US20050209610A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20050209610A1
Application number: US10/793,694
Authority: US
Inventors: Harold Carrison
Original assignee: Scimed Life Systems Inc
Current assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc
Priority date: 2004-03-03
Filing date: 2004-03-03
Publication date: 2005-09-22
Also published as: US9750509B2; US20130172919A1

Abstract

A tissue removal kit or assembly comprises a cannula and a tissue removal probe axially slidable within the cannula. The tissue removal probe comprises an elongated member a distal end configured to curve when distally deployed from the cannula. The tissue removal probe further comprises a drive shaft rotatably disposed within the member, and a rotatable tissue removal element (e.g., an abrasive burr) disposed on the drive shaft adjacent the member distal end. The curved member distal end may associate the tissue removal element, which has its own axis of rotation, with a radius of revolution about the longitudinal axis of the member. The member is laterally flexible and resilient, so that the radius of revolution can be adjusted. In this manner, the tissue removal element can remove tissue around an adjustable arc.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to copending applications Ser. No. 10/______ (Attorney Docket No. 2024730-7038282001), Ser. No. 10/______ (Attorney Docket No. 2024730-7036842001) and Ser. No. 10/______ (Attorney Docket No. 2024730-7038292001), which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention pertains to medical devices and methods for removing tissue, and in particular, vertebral bone and intervertebral disc tissue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The spinal column consists of thirty-three bones called vertebra, the first twenty-four vertebrae of which make up the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine and are separated from each other by “pads” of tough cartilage called “intervertebral discs,” which act as shock absorbers that provide flexibility, stability, and pain-free movement of the spine.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a portion of a healthy and normal spine, and specifically, twovertebra10 and two intervertebral discs12 (only one shown). The posterior of thevertebra10 includes right and left

transverse processes

14R,14L, right and left superior

articular processes

16R,16L, and aspinous process18. Muscles and ligaments that move and stabilize thevertebra10 are connected to these structures. Thevertebra10 further includes a centrally locatedlamina20 with right and

left lamina

20R,20L, that lie inbetween thespinous process18 and the superior

articular processes

16R,16L. Right and

left pedicles

22R,22L are positioned anterior to the right and left

transverse processes

14R,14L, respectively. Avertebral arch24 extends between the pedicles22 and through thelamina20. The anterior of thevertebra10 includes avertebral body26, which joins thevertebral arch24 at the pedicles22. Thevertebral body26 includes an interior volume of reticulated, cancellous bone (not shown) enclosed by a compactcortical bone30 around the exterior. Thevertebral arch24 andvertebral body26 make up the spinal canal (i.e., the vertebral foramen32), which is the opening through which thespinal cord34 and epidural veins (not shown) pass.Nerve roots36 laterally pass from thespinal cord34 out through theneural foramen38 at the side of the spinal canal formed between the pedicles22. Structurally, theintervertebral disc12 consists of two parts: an inner gel-like nucleus (nucleus pulposus)40 located centrally within thedisc12, and tough fibrous outer annulus (annulus fibrosis)42 surrounding thenucleus40.

A person may develop any one of a variety of debilitating spinal conditions and diseases. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, when the outer wall of thedisc12′ (i.e., the annulus fibrosis42) becomes weakened through age or injury, it may tear allowing the soft inner part of the disc12 (i.e., the nucleus pulposus40) to bulge out, forming aherniation46. The herniateddisc12′ often pinches or compresses the adjacentdorsal root36 against a portion of thevertebra10, resulting in weakness, tingling, numbness, or pain in the back, legs or arm areas.

Often, inflammation from disc herniation can be treated successfully by nonsurgical means, such as bedrest, therapeutic exercise, oral anti-inflammatory medications or epidural injection of corticosterioids, and anesthetics. In some cases, however, the disc tissue is irreparably damaged, in which case, surgery is the best option.

Discectomy, which involves removing all, or a portion, of the affected disc, is the most common surgical treatment for ruptured or herniated discs of the lumbar spine. In most cases, a laminotomy or laminectomy is performed to visualize and access the affected disc. Once the vertebrae, disc, and other surrounding structures can be visualized, the surgeon will remove the section of the disc that is protruding from the disc wall and any other offending disc fragments that may have been expelled from the disc. In some cases, the entire disc may be removed, with or without a bony fusion or arthroplasty (disc nucleus replacement or total disc replacement).

Open discectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia and typically requires at least a one-day hospital stay. During this procedure, a two to three-inch incision in the skin over the affected area of the spine is made. Muscle tissue may be separated from the bone above and below the affected disc, while retractors hold the wound open so that the surgeon has a clear view of the vertebrae and disc and related structures. The disc or a portion thereof, can then be removed using standard medical equipment, such as rongeurs and curettes.

Because open discectomy requires larger incisions, muscle stripping or splitting, more anesthesia, and more operating, hospitalization, and a longer patient recovery time, the trend in spine surgery is moving towards minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as microdiscectomy and percutaneous discectomy.

Microdiscectomy uses a microscope or magnifying instrument to view the disc. The magnified view may make it possible for the surgeon to remove herniated disc material through a smaller incision (about twice as small as that required by open discectomy) with smaller instruments, potentially reducing damage to tissue that is intended to be preserved.

Percutaneous discectomy is often an outpatient procedure that may be carried out by utilizing hollow needles or cannulae through which special instruments can be deployed into the vertebra and disc in order to cut, remove, irrigate, and aspirate tissue. X-ray pictures and a video screen and computer-aided workstation may be used to guide by the surgeon into the treatment region. Improved imaging and video or computer guidance systems have the potential to reduce the amount of tissue removal required to access and treat the injured tissue or structures. Sometimes an endoscope is inserted to view the intradiscal and perivertebral area.

Besides disc hernias, other debilitating spinal conditions or diseases may occur. For example, spinal stenosis, which results from hypertrophic bone and soft tissue growth on a vertebra, reduces the space within the spinal canal. When the nerve roots are pinched, a painful, burning, tingling, and/or numbing sensation is felt down the lower back, down legs, and sometimes in the feet. As illustrated inFIG. 2, thespinal canal32 has a rounded triangular shape that holds thespinal cord34 without pinching. Thenerve roots36 leave thespinal canal32 through thenerve root canals38, which should be free of obstruction. As shown inFIG. 4, hypertrophic bone growth48 (e.g., bone spurs, osteophytes, spondylophytes) within thespinal canal32, and specifically from thediseased lamina20 and proximate facet joints may cause compression of the nerve roots, which may contribute or lead to the pain of spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis may be treated by performing a laminectomy or laminectomy in order to decompress thenerve root36 impinged by thebone growth48. Along with the laminectomy, a foraminotomy, (i.e., enlarging of the channel from which thenerve roots36 exit is performed). Depending on the extent of the bone growth, the entire lamina and spinal process may be removed.

Another debilitating bone condition is a vertebral body compression fracture (VCF), which may be caused by spinal injuries, bone diseases such as osteoporosis, vertebral hemangiomas, multiple myeloma, necorotic lesions (Kummel's Disease, Avascular Necrosis), and metastatic disease, or other conditions that can cause painful collapse of vertebral bodies. VCFs are common in patients who suffer from these medical conditions, often resulting in pain, compromises to activities of daily living, and even prolonged disability.

