Implant retention device and method
AssigneePioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.
InventorsQi-Bin Bao, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Thomas S. Kilpela, Wade DePas, Allison Koskey, Brian P. Janowski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device may include an elongated tensioning member having a portion configured to connect to the implant and at least one anchoring device disposed on the tensioning member, the anchoring device configured to at least partially penetrate spinal tissue such as the annulus, vertebral body, or other secure tissue.
Claims34
An implant retention device for retaining a nuclear implant within the nuclear space of an intervertebral disc, the retention device comprising:
- an elongated tensioning member having a portion configured to connect to an implant;
- an anchoring device disposed on the tensioning member and configured for engaging an annular wall extending about the nuclear space;
- and
- an adjustable connection between the anchoring device and the tensioning member to facilitate secure engagement of the anchoring device with the annular wall.
A method for restraining a nuclear implant, the method comprising:
- providing an implant retention device for insertion through an opening in an annular wall, the implant retention device including an elongated tensioning member and an anchoring device disposed on the tensioning member, the anchoring device configured to penetrate a surface of a spinal tissue;
- positioning the anchoring device such that a longitudinal axis of the anchoring device is generally parallel to the tensioning member;
- engaging the annular wall with at least a portion of the anchoring device;
- orienting the anchoring device such that the longitudinal axis of the anchoring device is generally perpendicular to the tensioning member;
- and
- connecting the tensioning member to the nuclear implant such that the nuclear implant is anchored by the anchoring device to restrain movement of the implant.
A method for inserting a nuclear implant within an intervertebral space, the method comprising:
- providing a nuclear implant having a fastening portion for being connected to a securing mechanism comprising a tensioning member and an anchoring device;
- inserting the securing mechanism within the intervertebral space;
- securing the securing mechanism to a spinal tissue;
- and
- guiding the nuclear implant into the intervertebral space by moving the implant along the tensioning member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.