Steerable vertebroplasty system with cavity creation element

Abstract

Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. The distal end may be provided with a cavity creation element, such as an inflatable balloon. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 941,764 filed Nov. 16, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.[0002]The present invention relates to bone augmentation devices and procedures. In particular, the present invention relates to steerable injection devices and systems for introducing conventional or novel bone cement formulations such as in performing vertebroplasty.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation ten million Americans have osteoporosis, and an estimated 34 million with low bone mass are at risk of developing osteoporosis (http: / / www.nof.org / osteoporosis / diseasefacts.htm). Called the “silent disease,” OSP develops slowly over a number of years without symptoms. Eighty percent of those affected are women, particularly petite Caucasian and Asian women, although older men and women of all races and ethnicities are at significant risk.[0004]In t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]There is provided in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a steerable vertebroplasty device having a cavity creation element. The vertebroplasty device comprises an elongate tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therethrough. A deflectable zone is provided on the distal end of the tubular body, for deflection through an an

Problems solved by technology

Eighty percent of those affected are women, particularly petite Caucasian and Asian women, although older men and women of all races and ethnicities are at significant risk.

Morbidity associated with vertebral fractures includes severe back pain, loss of height and deformity, all of which negatively affect quality of life.

Such a revision, however, can only be applied to total joint replacement failures.

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