Devices and methods of vertebral disc augmentation
AssigneeIntrinsic Orthopedics, Inc.
InventorsGregory H. Lambrecht, Robert Kevin Moore, Thomas Banks, Russel J. Redmond, Claude A. Vidal
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the annulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.
Claims28
A method of closing off a defect in an anulus of an intervertebral disc, said intervertebral disc being part of a spine, including the steps of:
- inserting a barrier through an opening into a disc;
- and
- positioning said barrier between native nucleus tissue and an interior surface of a anulus lamella such that said barrier spans beyond the periphery of said defect in more than one direction.
A method of obstructing a defect in an anulus of an intervertebral disc, said intervertebral disc being part of a spine and including a native nucleus tissue comprising the steps of:
- inserting a barrier through an opening into the disc;
- and
- positioning a first portion of the barrier between the native nucleus tissue and the defect, and a second portion of the barrier between the native nucleus tissue and an interior surface of an anulus lamella adjacent to the defect such that said barrier spans beyond the periphery of said defect in more than one direction.
A method of inserting a membrane into an intervertebral disc to obstruct a defect in an anulus fibrosus, comprising the steps of:
- providing a membrane on an insertion device;
- inserting the insertion device trough an opening in the anulus fibrosus and into the intervertebral disc;
- and
- deploying the membrane within the intervertebral disc to obstruct the defect, wherein said membrane is positioned between a native nucleus tissue and an interior surface of an annulus lamella substantially in front of said defect such that said membrane spans beyond the periphery of said defect.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.