Temperature control system
View Patent ↗A method of regulating a setting time of a bone filler material, the method comprising: (a) combining at least two filler material components to form a biocompatible mixture; (b) choosing a setting time for the mixture; and (c) regulating a temperature of the mixture to influence reaction kinetics so that the mixture does not set before the chosen setting time.
1. Apparatus for regulating setting time of a bone filler material mixture in a bone filler material injection system, the apparatus comprising:
(a) a reservoir in the bone filler material injection system;
(b) a cooling mechanism adapted to cool a bone filler material mixture in the reservoir as a portion of the mixture is injected into a patient; and
(c) control circuitry adapted to output a control signal to the cooling mechanism so that the mixture does not set before a minimum setting time.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is adapted to receive a data input pertaining to a minimum setting time.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising:
(d) a data input device calibrated so that a user can select a minimum setting time.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 , comprising wherein the data input device is calibrated with a continuous time scale.
5. Apparatus according to claim 3 , comprising wherein the data input device is calibrated in a scale having discrete steps of time.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising:
(d) a data input device adapted for input of data pertaining to the mixture.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the data pertains to a ratio of components of the mixture.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the data pertains to a volume of the mixture.
9. Apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the data pertains a chemical composition of the mixture.
10. Apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the data pertains to physical characteristics of at least one component of the mixture.
11. Apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising:
(d) a sensor adapted to detect a temperature of the mixture and transmit data pertaining to the temperature to the controller.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the control circuitry modifies the control signal responsive to the data pertaining to the temperature.
13. Apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising:
(d) a sensor adapted to detect a viscosity of the mixture and transmit data pertaining to the viscosity to the controller.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the control circuitry modifies the control signal responsive to the data pertaining to the viscosity.
15. Apparatus according to claim 1 , provided as a sterile apparatus.
16. Apparatus for regulating setting time of a bone filler material in a bone filler material injection system, the apparatus comprising:
(a) a reservoir in the bone filler material injection system coupled to an injection cannula;
(b) a cooling mechanism adapted to cool a bone filler material in the reservoir as a portion of the bone filler material is forced through the injection cannula; and
(c) control circuitry adapted to output a control signal to the cooling mechanism so that the bone filler material does not set before a minimum setting time.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the cooling mechanism comprises a thermoelectric cooling mechanism.
18. Apparatus for regulating setting time of a bone filler material in a bone filler material injection system, the apparatus comprising:
(a) a reservoir in the bone filler material injection system, the reservoir having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to a hydraulic actuator;
(b) a cooling mechanism adapted to cool a bone filler material in the reservoir; and
(c) control circuitry adapted to output a control signal to the cooling mechanism so that the bone filler material does not set before a minimum setting time.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18 , further comprising an injection cannula coupled to the second end of the reservoir.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19 , further comprising a tube extending between the hydraulic actuator and the first end of the reservoir and having hydraulic fluid disposed therein for exerting pressure on the bone filler material.