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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING MATERIAL IN THE SPINE

  • US 20090143809A1
  • Filed: 02/06/2009
  • Published: 06/04/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of preparing the spine for a subsequent procedure, comprising the steps of:

  • identifying an access site on the anterior surface of the spine;

    forming a lumen from the access site into the sacrum, through at least one vertebral body and into at least one intervertebral disc, wherein the intervertebral disc comprises a disc nucleus surrounded by a disc annulus;

    introducing a cutter apparatus through the lumen and into the intervertebral disc, the cutter comprising an axially elongated rotatable shaft having at least one radially outwardly extendable cutter blade; and

    rotating the cutter blade to disrupt nucleus material.

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