Methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space

US8444694B2 · 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: Aug 23, 2010
• Grant date: May 21, 2013
• Expiry date: Feb 11, 2031

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; (c) determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (d) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. 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.