Patent ID: 8292931
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of fusing mammalian vertebral bodies, comprising the steps of: a) advancing through an opening in a wall of a mammalian intervertebral disc a sheath comprising a lumen, wherein said lumen extends into the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc; b) with said sheath in position in said opening of said mammalian intervertebral disc, engaging an elongated tool formed of a shape memory material and comprising a preformed S-shape with said lumen, and advancing said elongated tool along said lumen, wherein said preformed S-shape of said elongated tool is deformed by said lumen while said preformed S-shape engages said lumen; c) continuing to advance said elongated tool along said lumen until a portion of said elongated tool comprising said preformed S-shaped elongated tool exits said lumen into the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc, whereupon the preformed S-shape of said elongated tool assumes said preformed S-shape as said elongated tool exits said lumen in the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc; d) positioning said elongated tool as desired within the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc, and minimizing contents of the intervertebral disc, wherein the elongated tool is selectively and progressively positioned as desired in the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc by combining selective advancement and retraction of the elongated tool within the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc with independent selective advancement and retraction of the sheath; and e) placing a fusing agent within said intervertebral disc.