Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine
First Claim
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1. A method for stabilizing a subject'"'"'s spine, the method comprising:
- delivering a spacer through a cannula and to a location between a first protrusion of a first vertebra and a second protrusion of a second vertebra using a lateral approach;
moving end portions of the spacer toward one another using a delivery device, which is coupled to the spacer and extends through the cannula; and
separating the delivery device from the spacer while the spacer is in an H-shaped configuration and a central section of the spacer is positioned between the first and second protrusions.
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Abstract
Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae in order to distract the vertebrae relative to each other. The systems include one or more expandable members and a mechanical actuation means for expanding the expandable member. The methods involve the implantation of one or more devices or expandable spacers.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for stabilizing a subject'"'"'s spine, the method comprising:
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delivering a spacer through a cannula and to a location between a first protrusion of a first vertebra and a second protrusion of a second vertebra using a lateral approach; moving end portions of the spacer toward one another using a delivery device, which is coupled to the spacer and extends through the cannula; and separating the delivery device from the spacer while the spacer is in an H-shaped configuration and a central section of the spacer is positioned between the first and second protrusions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for stabilizing a subject'"'"'s spine, the method comprising:
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delivering a spacer through a cannula positioned in the subject; delivering a central section of the spacer between a superior protrusion of a superior vertebra and an inferior protrusion of an inferior vertebra; and after delivering the central section between the superior and inferior protrusions, translating a first end portion toward a second end portion of the spacer using a delivery instrument coupled to the spacer and extending through the cannula such that the superior and inferior protrusions are contained between the first and second end portions, and locking the spacer in a deployed configuration while the central section is positioned to contact and hold apart the superior and inferior protrusions. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method comprising:
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moving a spacer, in a delivery configuration, through a cannula positioned in a subject; positioning a central section of the spacer at a location between a superior protrusion of a superior vertebra and an inferior protrusion of an inferior vertebra, the spacer including a first end portion and a second end portion; moving the first end portion toward the second end portion such that (a) the first end portion extends along a first side of the superior protrusion and a first side of the inferior protrusion and (b) the second end portion extends along a second side of the superior protrusion and a second side of the inferior protrusion, wherein the first end portion is moved toward the second end portion using a delivery instrument coupled to the spacer and extending through the cannula; and locking the spacer in an H-shape configuration. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification