Methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space

US7789913B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SPINE WAVE, INC. · US

Inventors

• Keith Collins · Milford, US
• Thomas G. Wilson · Guilford, US
• Jared Walkenhorst · Denver, US
• Dennis Lee · Swarthmore, US
• Andrew J. Carter · McNeil, US
• John Pafford · Bartlett, US
• Mark D. LoGuidice · Southport, US
• Lance Middleton · Soddy-Daisy, US
• Lawrence M. Boyd · Memphis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 29, 2005
• Grant date: Sep 7, 2010
• Expiry date: Nov 13, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2002/4663
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc comprises the steps of: (a) providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; (b) removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (c) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. The method may include the additional steps of applying a force to distract the opposing vertebral bodies about the intradiscal space and then removing the distraction force after the biomaterial has cured. The step of determining the size of the intradiscal space may be accomplished by expanding a compliant balloon within the intradiscal space using a contrast medium capable of visualization under fluoroscopy. The curable material is sealably introduced through a vented needle inserted through the opening. The curable biomaterial is introduced until a quantity of the material flows into the vent.