Method and apparatus for spinal augmentation
AssigneeTranS1 Inc.
InventorAndrew H. Cragg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed are methods and devices for accessing and treating the spine, while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue. A device is introduced through tissue, to an access point on the spine. The device is thereafter advanced axially within the spine, from the access point across a treatment zone. Spinal fusion cages, other fusion implants and/or bone growth material is introduced into at least one vertebral body and/or at least one disc space.
Claims40
A method of augmenting the spine, comprising the steps of:
- providing an elongate augmentation catheter, having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending therethrough;
- advancing the distal end axially through at least one vertebral body and into at least one disc;
- and
- expressing at least a first media from the catheter into the spine.
A method of treating the spine, comprising the steps of:
- identifying an access site on the spine;
- advancing a device through the access site and into the spine;
- further advancing the device axially through the spine across a treatment zone;
- expressing a bone growth material from the device within the treatment zone;
- and
- deploying at least a portion of the device within the treatment zone.
A method of treating the spine, comprising the steps of:
- identifying a site on the anterior surface of the sacrum;
- forming a lumen from the site through the sacrum, through a disc and axially into at least one vertebrae;
- directly observing the interior of the spine by introducing an endoscope into the lumen;
- and
- performing a procedure using the lumen.
A method of treating the spine, comprising the steps of:
- identifying a site on the surface of the sacrum;
- forming a lumen from the site through the sacrum, through a disc and into at least one vertebrae;
- and
- positioning a tubular fusion device within the lumen.
A method of fusing the spine, comprising the steps of:
- identifying a site on the anterior surface of the sacrum;
- forming a lumen from the site through the sacrum, through a disc and into at least one vertebrae;
- and
- introducing a fusion implant through the lumen, the implant comprising at least one radially outwardly extending bone engagement structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.