Visualization systems, instruments and methods of using the same in spinal decompression procedures
AssigneeVertiFlex, Inc.
InventorsAndy W. Choi, Thomas R. Haley, Scott C. Lynch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for positioning a treatment instrument in a subject involves positioning a tissue protector of a visualization instrument in an epidural space of the subject. The tissue protector is viewed and positioned in the epidural space using fluoroscopy. A treatment instrument between a first vertebra and a second vertebra and while viewing the tissue protector positioned in the epidural space. A decompression procedure is performed using the treatment instrument.
Claims26
A method for performing a procedure on a subject, comprising:
- positioning a distal portion of a visualization instrument in a vertebral column of the subject;
- moving a treatment instrument between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of the vertebral column while viewing the distal portion of the visualization instrument positioned in the vertebral column using fluoroscopy;
- and
- performing a spinal decompression procedure using the treatment instrument.
The method of claim 6 wherein positioning the distal portion includes positioning the radiopaque marker between a dura sac of the subject and an interspinous space between a spinous process of the first vertebra and a spinous process of the second vertebra.
A method for positioning an instrument in a subject, comprising:
- moving a tissue protector of a visualization instrument into the subject;
- moving the tissue protector from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration to define a working space including a treatment site;
- and
- performing at least a portion of a decompression procedure at the treatment site while viewing the tissue protector in the deployed configuration.
A method for performing a procedure on a subject, comprising:
- positioning a tissue protector of a visualization instrument in an epidural space of the subject;
- viewing the tissue protector positioned in the epidural space using fluoroscopy;
- moving a treatment instrument between a first vertebra and a second vertebra while viewing the tissue protector positioned in the epidural space;
- and
- performing a decompression procedure using the treatment instrument.
A treatment system for treating spinal compression of a subject, comprising:
- a visualization instrument including a tissue protector configured to be positioned in an epidural space and viewed using fluoroscopy;
- and
- a treatment instrument configured to perform a decompression procedure at a treatment site while the tissue protector prevents access to the spinal cord.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.