Patent US4798090A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6726690B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Diskectomy instrument and method
Assignee: Spinal Elements Inc
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Filing: 2003-01-16
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Granted: 2004-04-27
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Expires: 2023-01-16
Abstract
Abstract A diskectomy instrument includes an elongate body, a blade and a drive stem. The elongate body has a distal end, a proximal end, and a blade opening proximate the distal end. The blade is removably and movably mounted within the elongate body proximate the blade opening. The blade has a distal end, a proximal end, a sharp edge, a ramped portion and a stem mating portion. The drive stem is movably mounted within the elongate body and has a distal end, a proximal end and a blade mating portion. The drive stem is configured to slidably engage the blade when the drive stem is moved distally thereby extending the at least one blade radially outward though the at least one blade opening. The blade mating portion is configured to cooperatively engage the stem mating portion of the blade when the drive stem is moved proximally thereby retracting the blade.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter W. Eckman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:58
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/320016; A61B17/16; A61B17/1662; A61B17/1671; A61B17/1659; A61B17/3205; A61B17/3207; A61B17/320725; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00261; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2927; A61B2017/2929; A61B17/32002; A61B2017/320028
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
A diskectomy instrument, comprising: a) an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, the elongate body having at least one blade opening proximate the distal end; b) at least one blade removably and movably mounted at least partially within the elongate body proximate the at least one blade opening, the at least one blade having a distal end, a proximal end, at least one sharp edge extending at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end, a ramped portion and a stem mating portion; and c) a drive stem movably mounted within the elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end and a blade mating portion, the drive stem being configured to slidably engage the at least one blade when the drive stem is moved distally thereby extending the at least one blade radially outward though the at least one blade opening and the blade mating portion being configured to cooperatively engage the stem mating portion of the blade when the drive stem is moved proximally thereby retracting the at least one blade.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
179 words
A diskectomy instrument, comprising: a) an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, the elongate body having at least one blade opening proximate the distal end; b) at least one blade removably and movably mounted at least partially within the elongate body proximate the at least one blade opening, the at least one blade having a distal end, a proximal end, at least one sharp edge extending at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end, a ramped portion and a stem mating portion; and c) a drive stem movably mounted within the elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end and a blade mating portion, the drive stem being configured to slidably engage the at least one blade when the drive stem is moved distally thereby extending the at least one blade radially outward though the at least one blade opening and the blade mating portion being configured to cooperatively engage the stem mating portion of the blade when the drive stem is moved proximally thereby retracting the at least one blade.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator coupled to the proximal end of the drive stem to effectuate proximal and distal movement of the drive stem linearly within the elongate body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 2 , wherein the actuator is a positioning knob configured so that rotating the positioning knob in a first direction causes the drive stem to move distally and rotating the positioning knob in a second direction causes the drive stem to move proximally.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 3 , wherein the positioning knob includes incremental indication marks which generally correspond to the radial position of the at least one blade relative to the elongate body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 2 , further comprising a positioning knob coupled to the actuator wherein rotating the positioning knob in a first direction causes the drive stem to move distally and rotating the positioning knob in a second direction causes the drive stem to move proximally.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 5 , wherein the positioning knob includes incremental indication marks which generally correspond to the radial position of the at least one blade relative to the elongate body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 2 , further comprising a blade rotation knob coupled to the at least one blade wherein rotating the blade rotation knob causes the at least one blade to rotate in a cutting direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 7 , wherein the actuator further comprises a ratchet mechanism coupled between the blade rotation knob and the at least one blade whereby partial turns of the blade rotation knob effectuate rotation of the at least one blade in the cutting direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
101 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 2 , wherein the proximal end of the drive stem is externally threaded and the actuator is internally threaded, the actuator being rotatably mounted to the proximal end of the elongate body in such a manner that the external threads of the drive stem are in threaded engagement with the internal threads of the actuator and wherein rotation of the actuator in a first direction causes the drive stem to move distally and rotation of the actuator in a second direction causes the drive stem to move proximally by translation of the internal and external threads.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
95 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 2 , wherein the proximal end of the drive stem is externally toothed and the actuator includes a drive gear, the actuator being rotatably mounted to the proximal end of the elongate body in such a manner that the teeth of the drive stem are in mesh engagement with the drive gear of the actuator and wherein rotation of the drive gear in a first direction causes the drive stem to move distally and rotation of the drive gear in a second direction causes the drive stem to move proximally.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
