Supplementation or replacement of a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc
US8147553B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2230/0071
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A degenerated nucleus pulposus located in a central core region of an intervertebral disc within the annulus fibrosus is supplemented or replaced by a method wherein an amount of a biocompatible material is introduced into the central core region by a process including the steps of 1) forming a channel through a vertebral body adjacent to said intervertebral disc, extending from an exterior surface of the vertebral body to the central core region of the annulus fibrosus; 2) introducing an amount of a biocompatible material through the channel into the central core region of the annulus fibrosus; 3) pressurizing the biocompatible material through the channel to a postsurgical pressure sufficient to alleviate symptoms caused by the degenerated nucleus pulposus; and 4) sealing the channel while maintaining the sufficient postsurgical pressure. After sealing the channel, a vertebroplasty may optionally be performed in the vertebra.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.