Apparatus and method for stylet-guided vertebral augmentation
AssigneeCareFusion 2200, Inc.
InventorsEvan D. Linderman, John A. Krueger
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Abstract
A stylet-guided balloon vertebroplasty system, as well as methods for bone augmentation using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target an approximately centered target site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height and/or to reinforce the bone structure.
Claims21
A method for stabilizing a bone structure of a patient, the method comprising steps of:
- identifying a target site for locating an expandable member within a bone structure at a predetermined location,
- directing a distal end of a generally straightline access cannula into the bone structure near the target site;
- providing a guide stylet assembly that comprises
- a stylet including memory metal and incorporating a distal pre-set curve;
- and
- an overlying delivery tube through which the stylet snugly and slidably extends, where the stylet and the delivery tube have sufficient length to extend through and be operable beyond the distal end of the access cannula, and where the pre-set curve is held generally longitudinally straight when the stylet is constrained by the access cannula;
- directing the stylet and overlying delivery tube through the access cannula and out the distal end of the access cannula, where the pre-set curve, no longer constrained by the access cannula, curves toward and forms a path into the target site as it is extended out of the access cannula distal end;
- withdrawing the stylet from the overlying delivery tube;
- directing an expandable member in a contracted state through the delivery tube into the target site;
- expanding the expandable member to form a cavity at the target site;
- and
- delivering a curable material into the cavity.
A system configured for stabilizing a bone structure of a patient, the system comprising:
- an access cannula configured for penetrating into a bone structure;
- a guide stylet assembly that comprises
- a stylet including memory metal and incorporating a distal pre-set curve;
- and
- an overlying delivery tube through which the stylet snugly and slidably extends, where the stylet and the delivery tube have sufficient length to extend through and be operable beyond the distal end of the access cannula, and where the pre-set curve is held generally longitudinally straight when the stylet is constrained by the access cannula;
- and
- an expandable member configured for passage through and deployment outside a distal end of the delivery tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.