On some occasions, VCFs may be repaired by cutting, shaping, and removing damaged bone tissue inside a vertebra to create a void, and then injecting a bone cement percutaneously or packing bone graft into the void. This is typically accomplished percutaneously through a cannula to minimize tissue trauma. The hardening (polymerization) of a bone cement media or bone grafting or other suitable biomaterial serves to buttress the bony vault of the vertebral body, providing both increased structural integrity and decreased pain that may be associated with micromotion and progressive collapse of the vertebrae.

Thus, it can be appreciated that in many spinal treatment procedures, bone and/or disc tissue must be removed in order to decompress neural tissue or rebuild the bony vertebra or intervertebral disc. In the case of target bone tissue that is adjacent spinal tissue, a physician is required to exercise extreme care when cutting away the target bone tissue (e.g., during a laminectomy and foraminotomy), such that injury to spinal tissue can be prevented. A physician may have difficulty controlling existing bone removal devices, however, and may unintentionally remove healthy bone tissue or injure spinal tissue during use. This problem is exacerbated with percutaneous treatments, which, although less invasive than other procedures, limit the range of motion of the cutting instrument, thereby further limiting the control that the physician may have during the bone cutting procedure.

Burr-type tissue removal probes may also be used to remove soft tissue, such as the gel-like nuclear tissue within the intervertebral disc or the cancellous bone tissue within the vertebral body. For example,FIG. 5 illustrates one prior art burr-typetissue removal probe50 that can be introduced through a delivery cannula (not shown) into contact with the target tissue region to be removed. Thetissue removal probe50 comprises arigid shaft52 and arotatable burr54 associated with the distal end of therigid shaft52. Rotation of adrive shaft56 extending through therigid shaft52, in turn, causes rotation of the burr54 (either manually or via a motor), thereby removing tissue that comes in contact with theburr54. Notably, thetissue removal probe50 is laterally constrained within the cannula (or if a cannula is not shown, constrained by the many layers of tissue that thedevice50 must traverse to reach the target tissue), and thus, can only be effectively moved along its longitudinal axis, thereby limiting the amount of tissue that can be removed to the tissue that is on-axis. As such, thetissue removal probe50 may have to be introduced through several access points within the anatomical body (e.g., the disc or vertebral body) that contains the target tissue in order to remove the desired amount of the tissue.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, thedistal end58 of therigid shaft52 may be curved in an alternative priorart removal device60, so that theburr54 is off-axis from theshaft52. As such, off-axis target regions can be reached by rotating and axially displacing therigid shaft52 about its axis. Because the length of the curved distal end is fixed, however, only the tissue regions that are off-axis by a distance equal to the off-axis distance of theburr54 will be removed, as illustrated inFIG. 7. In effect, theremoval device60 can only remove acylindrical outline62 of the tissue, leaving acylindrical tissue body64 behind. Thus, thetissue removal probe60 must still be introduced into the tissue via several access holes in order to remove any remaining tissue.

In addition, because the distal end of therigid shaft52 is curved and has a length of the distal tip that is now at an angle to the main shaft, the delivery cannula must be made larger to accommodate the entire profile of the distal end. Thus, the incision through which the cannula is introduced must likewise be made larger. Lastly, if the anatomical body in which theremoval device60 is introduced is relatively thin (e.g., an intervertebral disc is a few millimeters thick), the top or bottom of the anatomical body may hinder movement of theburr54 as theshaft52 is rotated around its axis. In such cases, theremoval device60 may have to be introduced along the bottom of the anatomical body to allow tissue to be removed at the top of the anatomical body (i.e., by sweeping theburr54 along an upper arc until theburr54 hits the top, or if clearance at the top is available, by sweeping theburr54 along the upper arc, below the top, until theburr54 hits the bottom), and then reintroduced along the top of the anatomical body to allow tissue to be removed at the bottom of the anatomical body (i.e., by sweeping theburr54 along a lower arc until theburr54 hits the bottom, or if clearance at the bottom is available, by sweeping theburr54 along the lower arc, above the bottom, until theburr54 hits the top). As can be appreciated, this excessive movement of theremoval device60 increases the time of the spinal procedure as well as surgical risk due to manipulation of the device.

Another problem with current burr-type removal devices is that soft material, such as the nuclear material in an intervertebral disc or cancellous bone within the vertebral body, tends to stick to the burrs, thereby limiting the abrasive effect that the burrs are intended to have in order to efficiently remove tissue. As a result, burr-type removal device may have to be continuously removed from the patient's body in order to clean the soft tissue from the burr.

Furthermore, during the tissue removal or cutting process, a media, such as saline, is generally delivered via a tube to a target site for clearing debris. The delivered media together with the debris are then removed from the target site via a separate tube (i.e., the media and the debris are aspirated into a vacuum port of the tube). When the spine is treated percutaneously, however, the delivery cannula must be made large enough to accommodate the tissue removal probe and tubes. As a result, the incision through which the cannula is to be introduced must be made relatively large, thereby unnecessarily causing more tissue trauma.

There, thus, remains a need to provide for improved tissue removal probes and methods for use during spinal treatment and other surgeries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a tissue removal probe is provided. The tissue removal probe particularly lends itself to the removal of soft tissue, such as that contained in intervertebral discs and the cancellous bone in vertebral bodies, but can be used to remove other types of tissue as well. The tissue removal probe comprises an elongated member (such as a sleeve) having a lumen and a pre-curved flexible distal end, a drive shaft rotatably disposed within the member lumen, and a rotatably tissue removal element (e.g., an abrasive burr) disposed on the drive shaft adjacent the member distal end. In one embodiment, the member distal end can be pre-curved at approximately ninety degrees, although other curvatures are possible. By way of non-limiting example, the pre-curved member distal end may associate the tissue removal element, which has its own axis of rotation, with a radius of revolution about the longitudinal axis of the member. The member is laterally flexible and resilient, so that the radius of revolution can be adjusted. The probe may optionally comprise a proximal adapter mounted to the member for mating with a drive unit.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the tissue removal kit comprises a cannula, which may be rigid, e.g., so that it can be introduced through tissue without the aid of other instruments. The cannula may have a tissue-penetrating distal tip to facilitate its introduction harder tissue, such as bone tissue. The tissue removal kit further comprises a tissue removal probe axially slidable within the cannula lumen. The tissue removal probe may optionally be removable from the cannula lumen, so that the cannula can be used for other functions, e.g., delivering therapeutic media. The tissue removal probe comprises an elongated member having a lumen and a distal end configured to curve when distally deployed from the cannula lumen. The deployed member distal end can be configured to curve in any one of a variety of manners. For example, the distal end of the cannula may be curved, the member distal end may be pre-curved, or pull wire(s) can be provided to actively bend the member distal end. In one embodiment, the member distal end can be curved at approximately ninety degrees, although other curvatures are possible.

