APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CLOSURE OF FISSURES IN THE ANULUS FIBROSIS
Apparatus for repairing a defect in an anulus fibrosis surrounding an intradiscal space, the apparatus comprising a first surgical instrument having a distal end adapted for penetration through an annulus fibrosis on one side of a defect in the annulus fibrosis such that the distal end of the first surgical instrument enters into an intradiscal space; a flexible longitudinal fixation component temporarily coupled to the distal end of the first surgical instrument; and a second surgical instrument having a distal end adapted for penetration through an annulus fibrosis on the other side of a defect in the annulus fibrosis or through a defect in the annulus fibrosis, the distal end of the second surgical instrument including a device for capturing the flexible longitudinal fixation component within an intradiscal space and pulling the flexible longitudinal fixation component so as to repair the defect.
1 . Apparatus for repairing a defect in an anulus fibrosis surrounding an intradiscal space, the apparatus comprising:
a first surgical instrument having a distal end adapted for penetration through an annulus fibrosis on one side of a defect in the annulus fibrosis such that the distal end of the first surgical instrument enters into an intradiscal space;
a flexible longitudinal fixation component temporarily coupled to the distal end of the first surgical instrument; and
a second surgical instrument having a distal end adapted for penetration through an annulus fibrosis on the other side of a defect in the annulus fibrosis or through a defect in the annulus fibrosis, the distal end of the second surgical instrument including a device for capturing the flexible longitudinal fixation component within an intradiscal space and pulling the flexible longitudinal fixation component so as to repair the defect.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the flexible longitudinal fixation component is attached to a magnet or magnetic material; and
the distal end of the second surgical instrument includes a magnet or magnetic material operative to capture the flexible longitudinal fixation component within an intradiscal space by way of magnetic attraction.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the second surgical instrument includes a mechanism that grabs the flexible longitudinal fixation component.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the second surgical instrument includes a plurality of barbs or projections grab the flexible longitudinal fixation component.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the second surgical instrument includes a needle for capturing the flexible longitudinal fixation component.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the second surgical instrument includes a scissoring mechanism that grabs the flexible longitudinal fixation component.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instrument, the flexible longitudinal fixation component, or both, include an anti-backout structure.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flexible longitudinal fixation component is a length of suture material.
9 . A method of repairing a defect in an anulus fibrosis having multiple layers surrounding an intradiscal space, comprising the steps of:
forcing a flexible longitudinal fixation component through all layers of an anulus fibrosis and into an intradiscal space on one side of a defect in the annulus fibrosis;
penetrating all layers of an anulus fibrosis on the other side of a defect in the annulus fibrosis, or through a defect in the annulus fibrosis, with a surgical instrument having a distal end with a device for capturing the flexible longitudinal fixation component within an intradiscal space;
capturing the flexible longitudinal fixation component within an intradiscal space; and
pulling the flexible longitudinal fixation component back out and through all layers of an anulus fibrosis so as to repair the defect.
10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein:
the flexible longitudinal fixation component is attached to a magnet or magnetic material; and
the step of capturing the flexible longitudinal fixation component within an intradiscal space includes magnetic attraction.
11 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the step of capturing the flexible longitudinal fixation component within an intradiscal space includes grabbing the flexible longitudinal fixation component with a surgical instrument.
12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the flexible longitudinal fixation component is a length of suture material.