IP Library › Patent Application 12247675
Patent Application
App. No. 12/247,675

Method and Apparatus for the Treatment of the Intervertebral Disc Annulus

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
12/247,675
Abstract

The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.

Claims (28)

1 - 189 . (canceled)

190 . A method of treating an intervertebral disc comprising:

providing a delivery tool having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion carrying a treatment device having a first configuration, and said delivery tool comprising at least one cannula disposed between said proximal portion and said distal portion, wherein said cannula is capable of delivering adhesive material for affixation of said treatment device to the intervertebral disc tissue;

introducing the distal portion of the delivery tool at least partially into the intervertebral disc;

actuating the delivery tool, said actuating step causing said treatment device to obtain a second, deployed configuration;

injecting adhesive material through a portion of said cannula and out of the distal portion of the delivery tool so as to, at least partially, secure said treatment device to the intervertebral disc;

releasing said treatment device from said delivery tool; and,

removing said delivery tool.

191 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said adhesive material comprises cyanoacrylate, fibrin glue, polymer protein, polyurethane, compounds that mimic mussel shell adhesive proteins, or materials utilized for dural or dermal wound repairs.

192 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said adhesive material also acts to fill a portion of a void created within an intervertebral disc.

193 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said treatment device comprises biodegradable or bioabsorbable material.

194 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said adhesive material comprises biodegradable or bioabsorbable material.

195 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said treatment device comprises biocompatible material.

196 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said adhesive material comprises biocompatible material.

197 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said treatment device comprises material to facilitate regeneration of tissue.

198 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said adhesive material comprises material to facilitate regeneration of tissue.

199 . A method of claim 197 , wherein said material to facilitate regeneration of tissue comprises a growth factor.

200 . A method of claim 198 , wherein said material to facilitate regeneration of tissue comprises a growth factor.

201 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said treatment device comprises polymeric material.

202 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said adhesive material comprises polymeric material.

203 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said treatment device comprises a mesh, patch, scaffold, stent, barrier or membrane.

204 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said treatment device comprises braided mesh.

205 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said treatment device obtains said second, deployed configuration by actuating said delivery tool so as to cause to shorten the treatment device dimension along the axis of the delivery tool.

206 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said treatment device obtains said second, deployed configuration by actuating said first delivery tool so as to laterally expand the treatment device dimension away from the axis of the delivery tool.

207 . A method of claim 190 , wherein multiple treatment devices and adhesive materials are used to treat an intervertebral disc.

208 . A method of claim 206 , wherein said treatment device comprises portions or elements of the device that facilitate non-uniform expansion of the treatment device away from the axis of the delivery tool.

209 . A method of claim 204 , wherein said treatment device comprises multiple braided meshes configured in series or in parallel.

210 . A method of claim 190 , wherein said treatment device comprises a retention element so as to secure the treatment device in the second, deployed configuration.