Method and apparatus for implanting a hydrogel prosthesis for a nucleus pulposus

A system for inserting a prosthesis into an intervertebral disc, comprising:

• an insertion cannula having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the cannula comprising an outer wall defining a delivery lumen, the distal portion having a distal opening and further adapted and configured for insertion through the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, the proximal portion having a proximal opening and a coupling communicating with the delivery lumen, the delivery lumen extending from the distal opening to the proximal opening;
• a storage container having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the storage container having an outer wall forming a cavity for containing the prosthesis, the distal portion of the storage container having a distal opening and a coupling for coupling to the coupling of the insertion cannula and providing communication between the delivery lumen and the cavity, the proximal portion of the storage container having a proximal opening and a coupling;
• and
• a pressure generator having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion adapted and configured for connecting to the coupling of the proximal portion of the storage container, the pressure generator adapted to generate sufficient fluid pressure when coupled to the storage container to advance the prosthesis contained therein from the container, through the insertion cannula and into the intervertebral disc,
• wherein the distal portion of the insertion cannula further comprises:
• a) a cannula tip having a distal end and proximal end, the distal end being tapered and the proximal end being insertable and fastenable to the distal opening of the cannula, the proximal end further comprising a ramped ending;
• b) a lateral delivery aperture located along the outer wall of the cannula;
• and
• c) wherein the ramped ending of the cannula tip is aligned with the lateral delivery aperture to provide a path for the prosthesis to be guided from the delivery lumen through the lateral delivery aperture and into the intervertebral disc.