SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING CURVED PATHS THROUGH BONE AND MODULATING NERVES WITHIN THE BONE
FIG30 is a top view of an embodiment of the slotted trocar of FIG27
To ensure proper trajectory of the probe 550 in one embodiment, the indicia arrows (not shown) of the probe handle 552 may be lined up in the same direction as indicia arrows 540 (FIG30) on the trocar handle 522. In some embodiments, other indicia may be used (e.g., slots, lines, notches, ribs, or laser markings, or combinations thereof).
view
534
recess
30
about
522
handle
536
handle
29
540
Indicia direction as indicia arrows
532
surface
530
slot
528
channel
520
trocar
524
hypotube
['1. A system configured for navigation within and denervation of a vertebral body, the system comprising: an introducer comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a central channel, wherein the central channel extends from the proximal end toward the distal end, wherein the introducer comprises a distal opening at or near the distal end of the introducer, the distal opening being in communication with the central channel; a cannula sized to be received in said central channel and delivered from the proximal end of the introducer toward said distal opening of the introducer, wherein the cannula comprises a straight proximal body and a pre-curved or steerable distal end, wherein the distal end of the cannula is configured to be extended laterally outward from the distal opening in a curved path extending away from the introducer, wherein the cannula comprises a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a treatment or diagnostic device to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path, and wherein the proximal end of the introducer comprises a handle comprising: a proximal recess, wherein the proximal recess is in communication with the central channel of the introducer to allow reciprocation of the cannula within the central channel of the introducer; and a lateral slot in communication with said proximal recess, the lateral slot extending radially outward from the proximal recess at a proximal surface of the handle, wherein the lateral slot is configured to allow insertion of the cannula such that a central axis of the straight proximal body is at an angle with respect to a central axis of the introducer when the distal end of the cannula is inserted into the proximal recess, wherein the lateral slot is configured to allow the distal end of the cannula to be slideably advanced into the proximal recess and the central channel without having to pre-straighten the cannula, and wherein a curvilinear surface of the lateral slot comprises a radius of curvature adapted to conform to a radius of curvature of the distal end of the cannula.', '7. The system of claim 6, wherein the handle of the introducer and the handle of the cannula comprise corresponding indicia that are adapted to be aligned when in use.', '15. A system for delivering a self-guided treatment device into bone, the system comprising: a trocar comprising a proximal end, distal end and a central channel; wherein the central channel is disposed along a central axis of the trocar and extends from the proximal end toward the distal end; wherein the trocar comprises a distal opening at or near the distal end of the trocar, the distal opening being in communication with the central channel; and a treatment probe; the treatment probe sized to be received in said central channel and delivered from the proximal end toward said distal opening; the treatment probe comprising a stylet comprising a straight proximal end and a curved distal end; the curved distal end being deformable so as to be delivered in a straight configuration through the trocar and deployed in a curved configuration outward from the distal opening at an angle with respect to the central axis of the trocar; wherein the curved distal end comprises a treatment device configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of energy to a treatment location.']