Method of treating epidural lesions
First Claim
1. A method for positioning medical devices in the epidural space of the spinal column comprising the steps of:
- providing an introducer comprising a semi-rigid, tubular shaft having a central lumen extending therethrough, the shaft having a memory-shaped, curved distal end and a proximal end connected to a fitting;
inserting a straight needle into the central lumen of the introducer shaft and distally therebeyond;
percutaneously inserting the introducer and the needle into the epidural space of the spinal column;
withdrawing the needle -from the central lumen of the introducer shaft, whereby the distal end of the introducer assumes its curved, memory shape; and
advancing a medical device through the central lumen of the introducer shaft and into the epidural space.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for treating fibrotic lesions in the epidural space of the spinal column includes the steps of percutaneously inserting into the epidural space and across a fibrous lesion, a catheter carrying a compliant, inflatable balloon which is expandable both radially and longitudinally, and, expanding the balloon radially so as to contact the walls of the epidural space and disrupt the fibers of the lesion, and thereafter expanding the balloon longitudinally within the epidural space so as to increase the area of contact between the balloon and the walls of the epidural space. An introducer for percutaneously inserting a catheter or other medical device into the epidural space includes a polymeric tubular shaft having a tapered, curved distal tip through which the catheter is advanced and retracted.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for positioning medical devices in the epidural space of the spinal column comprising the steps of:
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providing an introducer comprising a semi-rigid, tubular shaft having a central lumen extending therethrough, the shaft having a memory-shaped, curved distal end and a proximal end connected to a fitting; inserting a straight needle into the central lumen of the introducer shaft and distally therebeyond; percutaneously inserting the introducer and the needle into the epidural space of the spinal column; withdrawing the needle -from the central lumen of the introducer shaft, whereby the distal end of the introducer assumes its curved, memory shape; and advancing a medical device through the central lumen of the introducer shaft and into the epidural space. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification