BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A-1K illustrate a method for positioning a catheter device to introduce a substance into an intervertebral disc, shown from a transverse cross-section of the spinal column, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 1L and 1M illustrate catheter introduction needles having sharpened tips (FIG. 1L) and atraumatic tips (FIG. 1M).
FIG. 1N illustrates a catheter-introducing needle having an axial slot and frangible cover to facilitate removal of the needle from over the catheter after the catheter has been implanted.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate part of a method for positioning a catheter device to introduce a substance into an intervertebral disc using a pointed stylet, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2C illustrates a catheter device in place for introducing a substance into an intervertebral disc and an introducer device being split, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate catheters and stylets having modified distal ends to enhance coupling during introduction of the catheter and stylet assemblies.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a distal end of a catheter device, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of a distal end of a catheter device with an anchoring member in an undeployed and deployed state, respectively, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a distal end of an alternative catheter device with an anchoring member in an undeployed and deployed state, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of a distal end of an alternative catheter device with an anchoring member in an undeployed and deployed state, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of a distal end of an alternative catheter device with an anchoring member in an undeployed and deployed state, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a catheter device having a deforming, anchoring distal portion, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a catheter device having a deforming, anchoring distal portion, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10A illustrates a longitudinal cross-section of a spinal column with a catheter device with a radially symmetric anchor, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10B illustrates a longitudinal cross-section of a spinal column with a catheter device with a radially asymmetric anchor, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10C illustrates a longitudinal cross-section of a spinal column with a catheter device with an elliptical shaped anchor, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10D illustrates a longitudinal cross-section of a spinal column with a catheter device with a non-spherically shaped anchor, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 illustrates a spiral anchor for attaching to the annulus fibrosis of an intervertebral disc, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 illustrates a distal end of a catheter device having a threaded portion for attaching to an annulus fibrosis of an intervertebral disc, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates a catheter device having two anchoring members for anchoring inside and outside an annulus fibrosis of an intervertebral disc, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 illustrates a catheter device coupled with an implanted device for facilitating delivery of substances to the intervertebral disc, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate introduction of a treatment or other access catheter into a disc space using a transosseous approach.
FIG. 15A illustrates a catheter device passed over a guidewire having a spiral-shaped distal end, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15B illustrates a catheter device passed over a guidewire having a zigzag-shaped distal end, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a double-wire guidewire in undeployed and deployed states, respectively, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a proximal adapter for use with a catheter device, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Methods, devices and systems of the present invention generally provide for introduction of one or more substances into an intervertebral disc to facilitate diagnosis and/or treatment of discogenic pain (i.e., back pain originating in one or more intervertebral discs). Methods, devices and systems may be used alone or in conjunction with other methods or devices that are currently known or hereafter developed, such as discography, radiological studies, physical examination and/or the like. In alternative embodiments, methods and devices of the invention may be used for purposes other than diagnosis or treatment, such as for study or experimental purposes or the like. Therefore, although the following description focuses on diagnostic and therapeutic applications, various embodiments may be used for any other suitable application.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1K, a method for introducing a substance into an intervertebral disc is illustrated schematically. As seen in FIG. 1A, an intervertebral disc D includes an annulus fibrosis AF surrounding a nucleus pulposus NP, and is positioned adjacent a spinous process of a vertebra V. Anatomically, the disc D is sandwiched between two vertebrae of the spine (not shown), which lie on top of and beneath the disc D.
In one embodiment, an introducer device 2 and a pointed obturator 4 are introduced together through the skin S of a patient's back to position their distal ends near the intervertebral disc D. Introducer device 2 and obturator 4 may have any suitable dimensions, but in one embodiment introducer device 2 is about 18-22 gauge and obturator 4 is about 20-25 gauge.
