Method for treating annular fissures in intervertebral discs
DCFirst Claim
1. A method of treating an annular fissure in an intervetebral disc comprising:
- providing a catheter having an intradiscal section with at least one functional element adjacent a distal end of the catheter and a proximal end for externally guiding the distal end of the catheter within an intervertebral disc;
positioning the functional element adjacent the annular fissure by applying a force longitudinally to the proximal end of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient for the intradiscal section to puncture the annulus fibrosus; and
using the functional element to treat the annular fissure.
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Abstract
A percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus includes placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70° C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral fissure also can be treated by placing a catheter with a lumen adjacent to the fissure and injecting sealant into the fissure via the catheter, thereby sealing the fissure. An intervertebral fissure additionally can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter'"'"'s distal end on which there is at least one functional element. The next step is applying a force longitudinally to the proximal of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient to puncture the annulus fibrosus. Next the functional element is positioned at a selected location of the disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter. Then the functional unit treats the annular fissure. Optionally, there is an additional step of adding a substance to seal the fissure. An externally guidable intervertebral disc apparatus also is disclosed.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A method of treating an annular fissure in an intervetebral disc comprising:
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providing a catheter having an intradiscal section with at least one functional element adjacent a distal end of the catheter and a proximal end for externally guiding the distal end of the catheter within an intervertebral disc; positioning the functional element adjacent the annular fissure by applying a force longitudinally to the proximal end of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient for the intradiscal section to puncture the annulus fibrosus; and using the functional element to treat the annular fissure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method of treating of intervertebral fissure, said method comprising
placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure; - and
providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70°
C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification