Patent ID: 8167884
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for providing access to the interior of a pedicle for a desired transpedicular procedure, comprising: inserting an awl with a separable guide wire in the pedicle at a predetermined starting point and in a predetermined trajectory to a desired depth, removing the awl from the pedicle and leaving the guide wire therein; positioning a cannulated drill bit over the guide wire and drilling an elongated opening in the pedicle inwardly to the desired depth; removing the drill bit from the opening and the guide wire; inserting a first cannula into the opening over the guide wire with an outer end of the first cannula flush with the adjacent portion of the posterior cortex of the pedicle; and removing the guide wire from the opening; whereby a kyphoplasty balloon catheter, vertebroplasty cannula or vertebral body biopsy needle may be inserted through the first cannula into the interior of the pedicle for the desired procedure; wherein, before the guide wire is removed from the opening, a second cannula is partially inserted within the first cannula, the second cannula comprising an inner section that is slidabiy received within the first cannula and an enlarged outer section that extends outwardly from the first cannula, the outer section having a generally longitudinal slot extending therethrough from an inner end to an outer end thereof to enable instrument that is straight or angled to be inserted through the slot and through the first and second cannulas into the pedicle without requiring any relative movement between the inner section and the outer section.