US6558390B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Methods and apparatus for performing therapeutic procedures in the spine
Assignee: Mis IP Holdings LLC
•
Filing: 2001-02-13
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Granted: 2003-05-06
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Expires: 2021-02-13
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus for forming one or more trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) axial bore through vertebral bodies in general alignment with a visualized, anterior or posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL or PAIFL) in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner and providing a therapy to the spine employing the axial bore. Anterior or posterior starting positions aligned with the AAIFL or PAIFL are accessed through respective anterior and posterior tracts. Curved or relatively straight anterior and curved posterior TASIF axial bores are formed from the anterior and posterior starting positions. The therapies performed through the TASIF axial bores include discoscopy, full and partial discectomy, vertebroplasty, balloon-assisted vertebroplasty, drug delivery, electrical stimulation and various forms of spinal disc cavity augmentation, spinal disc replacement, fusion of spinal motion segments and implantation of radioactive seeds. Axial spinal implants and bone growth materials can be placed into single or multiple parallel or diverging TASIF axial bores to fuse two or more vertebrae, or distract or shock absorb two or more vertebrae.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew H. Cragg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:16
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/7097; A61B17/16; A61B17/1662; A61B17/1671; A61B17/17; A61B17/1739; A61B17/1757; A61B17/32; A61B17/320016; A61B17/32002; A61B17/7061; A61B17/7098; A61B17/88; A61B17/8802; A61B17/8805; A61B17/8811; A61B17/8819; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/441; A61F2/4455; A61F2/4465; A61F2/46; A61F2/4601; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61B17/3205; A61B17/3207; A61B17/320725; A61B17/7055; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00261; A61B2017/00535; A61B2017/00557; A61B2017/00681; A61B2017/00734; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2901; A61B2017/2905; A61B2017/320733; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30723; A61F2/442; A61F2/28; A61F2002/2821; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30092; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30291; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30537; A61F2002/3055; A61F2002/30563; A61F2002/30565; A61F2002/30566; A61F2002/30593; A61F2002/30667; A61F2002/30677; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30774; A61F2002/30841; A61F2002/3085; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30879; A61F2002/30884; A61F2002/30891; A61F2002/30892; A61F2002/30925; A61F2/3094; A61F2002/3097; A61F2002/448; A61F2002/4625; A61F2002/4627; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0014; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0091; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00353; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/10; A61N5/1001; A61N5/1027; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S606/00; Y10S606/907; Y10S606/908; Y10S606/909; Y10S606/91; Y10S606/912
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 92
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for performing a therapeutic procedure on one or more of a series of vertebral bodies or an intervertebral spinal disc normally formed of a nucleus and annulus and separating adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the method comprising: accessing an anterior sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed anterior sacral position, forming a trans-sacral axial bore cephalad and axially through at least the caudal sacral vertebra and through or into one or more cephalad vertebral bodies of said series of adjacent vertebral bodies and through or into an intervertebral, spinal disc; and performing a therapeutic procedure in one or both of a vertebral body or spinal disc located within a human spine accessed through the trans-sacral axial bore.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for performing a therapeutic procedure on one or more of a series of vertebral bodies or an intervertebral spinal disc normally formed of a nucleus and annulus and separating adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the method comprising: accessing an anterior sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed anterior sacral position, forming a trans-sacral axial bore cephalad and axially through at least the caudal sacral vertebra and through or into one or more cephalad vertebral bodies of said series of adjacent vertebral bodies and through or into an intervertebral, spinal disc; and performing a therapeutic procedure in one or both of a vertebral body or spinal disc located within a human spine accessed through the trans-sacral axial bore.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the bore forming step comprises boring a curved anterior axial bore aligned with said anterior axial instrumentation/fusion line cephalad through the vertebral bodies of said series of adjacent vertebrae and any intervertebral, spinal discs, the anterior axial bore having a bore curvature in the posterior-anterior plane of the spine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises implanting an axial spinal implant into said axial bore to extend cephalad through at least one caudal vertebral body and into or through at least one cephalad vertebral body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises implanting an axial spinal implant into said axial bore to extend cephalad through at least one caudal vertebral body and into or through at least one cephalad vertebral body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