As shown in FIG. 1B, obturator 4 is then removed, leaving introducer device 2 in place. As shown in FIG. 1C, an injection needle 6 is then passed through introducer device 2 and through the annulus fibrosis AF to position its distal tip in the nucleus pulposus NP. Position of introducer device 2 and/or injection needle 6 may be confirmed using x-ray, fluoroscopy, or other suitable means. In some embodiments, when injection needle 6 is positioned in the nucleus pulposus NP, contrast dye may be injected through injection needle 6, and the appearance of the contrast dye in the disc as well as the patient's response to the injection may be monitored. This part of the procedure generally describes a known discography procedure. In alternative embodiments, discography may be performed at a later time or no discography may be performed.
After placing injection needle 6, a guidewire 8 may be passed through injection needle 6 into the disc, as shown in FIG. 1D. Injection needle 6 may then be removed, as shown in FIG. 1E, and a catheter device 10 may be passed over guidewire 8 through introducer device 2, as shown in FIG. 1F. Catheter device 10 is described in further detail below, but in one embodiment it may include two or more tubes, such as a guidewire tube 11 and an injection or inflation tube 12, which may separate proximally to attach to multiple adapters or the like. Once catheter device 10 is in place, introducer device 2 may be removed, as shown in FIG. 1G, and adapters 13 and 14 may be coupled with the proximal ends of tubes 11 and 12. Adapters 13, 14 may facilitate guidewire passage, inflation of an expandable member, injection of one or more substances into the disc and/or the like.
Referring to FIG. 1I, one or more anchoring members 16 disposed along catheter 10 are deployed to maintain a distal portion of catheter 10 in the disc. In one embodiment, anchoring member 16 comprises an expandable balloon, but as is described in more detail below, many other types of anchoring members may be used in various alternative embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1J, once anchoring member 16 is deployed, guidewire 8 may be removed. In some embodiments, as in FIG. 1K, a marker expandable member 17 may be deployed outside the patient's body. With anchoring member 16 and thus the distal portion of catheter 10 in place in the disc, one or more substances are introduced into the disc through catheter 10.
It may sometimes be desired to leave the needle 6 which introduced the catheter into the disc space in place to facilitate advancing and retracting the catheter. Use of a conventional needle having a sharpened tip as illustrated in FIG. 1L, however, presents a risk of damaging the catheter, particularly as the catheter may be retracted proximally through the needle. Thus, it may be preferred to employ an introducer “needle” having a blunt, rounded, or other atraumatic tip, as illustrated in FIG. 1M. In one embodiment, the atraumatic tip can be square-cut and the edges rounded to form a smooth surface which will not damage the catheter as it is advanced or retracted through the lumen of the needle. The tip could also be made of a softer material, a more flexible material, be coated with a lubricious material or otherwise modified to reduce the risk of damaging the catheter. When using a needle having an atraumatic tip, the needle may be introduced using a stylet having a sharpened tip.
When the catheter is delivered through a needle, either a sharpened needle as illustrated in FIG. 1L or atraumatic needle as illustrated in FIG. 1M, it will often be desirable to remove the needle. If the catheter has a proximal hub or other enlarged features, it may not be possible to draw the needle proximally over the enlarged structure. In such cases, it will often be desirable to use a needle 6 having an axial slot 6A, optionally covered by a frangible outer sheath, cover, or tube 7. The width of the slot 6A will be sufficient to permit the catheter to pass, and the outer tube or sheath 7 prevents accidental passage of the catheter through the slot 6A while the catheter is being introduced. Thus, the material of the tube 7 should be strong enough to contain the catheter during delivery, but still provide for easy longitudinal tearing when it is desired to withdraw the needle over the catheter. Suitable materials include polyester, PET, FEP, PTFE, polyolefins, nylons, PVCs, neoprenes, and other materials. Many of the materials may be heat-shrunk over the needle shaft. The needle shaft will typically be a metal, such as stainless steel or nitinol, but could also be composed of a polymer having sufficient strength such as a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, PEEK, a nylon, a polypropylene, or the like. The axial slot 6A may be formed in the needle by cutting or machining the opening, typically for metal needle shafts, or by extruding the material that has a C-shaped cross-section, typically for polymers. Although usually being straight, the longitudinal opening 6A could have other geometries, such as spiral, zigzag, or other arbitrary shape. The outer tube 7 may be opened by tearing, shearing, and the like, and may be pre-scored, perforated, or otherwise weakened to assist in separation. In addition to heat-shrinking, the outer tube could be attached to the shaft of the needle by melting, adhesives, or the like.
