METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REPAIRING AND/OR REPLACING INTERVERTEBRAL DISC COMPONENTS AND PROMOTING HEALING
First Claim
1. Apparatus for heating internal human or animal tissue, comprising:
- an elongated, biocompatible member having a distal tip adapted for implantation within a body adjacent to tissue;
a heating element disposed at the distal tip; and
a source of power operative to maintain the temperature of the heating element and the tissue at a few degrees above body temperature.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed embodiments provide for treatment of the anulus fibrosus (AF) and intevertebral disc (IVD), including herniated discs, anular tears of the disc, or disc degeneration, while enabling surgeons to contain blood, fluid, proteins, or other materials that are placed into or migrate into or near defective regions of the spine. The invention also concentrates mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the surgical area and increases the area of bone to be fused. Other aspects of the invention may be used to raise the temperature of tissues, including surgical tissues, to stimulate inflammation, thereby stimulating tissue healing. According to these embodiments, the invention places a heating element below the skin and adjacent to the tissue to stimulate the healing thereof.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. Apparatus for heating internal human or animal tissue, comprising:
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an elongated, biocompatible member having a distal tip adapted for implantation within a body adjacent to tissue; a heating element disposed at the distal tip; and a source of power operative to maintain the temperature of the heating element and the tissue at a few degrees above body temperature. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification