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Systems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacement

  • US 7,951,141 B2
  • Filed: 08/09/2010
  • Issued: 05/31/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for treating a vertebral disc, the vertebral disc including an annulus fibrosus, a nucleus pulposus, and at least one fissure in the annulus fibrosus, the method comprising:

  • positioning a distal end of a shaft of a probe within the nucleus pulposus adjacent to and/or in contact with the at least one fissure;

    removing a first portion of nucleus pulposus with the probe;

    sealing a second portion of the nucleus pulposus proximate the at least one fissure; and

    inserting a sealant material within the disc proximate the at least one fissure in the annulus fibrosus, thereby improving stability of the disc, and wherein the steps of sealing and inserting inhibit migration of the nucleus pulposus through the fissure.

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