Method and apparatus for delivering an intervertebral disc implant
First Claim
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1. A disc nucleus implant instrument comprising:
- (a) an elongated channel member with a sidewall defining a passageway effective for passing a material for replacing or augmenting an intervertebral disc nucleus, said passageway having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said channel member includes a sidewall opening into said passageway to receive said material through said sidewall opening that is formed by pivoting a proximal portion of said channel member that extends distally from said proximal end into a non-linear relationship with a distal portion of said channel member that extends proximally from said distal end and is joined with said proximal portion at said sidewall opening; and
(b) a dilator at the distal end of said passageway, said dilator being effective for dilating an opening in a disc annulus.
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Abstract
A disc nucleus implant instrument includes a passageway effective for passing a material for replacing or augmenting an intervertebral disc nucleus, and a dilator at the distal end of said passageway. The instrument is effective for dilating an opening in a disc annulus and for passing a disc nucleus repair material through the opening and into the disc nucleus.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A disc nucleus implant instrument comprising:
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(a) an elongated channel member with a sidewall defining a passageway effective for passing a material for replacing or augmenting an intervertebral disc nucleus, said passageway having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said channel member includes a sidewall opening into said passageway to receive said material through said sidewall opening that is formed by pivoting a proximal portion of said channel member that extends distally from said proximal end into a non-linear relationship with a distal portion of said channel member that extends proximally from said distal end and is joined with said proximal portion at said sidewall opening; and (b) a dilator at the distal end of said passageway, said dilator being effective for dilating an opening in a disc annulus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification