Steerable vertebroplasty system

Abstract

Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to bone augmentation devices and procedures. In particular, the present invention relates to steerable injection devices and systems for introducing conventional or novel bone cement formulations such as in performing vertebroplasty.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation ten million Americans have osteoporosis, and an estimated 34 million with low bone mass are at risk of developing osteoporosis (http: / / www.nof.org / osteoporosis / diseasefacts.htm). Called the “silent disease,” OSP develops slowly over a number of years without symptoms. Eighty percent of those affected are women, particularly petite Caucasian and Asian women, although older men and women of all races and ethnicities are at significant risk.[0003]In the United States, 700,000 people are diagnosed with vertebral compression fractures as a result of OSP each year. Morbidity associated with vertebral fractures includes severe back pain, loss o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]According to one embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is a steerable vertebroplasty device, including an elongate tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therethrough; a deflectable zone on the distal end of the tubular body, deflectable through an angular range; a handle on the proximal end of the tubular body; and a deflection control on the handle. The handle and deflection control are configured for single hand operation. The deflection control can include a rotatable element. The distal end can include a distally facing exit port in communication with the central lumen, or a lateral

Problems solved by technology

Eighty percent of those affected are women, particularly petite Caucasian and Asian women, although older men and women of all races and ethnicities are at significant risk.

Morbidity associated with vertebral fractures includes severe back pain, loss of height and deformity, all of which negatively affect quality of life.

Such a revision, however, can only be applied to total joint replacement failures.

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