System and devices for the repair of a vertebral disc defect

• US 20070043374A1
• Filed: 07/22/2005
• Published: 02/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation (DSM-Firmenich AG)
• Original Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation (DSM-Firmenich AG)
• Inventors: Evans, Douglas
• Granted Patent: US 7,824,414 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/86.R
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/442 Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient non-disc-shaped intervertebral inflatable pockets A61F2/441; non-disc-shaped intervertebral fusion implants A61F2/4455
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30062 (bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30075 swellable, e.g. when wetted
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30179 X-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30235 tubular, e.g. sleeves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30579 with mechanically expandable devices, e.g. fixation devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30841 Sharp anchoring protrusions for impaction into the bone, e.g. sharp pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3092 having an open-celled or open-pored structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4435 Support means or repair of the natural disc wall, i.e. annulus, e.g. using plates, membranes or meshes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4495 having a fabric structure, e.g. made from wires or fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4627 with linear motion along or rotating motion about the instrument axis or the implantation direction, e.g. telescopic, along a guiding rod, screwing inside the instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0004 bioabsorbable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0061 swellable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0058 X-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00011 Metals or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00365 Proteins; Polypeptides; Degradation products thereof

Abstract

A system for repairing a vertebral disc defect, such as hernia or bulge, a full or partial tear in the annulus, or a weakened annulus wall as a result of an excision procedure. The system introduces a treatment device arranged to repair the defect, and may prevent the leakage of fluid from the nucleus. The components of the device may be resorbable materials, and may induce the ingrowth of cellular material into the components. The system may feature a locating device to ensure proper placement of the treatment device.

Claims

1. A treatment device for repairing a defect in the intervertebral disc of a living being, said device comprising;

an elongated instrument, at least one bridging member, and a plurality of connector members;

with said elongated instrument being arranged to be placed in or near the defect, and being further arranged to deliver said at least one bridging member inside of the intervertebral disc at a first location;

wherein said elongated instrument is further arranged to displace said bridging member from said first location to a second location;

wherein said second location comprises at least a portion of the defect;

wherein said connector members are arranged to be deployed from said elongated instrument into tissue at or near the defect and to engage said at least one bridging member such that said bridging member is secured at said second location;

wherein said bridging member serves to provide support to the intervertebral disc, and wherein the treatment comprises said support.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said device additionally comprises a fastening element, wherein said fastening element is arranged to act cooperatively with said connecting means to cause the securing of said bridging element at said second location.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one bridging element is resorbable.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said connector members are resorbable.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of connector positioning elements and connector passage elements, wherein said connector positioning elements and connector passage elements are arranged to deploy said connector members.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said connector positioning elements are arranged to be deployed radially about a central axis of said elongated instrument.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said connector positioning elements are three or more in number.

8. A treatment device for repairing a defect in the intervertebral disc of a living being, said device comprising;

an elongated instrument suitable for being arranged through an opening at a location to repair the defect,

at least one flexible connecting member,

at least one passage element arranged to create a passageway in the tissue adjacent to said defect and to pass said connecting member through said passageway in the tissue adjacent to said defect,

at least one positioning element arranged to be deployed and extend axially from said elongated instrument to engage said passage element,

at least one bridging member arranged to be deployed and support said defect, said bridging member being connected to and arranged to be secured in place by said at least one flexible connecting member, and

at least one fastening element arranged to fix said at least one connecting member.

9. The treatment device of claim 8 wherein said bridging member is arranged to be delivered within said elongated instrument in a first conformation, and subsequent to deployment adopts a second conformation.

10. The treatment device of claim 9 wherein said bridging member comprises a plurality of rigid elements capable of pivoting at a pivot location, wherein said rigid elements are substantially overlapping in said first conformation, and pivot and expand in said second conformation.

11. The treatment device of claim 9, wherein said bridging member while in said second conformation is arranged to provide support to said intervertebral disc.

12. The treatment device of claim 8 wherein said elongated instrument is directed through said defect in said disc.

13. The treatment device of claim 8, wherein said at least one positioning element comprises three or more positioning elements arranged to be deployed in more than one axis.

14. The method of supporting a defect in the intervertebral disc of a living being comprising the steps of:

a) providing a delivery instrument comprising an elongated instrument, at least one bridging member, and a plurality of connector members;

b) inserting said elongated instrument into said intervertebral disc at or near the defect;

c) deploying said connector members from said delivery instrument into tissue at or near the defect;

d) withdrawing said elongated instrument from said disc, thereby deploying and securing said bridging member to support said disc.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises the additional step of

g) positioning at least one fastening element about said connector members, said fastening element being arranged to maintain tension upon said connector members.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said at least one bridging element is resorbable.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said plurality of connector members are resorbable.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein said connector members are three or more in number.