Methods for treating a defect in the annulus fibrosis
First Claim
1. A method for treating an annulus fibrosis having an outer layer, at least one inner layer, and a defect extending through the outer and inner layers, comprising the steps of:
- inserting a porous mesh into the defect in the annulus fibrosis, the porous mesh being arranged in a structure having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and a length between the distal and proximal ends;
advancing the porous mesh distally beyond the outer layer of the annulus fibrosis; and
expanding the porous mesh to a diameter larger than the defect to prevent escape of nucleus pulposus through the defect,wherein the porous mesh expands radially by reducing the length between the distal and proximal ends, and the proximal end of the porous mesh is located distally beyond the outer layer of the annulus fibrosis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation provide a conformable device which assumes a first shape associated with insertion and a second shape or expanded shape to occlude the defect which typically follows partial discectomy. The device may take different forms, including patches sized to cover the defect, plugs adapted to fill the defect, or a mesh screen collapsed into an elongated form for the purposes of insertion, thereby minimizing the size of the requisite incision while avoiding delicate surrounding nerves. Such a configuration also permits the use of instrumentation to install the device, including, for example, a hollow tube or sheath adapted to hold the collapsed screen and a push rod to expel the collapsed device out of the sheath for use in occluding the disc defect. A device may further include one or more anchors to assist in permanently affixing the device with respect to the defect.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for treating an annulus fibrosis having an outer layer, at least one inner layer, and a defect extending through the outer and inner layers, comprising the steps of:
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inserting a porous mesh into the defect in the annulus fibrosis, the porous mesh being arranged in a structure having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and a length between the distal and proximal ends; advancing the porous mesh distally beyond the outer layer of the annulus fibrosis; and expanding the porous mesh to a diameter larger than the defect to prevent escape of nucleus pulposus through the defect, wherein the porous mesh expands radially by reducing the length between the distal and proximal ends, and the proximal end of the porous mesh is located distally beyond the outer layer of the annulus fibrosis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for treating an annulus fibrosis having an outer layer, at least one inner layer, and a defect extending through the outer and inner layers, comprising the steps of:
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inserting an implant into the defect in the annulus fibrosis, the implant being arranged in a structure having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and a length between the distal and proximal ends; advancing the implant distally beyond the outer layer of the annulus fibrosis; and expanding the implant to a diameter larger than the defect to prevent escape of nucleus pulposus through the defect, wherein the implant expands radially by reducing the length between the distal and proximal ends, and the proximal end of the implant is located distally beyond the outer layer of the annulus fibrosis. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification