Patent ID: 7963970
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of treating the spine comprising: creating a first osseous channel through at least one pedicle of a first vertebra, wherein the first osseous channel is defined by a first longitudinal axis directed generally from a posterior aspect to an anterior aspect of the first vertebra, and wherein the first vertebra is located in the spine above the level of the sacrum; creating a second osseous channel within the pedicle, wherein the second osseous channel is defined by a second axis off-set from the first axis by an angle between about 15 degrees and 40 degrees that is directed generally from a posterior-caudal aspect to an anterior-cephalad aspect, and wherein a most posterior extent of the second osseous channel is relatively confluent with a most posterior extent of the first osseous channel; accessing through the second osseous channel an intervertebral disc space immediately superior to the first vertebra and immediately inferior to a second vertebra; placing a treatment device through the second osseous channel into or adjacent the intervertebral disc space; and performing a procedure within the intervertebral disc space.