54 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , wherein the portions of the diskectomy instrument intended to contact internal human body matter are formed of a biologically compatible material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, nickel plated metal, a biocompatible metal, a biocompatible alloy, a biocompatible ceramic and a biocompatible polymeric material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , wherein the stem mating portion of the blade is an indentation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , wherein the stem mating portion of the blade is a protuberance.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , wherein the at least one blade is disposable.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , wherein the at least one blade is removed from the distal end of the elongate body.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the elongate body is substantially closed and generally bluntly rounded.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
50 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , wherein the width of the at least one blade opening is in close tolerance to the width of the at least one blade thereby permitting the at least one blade opening to provide lateral support to the at least one blade during use.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , wherein the at least one blade is generally convexly-shaped proximate the at least one sharp edge thereby allowing the at least one blade to naturally find the most concave portions of a vertebra.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 , wherein the elongate body further comprises a fixed abutment configured to engage the ramp when the drive stem is moved distally thereby assisting in extending the at least one blade radially outward.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
52 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 in combination with a working tube, the working tube having an elongate housing, a distal end, a proximal end and an interior lumen traversing through the elongate housing, the working tube being configured to be inserted through an incision less than about 50 mm in span.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
52 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 1 in combination with a working tube, the working tube having an elongate housing, a distal end, a proximal end and an interior lumen traversing through the elongate housing, the working tube being configured to be inserted through an incision less than about 25 mm in span.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
189 words
A diskectomy instrument, comprising: a) an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, the elongate body having a plurality of blade openings proximate the distal end; b) a plurality of blades removably and movably mounted at least partially within the elongate body, each blade disposed proximate to a respective one of the plurality of blade openings, the plurality of blades each having a distal end, a proximal end, at least one sharp edge extending at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end, a ramped portion and a stem mating portion; and c) a drive stem movably mounted within the elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end and a blade mating portion, the drive stem being configured to slidably engage each of the plurality of blades when the drive stem is moved distally thereby extending the plurality of blades radially outward through the respective plurality of blade openings and the blade mating portion being configured to cooperatively engage the stem mating portion of each of the plurality of blades when the drive stem is moved proximally thereby retracting the plurality of blades.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
189 words
A diskectomy instrument, comprising: a) an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, the elongate body having a plurality of blade openings proximate the distal end; b) a plurality of blades removably and movably mounted at least partially within the elongate body, each blade disposed proximate to a respective one of the plurality of blade openings, the plurality of blades each having a distal end, a proximal end, at least one sharp edge extending at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end, a ramped portion and a stem mating portion; and c) a drive stem movably mounted within the elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end and a blade mating portion, the drive stem being configured to slidably engage each of the plurality of blades when the drive stem is moved distally thereby extending the plurality of blades radially outward through the respective plurality of blade openings and the blade mating portion being configured to cooperatively engage the stem mating portion of each of the plurality of blades when the drive stem is moved proximally thereby retracting the plurality of blades.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The diskectomy instrument of claim 22 , wherein there are exactly four blades.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
94 words
A diskectomy blade having a distal end and a proximal end for use in a diskectomy instrument, the diskectomy instrument including a body and a drive stem having a blade mating portion, the blade comprising: a) at least one sharp edge extending at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end, b) a ramped portion configured to slidably engage with one of the stem of the diskectomy instrument and the body of the diskectomy instrument, and c) a mating portion configured to couple with the blade mating portion of the diskectomy instrument.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
94 words
A diskectomy blade having a distal end and a proximal end for use in a diskectomy instrument, the diskectomy instrument including a body and a drive stem having a blade mating portion, the blade comprising: a) at least one sharp edge extending at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end, b) a ramped portion configured to slidably engage with one of the stem of the diskectomy instrument and the body of the diskectomy instrument, and c) a mating portion configured to couple with the blade mating portion of the diskectomy instrument.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
12 words
The diskectomy blade of claim 24 , wherein the blade is reusable.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
The diskectomy blade of claim 24 , wherein the blade is disposable.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
40 words
The diskectomy blade of claim 24 , wherein the at least one blade is generally convexly-shaped proximate the at least one sharp edge thereby allowing the at least one blade to naturally find the most concave portions of a vertebra.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
247 words
