Tissue modification devices
First Claim
1. A flexible tissue-modification device for removing tissue from a patient, the device comprising:
- at least two flexible elongate lengths of cable, wherein the lengths of cable extend substantially parallel to each other proximally to distally along the length of the device;
a plurality of rungs, wherein each rung extends between the lengths of cable;
a guidewire coupler at the distal end of the device comprising a slot opening to engage an enlarged tip region of a guidewire; and
at least one cutting edge on each of two or more of the rungs.
14 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
Described herein are elongate device for modifying tissue having a plurality of flexibly connected rungs or links, and methods of using them, including methods of using them to decompress stenotic spinal tissue. These devices may be included as part of a system for modifying tissue. In general, these devices include a plurality of blades positioned on (or formed from) rungs that are flexibly connected. The rungs are typically rigid, somewhat flat and wider than they are long (e.g., rectangular). The rungs may be arranged, ladder like, and may be connected by a flexible connector substrate or between two or more cables. Different sized rungs may be used. The blades (on the rungs) may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. A tissue-collection or tissue capture element (e.g., chamber, bag, or the like) may be used to collect the cut or modified tissue. In some variations the tissue modification devices may have a non-linear axial shape, or may be converted from a first axial shape to a second axial shape.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A flexible tissue-modification device for removing tissue from a patient, the device comprising:
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at least two flexible elongate lengths of cable, wherein the lengths of cable extend substantially parallel to each other proximally to distally along the length of the device; a plurality of rungs, wherein each rung extends between the lengths of cable; a guidewire coupler at the distal end of the device comprising a slot opening to engage an enlarged tip region of a guidewire; and at least one cutting edge on each of two or more of the rungs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A flexible tissue-modification device for removing tissue from a patient, the device comprising:
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at least two flexible elongate lengths of cable, wherein the lengths of cable extend substantially parallel to each other proximally to distally along the length of the device and further wherein the distal ends of the flexible elongate lengths of cable are secured together; a plurality of rungs, wherein each rung extends between the lengths of cable; a guidewire coupler at the distal end of the device comprising a slot opening to engage an enlarged tip region of a guidewire; and at least one cutting edge on each of two or more of the rungs.
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Specification