The method just described is but one embodiment of a technique for placing and anchoring a distal portion of a catheter within a disc and introducing a substance therein. In various alternative embodiments, any number of suitable changes to the technique, such as additions or deletions of various steps, use of varied devices and the like, may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate part of an alternative embodiment of a method for passing a catheter device 20 into a disc for introducing one or more substances. In this embodiment, rather than employing a guidewire passed through an injection needle, catheter device 20 is passed through an introducer device 22 with a pointed stylet 24 extending through a lumen of catheter 20 and out its distal tip. Stylet 24 enables catheter 20 to be passed through the tough annulus fibrosis AF without the help of a guidewire and injection needle. Stylet 24 is then removed, as shown in FIG. 2B, to leave catheter 20 in position for anchor deployment and substance introduction.
Stylets such as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B are usually much more rigid in both the axial and bending directions than the catheter which is being advanced. The catheter can freely slide relative to the stylet. There is a risk that the catheter will differentially deflect and separate from the stylet. In order to prevent such separation, the tips of the stylet and the catheter can be modified to hold them together. For example, the stylet 24 may have a step or other geometry at its distal end which mates with a complementary shape formed inside the distal tip of the catheter 20, as illustrated in FIG. 2D. Alternatively, the stylet 24 may have a tapered or cone-shaped distal end which mates with a similar shape in the distal end of the catheter 20, as illustrated in FIG. 2E. The distal ends of the catheter and the stylet could also be modified to have mating threaded ends for a more secure but still releasable attachment.
Optionally, the distal tips of the stylets may be made to be radioopaque in order to enhance fluoroscopic imaging. For example, at least the distal portions of the stylets 24 could be composed at least partly, or plated with, a radioopaque material such as platinum, iridium, or gold. The remaining portions of the stylet may be made from stainless steel, nitinol, or other materials having the desired column strength and flexibility to provide for “pushability” of the combination of stylet 24 and catheter 20. By providing a stylet tip which is inherently radioopaque, the number of components and the profile or cross-section of the combined device (including both the stylet 24 and catheter 20) may be reduced. Reducing profile is advantageous, since it facilitates entry into the disc space through the annulus fibrosis.
Referring now to FIG. 2C, a method for introducing a catheter device 21 into a disc to inject one or more substances may be facilitated in one embodiment through use of a split-away introducer device 23. Split-away introducer device 23 may be used just as the introducer devices have been described above. Rather than removing split-away introducer device 23 by sliding it off the proximal end of catheter device 21, however, split-away introducer device 23 is split along its length to be removed from catheter device 21. Split-away introducer device 23 may be constructed from any suitable material or materials so as to readily tear, crack, fissure, rip or separate along the length of needle 23. Splitting may be accomplished by including a perforation, thin section or other weakness along the length of needle 23.
Typically, once a catheter device is in place, with a distal portion residing in a disc and one or more anchoring members deployed to maintain the catheter's position, the patient is instructed to assume a position or perform a task that typically causes the patient pain, such as bending over to pick up an object or the like. A substance is then introduced into the disc, and the patient is asked to relate whether pain is lessened, eliminated, remains the same or the like. In various embodiments, the patient is asked to rate the experienced pain on a scale of 1 to 10 before and after introduction of substances into the disc. In one embodiment, the substance introduced is an anesthetic or analgesic, and thus may alleviate the patient's pain if injected into the disc that is actually causing the pain. In some instances multiple injections are performed, and one or more injected substances may be placebos, to test the accuracy of the test results. Again, such testing may be performed either alone or before or after traditional discography. In some embodiments, multiple discs of one patient may be accessed and tested. Also in some embodiments, testing may be performed over a prolonged period of time, to test multiple discs and/or to enhance the accuracy or certainty of test results.
In various embodiments, any of a number of different substances may be introduced into a disc. For different purposes, such as diagnosis or treatment of discogenic pain, study purposes or experimentation or the like, introduction of different substances may be warranted. Examples of possible substances that may be introduced into a disc include, but are not limited to anesthetics; analgesics; antibiotics; hydrating agents such as hypotonic saline, isotonic saline or hypertonic saline; supportive agents such as a hydrogel, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, Dimethyl Sulfoxide or Tantalum; prolotherapy agents such as sodium morrhuate, cod oil, phenol, minerals or ethyl alcohol; and/or other agents such as collagen, stem cells, Osteogenic Protein-1, ethanol, alcohol, steroids, radio-opaque contrast agents, ultrasound contrast agent, Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, BMP-12, Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor inhibitors, LMP-1, TIMP-1, TGF-1, TGF-2, Rofecoxib, Ketorolac, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Dextrose, DMSO, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, ibuprofen, naprosyn, Bextra, Vioxx, Celebrex, indomethacin, botulinum toxin, capsaicin, vanilloid agonists, vanilloid antagonists, VR1, VRL-1, steroids, methylprednisolone or chymopapain. Substances may be delivered in a biodegradable or time release vehicle to provide long-term administration of the substances.
Examples of anesthetics and analgesics include, but are not limited to lidocaine, chloroprocaine, mepivacaine, ropivacaine, xylocaine, prilocaine, morphine, bupivocaine, marcaine, 2-chloroprocain, fentanyl, diamorphine, meperidine, methadone, alfentanil, hydromorphone, lofentanil, sufentanil, buprenorphine, other opoids, adrenergic agonists, somatostatin analogs, calcium channel blockers, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, ketamine, benzodiazepines, klonidine, tizanidine, midazolam, levorphanol, heterocyclic antidepressants, nonheterocyclic, serotonin-enhancing antidepressants, GABA analogues, psychogenic amines, somatostatin, octreotide, SNX-111, midazolam, methylprednisolone acetate, Aristospan, ethyl chloride, etidocaine, linocaine, triamcinolone diacatate, Astramorph, Duramorph, Dilaudid, Sensorcaine MPF, Baclofen (Lioresal), Clonidine, baclofen, codeine, neurontin and Demerol. Examples of antibiotics include, but are not limited to, Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Clindamycin, Vancomycin, Bacitracin, Doxycycline, Ampicillin, Levaquin, Metronidazole, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Augmentin, Bactrim, TMP-SMX, Rocephin, Gentamycin, Keflex and Macrobid.
As already mentioned, in some embodiments the method further includes leaving the catheter device in place to provide treatment of a patient's back pain, such as with anesthetic or analgesic agent(s) or other substances. In some embodiments, the catheter device may be coupled with an implantable pump, injection port or other device to provide such treatment.
Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a distal portion of a catheter device 30 according to one embodiment is shown in perspective view and cross-sectional view, respectively. Catheter device 30 suitably includes a catheter body 32, which includes an expandable anchoring member 36, houses an inflation tube 34 and an injection tube 38, and has several radioopaque markers 33 disposed along its distal portion. Anchoring member 36 enables a distal portion of catheter device 30 to be maintained in a position within a disc. Inflation tube 34 is used to expand anchoring member 36, which in the embodiment shown comprises an expandable balloon. Injection tube 38 is used to introduce one or more fluids into the nucleus pulposus of the disc. Radioopaque markers 33 facilitate visualization of the distal portion of catheter device 30 so that its location may be assessed before, during or after a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.
In various embodiments, the distal portion of catheter device 30 may have one or more features that facilitate advancement of the distal portion through an annulus fibrosis of an intervertebral disc. A distal portion having one or more such features is generally referred to as “self-introducing.” Therefore, by “self-introducing” it is meant simply that the distal portion has one or more features for facilitating its passage through annulus fibrosis tissue. Such features may include, for example, one or more sections on a catheter shaft that are stiffer than adjacent sections to help make the shaft pushable. Another feature may comprise a tapered or pointed distal tip for piercing through annulus fibrosis. In some embodiments, catheter device 30 may be coupled with a removable, pointed stylet. These or any other suitable features may be included in a distal portion of catheter device 30 for facilitating passage through an annulus fibrosis.
