Methods and devices for fastening bulging or herniated intervertebral discs
US6530933B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S606/911
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for compressing and holding a bulging or herniated intervertebral disc. A number of fastener embodiments are disclosed, including a resiliently curved fastener, suture, screw, staple, tack and others. The curved fastener is resiliently straightened and loaded into a needle for delivery and deployment. In the intervertebral disc, the deployed fastener resumes the curvature to grip and hold the bulge. Alternatively, the suture is anchored and used to tie down the bulging tissue. The screw, staple or tack can also be used to securely fasten, compress and hold the bulge from impinging upon adjacent nerves or tissues.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.