Device for resecting spinal tissue

Abstract

A device for excising tissue. In an embodiment, the device comprises an outer sleeve. In addition, the device comprises an inner tubular member slidingly received within the outer sleeve. Further the device comprises a cutting head connected to a distal end of the inner tubular, wherein the cutting head comprises at least three aims extending axially from the inner tubular. Still further, the device has an open position in which the cutting head extends from the outer sleeve, and a closed position in which the cutting head is at least partially disposed within the sleeve.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 704,224 filed Jul. 29, 2005, and entitled “Device for Resecting Spinal Tissue,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application also claims benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 747,166 filed May 12, 2006, and entitled “Percutaneous Tissue Excision Devices and Methods,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to minimally invasive methods, devices and systems for treating spinal disorders using imaging guidance. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods to reduce stenosis and increase the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal available for the spinal cord. Still more particularly, the present...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] These and other needs in the art are addressed in another embodiment by a kit for performing a procedure on a spine, the spine including an epidural space containing a dural sac. In an embodiment, the kit comprises an insertion member for accessing the epidural space. In addition, the kit comprises a volume of a contrast medium adapted to be inserted into the epidural space by the insertion member and e

Problems solved by technology

The excessive epidural fat compresses the dural sac, nerve roots and blood vessels contained therein and resulting in back and leg pain and weakness and numbness of the legs.

These conservative treatment options frequently fail.

Also, because the spine stabilizing back muscles and ligaments are stripped and detached from the spine during the laminectomy, these patients frequently develop spinal instability post-operatively.

Percutaneous discectomy devices with fluoroscopic guidance have been used successfully to treat disorders of the disc but not to treat spinal stenosis or the ligamentum flavum directly.

These devices and techniques are limited by the small size of the canal and these operations are difficult to perform and master.

In addition, these procedures are painful and often require general anesthesia.

Further, the arthroscopy procedures are time consuming and the fiber optic systems are expensive to purchase and maintain.

Still further, because the nerves of the spinal cord pass through the spinal canal directly adjacent to and anterior to the ligamentum flavum, any surgery, regardless of whether open or percutaneous, includes a risk of damage to the nerves of the spinal cord.

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