103 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the bore forming step comprises boring the axial bore through a caudal vertebral body, an intervertebral spinal disc, and into a cephalad vertebral body, whereby the axial bore traverses the spinal disc; and the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises: implanting a spinal disc implant having a through-hole within the intervertebral disc space traversed by the axial bore with the through-hole aligned with the axial bore; and implanting an axial spinal implant into said axial bore to extend cephalad through the caudal vertebral body, through the through-hole and into or through the cephalad vertebral body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 5 , wherein at least one of the spinal disc implant and the axial spinal implant are formed of bone growth materials that promote the fusion of the cephalad and caudal vertebral bodies.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises implanting a bone growth material into the axial bore and into cancellous bone of a vertebral body penetrated by the axial bore.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises: implanting an axial spinal implant into the axial bore to extend cephalad through at least one caudal vertebral body and into or through at least one cephalad vertebral body and through any intervertebral, spinal discs; and implanting a bone growth material into the axial bore along with the axial spinal implant.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the bore forming step comprises boring the axial bore through a caudal vertebral body and making an axial disc opening into an intervertebral spinal disc; and the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises performing a discectomy through the axial bore and the disc opening to remove at least a portion of the nucleus leaving a disc cavity enclosed by the annulus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the bore forming step comprises boring the axial bore through a caudal vertebral body and making an axial disc opening into an intervertebral spinal disc; and the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises: performing a partial discectomy through the axial bore and the disc opening to remove at least a portion of the nucleus leaving a disc cavity enclosed by the annulus; and inserting an augmentation device or material through said disc opening into the disc cavity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the bore forming step comprises boring the axial bore through a caudal vertebral body and making an axial disc opening into an intervertebral spinal disc; and the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises performing a discectomy through the axial bore and the disc opening to remove at least a portion of the nucleus and annulus of the spinal disc leaving a disc space.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the bore forming step comprises boring a trans-sacral axial bore exposing cancellous bone of a fractured vertebral body; and the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises performing a vertebroplasty of the fractured vertebral body through the axial bore to repair damage and strengthen the fractured vertebral body.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the vertebroplasty performing step comprises the steps of: extending a vertebroplasty catheter having a vertebroplasty catheter lumen through said axial bore and into the damaged vertebral body exposed by said axial bore; and injecting a vertebral body reinforcing material for reinforcing the vertebral body into cancellous bone within the vertebral body and filling the axial bore extending into the fractured vertebral body.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the bore forming step comprises the step of boring a trans-sacral axial bore exposing cancellous bone of a fractured vertebral body; and the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises the step of performing a balloon-assisted vertebroplasty of the fractured vertebral body through the axial bore to repair damage and strengthen the fractured vertebral body.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
116 words
The method of claim 14 , wherein the balloon-assisted vertebroplasty performing step comprises the steps of: extending a balloon catheter having a balloon catheter lumen and bearing a deflated balloon through said axial bore to locate the deflated balloon in relation to cancellous bone of the damaged vertebral body exposed by said axial bore; inflating the balloon of the balloon catheter through the balloon catheter lumen to apply force to cancellous bone and compress cancellous bone to form a vertebral body cavity; deflating the balloon; and injecting a vertebral body reinforcing material for reinforcing the vertebral body into one of the vertebral body cavity and cancellous bone within the vertebral body or into the deflated balloon.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises the steps of: introducing a medical electrical stimulation lead into the trans-sacral axial bore and locating electrical stimulation electrodes of the electrical stimulation lead in relation to a spinal structure of interest for electrical stimulation; and applying electrical stimulation to the spinal structure of interest through the electrical stimulation lead and from the stimulation electrodes.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises the steps of: introducing a drug delivery catheter having a drug delivery lumen and at least one drug delivery port into the trans-sacral axial bore and locating each drug delivery port in relation to a spinal structure of interest to be treated; and delivering a drug to the structure of interest through the drug delivery lumen and the drug delivery port.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises implanting a shock absorbing axial spinal implant into said axial bore to extend cephalad through at least one caudal vertebral body and into or through at least one cephalad vertebral body.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises implanting a distracting axial spinal implant into said axial bore to extend cephalad through at least one caudal vertebral body and into or through at least one cephalad vertebral body.