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Intra annular ultrasound disc apparatus and method

  • US 5,976,105 A
  • Filed: 03/05/1997
  • Issued: 11/02/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/05/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of treating a herniated disc comprising the steps of:

  • inserting the tip of a first instrument into the central region of a herniated disc to be treated;

    ultrasonically vibrating said tip of said first instrument to soften the central region of the disc;

    removing said tip of said first instrument from the central region;

    inserting the tip of a second instrument into the softened portion of the central region of the herniated disc, said tip of said second instrument having an interior lumen;

    suctioning a portion of the previously softened disc portion into said interior lumen of said second instrument;

    severing the suctioned portion in the interior lumen from the remaining portion of the disc;

    removing the severed portion through said interior lumen of said second instrument; and

    removing said tip of said second instrument from the softened central region of the disc.

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