Hard tissue anchors and delivery devices
AssigneeSpinal Modulation, Inc.
InventorAlbert G. Burdulis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for anchoring medical devices to hard tissues, such as bones or bony structures, particularly vertebrae. By anchoring these medical devices directly to the surrounding hard tissue, the devices are anchored closer to the source of treatment. This provides additional stability and reduces migration of the device at the treatment site. Also, by attaching to hard tissue rather than soft tissue, a stronger attachment is often able to be made.
Claims30
A method for anchoring an element within the body, the method comprising:
- positioning the element so that a portion resides within the epidural space and portion resides outside of the epidural space;
- driving a penetrating end of a hard tissue anchor into a surface of a vertebrae;
- and
- fixing the portion of the element residing outside of the epidural space to the head of the hard tissue anchor so as to substantially maintain the position of the element.
A system comprising:
- a lead comprising an elongate body having at least one electrode, wherein the elongate body is configured for positioning at least one of the at least one electrodes within stimulating range of a dorsal root ganglion;
- a hard tissue anchor having a penetrating end configured for penetrating a vertebrae and a head having an aperture, wherein the aperture is configured to receive the elongate body and secure at least one of the at least one electrodes in relation to the dorsal root ganglion while the penetrating end is anchored to the vertebrae.
A system comprising:
- a lead comprising an elongate body having at least one electrode, wherein the elongate body is configured for positioning at least partially within a foramen;
- and
- a hard tissue anchor having a penetrating end configured for penetrating a vertebrae and a head having an aperture, wherein the aperture is configured to receive the elongate body and secure the elongate body in relation to the foramen while the penetrating end is anchored to the vertebrae.
A system comprising:
- a hard tissue anchor having a penetrating end configured for penetrating a vertebrae and a head having an aperture, wherein the aperture is configured to receive and secure a lead while the penetrating end is anchored to the vertebrae;
- and
- an applicator configured for delivering the hard tissue anchor, wherein the applicator comprises a distal end for receiving the head of the hard tissue anchor and a proximal end having a handle thereattached so that force applied to the handle is translatable to the head of the hard tissue anchor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.