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the bore forming step comprises boring the axial bore through a caudal vertebral body and making an axial disc opening into an intervertebral spinal disc; and the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises introducing a discectomy instrument through the axial bore and disc opening and performing a discectomy through the axial bore and the disc opening to remove at least a portion of the nucleus leaving a disc cavity enclosed by the annulus.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the discectomy instrument has a discectomy instrument fragmentation head and an aspiration lumen with an aspiration lumen opening, and the discectomy performing step comprises the steps of: positioning the fragmentation head and aspiration lumen opening in operative relation to the nucleus; operating the fragmentation head to fragment the nucleus to form the disc cavity; and aspirating the nucleus fragments through the discectomy instrument aspiration lumen.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the discectomy instrument has a discectomy instrument energy emitting head and an aspiration lumen with an aspiration lumen opening, and the discectomy performing step comprises the steps of: positioning the energy emitting head and aspiration lumen opening in operative relation to the nucleus; operating the energy emitting head to desiccate the nucleus to form the disc cavity; and aspirating byproducts of desiccation through the discectomy instrument aspiration lumen.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises the step of implanting at least one radiation emitting implant to a selected site in relation to a sarcoma through the axial bore.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
96 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the bore forming step comprises boring the axial bore through a caudal vertebral body and making an axial disc opening into an intervertebral spinal disc; and the step of performing a therapeutic procedure comprises performing a discectomy of the intervertebral spinal disc accessed by the axial bore through the axial bore and disc opening to remove all or substantially all of the disc body and leaving a disc space between the vertebral bodies or at least a portion of the nucleus and leaving a disc cavity within the annulus.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument to the accessed sacral position and through said axial bore and disc opening to the interior of the spinal disc; and operating the discectomy instrument to remove at least a portion of the nucleus to form a disc cavity within the annulus and between the caudal and cephalad vertebral body endplates.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument to the accessed sacral position and through said axial bore and disc opening to the interior of the spinal disc; and operating the discectomy instrument to remove at least a portion of the caudal and cephalad cartilaginous endplates to form an open disc space or disc cavity between the caudal and cephalad vertebral body endplates.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument to the accessed sacral position and through said axial bore and disc opening to the interior of the spinal disc; and operating the discectomy instrument to remove at least a portion of the caudal and cephalad cartilaginous endplates and a portion of the caudal and cephalad vertebral body end plates to form an open disc space or disc cavity extending axially into cancellous bone of the caudal and cephalad vertebral bodies.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
86 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument having a discectomy instrument fragmentation head and an aspiration lumen with an aspiration lumen opening through said axial bore; locating the fragmentation head and aspiration lumen opening within the spinal disc opening; operating the fragmentation head to fragment portions or substantially all of the disc body to form the disc space or disc cavity; and aspirating disc body fragments through the discectomy instrument aspiration lumen.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument having a discectomy instrument energy emitting head and an aspiration lumen with an aspiration lumen opening through said & axial bore; locating the energy emitting head and aspiration lumen opening within the spinal disc opening; operating the energy emitting head to desiccate portions of or substantially all of the disc body to form the disc space or disc cavity; and aspirating byproducts of desiccation through the discectomy instrument aspiration lumen.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for performing a therapeutic procedure of an intervertebral spinal disc of a human spine, the spinal disc having a disc body comprising caudal and cephalad cartilaginous endplates adhered to the respective opposed endplates of adjacent caudal and cephalad vertebral bodies and joined together by a disc annulus and enclosing a disc nucleus, the method comprising the steps of: accessing one of an anterior or posterior sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a curved trans-sacral axial bore cephalad and axially through at least the caudal sacral vertebra and through or into one or more cephalad vertebral bodies of said series of adjacent vertebral bodies and through or into at least one intervertebral spinal disc, thereby forming an axial disc opening; and performing a discectomy of the intervertebral spinal disc accessed by the axial bore through the axial bore and disc opening to remove all or substantially all of the disc body and leaving a disc space between the vertebral bodies or at least a portion of the nucleus and leaving a disc cavity within the annulus.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for performing a therapeutic procedure of an intervertebral spinal disc of a human spine, the spinal disc having a disc body comprising caudal and cephalad cartilaginous endplates adhered to the respective opposed endplates of adjacent caudal and cephalad vertebral bodies and joined together by a disc annulus and enclosing a disc nucleus, the method comprising the steps of: accessing one of an anterior or posterior sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a curved trans-sacral axial bore cephalad and axially through at least the caudal sacral vertebra and through or into one or more cephalad vertebral bodies of said series of adjacent vertebral bodies and through or into at least one intervertebral spinal disc, thereby forming an axial disc opening; and performing a discectomy of the intervertebral spinal disc accessed by the axial bore through the axial bore and disc opening to remove all or substantially all of the disc body and leaving a disc space between the vertebral bodies or at least a portion of the nucleus and leaving a disc cavity within the annulus.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument to the accessed sacral position and through said axial bore and disc opening to the interior of the spinal disc; and operating the discectomy instrument to remove at least a portion of the nucleus to form a disc cavity within the annulus and between the caudal and cephalad vertebral body endplates.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument to the accessed sacral position and through said axial bore and disc opening to the interior of the spinal disc; and operating the discectomy instrument to remove at least a portion of the the caudal and cephalad cartilaginous endplates to form an open disc space or disc cavity between the caudal and cephalad vertebral body endplates.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument to the accessed sacral position and through said axial bore and disc opening to the interior of the spinal disc; and operating the discectomy instrument to remove at least a portion of the caudal and cephalad cartilaginous endplates and a portion of the caudal and cephalad vertebral body end plates to form an open disc space or disc cavity extending axially into cancellous bone of the caudal and cephalad vertebral bodies.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
86 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument having a discectomy instrument fragmentation head and an aspiration lumen with an aspiration lumen opening through said axial bore locating the fragmentation head and aspiration lumen opening within the spinal disc opening; operating the fragmentation head to fragment portions or substantially all of the disc body to form the disc space or disc cavity; and aspirating disc body fragments through the discectomy instrument aspiration lumen.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the step of performing a discectomy comprises the steps of: extending a discectomy instrument having a discectomy instrument energy emitting head and an aspiration lumen with an aspiration lumen opening through said axial bore locating the energy emitting head and aspiration lumen opening within the spinal disc opening; operating the energy emitting head to desiccate portions of or substantially all of the disc body to form the disc space or disc cavity; and aspirating byproducts of desiccation through the discectomy instrument aspiration lumen.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for providing access to and performing a discectomy and disc augmentation of at least one intervertebral spinal disc separating caudal and distal vertebral bodies located within a human spine, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a trans-sacral axial bore extending cephalad and axially through a caudal vertebral body to a spinal disc and making an axial disc opening into the nucleus of the spinal disc; excising at least a portion of the nucleus of a spinal disc from the interior of the spinal disc accessed by the axial bore and disc opening to form a disc cavity; and positioning an augmentation device or material through said disc opening into the disc cavity.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for providing access to and performing a discectomy and disc augmentation of at least one intervertebral spinal disc separating caudal and distal vertebral bodies located within a human spine, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a trans-sacral axial bore extending cephalad and axially through a caudal vertebral body to a spinal disc and making an axial disc opening into the nucleus of the spinal disc; excising at least a portion of the nucleus of a spinal disc from the interior of the spinal disc accessed by the axial bore and disc opening to form a disc cavity; and positioning an augmentation device or material through said disc opening into the disc cavity.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 36 , further comprising the step of closing one or more of the disc opening and the trans-sacral axial bore to maintain the disc augmentation device or material within the disc cavity.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 36 , wherein the positioning step comprises delivering disc augmentation material or device selected from the group consisting of bone growth materials, biomaterials, and spinal disc replacement devices into the disc cavity.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 38 , further comprising the step of closing one or more of the disc opening and the trans-sacral axial bore to maintain the disc augmentation device or material within the disc cavity.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 36 , wherein the positioning step comprises delivering a biomaterial that cures in situ in the disc cavity.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 40 , further comprising the step of closing one or more of the disc opening and the trans-sacral axial bore to maintain the disc augmentation device or material within the disc cavity.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 36 , wherein the positioning step comprises delivering a planar spiral disc augmentation device into the disc cavity.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 36 , wherein the positioning step comprises the steps of: extending a deflated envelope through said axial bore and disc opening into the disc cavity with an envelope opening accessible through the disc opening; and filling and inflating the deflated envelope with an augmentation material.