Bioartificial intervertebral disc
AssigneeThe University of Toledo
InventorsVijay K. Goel, Ronald L. Fournier
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Abstract
A bioartificial nucleus pulposus is adapted for replacing at least a portion of a natural nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc. The bioartificial nucleus pulposus includes an artificial support structure made from a biodegradable material. The support structure has a plurality of pores. A carrier material is contained in the pores of the support structure. A plurality of nucleus pulposus cells are carried by the carrier material. A bioartificial intervertebral disc contains the bioartificial nucleus pulposus.
Claims6
A method of producing a bioartificial nucleus pulposus adapted for replacing at least a portion of a natural nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc in a spinal column of a human or animal patient, the method comprising:
- forming an artificial support structure from a biodegradable material, the support structure having a plurality of pores;
- suspending a plurality of nucleus pulposus cells within a carrier material;
- introducing the carrier material and cells into the pores of the support structure to produce the bioartificial nucleus pulposus;
- and
- applying a cyclic load in vitro to the nucleus pulposus cells;
- the biodegradable material of the support structure degrading in the body of the patient to leave a gel-like nucleus pulposus material established by the nucleus pulposus cells.
A method of replacing at least a portion of a natural nucleus pulposus with a bioartificial nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc in a spinal column of a human or animal patient, the method comprising:
- forming an artificial support structure from a biodegradable material, the support structure having a plurality of pores;
- suspending a plurality of nucleus pulposus cells within a carrier material;
- introducing the carrier material and cells into the pores of the support structure to produce the bioartificial nucleus pulposus;
- applying a cyclic load in vitro to the nucleus pulposus cells;
- removing at least a portion of the natural nucleus pulposus from the intervertebral disc;
- and
- introducing the bioartificial nucleus pulposus into the intervertebral disc in place of the removed natural nucleus pulposus;
- the biodegradable material of the support structure degrading in the body of the patient to leave a gel-like nucleus pulposus material established by the nucleus pulposus cells.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.