Method for relieving pain and regenerating intervertebral disc
US9980821B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00982
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Intervertebral discs are avascular. Oxygen, nutrients and bicarbonate diffuse from capillaries in cartilaginous endplates into discs to feed and maintain disc cells. As we age, calcified layers form at the endplates, blocking and occluding capillaries. Diffusion zones of oxygen and nutrients in disc become shallow. Cells in mid-layer of the disc suffer chronic anaerobic and starving conditions. Lactic acid is produced. Disc cells die from starvation, causing disc degeneration and forming fissures in annulus. Lactic acid leaks from fissures to the outer annulus of the disc to cause irritation, inflammation and persistent pain. Spirals of filament are implanted into the painful and degenerating disc to draw oxygen, nutrients and bicarbonate from the shallow diffusion zones of the cartilaginous endplates into the mid-layer of the degenerating disc. Oxygen inhibits anaerobic production of lactic acid; nutrients feed disc cells to halt disc degeneration; bicarbonate neutralizes lactic acid in the mid-layer to relieve pain.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.