Cannula

Abstract

A bone cement cannula, the cannula comprising: a tube including a section adapted for plastic deformation; and a lumen in the tube capable of resisting forces of a viscous material propelled therethough at a pressure of at least 100 atmospheres.

1 . A bone cement cannula, the cannula comprising:
 (a) a tube including a section adapted for plastic deformation; and   (b) a lumen in the tube capable of resisting forces of a viscous material propelled therethough at a pressure of at least 100 atmospheres.   
     
     
         2 . A cannula according to  claim 1 , wherein said section adapted for plastic deformation comprises a series of separate joints formed in an outer wall of the cannula. 
     
     
         3 . A cannula according to  claim 2 , wherein at least one of said joints is formed by at least one cut. 
     
     
         4 . A cannula according to  claim 3 , wherein at least one of said cuts is configured to close as the cannula deforms. 
     
     
         5 . A cannula according to  claim 2 , wherein at least one of said joints is formed by non-penetrating weakening of the cannula wall. 
     
     
         6 . A cannula according to  claim 2 , wherein said joints facilitate a desired deformation configuration of the cannula. 
     
     
         7 . A cannula according to  claim 2 , wherein said joints are sealed. 
     
     
         8 . A cannula according to  claim 1 , comprising an outer sealing layer. 
     
     
         9 . A cannula according to  claim 1 , comprising an inner sealing layer. 
     
     
         10 . A cannula according to  claim 1 , wherein said section is adapted to remain outside of a body. 
     
     
         11 . A cannula according to  claim 1 , wherein said section adapted for plastic deformation comprises a deformable sleeve. 
     
     
         12 . A cannula according to  claim 1 , wherein said section adapted for plastic deformation comprises a flexible tube and a configuration support for said tube. 
     
     
         13 . A cannula, comprising:
 (a) a tube including a section adapted for plastic deformation; and   (b) a lumen in the tube, said lumen at least partially filled with a bone filling material.   
     
     
         14 . A bone cement cannula, the cannula comprising:
 (a) a tube including a tube lumen providing a channel of fluid communication between at least one injection aperture and a connector body; and   (b) at least two inlet ports defined in said tube.   
     
     
         15 . A cannula according to  claim 14 , wherein one of said ports is axially oriented. 
     
     
         16 . A cannula according to  claim 14 , wherein at least one of said ports is trans-axially oriented. 
     
     
         17 . A cannula according to  claim 14 , including a port path selector adapted to selectively allow flow from one of said ports. 
     
     
         18 . A cannula according to  claim 14 , including a port path blocker adapted to selectively allow block back-flow out of one of said ports. 
     
     
         19 . A manufacturing process for a surgical tool, the method comprising:
 (a) determining a pattern of cuts which will impart a desired deformability to a work piece;   (b) imparting the desired plastic deformability to the work piece by incising the pattern of cuts therein to produce a surgical tool; and   (c) forming said work piece into a cannula suitable for bone cement injection.   
     
     
         20 . A method of delivering cement, comprising:
 (a) providing a cannula with an axial guide-wire exiting through an axial hole thereof and said cannula including a side exit port;   (b) inserting said cannula into a bone;   (c) removing said guide-wire; and   (d) injecting cement through said cannula such that less than 20% of the cement exits through the axial hole.   
     
     
         21 . A method of injecting a viscous material into a patient, comprising:
 (a) inserting a cannula into a patient;   (b) bending said cannula over a length of at least 20 mm; and   (c) injecting a viscous material through said cannula.