Access and tissue modification systems and methods

US8568416B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Baxano Surgical, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Gregory P. Schmitz · Los Gatos, US
• Michael P. Wallace · Pleasanton, US
• Winnie Chung · San Francisco, US
• Amie Borgstrom · San Francisco, US
• Jeffery L. Bleich · Palo Alto, US
• Gregory B. Arcenio · Redwood City, US
• Ronald Leguidleguid · Fremont, US
• Roy Leguidleguid · Union City, US
• Jefferey Bleam · Ramona, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 17, 2012
• Grant date: Oct 29, 2013
• Expiry date: Aug 17, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2001/0578
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Described herein are methods and systems for precisely placing and/or manipulating devices within the body by first positioning a guidewire or pullwire. The device to be positioned within the body is coupled to the proximal end of the guidewire, and the device is pulled into the body by pulling on the distal end of the guidewire that extends from the body. The device may be bimanually manipulated by pulling the guidewire distally, and an attachment to a device that extends proximally, allowing control of both the proximal and the distal ends. In this manner devices (and particularly implants such as innerspinous distracters, stimulating leads, and disc slings) may be positioned and/or manipulated within the body. Guidewire exchange systems, devices and methods are also described. A guidewire may be exchanged between different surgical devices and may be releaseably or permanently coupled.