Method for treating intervertebral discs
US7647123B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/09
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An interverterbral fissure can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element. The next step is applying a force longitudinally to the proximal of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient to puncture the annulus fibrosus. Next the functional element is positioned at a selected location of the disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter. Then the functional unit treats the annular fissure. Optionally, there is an additional step of adding a substance to seal the fissure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.