Packaged, partially hydrated prosthetic disc nucleus
US6533817B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2430/38
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A packaged prosthetic disc nucleus including a prosthetic disc nucleus and a retainer. The prosthetic disc nucleus includes a hydrogel core formed to hydrate from a dehydrated state. Further, the prosthetic disc nucleus is configured to such that following implantation into a nucleus cavity, the hydrogel core hydrates to a final hydrated state. The retainer selectively contains the prosthetic disc nucleus. Further, upon contact with a hydration liquid, the retainer is configured to allow the hydrogel core to hydrate from the dehydrated state while preventing the hydrogel core from hydrating to the final hydrated state. Thus, the prosthetic disc nucleus is constrained by the retainer in a partially hydrated state. In one preferred embodiment, the combination prosthetic disc nucleus/retainer is sealed within an outer enclosure, such as a pouch, that also contains a hydration liquid for hydrating the hydrogel core. During use, the prosthetic disc nucleus is removed from the retainer and implanted in the partially hydrated state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.