DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ANNULAR REPAIR OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS
Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and/or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and/or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.
1 . A method for treating an intervertebral disc in a patient's spine, the disc having an annulus and a nucleus, the method comprising:
(1) providing at least one tube sized and shaped for insertion into the annulus and adapted to receive an implant, an implant adapted to be received into the at least one tube and placed into an intervertebral disc, and an advancer to effect said placement, wherein said advancer is releasably attached to said implant;
(2) inserting said at least one tube into said intervertebral disc to a position proximate the outer periphery of the posterior annulus;
(3) delivering said implant into a therapeutically effective location;
(4) uncoupling the implant from the advancer; and
(5) removing the at least one tube and the advancer from the intervertebral disc.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said implant is delivered to a therapeutically effective location by rotating said implant before uncoupling the implant from the advancer.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said implant is placed into said at least one tube in a compressed delivery state.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein said implant in a compressed delivery state is expanded upon placement in a therapeutically effective location.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein said expansion of said implant comprises unfolding the implant.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the implant is a barrier.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the implant is capable of reinforcing a defect of an annulus fibrosus.