Devices and methods for selective surgical removal of tissue
AssigneeBaxano, Inc.
InventorJeffery Bleich
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims7
A system for use in treating tissue, the system comprising:
- a cannula;
- a barrier device comprising an elongate member having a flexible flat distal section, where the flexible flat distal section is configured to be advanced through the lumen of the cannula and after exiting from the cannula can expand to form a shield having a cross sectional area greater than that of the lumen of the cannula;
- and
- at least one electrode located on the barrier, the electrode adapted to be coupled to a neural locating device.
A surgical barrier device for use with a nerve locating apparatus, the barrier device comprising:
- an elongate member having a flexible flat distal section, where the flexible flat distal section is configured to be collapsible to reduce in profile;
- at least one electrode attached to the flat distal section;
- and
- a connector for electrically coupling the electrode to the nerve locating apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.