Methods of performing embolism-free vertebroplasty and devices therefor

• US 20060052743A1
• Filed: 08/18/2005
• Published: 03/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Martin A. Reynolds
• Original Assignee: Martin A. Reynolds
• Inventors: Reynolds, Martin A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,811,321 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/27
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8822 characterised by means facilitating expulsion of fluid from the introducer, e.g. a screw pump plunger, hydraulic force transmissions, application of vibrations or a vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/564 Methods for bone or joint treatment

Abstract

This invention relates to improved vertebroplasty procedures for reducing embolisms, leakage and cement loosening.

Claims

1. A method of preparing a vertebral body comprising a porous cancellous bone structure having open porosity and interstitial soft tissue contained therein, comprising the steps of:

a) directing a fluid into the open porosity of the porous cancellous bone structure to dislodge at least a portion of the soft tissue contained therein to create a skeleton, and

b) injecting bone paste into the skeleton.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

c) applying suction to the open porosity to remove the dislodged soft tissue.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein step a) is performed by a lavage process.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the lavage process is a pulsed lavage process.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluid is introduced into the open porosity by a first cannula, and wherein the method further comprises the step of:

c) removing the fluid and dislodged soft tissue through a second cannula present within the vertebral body.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein step a) creates a skeleton, and wherein the method further comprises the step of:

c) hemostatically flushing the skeleton.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of:

d) flushing the skeleton with saline.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of:

e) providing suction to flushed skeleton to remove the saline.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluid has a temperature of at least 42°

C.