Systems and methods for percutaneous division of fibrous structures

1. A method for dividing a fibrous structure, the method comprising:

positioning, proximate the fibrous structure, an expandable member having:

a cross-sectional shape that expands radially in a first direction more than it expands in a second direction to provide the expandable member with an elongated cross-sectional shape when inflated; and

a cutting element situated on an outer surface of the expandable member at a location that expands in the second direction;

expanding the expandable member outwards in the first direction to push the fibrous structure in opposing lateral directions and stretch the fibrous structure taut against the cutting element such that a portion of the fibrous structure contacts a discrete portion of the cutting element; and

activating the cutting element to weaken or cut the fibrous structure.

2. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the expandable member is a balloon.

3. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the cutting element is a blade.

4. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 3 , wherein the step of activating the cutting element includes expanding the expandable member to press the blade against the fibrous structure.

5. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the cutting element includes a unipolar lead or bipolar leads.

6. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the cutting element is an electrocautery lead.

7. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the step of activating the cutting element includes delivering radiofrequency energy to the electrocautery lead.

8. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the step of expanding the expandable member further serves to manipulate a position of an anatomical structure located near the expandable member.

9. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing at least one element configured for sensing, stimulating, or both sensing and stimulating neuroelectrical activity.

10. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 9 , wherein the at least one element is situated on a surface of the expandable member.

11. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 9 , further comprising the step of determining whether a nerve is present in the vicinity of the at least one element, comprising at least one of:

monitoring feedback from the at least one element for signals associated with neurological activity; and

emitting, via the at least one element, a signal suitable for stimulating neuroelectrical activity.

12. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 11 , further comprising the step of adjusting a position, an orientation, or both a position and an orientation of the cutting element responsive to detecting the presence of a nerve in a vicinity of the sensing or stimulating element.

13. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 9 , wherein the at least one element is a sensing element or an element configured for both sensing and stimulating neuroelectrical activity.

14. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 13 , wherein the step of determining whether a nerve is present in the vicinity of the at least one element includes monitoring feedback, from the sensing element or element configured for both sensing and stimulating neuroelectrical activity, to detect an electrical signal emanating from the nerve at baseline, from activation of motor nerve fibers during normal muscle contraction, or during electrical stimulation of the nerve.

15. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 9 , wherein the at least one element is a stimulating element or an element configured for both sensing and stimulating neuroelectrical activity.

16. A method for dividing a fibrous structure as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the step of determining whether a nerve is present in the vicinity of the at least one element includes emitting, from the stimulating element or element configured for both sensing and stimulating neuroelectrical activity, an electrical stimulus and motoring the body for a corresponding motor reaction.

17. A method for dividing a fibrous structure, the method comprising:

positioning, proximate the fibrous structure, a device having:

an expandable member having a cross-sectional shape that expands radially in a first direction more than it expands in a second direction to provide the expandable member with an elongated cross-sectional shape when inflated; and

a cutting element situated on an outer surface of the expandable member at a location that expands in the second direction;

expanding the expandable member in the first direction to stretch the fibrous structure to contact the cutting element;

delivering an electrical stimulus to determine whether the expandable member along with the cutting element are appropriately positioned to cut the fibrous structure; and

activating the cutting element to weaken or cut the fibrous structure.