A method of using a diskectomy instrument, the diskectomy instrument including an elongate body having a blade opening, a blade having a sharp edge, a ramped portion and a stem mating portion, and a drive stem having a blade mating portion, wherein the drive stem is configured to slidably engage the at least one blade when the drive stem is moved distally thereby extending the blade radially outward though the blade opening and the blade mating portion is configured to cooperatively engage the stem mating portion of the blade when the drive stem is moved proximally thereby retracting the blade, the method comprising the steps of: a) moving the drive stem proximally causing the blade mating portion to engage the stem mating portion of the blade thereby retracting the blade at least partially into the elongate body; b) inserting a distal end of the diskectomy instrument into a small gap between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of a spine; c) moving the drive stem distally causing the blade mating portion to engage the blade which in turn moves the blade distally and radially outward; d) rotating the blade in a cutting direction defined by the orientation of the sharp edge; e) moving the drive stem proximally causing the blade mating portion to engage the stem mating portion of the blade thereby retracting the blade at least partially into the elongate body; and f) withdrawing the distal end of the diskectomy instrument from the small gap.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
247 words
A method of using a diskectomy instrument, the diskectomy instrument including an elongate body having a blade opening, a blade having a sharp edge, a ramped portion and a stem mating portion, and a drive stem having a blade mating portion, wherein the drive stem is configured to slidably engage the at least one blade when the drive stem is moved distally thereby extending the blade radially outward though the blade opening and the blade mating portion is configured to cooperatively engage the stem mating portion of the blade when the drive stem is moved proximally thereby retracting the blade, the method comprising the steps of: a) moving the drive stem proximally causing the blade mating portion to engage the stem mating portion of the blade thereby retracting the blade at least partially into the elongate body; b) inserting a distal end of the diskectomy instrument into a small gap between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of a spine; c) moving the drive stem distally causing the blade mating portion to engage the blade which in turn moves the blade distally and radially outward; d) rotating the blade in a cutting direction defined by the orientation of the sharp edge; e) moving the drive stem proximally causing the blade mating portion to engage the stem mating portion of the blade thereby retracting the blade at least partially into the elongate body; and f) withdrawing the distal end of the diskectomy instrument from the small gap.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the diskectomy instrument further includes an actuator coupled to the proximal end of the drive stem to effectuate proximal and distal movement of the drive stem linearly within the elongate body and a positioning knob coupled to the actuator, and wherein step c) includes rotating the positioning knob in a first direction to move the drive stem distally and steps a) and e) include rotating the positioning knob in a second direction to move the drive stem proximally.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the diskectomy instrument further includes a blade rotation knob coupled to the blade through the elongate housing, and wherein step d) includes rotating the blade rotation knob to rotate the blade in the cutting direction.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
328 words
A method of using a diskectomy instrument and a working tube in outpatient surgery, the diskectomy instrument including an elongate body having a blade opening, a blade having a sharp edge and a partially convex shape, a ramped portion and a stem mating portion, and a drive stem having a blade mating portion, wherein the drive stem is configured to slidably engage the at least one blade when the drive stem is moved distally thereby extending the blade radially outward though the blade opening and the blade mating portion is configured to cooperatively engage the stem mating portion of the blade when the drive stem is moved proximally thereby retracting the blade, the method comprising the steps of: a) moving the drive stem proximally causing the blade mating portion to engage the stem mating portion of the blade thereby retracting the blade at least partially into the elongate body; b) inserting a distal end of the working tube proximate a small gap between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of a spine accessible through an incision between about 10mm and about 100 mm in span; c) inserting a distal end of the diskectomy instrument into the working tube in order to access the intervertebral space between the first and second vertebrae and into the small gap between the first and second vertebrae; d) moving the drive stem distally causing the drive stem to engage the blade which in turn moves the blade distally and radially outward; e) rotating the blade in a cutting direction defined by the orientation of the sharp edge so that the convexly-shaped blade finds the most concave portions of the first and second vertebrae; f) moving the drive stem proximally causing the blade mating portion to engage the stem mating portion of the blade thereby retracting the blade at least partially into the elongate body; and g) withdrawing the distal end of the diskectomy instrument from the disk space and the working tube.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
328 words
A method of using a diskectomy instrument and a working tube in outpatient surgery, the diskectomy instrument including an elongate body having a blade opening, a blade having a sharp edge and a partially convex shape, a ramped portion and a stem mating portion, and a drive stem having a blade mating portion, wherein the drive stem is configured to slidably engage the at least one blade when the drive stem is moved distally thereby extending the blade radially outward though the blade opening and the blade mating portion is configured to cooperatively engage the stem mating portion of the blade when the drive stem is moved proximally thereby retracting the blade, the method comprising the steps of: a) moving the drive stem proximally causing the blade mating portion to engage the stem mating portion of the blade thereby retracting the blade at least partially into the elongate body; b) inserting a distal end of the working tube proximate a small gap between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of a spine accessible through an incision between about 10mm and about 100 mm in span; c) inserting a distal end of the diskectomy instrument into the working tube in order to access the intervertebral space between the first and second vertebrae and into the small gap between the first and second vertebrae; d) moving the drive stem distally causing the drive stem to engage the blade which in turn moves the blade distally and radially outward; e) rotating the blade in a cutting direction defined by the orientation of the sharp edge so that the convexly-shaped blade finds the most concave portions of the first and second vertebrae; f) moving the drive stem proximally causing the blade mating portion to engage the stem mating portion of the blade thereby retracting the blade at least partially into the elongate body; and g) withdrawing the distal end of the diskectomy instrument from the disk space and the working tube.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-04-27 | 2007-10-27 | 2008-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-04-27 | 2011-10-27 | 2012-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-04-27 | 2015-10-27 | 2016-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |