SPINAL DIAGNOSTIC METHODS AND APPARATUS
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- introducing a substance into an intervertebral disc in a patient'"'"'s body automatically via an automated injection device.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods, devices and systems facilitate diagnosis, and in some cases treatment, of back pain originating in intervertebral discs. Methods generally involve introducing one or more substances into one or more discs using a catheter device. In one embodiment, a patient assumes a position that causes back pain, and a substance such as an anesthetic or analgesic is introduced into the disc to determine whether the substance relieves the pain. Injections into multiple discs may optionally be performed, to help pinpoint a disc as a source of the patient'"'"'s pain. In some embodiments, the catheter device is left in place, and possibly coupled with another implantable device, to provide treatment of one or more discs. A catheter device includes at least one anchoring member for maintaining a distal portion of the catheter within a disc.
19 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
introducing a substance into an intervertebral disc in a patient'"'"'s body automatically via an automated injection device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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9. A method comprising:
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introducing a substance into an intervertebral disc in a patient'"'"'s body with an automated injection device; instructing the patient to assume various back-pain-generating positions; and recording one or more patient inputs describing back pain experienced by the patient. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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15. A system comprises:
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an elongated catheter having an anchoring member or a distal portion thereof which is configured to anchor the distal portion of the catheter in an intervertebral disc; and an automated injection devices configured for coupling with the elongated catheter. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification