Devices and methods for tissue modification
First Claim
1. A surgical tissue modification device for use with a nerve stimulation apparatus, the tissue modification device comprising:
- an elongate flexible body attachable;
at the distal end of the elongate flexible body to a guidewire so that the device can be positioned or actuated by pulling on the guidewire;
at least one tissue modification surface located on the body;
at least one electrode attached to the body; and
a connector for electrically coupling the electrode to the nerve stimulation apparatus,wherein the device is configured to attach to the guidewire so that the tissue modification surface of the flexible body can be positioned or actuated by pulling on the guidewire from a distal end of the guidewire extending out of a patient'"'"'s body to urge the tissue modification surface against the target tissue.
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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.
629 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A surgical tissue modification device for use with a nerve stimulation apparatus, the tissue modification device comprising:
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an elongate flexible body attachable; at the distal end of the elongate flexible body to a guidewire so that the device can be positioned or actuated by pulling on the guidewire; at least one tissue modification surface located on the body; at least one electrode attached to the body; and a connector for electrically coupling the electrode to the nerve stimulation apparatus, wherein the device is configured to attach to the guidewire so that the tissue modification surface of the flexible body can be positioned or actuated by pulling on the guidewire from a distal end of the guidewire extending out of a patient'"'"'s body to urge the tissue modification surface against the target tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A surgical system for modifying target tissue in a patient, the system comprising:
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an elongate, at least partially flexible body attachable to a guidewire, the elongate flexible body including a tissue modification surface and an atraumatic surface; and a guidewire having a distal end, wherein the elongate body is configured to attach the elongate body to the guidewire so that the tissue modification surface of the flexible body can be positioned or actuated by pulling on the guidewire, so that when a flexible portion of the body passes along a curved surface between the target tissue and non-target tissue, a distal end of the guidewire extending out of the body can be pulled to apply a distal tensioning force to urge the tissue modification surface against the target tissue. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for modifying target tissue in a spine of a patient, the system comprising:
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an elongate, at least partially flexible body attachable to a guidewire; a deployment system for advancing the flexible body from outside the patient, through an intervertebral foramen of the patient'"'"'s spine, and out of the patient, such that a flexible portion of the body passes along a curved path between the target tissue and non-target tissue, and such that tensioning force may be applied at or near opposite ends of the device to urge the flexible portion against the target tissue during a tissue modification procedure; a tissue modification surface disposed along the flexible portion of the elongate body; wherein the elongate body is attachable at the distal end of the elongate flexible body to a guidewire so that the device can be positioned or actuated by pulling on the guidewire from a distal end of the guidewire extending out of the patient'"'"'s body to urge the tissue modification surface against the target tissue; and an atraumatic surface disposed along the flexible portion such that when the tissue modification surface faces the target tissue, the atraumatic surface faces non-target tissue. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification