Radiovisible hydrogel intervertebral disc nucleus
US8197547B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2430/38
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A spinal implant for replacing the natural nucleus of the disc made from a polymer such as hydrogel having a radiopaque material located within the polymer. The material may be in the form of a powder dispersed throughout the polymer or may be in he form of a powder dispersed in layers or in other specific locations within the polymer. The radiopaque material is metal such as gold, tungsten, titanium, tantalum or platinum. The metal may also be in the form of a foil or wire located within the hydrogel such as polyurethane, thereby making the implant visible on x-rays. Other polymers besides hydrogel may be used with the radiopaque material being dispersed therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.