Methods and apparatus for forming shaped axial bores through spinal vertebrae
US6740090B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S606/914
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
One or more shaped axial bore extending from an accessed posterior or anterior target point are formed in the cephalad direction through vertebral bodies and intervening discs, if present, in general alignment with a visualized, trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) line in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner. An anterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL) or a posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (PAIFL) that extends from the anterior or posterior target point, respectively, in the cephalad direction following the spinal curvature through one or more vertebral body is visualized by radiographic or fluoroscopic equipment. Preferably, curved anterior or posterior TASIF axial bores are formed in axial or parallel or diverging alignment with the visualized AAIFL or PAIFL, respectively, employing bore forming tools that can be manipulated from proximal portions thereof that are located outside the patient's body to adjust the curvature of the anterior or posterior TASIF axial bores as they are formed in the cephalad direction. Further bore enlarging tools are employed to enlarge one or more selected section of the anterior or posterior TASIF axial bore(s)…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.