US6733496B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Intervertebral disc device employing flexible probe
Assignee: Oratec Interventions Inc
•
Filing: 2001-06-06
•
Granted: 2004-05-11
•
Expires: 2021-06-06
Abstract
Abstract An intervertebral disc device is provided comprising a distal probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal end from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.
Inventors
- 👤 Hugh Sharkey
- 👤 Andy Uchida
- 👤 John Ashley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:41
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00261; A61B2017/00292; A61B2017/003; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00434; A61B2018/0044; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1407
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 77
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal end from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in opposing directions along a single plane relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal end from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in opposing directions along a single plane relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in at least two different directions along at least two different planes relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the flexible neck has at least one flat surface extending along a longitudinal axis of the neck.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the flexible neck has two flat surfaces extending along a longitudinal axis of the neck on opposing sides of the neck.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip has a larger cross sectional diameter than a largest cross sectional diameter of the flexible neck.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip is dome shaped.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip is dome shaped and symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip has a flat surface perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a spring.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a pivot mechanism.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a ball and socket mechanism.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the flexibility of the neck of the probe causes the probe to bend and the distal tip to trail behind a portion of the probe as the probe is advanced through tissue within an intervertebral disc.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the device further includes flexible tubing disposed between the proximal handle and the probe.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
46 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the device further includes a connector system which enables an introducer to be removably attached to the connector system, the probe being positionable within the introducer for delivery within the intervertebral disc with assistance of the introducer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the probe includes a resistive heating mechanism capable of supplying energy within the intervertebral disc.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the probe includes a device capable of supplying energy within the intervertebral disc, energy selected from a group consisting of coherent light, incoherent light, radiofrequency (“RF”) energy, microwave energy, and ultrasound energy.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the handle further comprises a probe control element for controlling the movement of the probe adjacent a distal end of the device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
41 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the probe further comprises a guide wire and the handle further comprises a guide wire control element for controlling the movement of the guide wire adjacent a distal end of the device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
49 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the probe further includes a functional element which performs a function selected from the group consisting of transmitting energy to tissue within an intervertebral disc, delivering material to within an intervertebral disc, and removing material from within an intervertebral disc.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 1 wherein the probe further includes an electromagnetic energy device capable of supplying energy within the intervertebral disc.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 21 wherein the electromagnetic energy device comprises electrodes adapted to deliver RF energy.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 22 wherein the RF electrodes have a monopolar configuration.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 22 wherein the RF electrodes have a bipolar configuration.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for treating an interior of an intervertebral disc comprising: inserting an introducer through a skin of a person such that a distal end of the introducer travels within the person via a posterior lateral approach to an intervertebral disc such that the distal end of the introducer is positioned in or adjacent an intervertebral disc; extending a probe from the distal end of the introducer such that the probe is positioned within the intervertebral disc, the probe having a flexible neck adjacent a distal tip of the probe such that the flexibility of the neck of the probe causes the probe to bend within the intervertebral disc such that the distal tip trails behind a portion of the probe as the probe is advanced through tissue within an intervertebral disc, wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in opposing directions along a single plane relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe, and extending the probe causes the probe to bend along one of the opposing directions; and treating tissue within the interior of the intervertebral disc using the probe.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for treating an interior of an intervertebral disc comprising: inserting an introducer through a skin of a person such that a distal end of the introducer travels within the person via a posterior lateral approach to an intervertebral disc such that the distal end of the introducer is positioned in or adjacent an intervertebral disc; extending a probe from the distal end of the introducer such that the probe is positioned within the intervertebral disc, the probe having a flexible neck adjacent a distal tip of the probe such that the flexibility of the neck of the probe causes the probe to bend within the intervertebral disc such that the distal tip trails behind a portion of the probe as the probe is advanced through tissue within an intervertebral disc, wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in opposing directions along a single plane relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe, and extending the probe causes the probe to bend along one of the opposing directions; and treating tissue within the interior of the intervertebral disc using the probe.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending along a single plane relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe, and extending the probe causes the probe to bend along that single plane.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein the distal tip has a larger cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck, the distal tip influencing how the flexible neck of the probe bends.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein the distal tip has a symmetrical shape about a longitudinal axis of the probe, the distal tip not predisposing the probe to bend in a particular direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein the distal tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe which predisposes the probe to bend in a particular direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein the probe includes a device capable of supplying energy within the intervertebral disc, the energy selected from a group consisting of coherent light, incoherent light, RF energy, microwave energy, and ultrasound energy.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein the probe includes a resistive heating mechanism capable of supplying energy within the intervertebral disc.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein extending the probe is performed using a handle external to the person, the handle comprising a probe control element for controlling the movement of the probe within the intervertebral disc.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method to claim 25 wherein extending the probe further comprises first extending a guide wire and then passing the probe over the guide wire.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein extending the guide wire is performed using a handle external to the person, the handle comprising a guide wire control element for controlling the movement of the guide wire within the intervertebral disc.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein the probe further includes an electromagnetic energy device capable of supplying energy within the intervertebral disc and treating tissue comprises delivering the electromagnetic energy to the tissue.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 35 wherein the electromagnetic energy device comprises electrodes adapted to deliver RF energy.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein the RF electrodes have a monopolar configuration.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein the RF electrodes have a bipolar configuration.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
128 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in at least two directions along at least two different planes relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
