Intervertebral disc device employing looped probe

US6726685B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Oratec Interventions, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kevin To · San Jose, US
• Le Trong Le · San Jose, US
• Andy H. Uchida · Los Altos, US
• Hugh J. Sharkey · Redwood City, US
• John Ashley · Danville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 6, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 27, 2004
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2018/1407
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An intervertebral disc device is provided comprising a probe capable of being extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, the probe forming a loop when extended from the distal end of the introducer, the loop having first and second proximal ends external to the introducer which are brought together adjacent the introducer distal end to form the loop by the proximal ends being either attached to or entering the distal end of the introducer; and a proximal handle for externally causing the probe to be extended from the distal end of the introducer and externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.