Tissue modification devices

US8192436B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Baxano, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Gregory P. Schmitz · Los Gatos, US
• Michael P. Wallace · Pleasanton, US
• Ronald Leguidleguid · Fremont, US
• Nestor C. Cantorna · Union City, US
• James Shapiro · San Francisco, US
• Jeffery L. Bleich · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 26, 2008
• Grant date: Jun 5, 2012
• Expiry date: Nov 28, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/32006
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Described herein are elongate device for modifying tissue having a plurality of flexibly connected rungs or links, and methods of using them, including methods of using them to decompress stenotic spinal tissue. These devices may be included as part of a system for modifying tissue. In general, these devices include a plurality of blades positioned on (or formed from) rungs that are flexibly connected. The rungs are typically rigid, somewhat flat and wider than they are long (e.g., rectangular). The rungs may be arranged, ladder like, and may be connected by a flexible connector substrate or between two or more cables. Different sized rungs may be used. The blades (on the rungs) may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. A tissue-collection or tissue capture element (e.g., chamber, bag, or the like) may be used to collect the cut or modified tissue. In some variations the tissue modification devices may have a non-linear axial shape, or may be converted from a first axial shape to a second axial shape.