The tissue removal probe further comprises a drive shaft rotatably disposed within the member lumen, and a rotatable tissue removal element (e.g., an abrasive burr) disposed on the drive shaft adjacent the member distal end. By way of non-limiting example, the curved member distal end may associate the tissue removal element, which has its own axis of rotation, with a radius of revolution about the longitudinal axis of the straight portion of the member. The member is laterally flexible and resilient, so that the radius of revolution can be adjusted. The probe may optionally comprise a proximal adapter mounted to the member for mating with a drive unit.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present inventions, a method of removing tissue from an anatomical body (e.g., an intervertebral disc or vertebral body) is provided. The method comprises introducing a cannula into the anatomical body at a first location, and introducing a tissue removal probe through the cannula. The tissue removal probe may be introduced into the cannula prior or subsequent to the introduction of the cannula into the anatomical body. The tissue removal probe comprises an elongated member having a straight portion and a distal end, and a distally located tissue removal element associated with the member distal end. The method further comprises displacing the tissue removal element a first distance from the cannula, wherein the distal end bends to associate the tissue removal element with a first radius of revolution about a rotational axis of the straight portion of the member. In one method, the member distal end bends because it is pre-curved or the cannula distal end is curved. The method further comprises rotating the member around its rotational axis, wherein the tissue removal element scribes a first arc defined by the first radius of revolution. In one preferred method, the first arc forms an entire circle. The method further comprises rotating the tissue removal element about its axis of rotation to remove tissue at at least two points along the first arc. The tissue removal element may be rotated while the straight member portion is rotated, so that the tissue removal element continuously removes tissue along the first arc.

Optionally, the method may comprise displacing the tissue removal element a second distance from the cannula, wherein the distal end bends to associate the tissue removal element with a second radius of revolution different from the first radius of revolution. The method may further comprise rotating the straight member portion around the first axis of rotation, wherein the tissue removal element scribes a second arc defined by the second radius of revolution (which may be greater than the first radius of revolution), and rotating the tissue removal element about the second axis of rotation to remove tissue at at least two points along the second arc. The second arc may also form an entire circle. In this case, a solid disc of tissue may be removed.

The method may optionally comprise displacing the cannula along the first axis of rotation to a second location, and repeating the member distal end displacement, straight member portion rotation, and tissue removal element rotation steps. In this case, a solid cylinder of tissue is removed if the first and second arcs are entire circles.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present inventions, another method of removing tissue from an anatomical body (e.g., an intervertebral disc or vertebral body) is provided. The method comprises introducing a cannula into the anatomical body at a first location, and introducing a tissue removal probe through the cannula. The tissue removal probe may be introduced into the cannula prior or subsequent to the introduction of the cannula into the anatomical body.

The tissue removal probe comprises an elongated member having a distal end, and a distally located tissue removal element associated with the member distal end. The method further comprises displacing the tissue removal element a first distance from the cannula to associate the tissue removal element with a first radius of curvature. The method further comprises bending the member distal end, wherein the tissue removal element scribes a first arc defined by the first radius of curvature. In one method, the member distal end can be actively bent using at least one pull wire. In one preferred method, the first arc forms a semi-circle. The method further comprises rotating the tissue removal element about its axis of rotation to remove tissue at at least two points along the first arc. The tissue removal element may be rotated while the member distal end is bent, so that the tissue removal element continuously removes tissue along the first arc.

Optionally, the method may comprise displacing the tissue removal element a second distance from the cannula to associate the tissue removal element with a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature. The method may further comprise bending the member distal end, wherein the tissue removal element scribes a second arc defined by the second radius of curvature (which may be greater than the first radius of curvature), and rotating the tissue removal element about its axis of rotation to remove tissue at at least two points along the second arc. The second arc may also form a semi-circle. In this case, a solid sector of tissue may be removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the design and utility of preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. In order to better appreciate how the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the present inventions are obtained, a more particular description of the present inventions briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a spine;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a vertebra with a healthy intervertebral disc;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a vertebra with a herniated intervertebral disc;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a vertebra with spinal stenosis;

FIG. 5 is a prior art tissue removal probe;

FIG. 6 is another prior art tissue removal probe;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing tissue removal using the tissue removal probe ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tissue removal system arranged in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is perspective view of a tissue removal probe that can be used in the system ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway side view of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 9, particularly showing the tissue removal element retracted within the probe shaft;

FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway side view of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 9, particularly showing the tissue removal element partially deployed from the probe shaft;

FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway side view of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 9, particularly showing the tissue removal element fully deployed from the probe shaft;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a variation of the probe ofFIG. 9, particularly showing irrigation and aspiration lumens;

FIGS. 14A-14G are perspective views showing a method of using the tissue removal system ofFIG. 8 to remove tissue within a herniated intervertebral disc;

FIG. 15 is a partially cutaway side view of the distal end of another tissue removal probe that can be used in the tissue removal system ofFIG. 8, particularly showing the tissue removal element retracted within the probe shaft;

FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway side view of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 15, particularly showing the tissue removal element partially deployed from the probe shaft;

FIG. 17 is a partially cutaway side view of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 15, particularly showing the tissue removal element fully deployed from the probe shaft;

FIG. 18 is perspective view of still another tissue removal probe that can be used in the system ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 19 is a partially cut-away side view of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 18, particularly showing a tissue removal element;

FIG. 20 is a partially cut-away side view of a variation of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 18, particularly showing a variation of the tissue removal element;

FIG. 21 is perspective view of yet another tissue removal probe that can be used in the system ofFIG. 8;

FIGS. 22A-22D are side views of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 21, particularly showing a transformation of the probe from a tissue-cutting device to a tissue-grasping device;

FIG. 23 is perspective view of yet another tissue removal probe that can be used in the system ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 24 is a partially cut-away side view of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is perspective view of yet another tissue removal probe that can be used in the system ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 26 is a partially cut-away side view of the distal end of yet another tissue removal probe that can be used in the system ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 27 is perspective view of yet another tissue removal probe that can be used in the system ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the probe ofFIG. 27, taken along the line28-28;

FIG. 29 is perspective view of yet another tissue removal probe that can be used in the system ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 30 is a partially cutaway side view of the distal end of still another tissue removal probe that can be used in the tissue removal system ofFIG. 8, particularly showing the tissue removal element retracted within the probe shaft;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the tissue removal probe ofFIG. 30, taken along the line31-31;

FIG. 32 is a partially cutaway side view of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 30, particularly showing the tissue removal element partially deployed from the probe shaft;

FIG. 33 is a partially cutaway side view of the distal end of the probe ofFIG. 30, particularly showing the tissue removal element fully deployed from the probe shaft; and

FIGS. 34A-34D are perspective views showing a method of using the tissue removal system ofFIG. 8, with the tissue removal probe ofFIG. 30, to remove tissue within a herniated intervertebral disc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 8 illustrates atissue removal system100 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present inventions. Thesystem100 generally comprises a tissueremoval probe assembly102 and arotary drive unit104 connected to theprobe assembly102 via adrive cable106. Thedrive unit104 may take the form of a standard rotary drive used for powering medical cutting instruments. The tissueremoval probe assembly102 comprises acannula108 and atissue removal probe110 disposed therein.

Thecannula108 comprises ashaft112 having adistal end114 andproximal end116, a lumen118 (shown in phantom) terminating in anexit port120 at thedistal end114 of thecannula shaft112, and ahandle122 mounted on theproximal end116 of thecannula shaft112. To facilitate introduction through tissue, thecannula shaft112 is preferably stiff (e.g., it can be composed of a stiff material, or reinforced with a coating or a coil to control the amount of flexing), so that thecannula shaft112 can penetrate the tissue without being damaged. The materials used in constructing thecannula shaft112 may comprise any of a wide variety of biocompatible materials. In a preferred embodiment, a radiopaque material, such as metal (e.g., stainless steel, titanium alloys, or cobalt alloys) or a polymer (e.g., ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) may be used, as is well known in the art. Alternatively, if supported by a rigid member during introduction into the tissue, thecannula shaft112 may be flexible. Thehandle122 is preferably composed of a durable and rigid material, such as medical grade plastic, and is ergonomically molded to allow a physician to more easily manipulate thecannula108.

