Insulated pedicle access system and related methods

US8784330B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• NuVasive, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Thomas Scholl · San Diego, US
• Albert Kim · San Diego, US
• Jared Arambula · San Diego, US
• Scot Martinelli · San Diego, US
• Eric Finley · San Diego, US
• Albert Pothier · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 17, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 22, 2014
• Expiry date: May 17, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/0551
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A pedicle access system including a cannula, a stylet, and a removable T-handle. The pedicle access system may be used to percutaneously approach the pedicle, initiate pilot hole formation, and conduct a stimulation signal to the target site for the purposes of performing a pedicle integrity assessment during the pilot hole formation. To do this, the cannula and stylet are locked in combination and inserted through an operating corridor to the pedicle target site, using the T-handle to facilitate easy movement and positioning of the cannula/stylet combination. A stimulation signal may be applied during pilot hole formation to conduct the pedicle integrity assessment. In a significant aspect, the T-handle may be detached from the cannula/stylet combination to facilitate the use of various surgical tools as necessary.