Radially compressed dehydrated spinal nucleus implants
AssigneeReplication Medical, Inc.
InventorsGerald Gontarz, Ann Prewett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A radially compressed xerogel spinal nucleus implant is manufactured and utilized for implantation into an intervertebral disc space. The implant has an optimized cross-sectional ellipsoid configuration which facilitates insertion of the implant through a minimal incision in the annulus. Radial compression is achieved by exerting substantially equilateral circumferential compression on an object contained within a radially collapsible member for exerting substantially equilateral circumferential compression on the object. Radial compression may also be achieved by exerting substantially equilateral circumferential compression force on a spinal nucleus implant via gas pressure in a sealed chamber.
Claims21
1-23. (canceled)
A method of shaping a spinal nucleus implant comprising providing a spinal nucleus implant made, at least in part, of a hydrogel, inserting the implant into a radially collapsible member for exerting substantially equilateral circumferential compression on an object contained within the member, exerting substantially equilateral circumferential compression on the implant, thereby causing the implant to assume a rod-shaped configuration substantially corresponding to the configuration of the radially collapsible member.
A method of shaping a spinal nucleus implant comprising providing a spinal nucleus implant made, at least in part, of a hydrogel;
- placing the spinal nucleus implant within a pressure chamber having at least one sealed channel in communication with the implant, the sealed channel providing for egress of moisture from the implant;
- exerting pressure by increasing gas pressure in the pressure chamber to cause substantially equilateral circumferential compression of the implant.
43-52. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.