Intervertebral disc annulus repair system and method
US8460319B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/06185
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for at least partially closing an aperture in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc of a patient comprises an implant delivery tool and an implant releasably coupled to the implant delivery tool. The implant delivery tool includes a substantially rigid outer tube having a sharpened distal tip, a body a body coupled to the proximal section of the outer tube, and a plunger assembly movable axially relative to the body and including a plunger member and a pusher tube coupled thereto and disposed within the outer tube. The implant includes first and second tissue anchors serially disposed within the distal section of the outer tube, and a flexible connecting element coupling the first and second tissue anchors including a knotless braided suture structure for adjusting the length of the flexible coupling element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.