Abstract: Described herein are methods for achieving access to a compressed space in spinal anatomy. In some embodiments, a method for achieving access may include the steps of advancing a distal portion of a cannulated probe toward a neural foramen from a lateral side of the foramen, extending a first end of a elongate member from a distal end of the cannulated probe and through the neural foramen from the lateral side to a medial side of the foramen and at least partially around an anterior portion of a facet joint and posterior to a spinal disc, and extending the first end of the elongate member out of the patient, wherein a portion of the elongate member remains curved around the facet joint. In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of extending a first end of an inner cannula from a distal end of the cannulated probe.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 26, 2012
Date of Patent:
November 12, 2013
Assignee:
Baxano Signal, Inc.
Inventors:
Jeffery L. Bleich, Edwin J. Hlavka, Vahid Saadat, Steven A. Spisak, David R. Miller, James R. Yurchenco