128 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in at least two directions along at least two different planes relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 39 wherein the distal tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
23 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 39 wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a spring.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
110 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the neck is formed of a flexible coil.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
110 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the neck is formed of a flexible coil.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
35 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 42 wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in at least two directions along at least two different planes relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 42 wherein the distal tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
114 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
114 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 45 wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a spring.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
24 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 45 wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a pivot mechanism.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
116 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a spring.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
116 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a spring.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 48 wherein the flexible neck has two flat surfaces extending along a longitudinal axis of the neck on opposing sides of the neck.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
45 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 48 wherein the flexibility of the neck of the probe causes the probe to bend and the distal tip to trail behind a portion of the probe as the probe is advanced through tissue within an intervertebral disc.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
117 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a pivot mechanism.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
117 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a pivot mechanism.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
35 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 51 wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in at least two directions along at least two different planes relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
45 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 51 wherein the flexibility of the neck of the probe causes the probe to bend and the distal tip to trail behind a portion of the probe as the probe is advanced through tissue within an intervertebral disc.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
119 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a ball and socket mechanism.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
119 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is attached to the neck of the probe by a ball and socket mechanism.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
35 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 54 wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in at least two directions along at least two different planes relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
45 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 54 wherein the flexibility of the neck of the probe causes the probe to bend and the distal tip to trail behind a portion of the probe as the probe is advanced through tissue within an intervertebral disc.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
134 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; a connector system which enables an introducer to be removably attached to the connector system, the probe being positionable within the introducer for delivery within the intervertebral disc with assistance of the introducer; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
134 words
An intervertebral disc device comprising: a probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising a flexible neck which tapers in a proximal to distal direction, and a distal tip which is larger in cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck adjacent the distal tip, the flexible neck and distal tip serving to prevent the probe distal section from piercing an internal wall of the intervertebral disc; a connector system which enables an introducer to be removably attached to the connector system, the probe being positionable within the introducer for delivery within the intervertebral disc with assistance of the introducer; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
35 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 57 wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending in at least two directions along at least two different planes relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
An intervertebral disc device according to claim 57 wherein the distal tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
176 words
A method for treating an interior of an intervertebral disc comprising: inserting an introducer through a skin of a person such that a distal end of the introducer travels within the person via a posterior lateral approach to an intervertebral disc such that the distal end of the introducer is positioned in or adjacent an intervertebral disc; extending a probe from the distal end of the introducer such that the probe is positioned within the intervertebral disc, the probe having a flexible neck adjacent a distal tip of the probe such that the flexibility of the neck of the probe causes the probe to bend within the intervertebral disc such that the distal tip trails behind a portion of the probe as the probe is advanced through tissue within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe which predisposes the probe to bend in a particular direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe; and treating tissue within the interior of the intervertebral disc using the probe.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
176 words
A method for treating an interior of an intervertebral disc comprising: inserting an introducer through a skin of a person such that a distal end of the introducer travels within the person via a posterior lateral approach to an intervertebral disc such that the distal end of the introducer is positioned in or adjacent an intervertebral disc; extending a probe from the distal end of the introducer such that the probe is positioned within the intervertebral disc, the probe having a flexible neck adjacent a distal tip of the probe such that the flexibility of the neck of the probe causes the probe to bend within the intervertebral disc such that the distal tip trails behind a portion of the probe as the probe is advanced through tissue within an intervertebral disc, wherein the distal tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe which predisposes the probe to bend in a particular direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe; and treating tissue within the interior of the intervertebral disc using the probe.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 60 wherein the flexible neck is predisposed to bending along a single plane relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe, and extending the probe causes the probe to bend along that single plane.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 60 wherein the distal tip has a larger cross sectional diameter than the flexible neck, the distal tip influencing how the flexible neck of the probe bends.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for accessing an intervertebral disc, the method comprising: inserting an elongated probe into an intervertebral disc, the probe including a distal section that includes a tip and a flexible section, the flexible section bending as a result of pressure from tissue in the intervertebral disc such that a portion proximal of the tip leads distal insertion; and advancing the probe through the intervertebral disc with the portion proximal of the tip leading distal advancement.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for accessing an intervertebral disc, the method comprising: inserting an elongated probe into an intervertebral disc, the probe including a distal section that includes a tip and a flexible section, the flexible section bending as a result of pressure from tissue in the intervertebral disc such that a portion proximal of the tip leads distal insertion; and advancing the probe through the intervertebral disc with the portion proximal of the tip leading distal advancement.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 63 wherein the flexible section is predisposed to bending along a single plane relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe, and inserting the probe causes the flexible section to bend along that single plane.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 63 wherein the tip has a larger cross sectional diameter than the flexible section, the tip influencing how the flexible section bends.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 63 wherein the tip is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the probe which predisposes the probe to bend in a particular direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe.
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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) | 2007-05-11 | 2007-11-10 | 2008-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-05-11 | 2011-11-10 | 2012-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-05-11 | 2015-11-10 | 2016-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |