US Patent 9463041 Devices and methods for tissue access

Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In some embodiments, a surgical tissue removal device includes a flexible elongate body that is adapted to conform with the target anatomy and a guidewire connector at the distal end region of the flexible elongate body configured to removably connect to the end of a guidewire so that the guidewire and flexible elongate body can be pulled distally. The body may have at least one blade edge, and the flexible elongate body may be a thin, flat, ribbon shaped flexible body that comprises a profile having a width that is substantially greater than a height.