Tool for creating a pocket for a epidural electrode
First Claim
1. A tool for creating a pocket for an epidural electrode, said tool having a handle portion and characterized by a curved tongue means extending from said handle, said curve being along the thinner dimension of said tongue and said curve being of sufficient arc that when the distal end of the tongue is placed within the epidural space and substantially parallel to the spinal cord, the proximal portion of the curve extends substantially parallel to the spinal plane a major portion of said tongue being formed of a pliant material having sufficient rigidity to separate epidural fat to form a pocket in the epidural space, but sufficiently pliant to prevent trauma to the dura upon contact.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tool having a handle portion and a curved tongue extending from the handle. The curve of the tongue is sufficient that, when the distal end of the tongue is placed substantially parallel to the spinal cord within the epidural space, the proximal portion of the curve extends substantially parallel to the plane passing between spinal vertebrae. The tongue is formed of a pliant material having sufficient rigidity to separate epidural fat to form a pocket in the epidural space, but sufficiently pliant to prevent trauma to the dura and the spine upon contact. A circular disc, having a thickness and width substantially equal to the thickness and width of the electrode to be placed in the pocket, is formed in the distal end of the tongue to shape the pocket to the size of the electrode.
34 Citations
14 Claims
- 1. A tool for creating a pocket for an epidural electrode, said tool having a handle portion and characterized by a curved tongue means extending from said handle, said curve being along the thinner dimension of said tongue and said curve being of sufficient arc that when the distal end of the tongue is placed within the epidural space and substantially parallel to the spinal cord, the proximal portion of the curve extends substantially parallel to the spinal plane a major portion of said tongue being formed of a pliant material having sufficient rigidity to separate epidural fat to form a pocket in the epidural space, but sufficiently pliant to prevent trauma to the dura upon contact.
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10. A tool for creating an electrode-receiving pocket in an epidural space comprising:
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a handle portion; and tongue means mounted on the handle portion for fitting between vertebrae, entering the epidural space, and separating epidural fat to form an electrode-receiving pocket, the tongue means including; a flexible proximal portion curved to fit around vertebrae; and a pliant wider distal portion having sufficient rigidity to separate epidural fat. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification