INTERVERTEBRAL SPACER AND METHODS OF USE
First Claim
1. A spinal implant for placement in a mammalian spine, comprising an arcuate member comprising a first arcuate layer and a second arcuate layer that is present over the first arcuate layer, wherein the arcuate member is constructed and arranged to be formed as generally straight for placement and transportation through a lumen, and wherein the arcuate member is constructed and arranged to assume an arcuate shape comprising the first arcuate layer and the second arcuate layer upon exiting the lumen.
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Abstract
An intervertebral implant device is presented. When placed between vertebral bodies of the mammalian spine, the device can effect fusion between the vertebral bodies. The implant is formed in layers in an arcuate geometry, wherein placement is facilitated by the implant first adopting a generally linear geometry, and through the process of placement reassumes its intrinsic arcuate form. The central axis of the spacer/implant may be oriented in a generally vertical direction, and lying generally parallel to the spinal axis. The implant may comprise shape memory materials to cause shape transition and formation of the device in situ between vertebral bodies.
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18 Claims
- 1. A spinal implant for placement in a mammalian spine, comprising an arcuate member comprising a first arcuate layer and a second arcuate layer that is present over the first arcuate layer, wherein the arcuate member is constructed and arranged to be formed as generally straight for placement and transportation through a lumen, and wherein the arcuate member is constructed and arranged to assume an arcuate shape comprising the first arcuate layer and the second arcuate layer upon exiting the lumen.
Specification