Annulus-reinforcing band
US6712853B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00179
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pliable band or hoop that is flexible to normal handling, but cannot stretch circumferentially once it has reached the limits of its circumferential length. The band may have a structural portal to be used for filling, or it may simply be constructed of a fabric-like material that allows a fill tube to perforate its walls to allow for filling. In the latter case, the perforated wall tends to self-seal once the fill tube is withdrawn. The band may be flat or tubular in cross-section. However, unlike a balloon, the band does not require either a bottom or a top, as we found that a top and bottom are unnecessary when using a band or hoop to enclose material injected into a reamed out intervertebral space.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.