The outer diameter of thecannula shaft112 is preferably less than ½ inch, but other dimensions for the outer diameter of thecannula shaft112 may also be appropriate, depending on the particular application or clinical procedure. Thecannula lumen118 should have an inner diameter so as to allow thetissue removal probe110 to be slidably housed therein, as will be described in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the profile of thecannula lumen118 is circular, but can be other shapes as well. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal tip of thecannula shaft112 is blunt. In this case, the thickness and cross-sectional profile of thecannula shaft112 is small enough, so that the distal tip can be used as a cutting or deforming tool for boring or coring through tissue. Alternatively, the distal tip of thecannula shaft112 may be advantageously sharpened or wedged to facilitate its introduction into bone structure. Even more alternatively, a stilette (not shown) can be introduced through thecannula lumen118 to provide an independent means for boring through bone structure. In this manner, bone cores will not block thecannula lumen118, which may otherwise prevent, or at least make difficult, deployment of thetissue removal probe110 and other therapeutic materials.

Referring now toFIG. 9, thetissue removal probe110 will described in further detail. Thetissue removal probe110 comprises asleeve124 having adistal end126 and aproximal end128, and a lumen130 (shown in phantom) extending through thesleeve124. Thetissue removal probe110 further comprises adrive shaft132 rotatably disposed within thesleeve lumen130 and a rotatable tissue removal element, and in particular, anabrasive burr134, mounted to the distal end of thedrive shaft132. Theburr134 has a pattern of cuttingedges136 that facilitate removal of tissue that comes in contact with the rotatingburr134. In the illustrated embodiment, theburr134 is fully exposed in that it entirely resides outside of thesleeve124. In alternative embodiments, theburr134 may be seated within the distal end of a sheath, and exposed through a window cutout from the distal end of the sheath. Other types of tissue-cutting element can also be used in place of theburr134. Examples of other tissue-cutting elements will subsequently be described.

Thetissue removal probe110 further comprises aproximal adapter138 mounted to theproximal end128 of thesleeve124. Theproximal adapter138 is configured to be mated with thedrive cable106, thereby providing a means for rotatably coupling thedrive unit104 to the proximal end of thedrive shaft132. Thus, operation of thedrive unit104 will rotate thedrive shaft132, which in turn, will rotate theburr134 about itsrotational axis140. Details of the structure of standard tissue removal probes, including the aforementioned window-exposed burr and proximal adapter, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,867, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Thetissue removal probe110 is rotatably disposed within thecannula lumen118, such that the sleeve124 (and in particular, the straight portion of the sleeve) has an axis of rotation142 (i.e., thesleeve124 can be rotated about therotational axis142, e.g., when theproximal end128 of sleevedistal end126 is manually rotated). As illustrated inFIG. 9, the

rotational axes

140 and142 of therespective burr132 andsleeve124 are coincident with each other when the entirety of thesleeve124 is straight. As will be described in below, the

rotational axes

140 and142 will diverge from each other when thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 is curved or bent.

As illustrated inFIGS. 10-12, thetissue removal probe110 is slidably disposed in thecannula lumen118 in the longitudinal direction, so that theburr134 can be incrementally deployed from theexit port120 of thecannula shaft112 and retracted within thedistal end114 of thecannula shaft112.

As can be seen fromFIG. 10, when confined within thecannula lumen118, thesleeve124 assumes a substantially straight configuration and conforms to the shape of thecannula shaft112. As can be seen fromFIGS. 11 and 12, thedistal end126 of thesleeve124, when in its relaxed state, has a pre-shapedcurved portion144 and a pre-shapedstraight portion146 distal to thecurved portion144. In the illustrated embodiment, thecurved portion144 defines an arc of ninety-degrees. It should be noted, however, thecurved portion144 may define other arcs. So that thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 readily assumes and maintains its defined shape, thesleeve124 is composed of a laterally flexible, yet resilient, material, such as nitinol. Significantly, thedrive shaft132 is also laterally flexible, and thus easily conforms to the curved geometry of the deployed sleevedistal end126. In this manner, theburr134 will rotate about itsrotational axis140 even if thedrive shaft132 is bent.

As can be appreciated fromFIGS. 11 and 12, thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 can be deployed from thecannula exit port120 in stages. For example, the sleevedistal end126 can be deployed a first distance from thedistal end114 of thecannula shaft112, so that theburr134 defines a particular radius of revolution r₁(shown inFIG. 11) around therotational axis142 of thesleeve124. The sleevedistal end126 can be deployed a second greater distance from thedistal end126 of thecannula shaft112, so that theburr134 defines a second greater radius of revolution r₂(shown inFIG. 12) around therotational axis142 of thesleeve124 Thus, it can be appreciated that radius of revolution r of theburr134 can be adjusted simply by displacing thesleeve124 within thecannula lumen118.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, thetissue removal probe110 can optionally have irrigation and aspiration capability. In particular, thesleeve124, in addition to having thelumen130 through which thedrive shaft132 extends, includes irrigation andaspiration lumens148 and150 (shown in phantom). Theirrigation lumen148 terminates at anirrigation outlet port152 in the sleevedistal end126 and proximally terminates at an irrigation inlet port (not shown) in theproximal adapter138. Likewise, theaspiration lumen150 terminates at anaspiration entry port154 in the sleevedistal end126 and proximally terminates at an aspiration outlet port (not shown) in theproximal adapter138. Alternatively, irrigation and/or aspiration ports can be placed in theburr134.

As can be appreciated, a pump (not shown) can be connected to the irrigation inlet port on theproximal adapter138 in order to flush irrigation fluid, such as saline, through theirrigation lumen148 and out theirrigation outlet port152. The irrigation fluid helps cool thedrive shaft132 and/or theburr134, while theburr134 is rotating at high speed and grinding against tissue. The media also washes away debris at the target site. A vacuum (not shown) can be connected to the aspiration outlet port on theproximal adapter138 in order to aspirate the removed tissue into theaspiration inlet port154, through theaspiration lumen150, and out of the aspiration outlet port. Because there are separate irrigation and

aspiration lumens

148 and150, both the pump and aspirator can be activated simultaneously or separately.

Having described the structure of thetissue removal system100, its operation will now be described with reference toFIGS. 14A-14G, in removing soft tissue from an anatomical body, and in particular, in performing a discectomy on a herniated intervertebral disc. It should be noted, however, that other tissue, such as the cancellous tissue within a vertebral body, could also be removed by thetissue removal system100.

First, thecannula108 is introduced through asmall incision41 in the back39 and into theherniated disc12′ (FIG. 14A). In some circumstances, a laminectomy may have to be performed to access thedisc12′. In such cases, thecannula108 may be used to bore through the lamina (not shown). Torsional and/or axial motion may be applied to thecannula108 to facilitate boring of the lamina. The torsional and/or axial motion may be applied manually or mechanically (i.e., by a machine). An object, such as a hammer or a plunger, may also be used to tap against thehandle122 of thecannula108 in order to facilitate boring through the lamina. Alternatively, a stilette (not shown) can be introduced through the cannula lumen (not shown inFIG. 14A) to create a passage through the lamina. Or, a separate drill or bone cutting device, such as those described below, can be used to bore or cut a passage through the lamina prior to placement of thecannula108.

In the illustrated method, thecannula108 is introduced into thedisc12′, such that its distal tip is placed adjacent the distal-most region of the target tissue. In this case, distal to theherniation46. Next, thetissue removal probe110 is introduced through thecannula lumen118 until thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 deploys out fromexit port120 of the cannula shaft112 a first distance (FIG. 14B), which as described above, associates theburr134 with a first radius of revolution r₁around therotational axis142 of thesleeve124. Thetissue removal probe110 can either be introduced into thecannula lumen118 prior to introduction of thecannula108 into the patient's back (in which case, thetissue removal probe110 will be fully retracted within thecannula lumen118 during introduction of the cannula108) or can be introduced into thecannula lumen118 after thecannula108 has been introduced into, and properly positioned, within thedisc12′.

Next, theproximal adapter138 of thetissue removal probe110 is mated to the drive unit (shown inFIG. 8), which is then operated to rotate theburr134 about is ownrotational axis140. At the same time, thesleeve124 is manually rotated (e.g., by rotating the proximal adapter138), which causes theburr134 to scribe an arc a₁around therotational axis142 of the sleeve124 (FIG. 14C). As a result, tissue is removed by the rotatingburr134 along the arc a₁. In the illustrated method, thesleeve124 is rotated until theburr134 scribes an entire circle around therotational axis142 of thesleeve124. In this manner, a full circle of tissue is removed by theburr134. In the illustrated method, the radius of revolution of theburr134 is so short that both on-axis and off-axis tissue is essentially removed. In effect, theburr134 removes a small disc of tissue at this point. It should be noted that, during the tissue removal procedure, the removed tissue could be aspirated from the herniateddisc12′ using an aspirator. Aspiration of the tissue can be accomplished via the cannula or through another cannula. Alternatively, as previously described, aspiration can be accomplished via thetissue removal probe110, itself.

Next, thetissue removal probe110 is further introduced through thecannula lumen118 until thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 deploys out from theexit port120 of the cannula shaft112 a second greater distance (FIG. 14D), which as described above, associates theburr134 with a second greater radius of revolution r₂around therotational axis142 of thesleeve124. Again, thedrive unit104 is operated to rotate theburr134 about is ownrotational axis140, while manually rotating thesleeve124, which causes theburr134 to scribe another larger arc a₂around therotational axis142 of the sleeve124 (FIG. 14E). As a result, a ring of tissue is removed by the rotatingburr134 along the larger arc a₂. Again, thesleeve124 is rotated until theburr134 scribes an entire circle around therotational axis142 of thesleeve124. In this manner, a full circle of tissue is removed by theburr134. The difference between the first and second radii and of revolution r₁and r₂is such that the disc of tissue removed by theburr134 along the first arc a₁is coextensive with the ring of tissue removed by theburr134 along the second arc a₂. The steps illustrated inFIGS. 14D and 14E can be repeated to remove even larger discs of tissue.

Next, thecannula108 is displaced in the proximal direction, and thetissue removal probe110 is retracted, so that the sleevedistal end126 deploys out from theexit port120 of thecannula shaft112 the first distance (FIG. 14F). The steps illustrated inFIGS. 14B-14E are then repeated to remove another disc of tissue (FIG. 14G). In the illustrated method, the proximal displacement of thecannula108 is such that the first and second discs of removed tissue are contiguous. As such, a cylinder of tissue is removed. A longer cylinder of tissue can be removed by repeating the steps illustrated inFIGS. 14F and 14G. After the discectomy has been completed (i.e., the herniated disc material has been removed, or in some cases, the entire herniated disc has been removed), thecannula108, along with thetissue removal probe110, is removed from the patient's body. Alternatively, prior to total removal of thecannula108, thetissue removal probe110 can be removed, and a therapeutic media, such as a drug or disc replacement material can be delivered through thecannula lumen118 into thedisc12′.

Althoughcurved portion144 of the sleevedistal end126 is pre-shaped in order to create a radius of revolution r for the deployedburr134, there are other means for bending the distal end of a sleeve as it deploys from a cannula. For example,FIGS. 15-17 illustrate atissue removal assembly202 that bends a deploying sleeve using the cannula, itself. In particular, thetissue removal assembly202 comprises acannula208, which is similar to the previously describedcannula108, with the exception that it comprises acannula shaft212 with a curveddistal end214. In the illustrated embodiment, thedistal end214 of thecannula208 assumes a ninety-degree curve. Thetissue removal assembly202 comprises atissue removal probe210 that is similar to the previously describedtissue removal probe110, with the exception that it comprises asleeve224 that does not have a pre-curved distal end. Instead, theentire sleeve224 is configured to assume a straight configuration in its relaxed state.

As can be seen fromFIG. 15, when confined within thecannula lumen218, thesleeve224 assumes a substantially straight configuration and conforms to the shape of thecannula shaft212. As can be seen fromFIGS. 16 and 17, thedistal end226 of thesleeve224 bends when deployed from the distal end of thecannula shaft112. That is, as it is deployed, the sleevedistal end226 contacts the inner surface of the curved cannuladistal end214, thereby deflecting the sleevedistal end226 as its exits thecannula lumen218. Like the previously describedsleeve124, the sleeve is laterally resilient, such that it maintains its shape as it deploys from theexit port220 at thedistal end214 of thecannula shaft212.

As with the previously described sleevedistal end126, the sleevedistal end226 can be deployed from theexit port220 of thecannula shaft212 in stages. For example, the sleevedistal end226 can be deployed a particular distance fromexit port220, so that theburr134 defines a particular radius of revolution r₁(shown inFIG. 16) around therotational axis242 of thesleeve224. The sleevedistal end226 can be deployed a second greater distance from theexit port220, so that theburr134 defines a second greater particular radius of revolution r₂(shown inFIG. 17) around therotational axis242 of thesleeve224. Thus, it can be appreciated that radius of revolution r of theburr134 can be adjusted simply by displacing thesleeve224 within thecannula lumen218.

Operation of thetissue removal assembly202 in removing soft tissue is similar to the operation of the previously describedtissue removal assembly102, and will thus, not be further described.

As another example,FIGS. 30-33 illustrate atissue removal assembly252 that has a sleeve with steering functionality. In particular, thetissue removal assembly252 comprises the previously describedcannula108, and atissue removal probe260 that is similar to the previously describedtissue removal probe110, with the exception that it does not have a pre-curved distal end, but instead, comprises a pair of pull wires254 (shown inFIG. 31) extending through a respective pair ofpull wire lumens256 contained within thesleeve124. The distal ends of thepull wires254 are mounted to the distal tip of thesleeve124 in a suitable manner. As can be seen fromFIG. 30, when confined within thecannula lumen218, thesleeve124 assumes a substantially straight configuration and conforms to the shape of thecannula shaft112. As can be seen fromFIGS. 32 and 33, thedistal end126 of thesleeve124, when deployed from theexit port120 of thecannula shaft112, bends in one direction when one of thepull wires254 is pulled.

As with the previously describedtissue removal probe110, the sleevedistal end126 can be deployed from theexit port120 of thecannula shaft112 in stages. For example, the sleevedistal end126 can be deployed a first distance fromexit port120 and one of thepull wires254 pulled to bend the sleevedistal end126, so that theburr134 defines a particular radius of revolution r₁(shown inFIG. 32) around therotational axis142 of thesleeve124. The sleevedistal end126 can be deployed a second greater distance from theexit port120 and thepull wire254 pulled to bend the sleevedistal end126 again, so that theburr134 defines a second greater particular radius of revolution r₂(shown inFIG. 33) around therotational axis142 of thesleeve124. Thus, it can be appreciated that radius of revolution r of theburr134 can be adjusted simply by displacing thesleeve124 within thecannula lumen118 and pulling one of thepull wires254 to bend the sleevedistal end126.

