Spinal Diagnostic Methods and Apparatus
First Claim
1. A method for introducing one or more substances into an intervertebral disc having a nucleus, the method comprising:
- positioning a distal portion of a catheter device in the disc nucleus;
anchoring the distal portion of the catheter device in the nucleus, after it has been positioned, to maintain the distal portion in the disc nucleus;
introducing at least one substance into the disc nucleus through the catheter device while the distal portion remains anchored in the disc nucleus; and
allowing the patient to move so that the distal end of the catheter would be pulled from the nucleus if it weren'"'"'t anchored.
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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.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for introducing one or more substances into an intervertebral disc having a nucleus, the method comprising:
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positioning a distal portion of a catheter device in the disc nucleus; anchoring the distal portion of the catheter device in the nucleus, after it has been positioned, to maintain the distal portion in the disc nucleus; introducing at least one substance into the disc nucleus through the catheter device while the distal portion remains anchored in the disc nucleus; and allowing the patient to move so that the distal end of the catheter would be pulled from the nucleus if it weren'"'"'t anchored. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25-130. -130. (canceled)
Specification