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 delivery member for delivering a prosthesis material to an interior region of an intervertebral disc, the delivery member comprising:
a body having a proximal end and a distal end, and the body defining a longitudinal axis,
a lumen in the body,
a means for regulating advancement of the body, and
a push member disposed within the body, the push member and body adapted to move relative to each other to dispense the prosthesis material.
2 . The delivery member of claim 1 , wherein said distal end of said body is adapted to articulate relative to the axis.
3 . The delivery member of claim 1 , wherein said lumen is adapted to hold the prosthesis material prior to delivery into the interior region of the intervertebral disc.
4 . The delivery member of claim 3 , wherein said lumen is adapted to hold the prosthesis material prior to delivery in a distal end portion of the body.
5 . The delivery member of claim 1 , wherein said means for regulating advancement comprises one or more threads, barbs, or tapered rings disposed on said body.
6 . The delivery member according to claim 4 , wherein the push member is adapted to be manipulated by a user at a first end, and a second end is adapted to dislodge the prosthesis material from the lumen upon manipulation of the first end by the user.
7 . The delivery member according to claim 1 , wherein the body comprises an elongate hollow sleeve, and the push member is axially slidable within the sleeve.
8 . The delivery member according to claim 7 , wherein the sleeve is adapted to be manipulated by a user such that the user can displace the push member relative to the sleeve.
9 . The delivery member according to claim 7 , wherein the sleeve is adapted to be retracted relative to the push rod to dispense the prosthesis material upon retraction of the sleeve.
10 . The delivery member according to claim 1 , in combination with the prosthesis material.
11 . A method for delivering a prosthesis material into an interior region of an intervertebral disc, the method comprising:
(1) providing a delivery member having a longitudinal body, a means for regulating advancement of the body, and a push member; said body having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, and a lumen; said push member disposed within the body; and said push member and said body being adapted to move relative to each other to dispense the prosthesis member;
(2) loading the prosthesis member into said delivery device;
(3) advancing at least a portion of the delivery member to a desired location within the intervertebral disc, and
(4) delivering said prosthesis material into an interior region of the intervertebral disc.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein said prosthesis is delivered by moving the push member relative to the body to dislodge the prosthesis material from the delivery member.
13 . A kit of parts for use in treating disc disease, the kit comprising:
a prosthesis adapted for insertion into the intervertebral disc and the delivery member according to claim 1.