IN-SITU CURABLE INTERSPINOUS PROCESS SPACER
First Claim
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1. A method for implanting an interspinous process spacer for maintaining separation between adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising:
- introducing an expandable member between the adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes;
introducing the expandable member percutaneously or arthroscopically while the expandable member is in a unexpanded configuration;
expanding the expandable member to a geometry corresponding to a desired space to be occupied between the adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes;
introducing a measured amount of a flowable material via a catheter to fill the expandable member to the geometry;
allowing time for the delivered flowable material to cure; and
separating the catheter from the expandable member portion containing the cured material.
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Abstract
The present invention provides an expandable member useful in treating spinal stenosis. The expandable member may be introduced into the patient between adjacent spinous processes in an unexpanded configuration using minimally invasive techniques and expanded with a flowable material. The expanded member will function as an interspinous process spacer by acting as a spacing device to maintain separation between adjacent vertebrae.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for implanting an interspinous process spacer for maintaining separation between adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising:
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introducing an expandable member between the adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes; introducing the expandable member percutaneously or arthroscopically while the expandable member is in a unexpanded configuration; expanding the expandable member to a geometry corresponding to a desired space to be occupied between the adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes; introducing a measured amount of a flowable material via a catheter to fill the expandable member to the geometry; allowing time for the delivered flowable material to cure; and separating the catheter from the expandable member portion containing the cured material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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9. A method of sizing an interspinous process spacer for maintaining separation between adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising:
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introducing an expandable sizing member between the adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes; and introducing a fluid into the sizing member in an amount corresponding to a desired space to be occupied between the adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes, wherein the amount of the fluid is used to determine an amount of flowable material necessary to fill the expandable member to the desired space. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification