PERCUTANEOUS SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ENHANCED EPIDURAL ACCESS FOR SPINE SURGERY

Abstract

An apparatus and methods for enhanced percutaneous epidural access for performing spine surgery, epidural procedures and medical device placement that includes a first percutaneous needle having a first lumen, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured for placement in an epidural space at a first location, the first location being at least one level removed from a target lamina, a second percutaneous needle having a second lumen, a proximal end and a distal end.

Claims

1. An apparatus for enhanced percutaneous epidural access for performing spine surgery, the apparatus comprising: a first percutaneous needle having a first lumen, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured for placement in an epidural space at a first location, the first location being at least one level removed from a target lamina; a second percutaneous needle having a second lumen, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the second percutaneous needle is configured for placement in an epidural space at a second location, the second location being at least one level removed from a target lamina and opposite the first location; a light seeking tool that is coaxially movable within one of the first and second lumens; and a grasper tool that is coaxially movable within the other one of the first and second lumens and is configured to emit light so as to draw the light seeking tool and temporarily couple within the epidural space of the target lamina.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second lumens are configured to pass fluids or medicines into the epidural space through a plurality of apertures affixed along a length of at least one of first and second percutaneous needles.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second percutaneous needles may be comprised of one of a flat tipped introducer epidural needle, a curved introducer epidural needle, a rigid introducer epidural needle, a c-shaped introducer epidural need, an expandable introducer epidural needle or a flexible introducer epidural needle.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a wire tool having an abrasive coating configured to enter the epidural space.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the wire tool is selected from the group consisting of a guide wire, a thread wire, a bone temperature sensor, a twisted wire, a suction-providing wire, and an expanding balloon.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the light seeking tool is made from metal, plastic, nylon, or rubber having a photo sensor.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the distal end of the grasper tool has a hook-like structure for receiving the wire tool.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the wire tool has a plurality of channels to irrigate one or more anatomical areas of the spine.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the wire tool has a plurality of grooves to carry bone debris osteophytes.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the distal end of the grasper tool is configured to couple to the wire tool by having a pair of grasping forceps, a fork-shaped grasper, a locking device, a pinching door, an adhesive, or a magnet.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein at least one of the first and second percutaneous needles is configured to coaxially accommodate a pain pump catheter or spinal cord stimulator lead.

12. An apparatus for the treatment of spinal stenosis, the apparatus comprising: a first percutaneous needle having a first lumen, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured for placement in an epidural space at a first location, the first location being at least one level removed from a target lamina; a second percutaneous needle having a second lumen, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the second percutaneous needle is configured for placement in an epidural space at a second location, the second location being at least one level removed from a target lamina and opposite the first location; a wire tool that is movable within the first and second lumens, wherein the wire tool has an engagement indication system; and a grasper tool that is movable within the first and second lumens and is configured to temporarily couple to the wire tool within the epidural space of the target lamina, thereby triggering said engagement indication.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the engagement indication system triggers one of an audible or visual cue upon forming a closed circuit within the epidural space.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first and second lumens are configured to pass fluids or medicines for delivery to the epidural space of the target lamina.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the wire tool is selected from the group consisting of a guide wire, a thread wire, a bone temperature sensor, a twisted wire, a suction-providing wire, and an expanding balloon.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the wire tool is made from conductive material configured to form the closed circuit.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the distal end of the grasper tool has a hook-like structure for receiving the wire tool.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein one of the first or second epidural needles is configured to accommodate a pain pump catheter or spinal cord stimulator lead.

19. A method for enhanced percutaneous epidural access, the method comprising the steps of: entering a first needle percutaneously into an epidural space superior to a target lamina, wherein the first needle defines a first lumen and has a proximal end and a distal end; entering a second needle percutaneously into an epidural space inferior to the target lamina, wherein the second needle defines a second lumen and has a proximal end and a distal end; introducing a wire tool having a light seeking circuit into the first lumen and advancing the wire tool into the epidural space superior to the target lamina; introducing a grasper tool having a light source into the second lumen and advancing the grasper tool into the epidural space inferior to the target lamina; deploying the grasper tool to draw in the light seeking wire tool and temporarily couple the wire tool and proximally retracting the grasper tool and the wire tool; and manipulating the wire tool to modify the selected lamina.

20. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosed technology. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosed technology and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability thereof. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cutting wire utilized during cutting of a lamina on a left side or a right side of a spinous process, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a metallic wire utilized during cutting a left lamina on a left side of a spinous process, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a front view of 4 needles in two epidural spaces keeping a target lamina in a center area, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a front view of 4 needles with a pair of cutting wires and a pair of graspers, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a front view of an exit needle and an introducer needle in an epidural space on a left side of a spinous process targeting a L5 lamina, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a pair of wires cutting a lamina on a left side and a right side of a spinous process during a percutaneous laminoplasty by a T-technique, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a front view of two cutting wires placed under a right target lamina and a left target lamina through an epidural space, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a front view model of a patient's spine that includes a pair of interchangeable exit needles and a pair of introducer needles, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a percutaneous foraminoplasty through a T-itechnique using an introducer interlaminar epidural needle tool and an exit needle tool in a neuroforaminal space, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 10 is front view of a final position of a cutting wire after a plurality of needles are removed in a right side percutaneous foraminoplasty, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D illustrate a flowchart of a method for performing a percutaneous laminoplasty, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a flowchart of a method 1500 for performing a percutaneous foraminoplasty, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a systematic representation of an epidural scope visualization system with a light source not attached to the epiduroscope or visualization system but seeking the light source in the epidural space of the spine.

[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates a complete loop circuit in the spine where the touching of two medical tools in the spine form a circuit that creates an alert that the loop has been formed.

[0033] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The figures are not drawn to scale. It should be understood that the disclosed technology can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.

[0035] Various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation.

[0036] The phrase in one embodiment is utilized repeatedly. The phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment, however, it may. The terms comprising, having and including are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pair of cutting wires performing percutaneous laminoplasty by T-Technique. The left cutting wire 110 is on the left side of the body and lies to the left of the spinous process 120 inferior to the left L5 lamina 113. The right cutting wire 100 is on the right side of the body and lies to the right of the spinous process120 inferior to the right L5 lamina 103. The right cutting wire 100 is on the right side of the body and lies to the right of the spinous process 120 and has a proximal end 101 and a distal end 102 that are illustrated in FIG. 1 outside of the body. The left cutting wire 110 on the left side has a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112 that are illustrated in FIG. 1 outside of the body.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a left cutting wire 110 with a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112 utilized during a percutaneous laminoplasty by a T-technique process, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The left cutting wire 110 is positioned across the left side of L5 Lamina 113 on left side of spinous process 120. The proximal end 111 and distal end 112 of the left cutting wire 110 remain outside of the body.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a front view of 4 needles in two epidural spaces keeping a target lamina in a center area, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 includes a left lamina 305, a right lamina 310 and a spinous process 315 which divides the right lamina 310 and the left lamina 305 of the target vertebra 302. FIG. 3 also includes a left lamina 205, a spinous process 215 and a right lamina 210 of a vertebra one level above target vertebra 302. FIG. 3 also demonstrates left lamina 105, spinous process 215 and right lamina 210 of the vertebra one level below target vertebra 302. FIG. 3 also illustrates a left introducer epidural needle 320, a right introducer epidural needle 321, a left exit epidural needle 322 and a right exit epidural needle 323. The left introducer needle 320 has a proximal end 324 and a distal end 326. The right introducer needle 321 has a proximal end 325 and a distal end 327. The left exit needle 322 has a proximal end 330 and a distal end 328. The right exit needle 323 has a proximal end 331 and a distal end 329. The proximal ends of introducer needles 324,325 and the proximal ends of the exit needles 330,331 remain outside of the patient's body. The distal ends of the introducer needles 326,327 enter the epidural space 399 above target vertebra 302. The distal ends of the exit needles 328,329 enter the epidural space 398 below the target vertebra 302. The left introducer needle 320 and its distal end 326 is placed and introduced in the epidural space 399 above the target vertebra 302 to the left of the spinous process 315. The right introducer needle 321 and its distal end 327 are introduced in epidural space 399 on the right side of spinous process 315. The left exit epidural needle 322 and its distal end 328 enter the epidural space 398 below target vertebra 302 to the left of the spinous process 315. The right exit needle 323 and its distal end 329 enter the epidural space 398 below target vertebra 302 to the left of the spinous process 315. FIG. 3 illustrates that the left distal end 326 of the introducer needle 320 and the left distal end 328 of the exit needle 322 are facing each other. FIG. 3 further illustrates that the right distal end 327 of the introducer needle 321 and the right distal end 329 of the exit needle 323 are facing each other.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a front view of 4 needles with a pair of cutting wires and a pair of graspers, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 includes a pair of introducer needles 410, a pair of exit needles 420, a pair of cutting wires 430, a pair of grasper tools 440, a left lamina 452 of target vertebra 460 and a right lamina 454 of target vertebra 460, a spinous process 455 of target vertebra 460, a spinous process 455 of vertebra one level above target vertebra and a spinous process 455 of vertebra one level below target vertebra, a pair of distal ends 442 of the pair of grasper tools 440, a pair of traversing distal ends 432 of the pair of cutting wires 430 through an epidural space and a pair of distal ends 434 of the pair of cutting wires 430 through a target vertebra 460.

[0041] Illustrating T-technique percutaneous laminoplasty is done through FIG. 4. A pair of exit epidural needles 420 and a pair of introducer epidural needles 410 are illustrated in FIG. 4. The left introducer epidural needle 410 distal end will enter into the epidural space 456 above target vertebra 460 to left of spinous process 455. The right introducer epidural needle 410 distal end will enter into the epidural space 456 above target vertebra 460 to right of spinous process 455. The left exit needle 420 distal end will enter the epidural space 466 below target vertebra 460 to the left of the spinous process 455. The right exit needle 420 distal end will enter the epidural space 466 below target vertebra 460 to the right of the spinous process 455.

[0042] The pair of cutting wires 430 is passed through and exits the pair of introducer epidural needles 410 and enters the epidural space 456 on each respective side of the spinous process 455. The left cutting wire 430 can be any suitable tissue modifying wire and is pushed manually or with the aid of a mechanical or electronic device through the distal end of the left introducer epidural needle 410 to cross through the epidural space 456 and go behind (inferior to) the left target lamina 452 on left side of spinous process 455. Similarly the right cutting wire 430 can be any suitable tissue modifying wire and is pushed manually or with the aid of a mechanic or electronic device through the distal end of the right introducer needle 410 to cross through the epidural space 456 and go behind (inferior to) the right target lamina 454 on right side of spinous process 455. The cutting wire 430 (which is one continuous wire) as described and illustrated in FIG. 4 as having a proximal end 430 (outside of the body that enters introducer epidural needle 410), a middle part 432 (describes the part of the cutting wire 430 that is immediately exiting the introducer epidural needle 410 inside epidural space 456 and continuing to reach the epidural space 466 one level below) and at this position in the T-technique is labeled as the distal end of the guide wire 434. (In subsequent stages of T-technique the distal end of the guide wire 434 will be located outside of the body.)

[0043] The grasper tool 440 (the proximal end that is outside the body) is introduced through the pair of exit needles 420. The distal end of the grasper 442 is illustrated in FIG. 4 and is seen immediately exiting the exit needle and placed in the epidural space 466. The distal ends of the grasper tool 442 will catch the distal ends of wire 434 in the epidural space 466. The distal portion of the grasper 442 now controlling the distal portion of the cutting wire 434 will proceed to exit the epidural space and retreat in the opposite direction from which it came from to exit the body though the exit needle 420 and pull the distal wire 434 it has captured out through the exit needles 420. The distal end of the cutting wire 435 is seen once it has exited the body after being pulled by the grasper tool 440 through the exit needle 420.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an exit needle 500 and an introducer needle 510 in an epidural space 520 under target vertebra 599, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The exit needle 500 has a distal tip 502 and a proximal head 504 and the introducer needle 510 has a distal tip 512 and a proximal head 514 as well. The distal tips 502,512 point toward and face each other allowing a grasping tool (not shown) that is passed through the exit needle 500 that will catch a guide wire (not shown) in the epidural space 520. The guide wire will be passed through an introducer needle 510. The grasping tool will pull the guide wire out through the exit needle 500.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a pair of guide wires illustrating a percutaneous laminoplasty by T-technique, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The pair of guide wires includes a left guide wire 600 and a right guide wire 610. The left guide wire 600 is a bone cutting wire placed inferior to (behind) the left lamina 623 to the left of the spinous process 620. The right guide wire 610 is a bone cutting wire placed inferior to (behind) the right lamina 624 to the right of the spinous process 620. The left guide wire 600 and the right guide wire 610 are inserted through the patient's body having a proximal end and distal end that extend outside of the patient's body. The left guide wire 600 and the right guide wire 610 can be utilized on any vertebrae along a patient's spinal column. Cutting motion or abrasive action is commenced as the distal ends and proximal ends of the left guide wire 600 and the right guide wire 610 are pushed and pulled with tension, force and/or vibration as the target tissue (right lamina 624 and left lamina 623) are cut in an abrasive manner from an anterior to a posterior direction (inside to out) on both sides of spinous process 620 through percutaneous method.

[0046] FIG. 7 is front perspective view of a right cutting wire and a left cutting wire in a final position behind a target lamina performing a percutaneous laminoplasty by a T-technique, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 includes a right cutting or tissue modifying wire 810 with a proximal end 812 located outside of the patient's body and a distal end 814 located outside of the patient's body. FIG. 7 demonstrates a desired positioning of the guide wire 810, 810 in accordance with the steps and methods described herein as the T-technique. The left guide wire 810 in a desired position behind (inferior) to left lamina 820 in relation to spinous process 825 and the right guide wire 810 in a desired position (inferior) to right lamina 815 in relation to spinous process 825. FIG. 7 also includes a left cutting or tissue modifying wire 810 with a proximal end 812 located outside of the patient's body and a distal end 814 also located outside of the patient's body. Three vertebrae bodies are illustrated in FIG. 7 including the target vertebra 832. A first vertebra 830 not involved in cutting is above target vertebra 832 and a second vertebra 834 not involved in cutting is below target vertebra 832. The connecting epidural space 840 extends above and below the target vertebra 832. Dotted lines of left cutting wire 810 illustrate the left cutting wire 810 to be in a desired cutting position lying adjacent to the inferior aspect of left target lamina 820 to the left of the spinous process 825. Dotted lines of right cutting wire 810 illustrate the right cutting wire 810 to be in a desired cutting position lying adjacent to the inferior aspect of right target lamina 815 to the right of the spinous process 825.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a front view model of a patient's spine 1200 that includes a pair of interchangeable exit needles and a pair of introducer needles, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 includes a pair of exit needles 1210, a first epidural space 1220, a spinous process 1230, a left target lamina 1240, a right target lamina 1250, a second epidural space 1260, a pair of introducer needles 1270 and a pair of thread wire 1280.

[0048] The pair of exit needles 1210 and the pair of introducer needles 1270 are interchangeable. The pair of thread wire 1280 is passed through the pair of introducer needles 1270 and exits from the pair of exit needles 1210 such that the pair of thread wire 1280 remains behind (inferior to) the right target lamina 1250 and left target lamina 1240 on either side of the spinous process 1230.

[0049] The pair of exit needles 1210 and the pair of introducer needles 1270 are removed leaving the pair of thread wires 1280 in respective desired positions behind the target lamina 1240, 1250 with applied tension and pressure are moved back and forth resulting in a cutting motion from inside out through the right target lamina 1250 and the left target lamina 1240 thereby relieving pressure on a plurality of underlying neural tissue 1290 (not visibly seen in this diagram).

[0050] FIG. 9 is a front view of a right sided percutaneous foraminoplasty performed by T-technique, where an introducer epidural needle is placed in an epidural space and an exit needle is placed in a neuroforaminal space, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates a percutaneous foraminoplasty that includes an introducer epidural needle 910, an exit needle 920, a proximal end of a catcher or forceps tool 930, a guide wire 944 (dotted lines) made of cutting wire or abrasive material, a right transverse process 916, a right lamina 999 of target vertebra 998 and a distal end 935 of the grasper tool 930 that is able to catch and secure the guide wire 944 in either an epidural space 913 or a neuroforaminal space 934. Once the distal end 935 of grasper tool 930 secures the guide wire 944, the grasper tool 930 will reverse and exit the exit needle 920 and pull the guide wire 944 with it outside the patient's body.

[0052] FIG. 10 is front view of a final position of a cutting wire or an abrasive wire 1100 after a plurality of needles (not shown) are removed in a right side percutaneous foraminoplasty, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 illustrates the cutting or the abrasive wire 1100 in a final position after a pair of introducer needles (not shown) and the exit needles (not shown) are taken out.

[0053] The percutaneous foraminoplasty illustrated in FIG. 10 has the cutting wire or the abrasive wire 1100 that includes a proximal end 1102 (located outside of body) and a distal end 1104 (located outside of body). FIG. 10 also illustrates a right transverse process 1110, an epidural space 1120, a target vertebra 1130 possessing a neuroforaminal space 1199, a right lamina 1140 and a target tissue 1150 (shaded area) including right superior articular process (not shown) and right inferior articular process (not shown) and neuroforaminal canal (not shown). The cutting wire or the abrasive wire 1100 having a proximal end 1102 (located outside the patient's body) a distal end 1104 of the cutting wire or the abrasive wire 1100 (located outside the patient's body) and the middle portion 1198 adjacent to target tissue 1150 (shaded area) including right superior articular process (not shown) and right inferior articular process (not shown) and right neuroforaminal canal (not shown). The distal ends 1104 and proximal ends 1102 of the cutting and the abrasive wire 1100 has tension applied in a pulling and pushing motion that is either manually or electronically controlled with the middle portion 1198 of the cutting or the abrasive wire 1100 lying adjacent to target tissue 1150 (shaded area) including right superior articular process (not shown) and right inferior articular process (not shown) and right neuroforaminal canal (not shown).

[0054] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D illustrate a flowchart of a method 1400 for performing a percutaneous laminoplasty, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method 1400 for performing percutaneous laminoplasty utilizes a selected one of a local anesthesia and a segmental anesthesia while a patient is awake and in a prone position.

[0055] The steps of the method 1400 include entering a first introducer epidural needle that includes a proximal end outside of the patient, a distal end, a first hollow internal diameter and a first penetrating perforating tip, the first penetrating perforating tip is disposed on the distal end, the first hollow internal diameter allows one or more first wire tools to pass through the introducer epidural needle, the first penetrating perforating tip is percutaneously placed into an epidural space of a spine on a first side allowing the one or more first wire tools to be introduced and entered into the epidural space of a selected right lamina of the spine above a targeted vertebra with a side, where a spinous process divides a right lamina and a left lamina of the target vertebra 1410, entering a first exit epidural needle that includes a proximal end outside of the patient, a distal end, a second hollow internal diameter and a second penetrating perforating tip, the second penetrating perforating tip is disposed on the distal end, the second hollow internal diameter allows a one or more second wire tools to pass through the exit epidural needle, the second penetrating perforating tip is percutaneously placed into the epidural space of the spine that introduces and enters the second wire tools below the selected right lamina of the side of the targeted vertebra where the first introducer epidural needle is entered in the epidural space of the spine below the selected right lamina, the first penetrating perforating tip and the second penetrating perforating tip in the epidural space resulting in the first penetrating perforating tip and the second penetrating perforating tip facing each other, the first penetrating perforating tip and the second penetrating perforating tip centering the right lamina 1420, introducing a first hook-like grasper tool with a distal end and a proximal end outside of the patient, the distal end of the first hook-like grasper tool is a selected one of manually extended and mechanically extended through the first hollow internal diameter of the first exit epidural needle, the distal end of the first hook-like grasper tool attaches the one or more first wire tools introduced through the first introducer epidural needle within the epidural space, the one or more first wire tools and the first hook-like grasper tool are pulled through the first exit epidural needle and out of a patient body, the attached first hook-like grasper tool and the one or more first wire tools engaging below the selected right lamina of the target vertebra, where a spinous process divides the right lamina and the left lamina, the one or more first wire tools having a curved middle portion, the curved middle portion lying adjacent to the inferior aspect (behind) of right lamina, the curved middle portion cuts the right lamina of the target vertebra in an anterior to posterior direction 1430, entering a second introducer epidural needle that includes a proximal end outside of the patient, a distal end, a third hollow internal diameter and a third penetrating perforating tip disposed on the distal end, the third hollow internal diameter allows one or more third wire tools to pass through the second introducer epidural needle, the third penetrating perforating tip is percutaneously placed into the epidural space of the spine allowing the one or more third wire tools to be introduced and entered into the epidural space of a selected left lamina of the spine above a targeted vertebra with a side, where a spinous process divides the right lamina and the left lamina 1440, entering a second exit epidural needle that includes a proximal end outside of the patient, a distal end, a fourth hollow internal diameter, a fourth penetrating perforating tip disposed on the distal end that is a selected one of manually extended and mechanically extended, the fourth hollow internal diameter allows a selected one or more fourth wire tools to pass through the second exit epidural needle, the fourth penetrating perforating tip is percutaneously placed into the epidural space of the spine that introduces and enters the one or more fourth wire tools below the side of the targeted vertebra where the second introducer epidural needle is entered into the epidural space of the spine of the selected left lamina, the third penetrating perforating tip and the fourth penetrating perforating tip in the epidural space resulting in the third penetrating perforating tip and the fourth penetrating perforating tip facing each other, the third penetrating perforating tip and the fourth penetrating perforating tip centering the left lamina 1450, introducing a second hook-like grasper tool with a distal end and a proximal end outside of the patient, the distal end of the second hook-like grasper tool is a selected one of manually extended and mechanically extended through the fourth hollow internal diameter of the second exit epidural needle, the second hook-like grasper tool attaches the selected one or more third wire tools introduced through the second introducer epidural needle within the epidural space, the selected one or more third wire tools is pulled through the second exit needle and out of a patient body, the attached second hook-like grasper tool and the one or more third wire tools engaging a selected left lamina, the one or more third wire tools having a curved middle portion lying adjacent to the inferior aspect (behind) of left lamina, the curved middle portion cuts the left lamina of the target vertebra in an anterior to posterior direction 1460 and implementing a plurality of safety mechanisms that include an intraoperative electromyogram, a plurality of nerve conduction studies and one or more nerve sensors to achieve a safe percutaneous environment 1470.

[0056] The third hollow internal diameter allows a selected one or more first fluids and first medicines to pass through the second introducer epidural needle. The fourth hollow internal diameter allows a selected one or more second fluids and second medicines to pass through the second exit epidural needle. The introducer epidural needles are a selected one of a flat tipped introducer epidural needle, a curved introducer epidural needle, a rigid introducer epidural needle, a c-shaped introducer epidural needle, an expandable introducer epidural needle and a flexible introducer epidural needle. The introducer epidural needles have a selected one of a curved penetrating perforating tip and a penetrating perforating straight tip. The introducer epidural needles have a hollow tube that is a protective sheath. The one or more wire tools are a selected one from the group of a guide wire, a thread wire, a bone temperature sensor and a twisted wire. The one or more wire tools are made of a selected one of metal, plastic, nylon and rubber. The one or more wire tools have a selected one of bone cutting and one or more abrasive properties that spare nerves and dura when cutting. The one or more wire tools are utilized to modify tissue, to cut tissue and to cut bone. The one or more wire tools are a selected one of one or more bone-cutting devices, one or more t-saw (Tomita saw) wires, one or more bone cutting wires and a saw device. The one or more wire tools includes an expanding hollow lumen that allows one or more wires, fluids, and medical devices to pass through the expanding hollow lumen. The one or more wire tools includes a plurality of channels and a plurality of apertures to be passed through the expanding hollow lumen to irrigate one or more anatomical areas of the spine. The one or more anatomical areas of the spine are irrigated with cold water. The expanding hollow lumen is made of a selected one of a plastic and a malleable polymer. The one or more wire tools can provide suction. The one or more wire tools are a selected one of left in the epidural space, removed immediately from the epidural space and removed at a later date from the epidural space. The one or more wire tools have a plurality of grooves that pick-up bone debris osteophytes and carry the bone debris osteophytes outside the patient's body by a selected one of pushing and pulling of the one or more wire tools. The one or more wire tools can be an expanding balloon. The expanding balloon is a selected one of radio-opaque and radiolucent, the expanding balloon provides a larger target to the exit epidural needle. The one or more wire tools are a selected one of a plurality of pieces and one continuous piece. The one or more wire tools are a selected one of radiolucent and radiopaque. The one or more wire tools are a selected one or more of being magnetic, having one or more electromagnetic capabilities, generating heat, being coupled to a medical device that has a laser eliciting capability, producing a laser, being motorized, vibrating independently and vibrating at one or more calculated rhythms. The epiduroscope has an ultrasound guided capability and a wireless capability to transmit data. The hook-like grasper tools is a pair of grasping forceps. The hook-like grasper tools is a selected one or more of having a fork-shape, having one or more apertures, having a locking device, having a selected one of a closing door and a pinching door, having a sticky substance and having a selected one of magnetic properties and electromagnetic properties. The hook-like grasper tools can suture a selected one of a wire, a lead and a tool at more than one level along the spinal cord accommodates a pain pump lead and accommodates a spinal cord stimulator lead. The hook-like grasper tools attaches a selected one or more of one or more wires, leads, medical devices and desired target tissue by using a selected one of suture wire, one or more buttons, one or more bolsters, one or more bridges and thread. The method is replicated on one or more spinal cord levels that include cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions on the patient body. The method is performed under a selected one of X-Ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and 3D-MRI. In the method, the spinous process is cut to replace a selected one of the left lamina and the right lamina.

[0057] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a flowchart of a method 1500 for performing a percutaneous foraminoplasty, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method 1500 for performing percutaneous foraminoplasty that utilizes a selected one of a local anesthesia and a segmental anesthesia while a patient is awake and in a prone position, the method for performing percutaneous laminoplasty is performed on a selected one of a first side and a second side of a spine.

[0058] The method 1500 comprises the steps of entering a first introducer epidural needle that includes a proximal end outside of the patient, a distal end, a first hollow internal diameter and a first penetrating perforating tip, the first penetrating perforating tip is disposed on the distal end, the first hollow internal diameter allows one or more first wire tools to pass through the first introducer epidural needle, the first penetrating perforating tip is percutaneously placed into the epidural space of a spine on a first side allowing the one or more first wire tools to be introduced and entered into the epidural space of a selected right lamina of the spine above a targeted vertebra with a side, where a spinous process divides a right lamina and a left lamina 1510, entering a first exit epidural needle that includes a proximal end outside of the patient, a distal end, a second hollow internal diameter and a second penetrating perforating tip, the second penetrating perforating tip is disposed on the distal end, the second hollow internal diameter allows one or more second wire tools to pass through the exit epidural needle, the second penetrating perforating tip is percutaneously placed into the neuroforaminal space of the spine a selected one level above, one level below and at an adjacent level to the selected right lamina of a targeted vertebra, the second penetrating perforating tip introduces and enters the second wire tools into the neuroforaminal space of the spine a selected one level above, one level below and at an adjacent level to the selected right lamina of a targeted vertebra, the first penetrating perforating tip in the epidural space of a selected right lamina of the spine above a targeted vertebra with a side, where a spinous process divides a right lamina and left lamina and the second penetrating perforating tip in the neuroforaminal space of the spine a selected one level above, one level below and at an adjacent level to the selected right lamina of a targeted vertebra, resulting in the first penetrating perforating tip and the second Penetrating perforating tip facing each other, the first penetrating perforating tip and the second penetrating perforating tip centering the neuroforaminal canal of the right side of the target vertebra 1520, introducing a first hook-like grasper tool with a distal end and a proximal end outside of the patient, the distal end of the first hook-like grasper tool is a selected one of manually extended and mechanically extended through the first hollow internal diameter of the first exit epidural needle, the distal end of the first hook-like grasper wire tool attaches the one or more first wire tools introduced through the first introducer epidural needle within the neuroforaminal space of the spine a selected one level above, one level below and at an adjacent level to the selected right lamina of a targeted vertebra , the one or more first wire tools and the first hook-like grasper tool are pulled through the first exit epidural needle and out of a patient's body, the one or more first wire tools having a curved middle portion, the curved middle portion lying adjacent to the neuroforamen and neuroforaminal canal , the curved middle portion cuts one or more honey structures of the neuroforamen and the neuroforaminal canal 1530 and implementing a plurality of safety mechanisms that include an intraoperative electromyogram, a plurality of nerve conduction studies and one or more nerve sensors to achieve a safe percutaneous environment 1540.

[0059] The first hollow internal diameter allows a selected one or more first fluids and first medicines to pass through the first introducer epidural needle. The second hollow internal diameter allows a selected one or more second fluids and second medicines to pass through the second exit epidural needle. The introducer epidural needles are a selected one of a flat tipped introducer epidural needle, a curved introducer epidural needle, a rigid introducer epidural needle, a c-shaped introducer epidural needle, an expandable introducer epidural needle and a flexible introducer epidural needle. The introducer epidural needles have a selected one of a curved penetrating perforating tip and a penetrating perforating straight tip. The introducer epidural needles have a hollow tube that is a protective sheath. The one or more wire tools are a selected one from the group of a guide wire, a thread wire, a bone temperature sensor and a twisted wire. The one or more wire tools are made of a selected one of metal, plastic, nylon and rubber. The one or more wire tools have a selected one of bone cutting and one or more abrasive properties that spare nerves and dura when cutting. The one or more wire tools are utilized to modify tissue, to cut tissue and to cut bone. The one or more wire tools are a selected one of one or more bone-cutting devices, one or more t-saw (Tomita saw) wires, one or more bone cutting wires and a saw device. The one or more wire tools includes an expanding hollow lumen that allows one or more wires, fluids, and medical devices to pass through the expanding hollow lumen. The one or more wire tools includes a plurality of channels and a plurality of apertures to be passed through the expanding hollow lumen to irrigate one or more anatomical areas of the spine. The one or more anatomical areas of the spine are irrigated with cold water. The expanding hollow lumen is made of a selected one of a plastic and a malleable polymer. The one or more wire tools can provide suction. The one or more wire tools are a selected one of left in the epidural space, removed immediately from the epidural space and removed at a later date from the epidural space. The one or more wire tools have a plurality of grooves that pick-up bone debris osteophytes and carry the bone debris osteophytes outside the patient's body by a selected one of pushing and pulling of the one or more wire tools. The one or more wire tools are an expanding balloon. The expanding balloon is a selected one of radio-opaque and radiolucent, the expanding balloon provides a larger target to the exit epidural needle. The one or more wire tools are a selected one of a plurality of pieces and one continuous piece. The one or more wire tools are a selected one of radiolucent and radiopaque. The one or more wire tools are a selected one or more of being magnetic, having one or more electromagnetic capabilities, generating heat, being coupled to a medical device that has a laser eliciting capability, producing a laser, being motorized, vibrating independently and vibrating at one or more calculated rhythms. The epiduroscope has an ultrasound guided capability and a wireless capability to transmit data. The hook-like grasper tools is a pair of grasping forceps. The hook-like grasper tools is a selected one or more of having a fork-shape, having one or more apertures, having a locking device, having a selected one of a closing door and a pinching door, having a sticky substance and having a selected one of magnetic properties and electromagnetic properties. The hook-like grasper tools sutures a selected one of a wire, a lead and a tool at more than one level along the spinal cord, accommodates a pain pump lead and accommodates a spinal cord stimulator lead. The hook-like grasper tools attaches a selected one or more of one or more wires, leads, medical devices and desired target tissue by using a selected one of suture wire, one or more buttons, one or more bolsters, one or more bridges and thread. The method is replicated on one or more spinal cord levels that include cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions on the patient body. The method is performed under a selected one of X-Ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and 3D-MRI.

[0060] The present invention is a method for performing a percutaneous laminoplasty and a method for performing a percutaneous foraminoplasty. The one or more components and one or more tools utilized for these methods include an introducer needle tool, an exit needle tool, a guide wire tool and a grasper tool. In regards to the term needle, it is defined as any tool or tools that are used to puncture or enter an epidural space or a neuroforaminal space through a percutaneous technique in contrast to open technique and as described for purposes and intentions herein as the T-Technique. The introducer needle tool has an internal diameter that is capable of introducing a guide wire or a thread wire into an epidural space. The introducer needle tool can be rigid, flat tipped, curved, c-shaped, expandable or flexible. The introducer needle has the ability to be inserted, left in during procedure, removed and reinserted into a desired epidural space as a practitioner deems necessary when performing T-Technique. The exit needle can be rigid, flat tipped, curved, c-shaped, expandable or flexible. The terms exit needle or introducer needle can be used interchangeably as it pertains to T-technique described herein. The exit needle tool has an internal diameter that is capable of introducing a grasper catcher tool or other suitable medical tools that may be used to catch guide wire tools as described herein as the T-technique. The term wire can be known interchangeably as a guide wire, a cutting wire, a t-saw or a thread wire, can be rigid, flexible or fluid that has a plurality of functions including navigating inside the patient's body through the epidural space and can be passed to help navigate further into the desired direction towards a desired epidural space or neuroforaminal space where the exit needle is waiting with a grasper tool. The wire can possess tissue modifying capability as well the capability to transport similar tools by coupling and either pulling or pushing medical tools or medical devices to a desired position as well as navigation capability that allows to connect interlaminar epidural spaces with other interlaminar epidural spaces, to connect interlaminar epidural spaces with intervertebral foramen and intervertebral foramen with other intervertebral foramen as described herein in methods known as the T-technique. Furthermore the term wire can represent a tool that can be a hollow tube with holes with an abrasive exterior that allows for air, gas or fluid to be released or removed by vacuum potential, that can be plastic, rubber, non-metallic or metallic and can vary in size. The wire can be further described and function as a guide wire, thread saw, a connecting device that allows other tools to be pulled into a desired location, cutting wire, or can represent any suitable tissue modifying tool utilized during T-technique process and methods described herein in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] The wire has bone and target tissue cutting and molding capabilities or can connect to a bone-cutting device or saw device through its coupling capability. The wire can be hollow to allow the passage of another material or guide wire through it. The distal end or proximal end of the guide wire can have magnetic properties to attract one or more forceps and grasping tools with similar attracting magnetic properties. The wire can made of any number of suitable materials including plastic, metal, minerals, rubber, and allow for the passage of fluids or gases through it. The wire can have apertures that allow leakage of fluid or gas for irrigation. The wire can also have suctioning capability and have grooves that can pick-up bone debris osteophytes and bring the debris osteophytes outside of the patient's body following pulling or pushing of the wire. The wire or guide wire can also be a hollow tube made of a malleable plastic like material that can permit other guide wires or wires or medical tools or devices to pass through it. The cutting wire tool device can have access to heat and can be construed to allow a laser to be attached or be capable of producing a laser. It can be motorized, have the ability to vibrate, and can be encapsulated in order to protect vital structures from damage from sharp edges because of poor placement, unforeseen movements or malfunction of the device. The thread wire can have a protective covering that can be used to preserve tissue where cutting is not desired during sawing action. The protective covering can be a plastic covering that allows for guide wires to move freely within it. The protective covering can be absorbed into the patient's body or be manually removed, and can be rubbed off with friction. The protective covering can be disposed on the entire thread wire or in a plurality of desired locations along the thread wire such as over the cutting portion of the wire. The encapsulation on the wire saw can be rubbed off with friction as the wire comes in contact with bone or target tissue during cutting. Furthermore, the encapsulation can manually be removed at an optimal position and time during the procedure, can expand manually and independently, can be removed independently and manually, can shrink or decrease in size manually, independently or with applied force, or absorb into a body system without damage or disintegrate with time. The encapsulation can be made to have one or more hooks or magnets attached to a pulley device to be removed.

[0062] The guide wires include a plurality of cutting and abrasive components and can be made of an expanding lumen, can be radiolucent or radiopaque, can be magnetic or have electromagnetic capabilities and can have a tip at a proximal end or a distal end that can have multiple purposes including a balloon that can expand once placed in a desired location. The balloon can be radiopaque or radiolucent, and can be expanded in a desired location to create a larger target for an exit epidural needle catcher grasper tool to be located while under fluoroscopy or other imaging study that can assist a practitioner in locating and performing a task. The balloon can be retracted, expanded, have several lumens for utility, can have a plurality of different levels of opacity or lucency to help identify the depth of a balloon when inside the body, epidural space or neuroforaminal space. The balloon can have different radiolucent or opaque shapes and designs engraved on its exterior and can absorb a grasper tool such as a hook and bring an attached absorbed thread wire exteriorly out of the patient's body. The tip of the guide wire can be a balloon or another similarly expanding tool that can conjoin to a catcher tool or can be caught by a grasper tool that has been passed through an exit needle. After the wire has been caught by a grasper tool, the grasper tool is now in control of the wire and can reverse in direction and exit the exit needle tool which it came into the patient's body from and pull the wire that it has secured out of the patient's body through the exit needle. The exit needle or capturing needle has an internal diameter capable to allow epiduroscopes, catchers, grasper tools, forceps, flexible graspers and/or one or more hook like devices or a bone temperature sensor to pass within and through into epidural space or neuroforaminal space where described medical tools and devices can catch the wire, guide wire or cutting wire or tissue modifying wire and pull it outside the body. Optionally grasping forceps, a holder tool or a hook can be passed through an epiduroscope that can be passed through the exit needle. The terms and functionality of the exit needle or the introducer needle can be used interchangeably and can possesses a US (ultrasound) guided tip that can define structures while in the epidural space and the transforaminal space. Furthermore image enhancing tools such as x-ray imaging, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and US technology can assist a practitioner to perform such tasks as required by one or more epidural introducer tools and exit needle tools for methods described herein as the T-technique.

[0063] A hollow tube known as a vessel tool can be passed between the introducer and the exit epidural needles with the T-Technique. The hollow tube can be made of rubber or plastic, can be flexible or rigid, contouring, absorbable, penetrable, have a plurality of apertures, can be a plurality of pieces or one continuous piece, can allow for passage and placement of one or more guide wires, can act as a protective sheath for a guide wire, can allow fluid to pass though, can have suctioning capability, can allow one or more gases to pass through and can be used as a medium for transfer of medical tools and devices. The hollow tube can allow fluid to pass through in an effort to cool the thread wire while cutting. The hollow tube can have suction applied on either end to remove fluid from a field environment during the procedure. An epidural drain catheter can be passed in one space above or below the procedure site through an epidural needle tool and the catheter can be attached to negative pressure suction located outside of the body so as to drain any possible blood or fluid collected in the epidural space. The drain catheter can be left in the space after the procedure, removed immediately or removed at a later date.

[0064] The methods also utilize a grasping forceps tool that can be in any suitable form and can be flexible or non-flexible. The grasping forceps tool is used to interlock or connect while positioned in an epidural space or neuroforaminal space to a related wire that is passed from an introducer needle by the T-technique. Once the grasper tool has made the catch or connection with the guide wire it can now be pulled through the exit needle outside the patient's body. The grasping forceps can be a hook mechanism, with a fork-shape, have an aperture, a locking device, a closing or pinching door, can be a sticky substance, can have magnetic or electromagnetic properties and/or have an attractive force that can attract the distal end of the guide wire to the grasping forceps. The grasping forceps can have a coating where an US (ultrasound machine outside the body) could be used to determine the distance between the grasping forceps and the guide wire. Locking or catching the guide wire can also be done under Fluoroscopy, with an US, a CT, an MRI, a 3-Dimensional MRI or other suitable imaging studies that can assist the practitioner in completing such a task.

[0065] Alternatively, the grasper tool can also possess the ability to suture a wire, a lead or a tool at more than one level along the spinal cord such as leads for a pain pump or leads for a spinal cord stimulator and tie them to other wires, leads, medical devices or desired target tissue by using suture wire, buttons, bolsters, bridges, thread or similar surgical tools and devices. This is one of the most common causes of failure of spinal cord stimulators that include lead breakage and lead migration. In application of the T-technique, the grasper tool can be used for lead placement and fastening of both the distal and proximal ends of the leads. This process will allow a practitioner to access both the distal and proximal ends of the leads or wires as well as at any point along the spine where there is access to wires, leads, devices and target tissue through the described T-technique where the grasper tool enters the exit needle or the introducer needle to access the neuroforaminal space and/or epidural space at any target level of the spine.

[0066] FIG. 13 illustrates a systematic representation of an epidural scope visualization system lens 1662 with a light source 1672 that may not be attached to the epiduroscope visualization system lens 1662 but may seek the light source 1672 in the epidural space 399 at any level of the spine. As depicted in FIG. 13, four needles in two epidural spaces keep a target lamina in a center area. As explained with reference to FIG. 3, above, FIG. 13 also depicts a left lamina 305, a right lamina 310 and a spinous process 315 which divides the right lamina 310 and the left lamina 305 of the target vertebra 302. FIG. 13 also includes a left lamina 205, a spinous process 215 and a right lamina 210 of a vertebra one level above target vertebra 302. Also shown is a left lamina 105, spinous process 215 and right lamina 210 of the vertebra one level below target vertebra 302. As one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, a left introducer epidural needle 320, a right introducer epidural needle 321, a left exit epidural needle 322 and a right exit epidural needle 323 are also shown. The left introducer needle 320 may have a proximal end 324 and a distal end 326. The right introducer needle 321 may have a proximal end 325 and a distal end 327. The left exit needle 322 may have a proximal end 330 and a distal end 328. The right exit needle 323 may have a proximal end 331 and a distal end 329.

[0067] The proximal ends of introducer needles 324,325 and the proximal ends of the exit needles 330,331 may remain outside of a patient's body while the distal ends of the introducer needles 326,327 may enter the epidural space 399 above target vertebra 302. The distal ends of the exit needles 328,329 enter the epidural space 398 below the target vertebra 302. The left introducer needle 320 and its distal end 326 may be placed and introduced in the epidural space 399 above the target vertebra 302 to the left of the spinous process 315. The right introducer needle 321 and its distal end 327 may be introduced in epidural space 399 on the right side of spinous process 315. The left exit epidural needle 322 and its distal end 328 may enter the epidural space 398 below target vertebra 302 to the left of the spinous process 315. The right exit needle 323 and its distal end 329 may enter the epidural space 398 below target vertebra 302 to the left of the spinous process 315. As previously discussed, the left distal end 326 of the introducer needle 320 and the left distal end 328 of the exit needle 322 may be facing each other, and, correspondingly, the right distal end 327 of the introducer needle 321 and the right distal end 329 of the exit needle 323 may be facing each other.

[0068] The epiduroscope visualization system 1660 may be located outside the patient's body to allow visualization of a light source 1672 that is independent of the epiduroscope visualization system 1660. The middle attached scope portion 1661 that may enter into the epidural space 399 through the left introducer needle 320 may have an epiduroscope visualization system lens 1662 at the distal end. The epiduroscope visualization system lens 1662 may have fibers that allow it in a co-axial plane to visualize light source 1672 and other structures outside the patient's body by seeking the light source 1672 that is not otherwise attached to it.

[0069] The power source 1670 for the distal light source 1672 that may shine in the epidural space 399 that allows the epiduroscope visualization system lens 1662 to seek light to allow visualization may enter the left exit needle 322 through its middle component 1671 to connect to the distal light source 1672 used to allow the epiduroscope visualization system lens 1662 to seek and visualize the light. Ultimately, the epiduroscope visualization system lens 1662 seeking the light source 1672 will help facilitate the creation of a mechanical or electromagnetic coupling within the epidural space as described earlier.

[0070] As a person of ordinary skill may appreciate, the representations disclosed herein with respect to FIG. 13 may be performed at any level and either side of the spine. Likewise, although reference is made herein that the light source 1672 is routed through an exit needle 322, a person of ordinary skill would not be so limited and may find other suitable arrangements of advancing the light source 1672 and lens 1662 through various combinations of exit and entrance needles.

[0071] FIG. 14 represents a completed loop electrical circuit 1780 which may be percutaneously formed with part of the completed circuit 1780 outside the patient's body and part of the completed loop circuit 1780 may reside in any portion of the spine in the epidural space 399. The completed loop circuit 1780 is formed in the spine where two distal ends of two medical tools 1771,1775 in co-axial plane in the spine have a point of contact 1776 in the epidural space 399.

[0072] The completed loop circuit 1780 is formed once an electrical current from a power source 1749 is connected and forms a circuit with conjoining wire 1770 that may be partially outside a patient's body and partially inside the patient's body by entering or exiting percutaneously through the left introducer needle 320 distally into the epidural space 399 where the two medical tools 1771,1775 make physical contact and create a point of electromagnetic contact 1176 that can be used to verify if a catch is made along a co-axial plane. The completed loop circuit 1780 is further described of a conjoining wire 1774 that exits or enters the epidural space 399 through left exit needle 322 where the proximal tip 1773 of the conjoining wire 1774 outside the patient's body enters the proximal portion of the other medical device 1769 that forms this particular completed loop circuit 1780. Once the completed loop circuit 1780 is formed, the practitioner will be aware that the catch has been made as previously described. This awareness may be surmised by way of a visual or audio cue that would indicate the creation of a closed loop circuit 1780. Similarly, and although described across a single level of vertebra, this system may be used at any level and either side of the spine.

[0073] An epiduroscope or a fiberscope with fiber optic capability, can be passed through epidural needles and placed in the epidural space, the extra epidural space or the neuroforaminal space and can be left in place for direct vision while utilizing the T-Technique. The epiduroscope or fiberscope can be one continuous piece or a plurality of pieces working together from an introducer needle to an exit needle with one continuous point of visualization, a single point of visualization or a plurality of points of visualization. The epiduroscope or fiberscope can also have one or more ultrasound guided capabilities and one or more wireless capabilities for data transmission. The scope can have an option to allow a cutting instrument to pass through to perform cutting or the scope can itself be used as a cutting device by using a saw, a blade, a laser, heat energy or other suitable cutting device. The scope can have the ability to pass fluids, medical tools or materials, medically useful gases or substances with medicinal benefit in desired target areas. The scope can have a light source in many locations, a single location or a continuous location. The scope can have a lumen or a plurality of lumens to allow materials such as gas, fluids, or medical tools such as guide wires, grasper tools or probes to pass through and position them in the desired target areas.

[0074] Additionally a catheter with an inflatable tip balloon like structure can be passed through an epiduroscope or fiberscope through its working channel or lumen or through one or more introducer or exit epidural needles. The balloon structure can expand from addition of gas or liquids. Furthermore the inflatable balloon can be placed in such a position that it remains as a shield between the cutting wire and vital anterior structures like exiting nerves and dura. The inflatable balloon can be designed to expand first laterally and then posteriorly so that it does not exert more pressure on dura and may help to push cut lamina posteriorly (outwards) following cuts from the T-Technique. The inflated balloon can be deflated and taken out after the procedure or left in the epidural space as a support structure or other suitable utility or be absorbed by the patient's body. The inflated balloon can have a plurality of grooves on its posterior surface to accommodate a cutting wire to have better control during cutting. The inflated balloon can have radiopaque properties or can be injected with contrast material so that its placement is well visualized under fluoroscopy. Additionally the patient will be awake during T-Technique percutaneous procedures giving a practitioner immediate awareness if neural structures are being encroached upon by immediate paresthesia felt and reported by a patient, which would prompt immediate cessation and an alternative approach which is a common practice in the field of pain management. The application of current safety mechanisms such as intraoperative EMG (Electromyography), NCS (Nerve conduction studies) and nerve sensors can be used to achieve a desired safe procedural environment. Ultrasound technology, radiofrequency, CT, MRI, 3-dimensional MRI, C-Arm or other suitable instruments can be used in assistance to complete the task to identify surface anatomy and distance between neural structures, thread wire and other medical tools.

[0075] The present invention also includes a method for fixing, fusing and lifting loose bone following an applied T-Technique. The method includes a technique to secure the spinous process of a target vertebra with a modified spinous process screw tool. The spinous process is a relatively superficial bony structure in the spine and can be easily felt under the skin. The spinous process can easily be approached percutaneously with a modified percutaneous spinous process screw tool, an epiduroscope or other similar percutaneous drilling devices. The modified spinous process screw tool that is percutaneously inserted into a spinous process and then fixated with a locking, rotating screwing motion, where a plurality of teeth like protrusions, insertions or hooks attach the screw tool to the spinous process. The spinous process modified screw and a plurality of other suitable types of screw tools regarding the T-Technique can also be made of implantable material such as stainless steel, titanium and other suitable biocompatible materials. The spinous process screw tool is attached to a gauge tool outside of the patient's body that can adjust the desired outward (posterior) pressure on loose bone manually or automatically and can adjust and assist in maneuvering a cut portion of the bone into a desired position. The screw tool can have one or multiple apertures, one or multiple lumens, hooks or ports that can attach to one or more wires, bars, needles, other screws or tools for anchoring or other utility. The modified spinous process screw tool allows a practitioner to maneuver, move and adjust loose bone that has been cut by the T-Technique. The modified spinous process method for modeling and maneuvering loose bone can be equally applied by both percutaneous T-technique laminoplasty and foraminoplasty. An example of loose bone in a case of percutaneous laminoplasty by T-Technique would be defined as target vertebral bone medial to the cuts of its right lamina and its left lamina. In this example the loose bone would include the right lamina, spinous process and left lamina of the target vertebral bone. Following cuts to the target lamina, the loose bone is no longer attached continuously with the original anatomy of the target vertebra and is now fully free to be mobilized by application of posterior (outward) force and pressure by a modified spinous process screw tool attached to a gauge tool outside of the patient's body. Following fixation of a spinous process screw tool into spinous process by methods described herein, posterior (outwards) pressure is applied that can allow loose bone to be placed in a desired position that will allow for expansion of the spinal canal and neuroforamen by the T-Techniques. The maneuvering will achieve decompression by creating space for the neural elements. The loose bone now in place will be secured using the subsequent tools, percutaneous fusion and methods that will lead to osteogenesis between the cut ends of lamina where healing and fusion will take place.

[0076] There is also an optional percutaneous method for loose bone lifting and fixation that utilizes a plurality of M Technique steps. The M Technique requires the use of a plurality of modified pedicle screws and a plurality of modified fixing screws. Following T-Technique laminoplasty or foraminoplasty, a percutaneous modified spinous process screw will be placed into target tissue where the distal end of the screw will be inserted into spinous process and the proximal end will protrude and have an exit from the skin of the patient. Pressure will be applied in a posterior direction with the use of a pressure gauge tool that is positioned outside the body that is attached to the spinous process screw. The posterior pressure placed on the modified spinous process screw though utility of the gauge tool will be sufficient to protect the canal from anterior drift as well as properly place the cut lamina in a desired position to alleviate foraminal and/or canal stenosis. Subsequently the M technique follows by percutaneously inserting one modified pedicle screw through each pedicle of a chosen target vertebra in the AP position, (for example: vertebral level 5 has one modified pedicle screw in a right pedicle and one modified pedicle screw in a left pedicle). The modified pedicle screw can have the possibility of angulation or curvature where the distal end of the screw will be inserted into target tissue and fastened into the pedicle by percutaneous methods and the proximal end can have the capability to interlock into one or more other screws or tools. The length of the modified pedicle screw can be variable and can be increased through an interlocking feature that will extend to a desired needed length. The proximal end of the modified pedicle screw will have one or more openings through which a fusing screw tool can be passed through and interlock with it. The fusing screw can be expandable by both automatic, or manual technique, can decrease in size, can vibrate, can contain fluid, can absorb fluid, can have drilling or puncturing capability independently or with a practitioner's assistance such as a screwing rotation that can elicit a drilling or a puncturing capability or a plurality of teeth-like, nail-like projections to enter the touching structures and attach to them, can have one or more rotational capabilities and will not only separate target tissue but likewise keep it in a secured position. The fusing screw tool can use the modified pedicle screw for support as it interlocks with the proximal end of the modified pedicle screw percutaneously. The fusing screw can interlock with the modified pedicle screw at any point along the fusing screw. The distal end of the fusing screw will target the loose bone seen following cutting as described in T-technique foraminoplasty and/or laminoplasty. The fusing screws can be angled towards the loose bone and subsequently fastened into target tissue to secure the lamina and loose bone into its new position. After several weeks following fusion and healing, the screws can be removed as needed.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment, a spinal guidance system light seeking fiberscope is disclosed. As one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, fiberscopes and/or epiduroscopes, typically have light to help guide them in body cavities. In such a process, one of ordinary skill may think of the light as going in the direction of the fiberscope or being pushed toward the desired target as is typical of any directional lighting fixture. One disadvantage of adding light to scopes that are designed to operate in miniature scale so as to be inserted in body cavities is that the respective diameter of the scope increases to compensate for the addition of light emitting elements. This disadvantage is exponentially worsened when attempting to operate within the confines of the epidural space. Accordingly, there is a need to have a fiberscope operate without light, thereby maintaining its slim profile within the epidural space. In addition, to the smaller diameter, this design may help the guidewire find out where the catcher tool is located because the guidewire or the catch tool may be also a fiberscope or have fiberscope capabilities; and once in coaxial plane, the guidewire can be pushed to find the light, that will be attached to the head of the grasper/catcher tool, and thus the guidewire will be steered directly into the light of the catcher/grasper tool.

[0078] Unlike other scopes, there is no need for visual access, rather just the ability to see light or some level of brightness. In other words, if there is no visible light viewable by the practitioner, then the appropriate placement within the epidural space has not been attained. Conversely, if the practitioner is able to see light, then the correct direction and placement has been established.

[0079] In yet another embodiment, a complete and closed circuit is created while having a portion of the circuit within the epidural space itself. The spinal guidance system visual engagement indication system (VEIS) percutaneous epidural complete circuit may create a circuit in the form of a loop. Once the circuit is complete an LED light or audio sound or some sort of alert or other indication is generated where the practitioner realizes that the guidewire has actually touched the grasper tool. By way of non-limiting example, a battery with a positive and negative side, is outside the patient's body. A negative current is passed along a wire that is attached from the negative side of the battery to the LED light. The negative charge is then continued though the LED light and then extended by wire and through the grasper tool. A positive current is then passed along a wire from the other side of the battery where current is then applied to the a guidewire. The catcher tool is thus placed into the epidural space and the guidewire is then placed in the epidural space in coaxial plane and advanced toward each other. Once the guidewire tool touches the grasper tool/catcher tool, the circuit is complete and the LED illuminates outside the patient's body. (The voltage of the circuit may be as minimal as needed not to be adverse to normal bodily functions, which may be less than 0.5 V).

[0080] By way of further example, the guidewire or the catcher/grasper tool can be either positive or negatively charged, depending on the orientation of the battery. The indication mechanism of the circuit may be an LED diode that can be any color, it can reflect a screen that expresses words or other relevant means of expression. An alarming mechanism can be a sound or other means of alerting the practitioner that the circuit has been created. There can be one, two, three circuits or more created at time or at any one particular catch. Alternatively, each circuit and indication mechanism can relate a different portion of the catch tool or guidewire tool, for instance the inner aspect of the catch tool can be one color and the outer aspect of the catch grasper tool can be another, each independent circuits of each other, giving the practitioner the ability to know where the exactly the to two tools are in relation to each other.

[0081] While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the technology disclosed herein. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0082] Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0083] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term including should be read as meaning including, without limitation or the like; the term example is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms a or an should be read as meaning at least one, one or more or the like; and adjectives such as conventional, traditional, normal, standard, known and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

[0084] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as one or more, at least, but not limited to or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.