Devices and methods for tissue modification
First Claim
1. A method for treating tissue of a patient, the method comprising:
- percutaneously advancing a tissue access instrument into a patient and toward a target tissue through a first point, around at least part of the target tissue, and out of the patient through a second point, whereby both ends of the tissue access instrument are external to the patient;
identifying substantially adjacent neural tissue;
positioning a tissue modification device adjacent to the target tissue using the access instrument; and
modifying the target anatomy tissue with the tissue modification device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for treating tissue of a patient, the method comprising:
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percutaneously advancing a tissue access instrument into a patient and toward a target tissue through a first point, around at least part of the target tissue, and out of the patient through a second point, whereby both ends of the tissue access instrument are external to the patient; identifying substantially adjacent neural tissue; positioning a tissue modification device adjacent to the target tissue using the access instrument; and modifying the target anatomy tissue with the tissue modification device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for removing tissue in a spine of a patient, the method comprising:
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advancing a wire into the patient from a first point, through a neural foramen and around the anterior aspect of a single facet joint complex of the spine, and out of the patient from a second point; connecting a tissue modification device to the wire; positioning a tissue modification device through the neural foramen and around the anterior aspect of the single facet join complex, using the wire; and modifying tissue in the spine by moving the tissue modification device against the tissue, while inhibiting damage to non-target tissue in the spine with an atraumatic surface of the tissue modification device. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification