Devices and methods for the treatment of spinal disorders
AssigneeSpinalabs, LLC
InventorsRobert E. Atkinson, Peter T. Keith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.
Claims20
A method of treating an annulus of an intervertebral disc in a patient's spine, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an inflatable elongate member;
- providing an inflation device;
- connecting the inflation device to the inflatable elongate member;
- positioning the inflatable elongate member in the annulus of the intervertebral disc such that the inflatable elongate member extends along a circumferential portion of the annulus;
- inflating the inflatable elongate member in the annulus;
- and
- disconnecting the inflation device from the inflatable elongate member in the annulus.
A method of treating an annulus of an intervertebral disc in a patient's spine, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end;
- and
- positioning the elongate member in the annulus of the intervertebral disc such that the elongate member extends along a circumferential portion of the annulus
- wherein the elongate member further includes a plurality of portions which permit relatively easy insertion into the annulus but resist withdrawal from the annulus.
A method of treating an annulus of an intervertebral disc in a patient's spine, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an elongate member;
- providing a tubular insertion tool having a proximal end and a distal end;
- providing a curved insertion tool having a proximal end and a curved distal end;
- inserting the tubular insertion tool into the patient's back such the proximal end of the tubular insertion tool is disposed outside the patient's back and the distal end of the tubular insertion tool is disposed in or adjacent the annulus;
- inserting the curved insertion tool into the tubular insertion tool such the proximal end of the curved insertion tool is disposed outside the patient's back and the curved distal end of the curved insertion tool is disposed in the annulus;
- and
- advancing the elongate member into the annulus utilizing the curved insertion tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.