The various components of catheter device 30 may be constructed from any suitable materials and may have any suitable shapes, sizes, dimensions or the like in various embodiments. In one embodiment, for example, the cross-sectional diameter of catheter body 32 decreases along its length from its proximal end to its distal end. Such a tapered configuration may allow catheter device 30 to be easily introduced through an introducer device. The outer diameter of catheter body 32 will also generally be slightly smaller than an inner diameter of an introducer device. In one embodiment, for example, catheter body 32 has an outer diameter of about 2 mm or less along at least part of its length.
In various embodiments, catheter body 32 may comprise a rigid single polymer or a composite consisting of reinforced metallic or polymeric components. Metallic components may include, for example, stainless steel, nitinol or other superelastic alloys. Polymers may include, but are not limited to Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyether Block Amide (PEBAX), Nylon, Polyester, Polyolefin, polyamide, Polyimide, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Fluorinated Ethylene Polymer (FEP), Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), Polytetrafluoroethylene-Perfluoromethylvinylether (MFA), Polyurethane or Low density polyethylene (LDPE). Such materials may be reinforced with coils or braids in some embodiments. The materials may also be coated internally or externally with materials the resist friction such as Teflon (Poly-Tetra-Flouro-Ethylene), hydrophilic materials, parylene or the like.
In various embodiments, catheter shaft may include one or more radiopaque markers 33 and/or may be made from one or more radiopaque materials to facilitate visualization. Such radiopaque markers/materials may include, but are not limited to, gold, Platinum, Iridium, Tungsten, Tantulum, resins containing Barium Sulfate, Bismuth trioxide or Tungsten and/or the like.
Anchoring member 36 may also be made of any suitable materials now known or discovered in the future, according to various embodiments. For example, expandable anchoring member 36 may comprise flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene, Polyether Block Amide (PEBAX), Polyethylene Terepthalate (PET), Polyester, Nylon, Polyurethanes, Polyether Block Amide (PEBAX), Polyolefins or any suitable combination thereof. Various adhesives may be used to attach anchoring member 36 to catheter shaft 32 or for any other suitable purpose. Any suitable adhesive(s) may be used, such as but not limited to, light activated acrylics, light activated cyanoacrylates, light activated silicones, heat activated adhesives, ambient curing adhesives, cyanoacrylates, epoxy adhesives, and/or polyurethane adhesives. Various parts of catheter device 30 may also be attached using alternative means, such as friction fitting, snap fitting, screw fitting, application of energy such as thermal or radiofrequency energy, and/or the like.
Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in another embodiment a catheter device 40 comprises an outer shaft 42, an inner shaft 44, and an anchoring member 46 coupled with both outer shaft 42 and inner shaft 44. Shafts 42, 44 are axially slidable relative to one another, such that when inner shaft 44 is moved proximally relative to outer shaft 42, anchoring member 46 buckles outward to perform its anchoring function, as shown in FIG. 4B. In this embodiment, inner shaft 44 acts as an injection lumen and also possibly as a guidewire lumen, and no inflation lumen is needed. In one embodiment, anchoring member 46 may be constructed as a cylinder with slots or other shapes cut out of it to form column-like buckling structures. Components of this embodiment may be made of the same or different materials as just described.
An alternative embodiment of a catheter device 50 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Here, catheter device 50 includes an outer shaft 52, an inner shaft 54, an anchoring member 56 coupled to outer shaft 52 and inner shaft 54, and a sheath 58 slidably disposed over outer shaft 52. When sheath 58 is disposed over anchoring member 56, as in FIG. 5A, anchoring member 56 remains in an undeployed state suitable for delivery into the disc. When sheath 58 is retracted and/or outer shaft 52 is advanced, as in FIG. 5B, anchoring member 56 may be deployed. In some embodiments, anchoring member 56 may be deployed via buckling or via inflation, as described above. In other embodiments, anchoring member 56 may self-expand, for example if it is comprised of shape-memory or spring-loaded materials that expand when released from sheath 58.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in another embodiment a catheter device 60 includes an outer shaft 62 having an expandable anchoring portion 66 and an inner shaft 64. Expandable anchoring portion 66 generally comprises a buckling portion of outer shaft 62 and may include multiple features such as small cut-outs 68 and larger openings 67. When a proximal portion of outer shaft 62a is moved toward a distal portion of outer shaft 62b, anchoring member 66 buckles, due to features 67, 68, thus providing the anchoring function.
With reference now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, another embodiment of a catheter device 70 is illustrated having a catheter shaft 72 and retractable tine anchors 76. Tine anchors 76 may be deployed from a retracted state, as in FIG. 7A, to a deployed state, as in FIG. 7B. Tine anchors 76 may be pre-bent so that they readily take on a pre-determined shape when deployed out of catheter body 72, and anchors 76 may be made of metal, such as stainless steel or shape-memory metal such as Nitinol, polymers, or any other suitable material. In various embodiments, tine anchors 76 may be deployed either by pushing them out of their housing lumens or by releasing them from constraint to allow them to self-deploy.
In other embodiments, and with reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a distal portion of a catheter device may deform to anchor the distal portion in the disc D. In one embodiment, as in FIG. 8, a catheter device 80 may have a distal portion 82 that deforms to a spiral configuration. In another embodiment, as in FIG. 9, a catheter device may have a distal portion 86 that deforms to a zig-zag configuration. Any other suitable shape for a distal portion may be used in various embodiments. Deformation of a distal portion may be achieved by any suitable means, such as by using a shape-memory or spring-loaded material, by using a pull cord, tendon, stylet or other actuator to deform the distal portion or the like.
FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate that an anchoring member of a catheter device may have any suitable shape, size, configuration, orientation to the catheter shaft or the like, in various embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, for example, an anchoring member 100 of a catheter device is shown in cross-section within a disc D between two vertebrae V. In this embodiment, anchoring member 100 has a circular cross-sectional shape and is disposed concentrically over a catheter shaft 102 of the catheter device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, an anchoring member 104 is asymmetrically attached to a catheter shaft 106 and has a non-circular, asymmetric shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10C, an anchoring member 108 is concentrically disposed over a catheter shaft 110 and has an elliptical cross-sectional shape. FIG. 10D shows a longitudinal view of a catheter device 112 having an approximately conical-shaped anchoring member 114. This embodiment demonstrates that anchoring member 114 may have not only various cross-sectional shapes but also various longitudinal shapes in various embodiments.
Referring now to FIG. 11, yet another embodiment of a catheter device 116 advanced over a guidewire 120 includes an anchoring member 118 that attaches to annulus fibrosis AF of a disc to maintain the distal portion of device 116 in the disc D. Here, anchoring member 118 comprises a spiral needle that may be screwed, twisted or otherwise driven into the annulus fibrosis AF.
FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a catheter device 122, in this case comprising a catheter shaft having threads 126 for anchoring in an annulus fibrosis. In various embodiments, any other suitable means for anchoring into the annulus fibrosis may be used, such as hooks, anchors, barbs, T-tags or the like.
With reference now to FIG. 13, in another embodiment a catheter device 128 includes two an outer anchoring member 130 for anchoring outside the annulus fibrosis AF and an inner anchoring member 132 for anchoring inside the disc D, typically in the nucleus pulposus NP. As shown here, anchoring members 130, 132 may comprise expandable members, such as inflatable balloons. In other embodiments, alternative anchoring members may be used, more than two anchoring members may be used and/or the like. Using two anchoring members 130, 132 may further ensure that a distal portion of catheter device 128 remains in position within the disc.
As discussed above, and referring now to FIG. 14, in some embodiments a catheter device 134 having an anchoring member 136 may be used for treating discogenic pain. In some embodiments, catheter device 134 may be coupled with an implantable device 138 for providing treatment, implantable device 138 being positioned under a patient's skin S or in any other suitable location in the patient's body. Implantable device 138 may comprise, for example, an implantable pump with or without a drug reservoir, an implantable drug infusion/injection port, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device or any other suitable device in various embodiments. Substances introduced into the disc DS via catheter device 134 and implantable device 138 may include any of the substances listed above, such as an anesthetic or analgesic to relieve pain. Implantable device 138 may be left in the patient for any suitable length of time to provide treatment.
