Baxano, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110130758 | Flexible tissue rasp - Methods and devices are described for modifying tissue in a spine of a patient to treat or alleviate spinal stenosis. In one embodiment, a method may include: advancing at least a distal portion of an elongate tissue modification device into an epidural space and between target tissue and non-target tissue in the spine; positioning the tissue modification device so that at least one abrasive surface of the device faces target tissue and at least one non-abrasive surface faces non-target tissue; applying tensioning force at or near separate distal and proximal portions of the tissue modification device; and translating the tissue modification device back and forth while maintaining at least some tensioning force to abrade at least a portion of the target tissue with the at least one abrasive surface. Unwanted damage to the non-target tissue may be prevented via the at least one non-abrasive surface. | 06-02-2011 |
20110004207 | Flexible Neural Localization Devices and Methods - Described herein are devices, systems and methods for determining if a nerve is nearby a device or portion of a device. The neural stimulation tools described herein are configured to be flexible and low-profile, so that they can be used within body regions that may be tortuous or difficult to reach, such as within a compressed or partially occluded neural foramen. In most cases, these tools described herein are ribbon-shaped and adapted to be manipulated bimanually, for example, by applying force to the ends of the devices from separate locations outside of the patient's body. Thus, in some of the exemplary neural localization devices described herein, the distal end region of the device are configured to couple to the proximal end of a guidewire. One or more surfaces of the devices may include an electrode or multi-polar network of electrodes configured to stimulate only nerves within a predetermined distance of a particular face of the device. | 01-06-2011 |
20100331900 | SURGICAL TOOLS FOR TREATMENT OF SPINAL STENOSIS - Described herein are pullwire handle devices for securing to a tissue-penetrating pullwire. In some embodiments, the device includes a handle body, a pullwire lock configured to removably lock the pullwire handle device onto a pullwire within the handle body, and a tip containment element configured to retain the distal tip of the pullwire. In some embodiments, the handle body further comprises a storage chamber configured to store a distal portion of the pullwire. Also described herein are methods for capturing a pullwire using a pullwire handle device. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of inserting the distal end of a pullwire into the pullwire handle device, advancing the pullwire further into the pullwire handle device while the distal portion of the pullwire is contained within the pullwire handle device, and locking the distal portion of the pullwire within the pullwire handle device. | 12-30-2010 |
20090069709 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR NEURAL LOCALIZATION - Described herein are devices, systems and methods for determining if a nerve is nearby a device or a region of a device. In general, a device for determining if a nerve is nearby a device includes an elongate body having an outer surface with one or more bipole pairs arranged on the outer surface. Bipole pairs may also be referred to as tight bipoles. The bipole pairs may be arranged as a bipole network, and may include a cathode and an anode that are spaced relatively close together to form a limited broadcast field. In general, the broadcast filed is a controlled or “tight” broadcast field that extends from the bipole pair(s). Methods of using these devices and system are also described. | 03-12-2009 |
20090018507 | SPINAL ACCESS SYSTEM AND METHOD - Described herein are devices and systems for accessing a spine and particularly the epidural region of the spine and methods of using these systems and devices to access the spine or regions of the spine. In particular, cannulas that may be anchored to the ligamentum flavum or the periosteum are described. Ligamentum flavum access tools are also described. These tools may be used with (or without) an anchoring cannula to penetrate the ligamentum flavum and provide access to the epidural space without risk of injury to other structures within the epidural space. The devices, methods and systems described herein are particularly useful in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) uses. The devices, methods and systems described herein may be used for performing spinal decompressions and other spinal procedures. | 01-15-2009 |
20080312660 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MEASURING THE SPACE AROUND A NERVE ROOT - Described herein are method, systems and devices for measuring the region adjacent to or around a nerve root, such as the space within an intervertebral foramen before, during and/or after a spinal decompression procedure. Measurement devices may be advanced by pulling on them using a guidewire passing through the intervertebral foramen and out of the subject. The measurement device may include sounds for determining one or more dimensions of the space around a nerve root within an intervertebral space, lateral recess or central canal. Various embodiments of sounds, including calibrated, inflatable, expandable, moldable, and tapered sounds (or combinations of these) are described. | 12-18-2008 |