×

Transpedicular intervertebral disk access methods and devices

  • US 7,241,297 B2
  • Filed: 06/25/2003
  • Issued: 07/10/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for treating diseases and conditions that change the spacial relationship between a first vertebral body of a first vertebra, a second vertebral body of a second vertebra adjacent the first vertebra, and a first intervertebral disk between the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body, or that cause instability of the vertebral column, or both, and a method that allows the surgeon to access the first intervertebral disk to restore a more normal three-dimensional configuration of the first intervertebral disk between the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body, the method comprising:

  • a) selecting a patient;

    b) obtaining transpedicular access to the first intervertebral disk by creating a channel through a pedicle of the first vertebra;

    c) removing at least part of the first intervertebral disk through the transpedicular access; and

    d) inserting a first flexible drill through the channel and actuating the flexible drill, thereby extending the channel through the first vertebral body and into the intervertebral disk;

    where the first flexible drill is a flexible drill comprising a lower sub-assembly connected to an upper sub-assembly;

    where the lower sub-assembly comprises a spin luer lock, a retainer tube, a piston anchor, a piston level, a piston, a distal O-ring and a proximal O-ring; and

    where the upper sub-assembly comprises a drilling tip, guiding tube, a barrel knob, a barrel, a threaded adapter, a liner, a bearing housing, a flexible shaft, a distal bearing, a proximal bearing, a collet, a bearing cap and a motor receptacle;

    where the guiding tube comprising a proximal segment having a central axis and a distal segment having a distal end;

    where the drilling tip is connected to the distal end of the distal segment; and

    where the guiding tube comprises a substance that has been processed to return to a shape where the distal segment has a radius of curvature sufficient to cause the drilling tip at the end of the distal segment to orient at between about 10° and

    150°

    off of the central axis of the proximal segment when the guiding tube is not subject to distortion.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×