In one embodiment, implantable device 138 may comprise an implantable pump 139. In some embodiments the pump may be programmed to deliver drug from an attached reservoir into the nucleus pulposus at a constant rate, at programmed intervals, upon triggering by the patient or physician through the use of an external device capable of communicating with the pump, such as but not limited to magnetic reed switches, electromagnetic wave communication devices such as visible light, radio-wave, microwave, or short-wave, or wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the patient may control pump-mediated drug delivery by physically manipulating switches, toggles, or other similar devices coupled with the pump. Optionally, the implantable pump may be configured to store data related to the usage pattern of the drug by the patient. This information could be downloaded for review through wireless communication with an external device such as those listed above. In embodiments having a drug reservoir, the implantable device may also include an injection port to allow the reservoir to be refilled transcutaneously.
The distance between the disc D and the surface of the skin can change as the patient moves. To prevent the distal end of catheter device 134 and anchoring member 136 from pulling out of the nucleus, a mechanism for providing strain relief in the attachment between catheter device 134 and implantable device 138 may be provided. In one embodiment, for example, catheter device 134 may extend between implantable device 138 and the disc D in a circular, spiral, curved, serpentine, or otherwise nonlinear path, thus providing an amount of slack (as shown in broken line) in catheter device to allow for movement between the disc D and the implantable device 138 with patient movement.
Implantable catheter devices, such as catheter device 134, will be provided with anchoring members 136, which typically may be inflatable balloons or other structures. Preferably, the catheter devices 134 will have an integral balloon inflation lumen, or will be provided with separate balloon inflation tubes to permit inflation of the balloon anchor 136 after proper positioning of the catheter. Rather than using a stopcock or other valve structure for providing balloon inflation, the catheter devices 134 may be provided with self-sealing septum structures at an end of the inflation lumen. Optionally, the catheter devices 134 could also include substance delivery lumens which also terminate at a proximal end in a self-sealing septum to allow for drug and substance delivery after the device has been implanted. Suitable septum materials include silicone, rubber, latex rubber, isoprene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, and numerous other known materials.
Alternatively, a balloon inflation lumen on the catheter device 134 or separate balloon inflation tube could be sealed using a suture, clip, filament loop, or any of a variety of other external closure elements. Such clips or crimps could be formed from a spring-like material, such that they can be pre-shaped to collapse the inflating lumen. Alternatively, the clips or crimps could be deformable so that they could be tightened over the balloon inflation lumen to effect closure. In both cases, multiple closure members could be placed at different points along the balloon inflation lumen in order to enhance the seal. Moreover, the closure elements could be removable to permit deflation and reinflation of the balloon, should it be desired during or after implantation. The closure elements could also be removed to permit deflation of the balloon for explantation of the catheter.
As a further alternative, the balloon inflation lumen could be sealed using heat, adhesives, or ultrasonic energy, resulting in melting or fusing of the lumen. Heat can come from a variety of sources, including electrical resistance heaters, electrical inductive heaters, or the like.
To facilitate delivery of a distal portion of a catheter device into a disc D, and with reference now to FIG. 15A, some systems include a shaped guidewire 146 configured to maintain a distal portion of guidewire 146 within the disc during delivery of the catheter device. As shown in FIG. 15A, guidewire 146 is delivered through an injection needle 142, which has been delivered through an introducer device 140. When a distal portion of guidewire 146a is advanced out of the distal end of injection needle 142, it assumes a shape, in this case a spiral shape, which secures distal portion 146a in the disc. Guidewire 146 may be formed of any suitable material to provide for such a shape change, such as but not limited to shape-memory materials such as Nitinol, spring stainless steel or the like. In some embodiments, a distal tip of the guidewire includes one or more radiopaque markers, coils or the like, or is made of one or more radiopaque materials.
