Patent · US Active

Minimally invasive apparatus to manipulate and revitalize spinal column disc

US8753394B2 · kind B2 · utility

9Cited by

9References

8Claims

0Family size

Assignee

ARTHRODISC, L.L.C. · US

Inventors

Richard I. Zipnick · Park City, US
Randall Stultz · Phoenix, US

Key dates

Filing date	Jul 12, 2007
Grant date	Jun 17, 2014
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Jan 30, 2029

Classification

Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
CPC primaryA61F2310/00179
WIPO fieldMedical technology
WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided to manipulate and revitalize a spinal column disc while minimizing or preventing the removal of material comprising the disc. The method allows a device to be inserted in the disc either through a pre-existing rupture or through an opening formed in the front, back, or sides of the disc. Increasing the space between the vertebra bounding the disc or removing disc material often is not necessary to insert the device in the disc. The device generates internal traction or other forces acting on the disc to alter the shape of the disc. The shape of the disc is altered to relieve pressure on nerves adjacent the disc. The shape of the disc is also altered to draw nuclear hernias back into the interior of the disc and to produce a disc shape that improves functioning of the disc.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.