SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A SPINE THROUGH A SINGLE VERTEBRAL BODY INSERTION POINT

摘要

Methods for treating a spine include inserting a distal end of a cannula into a vertebral body. A distal segment of an access needle is inserted into the cannula lumen. The distal segment terminates at a distal tip and has a shape memory characteristic naturally assuming a curved shape in longitudinal extension. The cannula forces the distal section to deflect from the curved shape toward a straightened shape. The distal segment is distally advanced into bone structure of the vertebral body and naturally reverts toward the curved shape. With further distal advancement, the distal tip progresses through an end plate of the vertebral body. Finally, a structure of the spine is altered in at least one of: delivering a curable material, creating a cavity, or aspirating nucleus material.