Patent · US Expired

Method of treating epidural lesions

US5215105A · kind A · utility

225Cited by
10References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 14, 1989
Grant dateJun 1, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 14, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M29/02
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for treating fibrotic lesions in the epidural space of the spinal column includes the steps of percutaneously inserting into the epidural space and across a fibrous lesion, a catheter carrying a compliant, inflatable balloon which is expandable both radially and longitudinally, and, expanding the balloon radially so as to contact the walls of the epidural space and disrupt the fibers of the lesion, and thereafter expanding the balloon longitudinally within the epidural space so as to increase the area of contact between the balloon and the walls of the epidural space. An introducer for percutaneously inserting a catheter or other medical device into the epidural space includes a polymeric tubular shaft having a tapered, curved distal tip through which the catheter is advanced and retracted.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.