System and method for intervertebral disc bulge reduction
US8535338B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00023
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for treating a bulge in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus adjacent to a vertebral body of a patient's spine using a repair device including a suture element, a patch element and a bone anchor. A bore is formed through a portion of the vertebral body, including an endplate thereof adjacent to the intervertebral disc. A suture picker is deployed through the bore and the annulus fibrosus, and the suture element is coupled to the suture picker. The suture picker is withdrawn from the bore. The suture element is pulled so as to draw the patch element against the bulge, and continued tension on the suture element urges the patch and the bulged anteriorly so as to re-approximate the natural shape of the annulus fibrosus. The suture element is secured to the vertebral body using the bone anchor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.