apertured to receive ends of the stylet and probe wherein the stylet and probe are movable apart from one another when the end of at least one of the stylet and probe has been retracted clear of the base, the base is detachably coupled to a guide and the guide is telescopically coupled to the handle.