In situ formation of intervertebral disc implants
First Claim
1. A method of implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant so as to cause minimal trauma during implantation, yet maximum retention and performance after implantation, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a load bearing elastic body having shape memory and sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space;
wherein said elastic body is configurable to a first, folded configuration effective to serve as a prosthetic disc nucleus;
wherein said elastic body is configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis;
wherein said shape memory is effective to return said elastic body to its first, folded configuration after the elastic body is straightened to its second, straightened configuration and inserted in a disc space;
(b) implanting said load bearing elastic body in an intervertebral disc space while the elastic body is in its second, straightened configuration;
(c) allowing said load bearing elastic body to assume its first, folded configuration, and thereby to partially fill the disc space; and
(d) providing around said load bearing elastic body an amount of biocompatible material sufficient to fill or substantially fill the remaining disc space.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Nucleus pulposus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space are provided. In one form of the invention, an implant includes a load bearing elastic body surrounded in the disc space by an anchoring, preferably resorbable, biocompatible material which may be in the form of an outer shell. In certain forms of the invention, the elastic body is surrounded by a supporting member, such as a band or jacket, and the supporting member is surrounded by the outer shell. Kits for forming such implants are also provided. In another form of the invention, an implant is provided that has locking features and optional shape memory characteristics. In yet another aspect of the invention, nucleus pulposus implants are provided that have shape memory characteristics and are configured to allow short-term manual, or other deformation without permanent deformation, cracks, tears, breakage or other damage. Methods of forming and implanting the implants are also described, as are delivery devices and components thereof for delivering the implants.
498 Citations
109 Claims
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1. A method of implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant so as to cause minimal trauma during implantation, yet maximum retention and performance after implantation, said method comprising:
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(a) providing a load bearing elastic body having shape memory and sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space;
wherein said elastic body is configurable to a first, folded configuration effective to serve as a prosthetic disc nucleus;
wherein said elastic body is configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis;
wherein said shape memory is effective to return said elastic body to its first, folded configuration after the elastic body is straightened to its second, straightened configuration and inserted in a disc space;
(b) implanting said load bearing elastic body in an intervertebral disc space while the elastic body is in its second, straightened configuration;
(c) allowing said load bearing elastic body to assume its first, folded configuration, and thereby to partially fill the disc space; and
(d) providing around said load bearing elastic body an amount of biocompatible material sufficient to fill or substantially fill the remaining disc space. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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9. (canceled)
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11. (canceled)
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33. (canceled)
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38. (canceled)
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56. A composite intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant secured in an intervertebral disc space, comprising:
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(a) a load bearing elastic body surgically implanted in an intervertebral disc space;
wherein said elastic body has shape memory;
wherein said elastic body is in a first, folded configuration effective to serve as a prosthetic disc nucleus;
wherein said elastic body is configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis;
wherein said shape memory is effective to return said elastic body to its first, folded configuration after the elastic body is straightened to its second, straightened configuration and inserted in a disc space; and
(b) a biocompatible material surgically implanted to fill or substantially fill the portion of the disc space that is not occupied by the load bearing elastic body.
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57-107. -107. (canceled)
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108. A kit for repairing an intervertebral disc nucleus, comprising:
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a load bearing elastic body having shape memory and sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space;
wherein said elastic body is configurable to a first, folded configuration effective to serve as a prosthetic disc nucleus;
wherein said elastic body is configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis;
wherein said shape memory is effective to return said elastic body to its first, folded configuration after the elastic body is straightened to its second, straightened configuration and inserted in a disc space; and
a container of biocompatible material sufficient to form an outer shell around said load bearing elastic body;
wherein said outer shell completely or substantially covers said elastic body.
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109-151. -151. (canceled)
Specification