Method of rehabilitating an anulus fibrosus
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 nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Methods of closing a defect in an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc using a barrier are also provided.
Claims18
A method of rehabilitating a weakened anulus fibrosus, comprising:
- identifying an intervertebral disc comprising a weakened anulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus,
- wherein said anulus fibrosus comprises a defect,
- wherein said anulus fibrosus comprises an outermost layer, an innermost layer, and a plurality of successive intermediate layers between the outermost layer and the innermost layer,
- providing a barrier for placement into said intervertebral disc;
- inserting said barrier through said defect;
- placing said barrier entirely between two neighboring intermediate layers of the anulus fibrosus such that the entire barrier is substantially parallel with portions of the two neighboring intermediate layers and such that said barrier spans said defect, thereby minimizing the extrusion of said nucleus pulposus through said defect;
- and
- securing said barrier within said intervertebral disc.
A method of rehabilitating a weakened anulus fibrosis fibrosus, comprising:
- identifying an intervertebral disc comprising a weakened anulus fibrosis fibrosus,
- wherein said anulus fibrosus comprises a weakened portion,
- wherein said anulus fibrosus comprises an outermost layer, an innermost layer, and a plurality of successive intermediate layers between the outermost layer and the innermost layer,
- inserting a barrier into said anulus;
- placing said barrier entirely between two neighboring intermediate layers of the anulus fibrosus such that the entire barrier is substantially parallel with portions of the two neighboring intermediate layers to support the weakened portion of the anulus, thereby reducing herniation of said intervertebral disc,
- securing said barrier within said intervertebral disc.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.