US 8,784,330 B1 · Insulated pedicle access system and related methods

Abstract

A pedicle access system including a cannula, a stylet, and a removable T-handle. The pedicle access system may be used to percutaneously approach the pedicle, initiate pilot hole formation, and conduct a stimulation signal to the target site for the purposes of performing a pedicle integrity assessment during the pilot hole formation. To do this, the cannula and stylet are locked in combination and inserted through an operating corridor to the pedicle target site, using the T-handle to facilitate easy movement and positioning of the cannula/stylet combination. A stimulation signal may be applied during pilot hole formation to conduct the pedicle integrity assessment. In a significant aspect, the T-handle may be detached from the cannula/stylet combination to facilitate the use of various surgical tools as necessary.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A system for use in a medical procedure, comprising:

an elongated needle element including a shaped tip advanceable into a bony structure of a patient's spine;
an elongated cannula lockingly mateable with said needle element;
an elongated sheath disposed about the exterior of said cannula, wherein said elongated sheath is non-compressible and slideable between a first position and a second position;
and
a handle configured to attach to at least one of said needle element and said cannula to allow a user to manipulate said system;
wherein at least one of said needle element, said cannula, and said handle includes a contact element in communication with at least one of said shaped tip of said needle element and a distal end of said cannula, said contact element being coupleable with an electrical source to transmit an electrical stimulation current from said electrical source to at least one of said shaped tip and said distal end and into a hole formed in said bony structure.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Insulated pedicle access system and related methods

Life of this patent

Insulated pedicle access system and related methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18