Patent ID: 8652137
Filing Date: 2014-02-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A device for forming a lumen in an articular process of a vertebral column, comprising: a tubular shaft member comprising a proximal section, a distal section, and a central lumen, a movable lumen-forming member comprising a proximal end, a curved arm having a diameter less than 5 mm, and a distal end with a lumen-forming tip configured to pierce through a vertebral articular process, wherein the proximal end of the lumen-forming member is rotatably connected to a fixed point on the distal section of the tubular shaft member; an actuator located about the proximal section of the tubular shaft member connected to the movable lumen forming member, and a control rod assembly comprising a control rod with a proximal end and a distal end and a link member with a first end and a second end, wherein the control rod assembly is located at least partially within the central lumen of the tubular shaft member, wherein the proximal end of the control rod is connected to the actuator and configured to move longitudinally upon manipulation of the actuator and the distal end of the control rod is connected to the first end of a link member by a first pivot pin, wherein the second end of the link member is connected to the movable lumen forming member by a second pivot pin; an opposing support member fixedly connected to the distal section of the tubular shaft member, and an opposing support plate connected to a distal end of the opposing support member, wherein the opposing support plate comprises a front surface and a back surface; wherein the movable lumen-forming member has an open configuration and a closed configuration.