Implantable devices for chemonucleolysis of intervertebral discs
First Claim
1. An intervertebral disc implant comprising a chemonucleolysis agent in solid powder form, a plurality of particles and a binder, wherein the implant has a solid body throughout the cross-section of the implant and when placed into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, the implant having a sheath comprising the chemonucleolysis agent incorporated into the sheath, the implant sustainably releases the chemonucleolysis agent into the nuclear disc tissue surrounding the implant to proteolytically degrade the tissue, the chemonucleolysis agent comprises chymopapain and is incorporated into the particles.
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Abstract
Devices for the treatment of intervertebral discs are described. The devices, when implanted into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, provide for the controlled release of active agents into the disc. The active agent can be a chemonucleolytic agent such as chymopapain. The device can also comprise one or more binders. The device can be an elongate solid body having a tapered or rounded insertion end. Alternatively, the device can include a plurality of particles.
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Citations
29 Claims
- 1. An intervertebral disc implant comprising a chemonucleolysis agent in solid powder form, a plurality of particles and a binder, wherein the implant has a solid body throughout the cross-section of the implant and when placed into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, the implant having a sheath comprising the chemonucleolysis agent incorporated into the sheath, the implant sustainably releases the chemonucleolysis agent into the nuclear disc tissue surrounding the implant to proteolytically degrade the tissue, the chemonucleolysis agent comprises chymopapain and is incorporated into the particles.
Specification