Dilator
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- inserting at least a part of a distal portion of an insertion instrument through a supraspinous ligament and between adjacent spinous processes of a subject;
moving the insertion instrument in a direction substantially parallel to an anterior-to-posterior direction relative to the subject while the adjacent spinous processes are positioned between longitudinally-extending sidewalls of two oppositely located channels of the insertion instrument; and
moving a cannula such that the adjacent spinous processes move from the two channels of the insertion instrument to channels of the cannula.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A dilator that facilitates implantation of an interspinous spacer is provided. The dilator includes a proximal portion and a tapered distal portion interconnected by an elongated body portion. The tapered distal portion is ideally suited for splitting ligamentous tissue for creating a posterior midline pathway through the supraspinous ligament as well as for distracting the adjacent spinous processes. Two oppositely located and longitudinally extending channels or grooves are formed in the outer surface of the dilator for stabilizing the dilator with respect to the spinous processes. An accompanying cannula together with the dilator form a system for the distraction of the adjacent spinous processes, stabilization of the spinous processes with respect to the system and creation of a working channel for the implantation of an interspinous spacer.
514 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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inserting at least a part of a distal portion of an insertion instrument through a supraspinous ligament and between adjacent spinous processes of a subject; moving the insertion instrument in a direction substantially parallel to an anterior-to-posterior direction relative to the subject while the adjacent spinous processes are positioned between longitudinally-extending sidewalls of two oppositely located channels of the insertion instrument; and moving a cannula such that the adjacent spinous processes move from the two channels of the insertion instrument to channels of the cannula. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method comprising:
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moving an insertion instrument through a supraspinous ligament of a subject; inserting the insertion instrument between adjacent spinous processes of the subject while the insertion instrument extends through the supraspinous ligament; moving the insertion instrument relative to the adjacent spinous processes to separate at least a portion of interspinous tissue of the subject; positioning a cannula between the adjacent spinous processes; and removing the insertion instrument from the cannula while the cannula is positioned between the adjacent spinous processes. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method comprising:
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inserting a dilator into a subject via a posterior midline approach between adjacent spinous processes of the subject; distracting the adjacent spinous processes by advancing the dilator relative to the adjacent spinous processes; and positioning a cannula between the adjacent spinous processes such that the cannula maintains distraction of the adjacent spinous processes when the dilator is removed from the subject. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method comprising:
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moving at least a part of an insertion instrument through a subject'"'"'s supraspinous ligament and between adjacent spinous processes; advancing the insertion instrument into the subject while the adjacent spinous processes are positioned in channels of the insertion instrument; and moving a cannula into the subject such that the adjacent spinous processes move from the channels of the insertion instrument to channels of the cannula. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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Specification