The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 05, 2012
Filed:
Oct. 15, 2005
Jeffery L. Bleich, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Edwin J. Hlavka, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Vahid Saadat, Saratoga, CA (US);
Steven A. Spisak, San Jose, CA (US);
David R. Miller, Cupertino, CA (US);
James Yurchenco, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Jeffery L. Bleich, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Edwin J. Hlavka, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Vahid Saadat, Saratoga, CA (US);
Steven A. Spisak, San Jose, CA (US);
David R. Miller, Cupertino, CA (US);
James Yurchenco, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Baxano, Inc., San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. In one variation, a tissue abrasion device is provided including a thin belt or ribbon with an abrasive cutting surface. The device optionally may be placed within a protective sheath that exposes the abrasive surface of the ribbon only in the area where tissue removal is desired.