Methods of repairing herniated segments in the disc
AssigneeIntrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.
InventorGregory H. Lambrecht
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Method of supporting and augmenting a nucleus pulposus by inserting a flexible biocompatible material into the disc space using an anchoring means are also provided.
Claims20
A method of facilitating treatment of an intervertebral disc in a spine comprising:
- introducing a distal end of an implant delivery device be and at least a first outer layer of an anulus of an intervertebral disc, the distal end configured to deliver an implant within the intervertebral disc;
- delivering an implant in the intervertebral disc using the implant delivery device,
- wherein the implant is configured to be held alone an innermost layer of the anulus in a nuclear space of the intervertebral disc;
- inserting at least one fixation device into a vertebral body surrounding the intervertebral disc;
- connecting the at least one fixation device to the implant and
- removing the implant delivery device.
A method of facilitating treatment of an intervertebral disc in a spine comprising:
- providing an implant delivery system comprising an implant delivery device, at least one fixation device, and an implant, the implant delivery system configured for:
- (i) introducing a distal end of the implant delivery device beyond at least a first outer layer of an anulus of an intervertebral disc, the distal end configured to deliver the implant within the intervertebral disc;
- (ii) delivering the implant in the intervertebral disc using the implant delivery device,
- wherein the implant is configured to be held along an innermost layer of the anulus in the space occupied by the nucleus;
- and
- (iii) inserting the at least one fixation device into a vertebral body surrounding the intervertebral disc.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.