Operation of thetissue removal assembly252 in removing soft tissue is similar to the operation of the previously describedtissue removal assembly102, with the exception that thepull wires254 are used to actively bend thedistal end126 of thesheath124.

Alternatively, as illustrated inFIGS. 34A-34F, thetissue removal assembly252 may be used in a different manner to remove soft tissue from an anatomical body, and in particular, in performing a discectomy on a herniated intervertebral disc. This alternative method is accomplished by bending thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 in opposite directions using thepull wires254, while rotating theburr134, thereby removing tissue in an arc that is coplanar with the plane of theaxis142. In this case, a layer of tissue is removed in a plane that is parallel with the flat sides of the herniated disc.

In particular, after thecannula108 is introduced into theherniated disc12′ in the same manner previously illustrated inFIG. 14A, thetissue removal probe260 is introduced through thecannula lumen118 until thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 deploys out fromexit port120 of the cannula shaft112 a first distance (FIG. 34A), which associates theburr134 with a first radius of curvature r₁(shown inFIG. 34B). Next, theproximal adapter138 of thetissue removal probe210 is mated to the drive unit (shown inFIG. 8), which is then operated to rotate theburr134 about is ownrotational axis140. At the same time, thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 is bent in one direction by pulling one of the pull wires254 (shown inFIG. 34A), which causes the rotatingburr134 to scribe a ninety degree arc a₁(as measured from the longitudinal axis142) around the distal tip of the sleeve124 (FIG. 34B). Next, thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 is bent in the opposite direction by pulling theother pull wire254, which causes the rotatingburr134 to scribe a one hundred eighty degree arc a₁(ninety degrees above thelongitudinal axis142 and ninety degrees below the longitudinal axis142) around the distal tip of the sleeve124 (shown in phantom inFIG. 34B). In this manner, a semi-circle of tissue is removed by theburr134. In the illustrated method, the radius of curvature of theburr134 is so short that a solid radial sector of tissue is removed. As with the previous methods, the remove tissue can optionally be aspirated.

Next, thetissue removal probe210 is further introduced through thecannula lumen118 until thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 deploys out from theexit port120 of the cannula shaft112 a second greater distance (FIG. 34C), which associates theburr134 with a second greater radius of curvature r₂(shown inFIG. 34D). Again, thedrive unit104 is operated to rotate theburr134 about is ownrotational axis140, while bending thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 in one direction using the first pull wire254 (shown inFIG. 34C), which causes theburr134 to scribe another larger ninety degree arc a₂around the distal tip of the sleeve124 (FIG. 34D). Next, thedistal end126 of thesleeve124 is bent in the opposite direction by pulling theother pull wire254, which causes the rotatingburr134 to scribe a one hundred eighty degree arc a₂around the distal tip of the sleeve124 (shown in phantom inFIG. 34D). In this manner, a semi-circlular ring of tissue is removed by theburr134.

The difference between the first and second radii and of curvature r₁and r₂is such that the radial sector of tissue removed by theburr134 along the first arc a₁is coextensive with the semi-circular ring of tissue removed by theburr134 along the second arc c₂. The steps illustrated inFIGS. 34C and 34D can be repeated to remove even larger discs of tissue.

After the discectomy has been completed (i.e., the herniated disc material has been removed, or in some cases, the entire herniated disc has been removed), thecannula108, along with thetissue removal probe110, is removed from the patient's body. Alternatively, prior to total removal of thecannula108, thetissue removal probe260 can be removed, and a therapeutic media, such as a drug or disc replacement material can be delivered through thecannula lumen118 into thedisc12′.

Referring now toFIGS. 18 and 19, anothertissue removal probe310 that can alternatively be used in thetissue removal system100 will be described. Thetissue removal probe310 comprises asleeve324 having adistal end326 and aproximal end328, and a lumen330 (shown in phantom inFIG. 18) extending through thesleeve324. Thetissue removal probe310 further comprises adrive shaft332 rotatably disposed within thesleeve lumen330 and a rotatable tissue removal element, and in particular, arotatable cutting basket334, mounted to the distal end of thedrive shaft332. Thetissue removal probe310 further comprises aproximal adapter338 mounted to theproximal end328 of thesleeve324. Theproximal adapter338 is configured to be mated with thedrive cable106, thereby providing a means for rotatably coupling thedrive unit104 to the proximal end of thedrive shaft332. Thus, operation of thedrive unit104 will rotate thedrive shaft332, which, in turn, will rotate the cuttingbasket334 about its rotational axis340. Like thetissue removal probe110, thetissue removal probe310 can be rotatably disposed within thelumen118 of thecannula108, so that the cuttingbasket334 can be alternately deployed from and retracted into thedistal end114 of thecannula shaft112.

The cuttingbasket334 comprises abase member344, adistal hub346, and a plurality offilaments348 proximally affixed to thebase member344 and distally affixed to thedistal hub346. Thebase member344 is mounted to the distal end of thedrive shaft332 using suitable means, such as soldering or welding. Thedistal hub346 is preferably rounded, such that only lateral tissue removal is achieved, and inadvertent tissue trauma distal to the cuttingbasket334 is prevented. As shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, the shape of thefilaments348 is sinusoidal, although other shapes can be provided. Although threefilaments348 are shown, the cuttingbasket334 may include a different number offilaments348. Thefilaments348 are also interlaced or braided to provide thecutting basket334 with a more integral structure.

In alternative embodiments, however, thefilaments348 can configured differently. For example,FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative cutting basket354, wherein thefilaments348, the proximal and distal ends of which are mounted to thebase member344, thereby affixing thefilaments348 at the proximal end of the cuttingbasket334. Thefilaments348 are affixed at the distal end of the cuttingbasket334 by looping thefilaments348 through thedistal hub346.

Whichever filament configuration is used, the cross-sectional shape of eachfilament348 can be circular, rectangular, elliptical, or other customized shapes. As can be appreciated, the large spaces between thefilaments348 prevent, or at the least minimize, the build-up of tissue on the cuttingbasket334. If bone tissue is to be removed, thefilaments348 are preferably made from a tough material, such as steel or other alloys, so that it could penetrate or cut into a bone structure without being damaged. The stiffness of thefilaments348 are preferably selected so that the cuttingbasket334 is stiff enough to cut, deform, and/or compact target bone tissue. In the case where soft tissue is to be removed, thefilaments348 may likewise be composed of a soft material. In any event, the material from which thefilaments348 are made are resilient, such that cuttingbasket334 assumes a low profile while residing within thecannula lumen330, and is free to assume an expanded profile when deployed outside of thecannula lumen330. In the illustrated embodiment, the cuttingbasket334 is 1 cm in length and ½ cm in diameter.

In some embodiments, thefilaments348 have sharp edges, thereby providing bone, disc or soft tissue cutting/drilling capability. In other embodiments, the cuttingbasket334 includes abrasive particles, such as diamond dusts, disposed on surfaces of thefilaments348, for cutting, digging, and/or sanding against target bone, disc or soft tissue. Thefilaments348 are connected between thebase member344 anddistal hub346 and driveshaft332 using means, such as a welding, brazing, or glue, depending on the materials from which the distal hub, filaments, and driveshaft332 are made. Alternatively, thefilaments348 are connected between thedistal hub346 and driveshaft332 by a snap-fit connection, a screw connection, or otherwise an interference-fit connection.