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 43 , wherein the filling and inflating step comprises delivering a planar spiral disc augmentation device formed of a strip of resilient material having a planar spiral shape when unrestrained into the disc space by: straightening and advancing the strip of resilient material through the axial bore and the disc opening; and releasing the strip of resilient material in the disc cavity to assume a planar spiral shape between the vertebral endplates.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 43 , wherein the filling and inflating step comprises delivering disc augmentation materials and devices selected from the group consisting of bone growth materials, biomaterials and spinal disc replacement devices introduced into the deflated envelope.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 43 , wherein the filling and inflating step comprises delivering disc augmentation materials selected from biomaterials that cure in situ in the envelope.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 43 , further comprising the step of closing one or more of the balloon opening, the disc opening, and the trans-sacral axial bore to maintain the disc augmentation device or material within the disc cavity.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 36 , further comprising the step of implanting an axial spinal implant into said axial bore to extend cephalad through at least one caudal vertebral body and into the disc opening.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
100 words
The method of claim 36 , wherein: the bore forming step comprises boring the axial bore through the caudal vertebral body, the intervertebral spinal disc, and into a cephalad vertebral body, whereby the axial bore traverses the spinal disc; the positioning step comprises implanting a spinal disc implant having a through-hole within the intervertebral disc space traversed by the axial bore with the through-hole aligned with the axial bore; and further comprising: implanting an axial spinal implant into said axial bore to extend cephalad through the caudal vertebral body, through the through-hole and into or through the cephalad vertebral body.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 36 , wherein the excising step comprises introducing a discectomy instrument through the axial bore and disc opening and performing a discectomy through the axial bore and the disc opening to remove at least a portion of the nucleus leaving a disc cavity enclosed by the annulus.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein the discectomy instrument has a discectomy instrument fragmentation head and an aspiration lumen with an aspiration lumen opening, and the discectomy performing step comprises the steps of: positioning the fragmentation head and aspiration lumen opening in operative relation to the nucleus; operating the fragmentation head to fragment the nucleus to form the disc cavity; and aspirating the nucleus fragments through the discectomy instrument aspiration lumen.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein the discectomy instrument has a discectomy instrument energy emitting head and an aspiration lumen with an aspiration lumen opening, and the discectomy performing step comprises the steps of: positioning the energy emitting head and aspiration lumen opening in operative relation to the nucleus; operating the energy emitting head to desiccate the nucleus to form the disc cavity; and aspirating byproducts of desiccation through the discectomy instrument aspiration lumen.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for providing access to an performing a discectomy of at least one spinal disc separating vertebral bodies located within a human spine, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a trans-sacral axial bore extending cephalad and axially through the vertebral bodies of a series of adjacent vertebral bodies and through or into at least one intervertebral spinal disc, thereby forming an axial disc opening; performing a discectomy through said axial bore and disc opening to remove at least a portion of both the annulus and nucleus of the disc accessed by the axial bore and leaving a disc space; and delivering a disc replacement material or device through the axial bore and into the disc space.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for providing access to an performing a discectomy of at least one spinal disc separating vertebral bodies located within a human spine, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a trans-sacral axial bore extending cephalad and axially through the vertebral bodies of a series of adjacent vertebral bodies and through or into at least one intervertebral spinal disc, thereby forming an axial disc opening; performing a discectomy through said axial bore and disc opening to remove at least a portion of both the annulus and nucleus of the disc accessed by the axial bore and leaving a disc space; and delivering a disc replacement material or device through the axial bore and into the disc space.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 53 , wherein the delivering step further comprises delivering a disc replacement material or device selected from the group consisting of bone growth materials, biomaterials, and functional spinal disc replacement devices.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 53 , wherein the delivering step further comprises the step of inserting an axial spinal implant into the axial bore extending into the disc space to retain the disc replacement material or device in place.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 53 , wherein the delivering step further comprises delivering a planar spiral disc augmentation device formed of a strip of resilient material having a planar spiral shape around a through-hole into the disc space by: straightening and advancing the strip of resilient material through the axial bore into the disc space; and releasing the strip of resilient material in the disc space to assume the planar spiral shape between the vertebral endplates.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 56 , further comprising the step of inserting an axial spinal implant into the axial bore extending through the through-hole of the planar spiral disc augmentation device and into the caudal and cephalad vertebral bores bridging the disc space to retain the planar spiral disc augmentation device in the disc space.