STEERABLE VERTEBROPLASTY SYSTEM WITH CAVITY CREATION ELEMENT
Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. The distal end may be provided with a cavity creation element, such as an inflatable balloon. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.
1 . A steerable vertebroplasty device, comprising:
an elongate, tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therethrough;
a deflectable zone on the distal end of the tubular body, deflectable through an angular range;
a handle on the proximal end of the tubular body; and
a deflection control on the handle; and
a cavity creating element carried by the deflectable zone.
2 . A steerable vertebroplasty device as in claim 1 , wherein the deflection control comprises a rotatable element.
3 . A steerable vertebroplasty device as in claim 1 , wherein the distal end comprises a distally facing exit port in communication with the central lumen.
4 . A steerable vertebroplasty device as in claim 1 , wherein the distal end comprises a laterally facing exit port in communication with the central lumen.
5 . A steerable vertebroplasty device as in claim 1 , further comprising an actuator extending axially between the deflection control and the deflectable zone.
6 . A steerable vertebroplasty device as in claim 5 , wherein the actuator comprises an axially moveable element.
7 . A steerable vertebroplasty device as in claim 1 , wherein the cavity creating element comprises an inflatable balloon.
8 . A steerable vertebroplasty device as in claim 7 , wherein the inflatable balloon is disposed proximally of an exit port on the tubular body.
9 . A steerable vertebroplasty device as in claim 1 , wherein the tubular body comprises a proximal zone and a distal, deflectable zone separated by a transition, and the transition is at least about 15% of the length of the tubular body from the distal end.