Thetissue ablation probe310 optionally comprises aguidewire352 that extends through a lumen353 (shown in phantom) within thedrive shaft332, and is mounted to thedistal hub346 of the cuttingbasket334. In this manner, the lateral movement of the cuttingbasket334 during operation is limited.

Referring now toFIG. 21, still anothertissue removal probe410 that can alternatively be used in thetissue removal system100 will be described. Thetissue removal probe410 is similar to the previously describedtissue removal probe310 in that it comprises thesleeve324,drive shaft332, andproximal adapter338. Thetissue removal probe410 differs from thetissue removal probe310 in that it comprises a tissue removal device, and in particular, a cutting basket, that can be transformed between a tissue-cutting device and a tissue grasper.

In particular, the cuttingbasket434 comprises abase member444, adistal hub446, and a plurality offilaments448 proximally affixed to thebase member444 and distally affixed to thedistal hub446. Thebase member444 is mounted to the distal end of thedrive shaft332 using suitable means, such as soldering or welding. Thedistal hub446 is preferably rounded, such that only lateral tissue removal is achieved, and inadvertent tissue trauma distal to the cuttingbasket434 is prevented. Thefilaments448 may have the same composition as the previously describedfilaments448.

Eachfilament448, however, has ahinge point450 that divides thefilament448 into aproximal filament segment452 and adistal filament segment454. As shown in the progression illustrated inFIGS. 22A-22D, pulling thedistal hub446 in the proximal direction causes the distal end of the cuttingbasket434 to invert into the proximal end of the cuttingbasket434. That is, thedistal filament segments454 fold around the hinge points450 towards theproximal filament segments452, transforming the foldedfilaments448 into tissue-grasping arms, with the hinge points450 forming the most distal points of the arms. Notably, the hinge points450 are located distal to the midpoints of the filaments448 (i.e., thedistal filament segments454 are shorter than the proximal filament segments452). In this manner, the resulting tissue-grasping arms are relatively short, and therefore have a greater resistance to lateral bending when grasping tissue.

The actuating device takes the form of apull wire456 that extends through thelumen353 in thedrive shaft332, attaching to thedistal hub446. Thus, when thepull wire456 is pulled, the cuttingbasket434 is transformed from a tissue-cutting device to a tissue-grasping device. When thepull wire456 is relaxed, the tissue-grasping device (due to its resiliency) reverts back to a tissue-cutting device. That is, thedistal filament segments454 will fold back around the hinge points450 away from theproximal filament segments452, transforming thefilaments448 into tissue-cutting filaments.

Referring now toFIGS. 23 and 24, yet anothertissue removal probe510 that can alternatively be used in thetissue removal system100 will be described. Thetissue removal probe510 is similar to the previously describedtissue removal probe310 in that it comprises thesleeve324 andproximal adapter338. Thetissue removal probe510 differs from thetissue removal probe310 in that it has tissue irrigating functionality and minimizes inadvertent trauma to distal tissue, otherwise caused by atissue removal element534.

In particular, thetissue removal probe510 comprises adrive shaft532, which is composed of a rigid material, such as stainless steel, and has a distal end with a non-traumaticblunt tip536. Theblunt tip536 prevents thetissue removal element534 from abrading or harming distal tissue during use. In the illustrated embodiment, theblunt tip536 has a spherical shape. In alternative embodiments, however, theblunt tip536 can have other shapes as well. Thedrive shaft332 further comprises an irrigation lumen538 (shown in phantom) that terminates in anirrigation port540 at theblunt tip536. As previously described, irrigation fluid can be delivered through theirrigation lumen538 and out of theirrigation port540 in order to cool thedrive shaft332 and/ortissue removal element534, as well as to wash debris at the target site. Theirrigation lumen538 can alternatively be used as a guidewire lumen.

Thetissue removal element534 is formed on the distal end of thedrive shaft332 just proximal to theblunt tip536. In the illustrated embodiment, thetissue removal device534 comprises an ellipsoidal burr, although other geometrically shaped burrs can be used. Unlike a cutting basket, the cross-section of theburr534 is relatively more solid, thereby providing more stiffness. Such configuration is advantageous in that it allows cutting and/or abrading of stiff materials without deforming. In the illustrated embodiment, theburr534 includes abrasive particles, such as diamond dusts, that are disposed on the surface of theburr534. In other embodiments, instead of having diamond dusts, parts of the surface of theburr534 can be removed to create an abrasive surface. Theburr534 further comprises aspiral cutting groove542. During use, thegroove542 allows bone particles that have been removed to travel proximally and away from a target site.

Referring now toFIG. 25, yet anothertissue removal probe610 that can alternatively be used in thetissue removal system100 will be described. Thetissue removal probe610 is similar to the previously describedtissue removal probe310 in that it comprises thesleeve324,drive shaft332, andproximal adapter338. Thetissue removal probe610 differs from thetissue removal probe310 in that it comprises atissue removal element634 with counter-pitched grooves.

In particular, thetissue removal element634 is mounted to the distal end of thedrive shaft332, and takes the form of a cylindrically-shaped burr with proximalspiral cutting grooves636 and distalspiral cutting grooves638. The respective proximal and

distal grooves

636 and638 are oppositely pitched, such the removed tissue is force to travel along thegrooves636/638 towards the center of theburr634 when rotated in a particular direction (in this case, clockwise if looking down the distal end of the burr634). In this manner, the removed tissue will tend to be collected in one place, thereby making aspiration of the tissue easier.

Referring now toFIG. 26, yet anothertissue removal probe710 that can alternatively be used in thetissue removal system100 will be described. Thetissue removal probe710 is similar to the previously describedtissue removal probe610 with the exception that two counter-rotating burrs are used.

In particular, thetissue removal probe710 comprises anouter drive shaft732 with alumen736, and aninner drive shaft733 disposed within the outerdrive shaft lumen736. As such, the

drive shafts

732 and733 are independent, and can thus be rotated in opposite directions or the same direction. Thetissue removal probe710 further comprises proximal and

distal removal elements

734 and735 in the form of cylindrical burrs mounted to the distal ends of the

respective drive shafts

732 and733. The

cylindrical burrs

734 and735 are collinear and coextensive with each other, so that they can operate as a contiguous tissue removal device. Spiral cutting

grooves

738 and740 are formed in the surfaces of the

respective burrs

734 and735 In the illustrated embodiment, the absolute pitch of thespiral grooves738 on theproximal burr734 is the same as the absolute pitch on thedistal burr735. Thegrooves738/740, however, are pitched in the opposite direction. Thus, rotation of theproximal burr734 in one direction (by rotating theouter drive shaft732 in that direction), and rotation of thedistal burr735 in the opposite direction (by rotating theinner drive shaft733 in that direction) will stabilize thetissue removal probe710 as it is laterally cutting through tissue, e.g., bone tissue. That is, thecounter-rotating burrs734/735 prevents, or at least minimizes, the tendency of thetissue removal probe710 to stray from its intended cut path.

Alternatively, theburrs734/735 can be rotated in the same direction, preferably in a direction that forces the removed tissue to travel along thegrooves738/740 of therespective burrs734/735 towards the interface between theburrs734/735. In this manner, the removed tissue will tend to be collected in one place, thereby making it more easily aspirated. Thus, it can be appreciated that the independence of the outer andinner drive shafts732/733, allows therespective burrs734/735 to be selectively rotated in opposite directions or rotated in the same direction.