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 53 , wherein the delivering step further comprises the steps of: extending a deflated envelope through said axial bore and disc opening to the interior of the spinal disc with an envelope opening accessible through the disc opening; and filling and inflating the deflated envelope with an augmentation material or device.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 58 , further comprising the step of closing one or more of the inflated envelope opening, the disc opening and the axial bore.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the filling and inflating step comprises delivering disc augmentation materials or devices selected from the group consisting of bone growth materials, biomaterials and spinal disc replacement devices introduced into the deflated envelope.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 60 , further comprising the step of inserting an axial spinal implant into the axial bore extending through the envelope opening to retain the envelope filled with the disc augmentation device or material in the disc space.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 60 , further comprising the step of closing one or more of the inflated envelope opening, the disc opening and the axial bore.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the filling and inflating step comprises delivering a planar spiral disc augmentation device formed of a strip of resilient material having a planar spiral shape around a through-hole through the deflated envelope opening by: straightening and advancing the strip of resilient material through the axial bore and the envelope opening; and releasing the strip of resilient material within the envelope to assume the planar spiral shape between the vertebral endplates.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 63 , further comprising the step of inserting an axial spinal implant into the axial bore extending through the through-hole of the planar spiral disc augmentation device within the envelope to retain the planar spiral disc augmentation device and envelope in the disc space.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the filling and inflating step comprises delivering disc augmentation materials selected from biomaterials that cure in situ through the axial bore and into the envelope.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 65 , further comprising the step of closing one or more of the inflated envelope opening, the disc opening and the axial bore.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 53 , wherein the delivering step further comprises the steps of: extending an elongated deflated envelope having a planar spiral shape around a through-hole through said axial bore and disc opening to the interior of the spinal disc with an envelope opening accessible through the disc opening; and filling and inflating the deflated envelope with an augmentation material or device to assume the planar spiral shape and through-hole between the vertebral endplates.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the filling and inflating step comprises delivering disc augmentation materials and devices selected from the group consisting of bone growth materials, biomaterials and spinal disc replacement devices introduced into the deflated envelope.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 67 , further comprising the step of closing one or more of the inflated envelope opening, the disc opening and the axial bore.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 67 , further comprising the step of inserting an axial spinal implant into the axial bore extending through the through-hole to retain the planar spiral envelope filled with the disc augmentation device or material in the disc space.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 53 , further comprising inserting an axial spinal implant into said axial bore to extend cephalad through at least one caudal vertebral body, through the spinal disc space, and into or through at least one cephalad vertebral body.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 53 , further comprising the step of implanting a bone growth material into said axial bore to extend cephalad through at least one caudal vertebral body and into or through at least one cephalad vertebral body bridging at least one spinal disc.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 53 , further comprising the steps of: inserting an axial spinal implant having a toroidal shape surrounding a throughhole through said axial bore and disc opening to the interior of the disc space; and inserting an axial spinal implant into the axial bore extending through the through-hole.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for providing access to and performing a vertebroplasty of at least one fractured vertebral body in a series of vertebral bodies located within a human spine, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a trans-sacral axial bore extending cephalad and axially through the vertebral bodies of said series of adjacent vertebral bodies and any intervertebral, spinal discs, the trans-sacral axial bore exposing cancellous bone of the fractured vertebral body; and performing a vertebroplasty of the fractured vertebral body through the axial bore to repair damage and strengthen the fractured vertebral body.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for providing access to and performing a vertebroplasty of at least one fractured vertebral body in a series of vertebral bodies located within a human spine, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a trans-sacral axial bore extending cephalad and axially through the vertebral bodies of said series of adjacent vertebral bodies and any intervertebral, spinal discs, the trans-sacral axial bore exposing cancellous bone of the fractured vertebral body; and performing a vertebroplasty of the fractured vertebral body through the axial bore to repair damage and strengthen the fractured vertebral body.