As shown in FIG. 15B, in another embodiment a guidewire 148 has a distal portion 148a that assumes a zig-zag shape upon being advanced beyond the distal end of injection needle. In various embodiments, guidewires may have distal portions with any suitable shapes for anchoring in the disc D.
Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, in one embodiment a guidewire 150 has a double-wire configuration for enhancing its ability to maintain its position within a disc D. Double-wire guidewire 150 includes two wires joined at their distal ends, the attachment being achieved by welding, soldering, bonding, gluing, folding a single wire, or any other suitable technique. As shown in FIG. 16A, a distal end of guidewire 150a may be delivered into the disc D in a relatively straight, undeployed configuration. Double-wire guidewire 150 is then deployed, as shown in FIG. 16B, by differentially pushing or pulling on one of the wires of the double wire guidewire causing distal portion 150a to deform. In its deployed state, double-wire guidewire 150 is less likely to dislodge or pull out of the disc D than a single-wire guidewire.
As described thus far, the disc space has been accessed using a transannular approach. As illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, however, in some cases it may be preferable to approach the nucleus pulposus NP through the adjacent vertebral body V in a transosseous approach, i.e., across the bone. Use of a transosseous approach avoids the necessity of performing an annulotomy, thus avoiding puncturing and potentially damaging the annulus fibrosis AF. In the transosseous approach, the catheter 134 passes through the vertebral body V and into the disc space. As shown in FIG. 14A, the catheter 134 may pass through a single vertebral body into the adjacent disc space. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to pass the catheter 134 through multiple disc spaces, as shown in FIG. 14B, deploying the anchoring member 136 in the distal-most disc space, or alternatively in one of the vertebral bodies. Such an approach is advantageous since it permits treatment of multiple disc spaces simultaneously. The disc space or spaces could be accessed from the superior or inferior vertebral body. The transosseous approach could be performed by drilling or chiseling an access path through the vertebral body using a twist drill bit, a abrasive burr, sharp chisel, or other tools known in the art of surgery. The tool utilized to make the access path in the bone can be introduced alone or through the introducer needle. In some cases it may be necessary to pre-bend the introducer needle or tool to achieve the correct angle for the access hole in the vertebral body.
With reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B, one embodiment includes one or more adapters 160 for removably coupling with one or more proximal ends of a catheter device 162. Adapter 160 is typically coupled with catheter device 162 after the distal end of catheter device 162 is in place within the disc and after the introducer device, stylet or the like has been removed, although in alternative embodiments adapter 160 may be coupled with catheter device 162 at any other suitable time. Adapter 160 may comprise or resemble a Touhy Bourst adapter, compression fitting, instant tube fitting, or other similar adapter or connector. In one embodiment, adapter includes a distal sealed connector 164, a proximal sealed connector 166 having an injection port 167, an anchoring member inflation port 168, and a stopcock 169 for controlling fluid flow through inflation port 168. Injection port 167 is in fluid communication with a lumen of catheter device 162 and may be used for injection of substance(s) into the disc and/or for passage of a guidewire. Injection port 167 and inflation port 168 may include leur fittings, press fits, barbs or any other suitable tube connection methods. Proximal sealed connector 166 and distal sealed connector 164 may be activated by rotating the sealed connectors on threads, automatic press activation, spring actuation or any other suitable method.
In addition to implantable devices and proximal adapters, a catheter device in some embodiments may be coupled with one or more automated injection devices. Such injection devices may facilitate testing of one disc or multiple discs over an extended period of time, with only periodic supervision by a physician, nurse or other clinician. For example, the patient could remain in clinic or hospital room while a series of substances are introduced into a disc, while the patient assumes different positions to test the pain response, while substances are injected into multiple discs through multiple catheter devices and/or the like. Such an automated system may facilitate and enhance diagnosis of discogenic pain by allowing for more extensive testing. In some embodiments, such a system may also include a device for recording patient pain responses, such as an instrument that allows a patient to record pain felt before and after an injection on a scale from 1 to 10 and/or to relate the pain felt to the patient's usual back pain.
Although the foregoing is a complete and accurate description of the invention, a number of changes, additions, variations and the like may be made to various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
Patent Application
20080077172