Referring now toFIG. 27, yet anothertissue removal probe810 that can alternatively be used in thetissue removal system100 will be described. Thetissue removal probe810 is similar to the previously describedtissue removal probe310 in that it comprises thesleeve324,drive shaft332, andproximal adapter338. Thetissue removal probe810 differs from thetissue removal probe310 in that it comprises atissue removal element834 configured to drill holes through bone, whereas the tissue removal element of thetissue removal probe310, as well as those subsequently described in tissue removal probes410,510,610, and710, lend itself well to the lateral removal of hard bone tissue, e.g., during laminectomy and laminotomy procedures.

In particular, thetissue removal element834 takes the form of a drill bit mounted at the distal end of thedrive shaft332. Thedrill bit834 has a sharpdistal tip836 that allows therotating drill bit834 to penetrate or shape bone tissue. In the illustrated embodiment, thedrill bit834 has a length that is between ¼ and 1 inch, and a diameter that is between 1/100 and ½ inch. Thedrill bit834 includes two fluted cuttinggrooves838 that extend down opposite sides of thedrill bit834, as shown inFIG. 28.

Referring now toFIG. 29, yet anothertissue removal probe910 that can alternatively be used in thetissue removal system100 will be described. Unlike in the previously described embodiments, which have rotatable tissue removal elements, thetissue removal probe910 comprises a reciprocating tissue removal element. In particular, thetissue removal probe910 comprises arigid drive shaft912 having adistal end914, and atissue removal element934 formed on thedistal end914 of thedrive shaft912. Thetissue removal element934 comprise ablock936 with a series of cascading tissue-cuttingnotches938 longitudinally formed along theblock934. As a result, a series of sharp leading edges940 are formed along theblock934. In the illustrated embodiment, theblock936 has a rectangular cross-section.

Thus, it can be appreciated that thetissue removal element934 can be placed within a hole or groove in a bone, and reciprocatably moved to remove bone tissue from the bone, thereby enlarging the hole. A motor can be configured to apply a hammering motion (i.e., a forward and rearward motion) to drive theshaft912.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it should be understood that the above discussion is not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages of the invention shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment of the present invention is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments of the present invention even if not so illustrated. Thus, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A tissue removal probe, comprising:

a laterally flexible and resilient elongated member having a lumen and a pre-curved distal end;

a drive shaft rotatably disposed within the member lumen;

a rotatable tissue removal element disposed on the drive shaft adjacent the member distal end, the tissue removal element having an axis of rotation.

2. The probe ofclaim 1, wherein the member distal end is pre-curved at approximately ninety degrees.

3. The probe ofclaim 1, wherein the tissue removal element comprises an abrasive burr.

4. The probe ofclaim 1, further comprising a proximal adapter mounted to the member, the proximal adapter configured for mating with a drive unit.

5. A tissue removal kit, comprising:

a cannula having a lumen; and

a tissue removal probe axially slidable within the cannula lumen, the tissue removal probe comprising:

an elongated member having a lumen and a distal end configured to curve when distally deployed from the cannula lumen;

a drive shaft rotatably disposed within the member lumen; and

6. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the cannula is rigid.

7. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the cannula has a tissue-penetrating distal tip.

8. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the tissue removal probe is removably disposed within the cannula lumen.

9. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the distal end of the cannula is curved.

10. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the member distal end is pre-curved.

11. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the tissue removal probe comprises at least one pull wire mounted to the member distal end.

12. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the member is laterally flexible.

13. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the member is laterally resilient.

14. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the member distal end is configured to curve at approximately a ninety degree when distally deployed from the cannula lumen.

15. The kit ofclaim 5, wherein the tissue removal element comprises an abrasive burr.

16. The kit ofclaim 1, wherein the tissue removal probe further comprises a proximal adapter mounted to the member, the proximal adapter configured for mating with a drive unit.

17. A method of removing tissue from an anatomical body, comprising:

introducing a cannula into the anatomical body at a first location;

introducing a tissue removal probe through the cannula, wherein the tissue removal probe comprises an elongated member having a straight portion and a distal end, and a distally located tissue removal element associated with the distal end, the straight member portion having a first axis of rotation, and the tissue removal element having a second axis of rotation;

displacing the tissue removal element, wherein the member distal end bends to associate the tissue removal element with a first radius of revolution about the first axis of rotation;

rotating the straight member portion around the first axis of rotation, wherein the tissue removal element scribes a first arc defined by the first radius of revolution; and

rotating the tissue removal element about the second axis of rotation to remove tissue at at least two points along the first arc.

18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the member distal end is pre-curved.

19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the cannula distal end is curved.

20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the tissue removal element is rotated while the straight member portion is rotated, whereby the tissue removal element continuously removes tissue along the first arc.

21. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the first arc forms a circle.

22. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising:

displacing the tissue removal element, wherein the member distal end bends to associate with tissue removal element with a second radius of revolution different from the first radius of revolution;

rotating the straight member portion around the first axis of rotation, wherein the tissue removal element scribes a second arc defined by the second radius of revolution; and

rotating the tissue removal element about the second axis of rotation to remove tissue at at least two points along the second arc.

23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the second radius of revolution is greater than the first radius of revolution.

24. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the first and second arcs form circles.

25. The method ofclaim 24, wherein a solid disc of tissue is removed.

26. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising displacing the cannula along the first axis of rotation to a second location, and repeating the member distal end displacement, straight member portion rotation, and tissue removal element rotation steps.

27. The method ofclaim 24, further comprising displacing the cannula along the first axis of rotation to a second location, and repeating the member distal end displacement, straight member portion rotation, and tissue removal element rotation steps.

28. The method ofclaim 27, wherein a solid cylinder of tissue is removed.

29. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the member distal end bends at a ninety degree angle.

30. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising aspirating the removed tissue from the anatomical body.

31. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the anatomical body is an intervertebral disc.

32. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the anatomical body is a vertebral body.

33. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the tissue is bone tissue.

34. A method of removing tissue from an anatomical body, comprising:

introducing a cannula into the anatomical body at a first location;

introducing a tissue removal probe through the cannula, wherein the tissue removal probe comprises an elongated member having a distal end, and a distally located tissue removal element associated with the distal end and having an axis of rotation;

displacing the tissue removal element from the cannula to associate the tissue removal element with a first radius of curvature;

bending the member distal end, wherein the tissue removal element scribes a first arc defined by the first radius of curvature; and

rotating the tissue removal element about the axis of rotation to remove tissue at at least two points along the first arc.

35. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the tissue removal element is rotated while the tissue removal element scribes the first arc, whereby the tissue removal element continuously removes tissue along the first arc.

36. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the first arc forms a semi-circle.

37. The method ofclaim 34, further comprising:

displacing the tissue removal element from the cannula to associate the tissue removal element with a second radius of curvature;

bending the member distal end, wherein the tissue removal element scribes a second arc defined by the second radius of curvature; and

rotating the tissue removal element about the axis of rotation to remove tissue at at least two points along the second arc.

38. The method ofclaim 37, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

39. The method ofclaim 37, wherein the first and second arcs form semi-circles.

40. The method ofclaim 37, wherein a solid radial sector of tissue is removed.

41. The method ofclaim 34, further comprising aspirating the removed tissue from the anatomical body.

42. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the anatomical body is an intervertebral disc.

43. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the anatomical body is a vertebral body.

44. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the tissue is bone tissue.