Implantable devices for chemonucleolysis of intervertebral discs
First Claim
1. An intervertebral disc implant comprising a chemonucleolysis agent in solid form, wherein the implant, when placed into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, releases the chemonucleolysis agent into the nuclear disc tissue surrounding the implant to proteolytically degrade the tissue.
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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.
82 Citations
32 Claims
- 1. An intervertebral disc implant comprising a chemonucleolysis agent in solid form, wherein the implant, when placed into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, releases the chemonucleolysis agent into the nuclear disc tissue surrounding the implant to proteolytically degrade the tissue.
Specification