University of Virginia

Gregory A Helm

David F Kallmes

Gerald R Hankins

Mary E Jensen

A method and system for fusing a region in the spine involve the use of at least one guide tube to pass instruments and substances into the spinal region in a minimally invasive manner. In the preferred practice of the method, a guide tube is anchored to a vertebra and the guide tube is moved to thereby position the vertebra. A steerable drilling tool is passed through the guide tube and steered into position to abrade at least a portion of an intervertebral disc and thereby create a cavity in the disc. A flowable substance is passed into the cavity and permitted to solidify to establish fusion in the cavity. Optionally, an uninflated balloon is inserted into the cavity and the balloon is filled with the flowable substance to contain the flowable substance.

Method and system for fusing a spinal region

A method and system for fusing a region in the spine involve the use of at least one guide tube ( ) to pass instruments and substances into the spinal region in a minimally invasive manner. In the preferred practice of the method, a guide tube is anchored to a vertebra and the guide tube is moved to thereby position the vertebra. A steerable drilling tool ( ) is passed through the guide tube and steered into position to abrade at least a portion of an intervertebral disc, thereby creating a cavity in the disc. A flowing substance is passed into the cavity and permitted to solidify to establish fusion in the cavity. Optionally, an uninflated balloon ( ) is inserted into the cavity and the balloon is filled with the flowing substance to contain the flowing substance.

A method for occluding aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels is provided which allows for isovolumetric, isobaric delivery of occluding agents to aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels, wherein the aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels are isolated from the general circulation until the occluding agent has stabilized or until occlusion is effected. In particular, a double balloon method for occluding aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels is disclosed wherein a first balloon is inserted into the aneurysm or peripheral blood vessel to deliver an occluding agent, and a second balloon is placed such that it substantially covers the neck of the aneurysm or peripheral blood vessel to substantially seal the aneurysm or peripheral blood vessel from the general circulation. Additionally, an aneurysm or peripheral blood vessel comprising a double balloon configuration useful for occluding aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels is disclosed.

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Ruckersville, VA, United States of America

Gregory A Helm