Patent ID: 9011441
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A bone cutting system for preparing an interspinous space of a patient's spine to receive an implantable device, said system comprising: a cutting tool guide configured for an interspinous space between vertebral bodies of a patient's spine and having at least one guiding slot comprising inner surfaces extending entirely through the cutting tool guide, the at least one guiding slot having a slot width, a slot height, and an opening axis extending in a direction defined by one open end of the slot to an opposed, open end, wherein the slot is configured to align with and open into the interspinous space along the opening axis to permit shaping or contouring of a spinous process of the vertebral bodies; a holder for positioning the cutting tool guide between vertebral bodies of the patient's spine and within the interspinous space, the holder comprising a base configured for insertion of the cutting tool guide therein, wherein the base is sized and shaped such that the cutting tool guide fits snugly therein when the cutting tool guide is inserted such that the slot opens into the interspinous space along its opening axis, the holder having a first set of clamps and a second set of clamps on opposing sides of the base, each of the first and second set of clamps comprising jaws joined together around a pivot joint for exerting a clamping force to securely attach onto a bony structure of a patient's spine as tips of the jaws pivot toward one another, the jaws configured to be manipulated by manipulating respective handle portions extending from the jaws; and a bone cutting tool having a handle portion extending into a cutting blade, the cutting blade being sufficiently sharp to cut away bone tissue, the cutting blade further being configured to be inserted into and guided through the slot along its opening axis, the cutting blade having a blade height and a blade width, each of which are dimensioned such that the cutting blade is in contact with the inner surfaces of the slot when the cutting blade is guided through the slot.