Multi-stage biomaterial injection system for spinal implants

US8029511B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Disc Dynamics, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Bruce R. Bowman · Eden Prairie, US
• Rob Kohler · Lake Elmo, US
• Erik O. Martz · Howell, US
• Dan Melink · Prior Lake, US
• Khin Myint · Shakopee, US
• Michael Ahrens · Campbell, US
• Jean-Charles LeHuec · Pessac, FR
• John E. Sherman · Wayzata, US
• Scott Hook · Edina, US
• Dennis Johnson · Shakopee, US
• Qi-Bin Bao · Boxborough, US
• Robert Garryl Hudgins · Monticello, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 9, 2004
• Grant date: Oct 4, 2011
• Expiry date: Jan 17, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2250/0098
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for fluidly coupling a reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial to a mold. The flow of the flowable biomaterial into the mold is controlled in accordance with a first operating parameter. At least one injection condition is monitored. The flow of the flowable biomaterial is controlled in accordance with a second operating parameter in response to one or more of the injection conditions reaching a threshold level. The second operating parameter is maintained during at least a portion of the curing of the flowable biomaterial. In some embodiments, the second operating parameter may optionally include permitting a portion of the flowable biomaterial to be expelled from the mold.