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 74 , wherein the vertebroplasty performing step comprises the steps of: extending a vertebroplasty catheter having a vertebroplasty catheter lumen through said axial bore and into the damaged vertebral body exposed by said axial bore; and injecting a vertebral body reinforcing material for reinforcing the vertebral body into cancellous bone within the vertebral body; and closing at least a portion of the axial bore extending into the fractured vertebral body.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 74 , wherein the vertebral body reinforcing material comprises a bone growth material or bone cement.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 74 , wherein: the accessing step comprises accessing a posterior target point of a posterior surface of a sacral vertebral body; and the bore forming step comprises boring a curved trans-sacral axial bore in alignment with a visualized, curved, posterior, axial instrumentation/fusion line extending in said axial aspect through the series of vertebral bodies.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 74 , wherein: the accessing step comprises accessing an anterior target point of an anterior surface of a sacral vertebral body; and the bore forming step comprises boring a trans-sacral axial bore in alignment with a visualized, anterior, axial instrumentation/fusion line extending in said axial aspect through the series of vertebral bodies.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for providing access to and performing a balloon-assisted vertebroplasty of at least one fractured vertebral body in a series of vertebral bodies located within a human spine, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a trans-sacral axial bore extending cephalad and axially through the vertebral bodies of said series of adjacent vertebral bodies and any intervertebral, spinal discs, the trans-sacral axial bore exposing cancellous bone of the fractured vertebral body; and performing a balloon-assisted vertebroplasty of the fractured vertebral body through the axial bore to repair damage and strengthen the fractured vertebral body.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for providing access to and performing a balloon-assisted vertebroplasty of at least one fractured vertebral body in a series of vertebral bodies located within a human spine, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a sacral position of a sacral vertebral body; from the accessed sacral position, boring a trans-sacral axial bore extending cephalad and axially through the vertebral bodies of said series of adjacent vertebral bodies and any intervertebral, spinal discs, the trans-sacral axial bore exposing cancellous bone of the fractured vertebral body; and performing a balloon-assisted vertebroplasty of the fractured vertebral body through the axial bore to repair damage and strengthen the fractured vertebral body.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
123 words
The method of claim 79 , wherein the balloon-assisted vertebroplasty performing step comprises the steps of: extending a balloon catheter having a balloon catheter lumen and bearing a deflated balloon through the axial bore to locate the deflated balloon in relation to cancellous bone of the damaged vertebral body exposed by said axial bore; inflating the balloon of the balloon catheter through the balloon catheter lumen to apply force to cancellous bone and compress cancellous bone to form a vertebral body cavity; deflating the balloon and withdrawing the balloon catheter through the axial bore; and injecting a vertebral body reinforcing material for reinforcing the vertebral body through the axial bore and into the vertebral body cavity and cancellous bone within the vertebral body.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 80 , wherein the vertebral body reinforcing material comprises a bone growth material.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 80 , wherein the balloon-assisted vertebroplasty performing step comprises the step of closing the axial bore after the vertebral body reinforcing material is injected into the vertebral body cavity.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 80 , wherein: the accessing step comprises accessing a posterior target point of a posterior surface of a sacral vertebral body; and the bore forming step comprises boring a curved trans-sacral axial bore in alignment with a visualized, curved, posterior, axial instrumentation/fusion line extending in said axial aspect through the series of vertebral bodies.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 80 , wherein: the accessing step comprises accessing an anterior target point of an anterior surface of a sacral vertebral body; and the bore forming step comprises boring a trans-sacral axial bore in alignment with a visualized, anterior, axial instrumentation/fusion line extending in said axial aspect through the series of vertebral bodies.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
100 words
The method of claim 80 , wherein the balloon-assisted vertebroplasty performing step comprises the steps of: extending a balloon catheter having a balloon catheter lumen and bearing a deflated balloon through the axial bore to locate the deflated balloon in relation to cancellous bone of the damaged vertebral body exposed by said axial bore; inflating the balloon of the balloon catheter through the balloon catheter lumen to apply force to cancellous bone and compress cancellous bone to form a vertebral body cavity; deflating the balloon; and injecting a vertebral body reinforcing material for reinforcing the vertebral body into the balloon.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 85 , wherein the balloon-assisted vertebroplasty performing step comprises the step of closing one or both of the inflated balloon opening or the axial bore after the vertebral body reinforcing material is injected into the balloon.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-05-05 | 2006-11-04 | 2007-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-05-05 | 2010-11-04 | 2011-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-05-05 | 2014-11-04 | 2015-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |