Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080229597 | MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT FOR PERCUTANEOUS SURGERY - In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection having a tapered end portion configured to be inserted percutaneously through tissue. A measurement member is coupled to the projection and is configured to indicate a distance between adjacent anatomical structures. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement member configured to be percutaneously inserted between adjacent anatomical structures. The measurement member includes a wedge portion that is configured to contact the adjacent anatomical structures when the measurement member is moved distally between the adjacent anatomical structures. A size indicator is coupled to the wedge portion. The size indicator has a plurality of markings and is configured to be viewed on an image of the adjacent anatomical structures with the wedge portion of the measurement member disposed between the adjacent anatomical structures to indicate a distance between the adjacent anatomical structures. | 09-25-2008 |
20080249603 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES WITHIN A SPINE - Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes expanding an expandable member to move a tissue portion and form a cavity within an interior of a bone-related structure. At least a portion of the cavity is filled with a filler material while simultaneously withdrawing a medium from the expandable member at a predefined ratio such that the tissue portion substantially maintains its moved position. In some embodiments, the predefined ratio is 1:1. In another embodiment, a method includes expanding an expandable member to move a tissue portion and form a cavity within an interior of an intervertebral disc. At least a portion of the cavity is filled with a filler material while substantially maintaining the moved position of the tissue portion. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249604 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES WITHIN A SPINE - Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes inserting an expandable member into an interior of a bone-related structure. The expandable member defines a first and second lumen. A medium is delivered through the first lumen and into the interior of the expandable member while within the interior of the bone-related structure. A filler material is delivered through the second lumen and into a cavity within the interior of the bone-related structure while the expandable member is disposed therein. An apparatus can include an expandable member that defines a first lumen in fluid communication with an interior volume of the expandable member, and a second lumen in fluid communication with an opening of the expandable member. The second lumen is configured to communicate a filler material through the opening and into an interior cavity of a bone-related structure. | 10-09-2008 |
20080294199 | Spinous process implants and methods of using the same - Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling a first C-shaped implant to a first spinous process. A second C-shaped implant is coupled to an adjacent second spinous process of the spinal column. At least a portion of an outer surface of the first implant is configured to contact at least a portion of an outer surface of the second implant when the spinal column is in extension. The outer surface of the first implant and the outer surface of the second implant being at a spaced distance from each other when the spinal column is in flexion. | 11-27-2008 |
20080294200 | Spinous process implants and methods of using the same - Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes disposing an implant adjacent a side of a spinous process. A first portion of the implant is placed over a top side of the spinous process in a lateral direction. A second portion of the implant is placed under a bottom side of the spinous process in a lateral direction such that at least a portion of the spinous process is disposed within an interior region defined by the implant. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an implant configured to be coupled to a spinous process. The implant has an outer surface configured to contact at least one of a second implant or an interspinous-process spacer. A closure member is coupled to the implant and has an open configuration and a closed configuration to secure the implant to the spinous process. | 11-27-2008 |
20090031871 | Dual cutting element tool for debulking bone - Apparatus and methods for removing selected tissue are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first cutting element including a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end and a second cutting element including a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end of the second cutting element. The second cutting element is positioned relative to the first cutting element such that the cutting edge of the first cutting element and the cutting edge of the second cutting element cooperatively produce a shear force on a region of an object when the first cutting element moves in a first direction and the second cutting element moves in a second direction, different from the first direction. The second cutting element defines a conduit configured to convey a fluid from the region of the object. | 02-05-2009 |
20090062915 | SPINOUS-PROCESS IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling a first implant to a pedicle of a first vertebra of a spinal column such that at least a portion of the first implant is disposed between a first spinous process and a second spinous process of the spinal column. A second implant is coupled to a pedicle of a second vertebra of the spinal column. At least a portion of an outer surface of the first implant is configured to contact at least a portion of an outer surface of the second implant when the spinal column is in extension. The outer surface of the first implant and the outer surface of the second implant being at a spaced distance from each other when the spinal column is in flexion. | 03-05-2009 |
20090275954 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - An apparatus includes an insertion tool and a guide wire. The insertion tool has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is configured to retain a bone fixation device. The proximal end portion of the insertion tool defines a threaded opening. The guide wire has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. At least a portion of the guide wire is configured to be disposed within the insertion tool such that the distal end portion of the guide wire is disposed outside of and spaced apart from the distal end portion of the insertion tool. The proximal end portion of the guide wire includes a threaded portion configured to be disposed within and engage the threaded opening of the insertion tool. | 11-05-2009 |
20090275992 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first shaft, a second shaft, and a locking mechanism. The first shaft has a threaded portion and an engagement portion. The engagement portion of the first shaft is configured to engage a nut. The second shaft has a threaded portion and an engagement portion. The engagement portion of the second shaft is configured to engage a screw. At least a portion of the second shaft is disposed within the first shaft such that the threaded portion of the first shaft is engaged with the threaded portion of the second shaft. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively allow rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft. | 11-05-2009 |
20090275993 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - An apparatus includes a bone screw, a nut, and a washer. The bone screw has a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion, and a recessed portion disposed between the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion. The first threaded portion is configured to be threaded into a bone tissue. The nut is threadedly coupled to the second threaded portion of the bone screw. The nut having a tool engagement portion and a seating portion. The washer is disposed about the bone screw such that a first surface of the washer is disposed about the seating portion of the nut and a retention portion is disposed within the recessed portion of the bone screw. The washer is configured to rotate about an axis substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the bone screw. | 11-05-2009 |
20090275994 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - A method includes inserting a bone fixation device into a patient's body. The bone fixation device includes a first member and a second member movably coupled to the first member. A passageway is defined within a bone tissue after the bone fixation device is inserted and while the bone fixation device is disposed within the patient's body. At least a portion of the first member of the bone fixation device is disposed within the bone tissue along the passageway. The second member of the bone fixation device is moved relative to the first member of the bone fixation device. | 11-05-2009 |
20100114166 | EXTENSION LIMITING DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE FOR THE SPINE - Medical devices and related methods for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a support member configured to be implanted at least partially in a space between adjacent spinous processes and an actuator coupled to the support member. The apparatus also includes an elongate retention member having a first end coupled to the actuator and a second end coupled to either the support member or the actuator. The actuator is configured to be rotated such that the first end moves from a first location at a first distance from the second end, to a second location at a second distance from the second end. At least a portion of the elongate retention member is disposed at a non-zero distance from an outer surface of the support member when the first end of the elongate retention member is at its second location. | 05-06-2010 |
20100185241 | ADJUSTABLE SURGICAL CABLES AND METHODS FOR TREATING SPINAL STENOSIS - An apparatus includes a surgical cable, a coupling member and an adjustment mechanism. The surgical cable has a first end portion and a second end portion. The coupling member is coupled to the first end portion of the surgical cable, and defines an opening therethrough. The adjustment mechanism includes a housing and an elongate member. The housing defines a first opening and a second opening. A portion of a side wall of the housing defines a threaded portion within the second opening. The elongate member has an end portion and a threaded portion. The end portion of the elongate member is coupled to the second end portion of the surgical cable. The threaded portion of the elongate member is disposed within the second opening of the housing such that the threaded portion of the elongate member is engaged with the threaded portion of the second opening. | 07-22-2010 |
20100191291 | BONE FIXATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR TREATING SPINAL STENOSIS - An apparatus includes a screw, an actuator and a spacer. The screw has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The distal end portion of the screw is configured to be threaded into a bone tissue. The proximal end portion of the screw has a surface. The actuator is threadedly coupled to the screw, and has an actuation surface defining a line substantially non-parallel to and substantially non-normal to a longitudinal axis of the screw. The spacer has a first surface substantially parallel to and in contact with the surface of the proximal end portion of the screw. The spacer has a second surface substantially parallel to and in contact with the actuation surface of the actuator. The actuator is configured to move the spacer relative to the screw between a first position and a second position. | 07-29-2010 |
20110098709 | MECHANICAL CAVITY-CREATION SURGICAL DEVICE AND METHODS AND KITS FOR USING SUCH DEVICES - A mechanical cavity-creation surgical device and methods and kits for using such devices is described. In one variation, the mechanical cavity-creation surgical device contains a side window at the distal end of a shaft that allows the articulation of a blade, pick, or tip from a position that is inside the shaft to a position that protrudes at least partially from the side window. | 04-28-2011 |
20110144697 | PERCUTANEOUS SPINAL IMPLANTS AND METHODS - A method includes moving a spinal implant such that a central portion of the spinal implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes, radially extending a proximal portion of the spinal implant on a first side of the adjacent spinous processes such that movement of the proximal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited, and radially extending a distal portion of the spinal implant on a second side of the adjacent spinous processes opposite the first side such that movement of the distal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited. | 06-16-2011 |
20120101341 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A surgical access device can include a plurality of retractor members that together define a lumen having a first cross-sectional dimension. Each of the plurality of retractor members can be moved radially outward to at least a second cross-sectional dimension to create a surgical access passage. The surgical access device, systems and kits comprising the surgical access device, and methods of using the surgical access device can include a mechanism for inserting an elongate member from exterior the body to the surgical she, a mechanism for moving the retractor members radially outward, a mechanism for guiding the radially outward movement of the retractor members, a mechanism for securing each of the retractor members in a range of positions, and a mechanism for illuminating the surgical site. Variations of the devices, systems, kits, and methods are useful for creating and maintaining a surgical access passage for performing minimally invasive surgery. | 04-26-2012 |