SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING NEUROVASCULAR STRUCTURES
Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen of a vertebral column and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange or hinge region to facilitate attachment of the device to the vertebrae or to facilitate insertion of the device in the foramen, respectively.
1 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . A device for treating the spine, comprising:
a spiral body comprising an insertion end, a trailing end, a lumen, and a connected series of spirals including a first spiral and a second spiral, wherein a spacing between the first spiral and the second spiral is configured to allow an isolated nerve root to pass through the spacing and into the lumen;
wherein the device is configured to surround the isolated nerve root within an intervertebral foramen as the device is rotated.
22 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 21 , wherein the turn radius of each spiral in the connected series of spirals is uniform.
23 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 21 , wherein the turn radius of the insertion end is larger to help maintain the device in the intervertebral foramen.
24 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 21 , wherein the turn radius of the trailing end is larger to help maintain the device in the intervertebral foramen.
25 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 21 , wherein the spacing between each spiral in the connected series of spirals is uniform.
26 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 21 , wherein the device is configured to be rotated clockwise around the isolated nerve root.
27 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 21 , wherein the spiral body is configured to resist compression forces from an intervertebral disc or surrounding structures.
28 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 21 , wherein the first spiral and the second spiral are near the insertion end.
29 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 21 , wherein the spiral body comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polymers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyethylene, fluoropolymers, elastomers, ceramics, zirconia, alumina, silicon nitride; metal(s), titanium, titanium alloy, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, and combinations of these materials.
30 . A device for treating the spine, comprising:
a coiled body comprising an insertion end, a trailing end, and a plurality of connected rings forming a lumen therein,
wherein a spacing between a pair of connected rings is configured to allow an isolated nerve root to pass through the spacing and into the lumen as the device is twisted into intervertebral foramen.
31 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 30 , wherein the turn radius of each connected ring in the plurality of connected rings is uniform.
32 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 30 , wherein the turn radius at the trailing end is larger to help maintain the device in the intervertebral foramen.
33 . The device for treating the spine as in claim 30 , wherein the spacing between each pair of connected rings in the plurality of connected rings is uniform.
34 . A method for treating the spine, comprising:
providing a spiral body comprising an insertion end, a trailing end, and a lumen,
passing an isolated nerve root through a spacing of the spiral body and into the lumen; and
rotating the spiral body to surround the isolated nerve root within an intervertebral foramen.
35 . The method for treating the spine as in claim 34 , wherein the spiral body comprises a connected series of spirals including a first spiral and a second spiral, and wherein passing the isolated nerve root through the spacing of the spiral body and into the lumen comprises passing the isolated nerve root through a spacing between the first spiral and the second spiral and into the lumen.
36 . The method for treating the spine as in claim 34 , wherein the rotation is clockwise.
37 . The method for treating the spine as in claim 34 , further comprising maintaining the position of the spiral body with the trailing end having a larger turn radius.
38 . The method for treating the spine as in claim 34 , further comprising maintaining the position of the spiral body with the leading end having a larger turn radius.
39 . The method for treating the spine as in claim 34 , wherein rotating the spiral body comprises rotating the trailing end until the trailing end surrounds the isolated nerve root.
40 . The method for treating the spine as in claim 34 , wherein the spacing is near the insertion end.