Spinal fluid introduction

US7662133B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SMITH & NEPHEW, INC. · US

Inventors

• Nelson L. Scarborough · Andover, US
• John V. Hamilton · Foxborough, US
• Andy H. Uchida · Los Altos, US
• Ralph I. McNall, III · Menlo Park, US
• Steven Lepke · Wakefield, US
• Peter A. Weissman · North Andover, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 23, 2004
• Grant date: Feb 16, 2010
• Expiry date: Feb 2, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/3331
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A fluid introduction system includes an introducer configured to create a pressure of at least 69 kPa within a spine, and an operator configured to actuate the introducer to introduce fluid into the spine according to a predetermined fluid introduction profile. The system can include a computer readable medium having code for receiving fluid introduction data indicative of a fluid introduction parameter, and for receiving response data indicative of a response of the patient at a time related to a time of the fluid introduction data. A method for introducing fluid includes positioning a first introducer in a first portion of a spine, positioning a second introducer in a second, different portion of the spine and, without removing the first and second introducers, introducing fluid into the first portion of the spine with the first introducer and introducing fluid into the second portion of the spine with the second introducer.