Devices and method for augmenting a vertebral disc

Abstract

A vertebral disc prosthesis, a method of implanting a prosthesis and a deployment device is provided. The prosthesis may be implanted into the interior region of the vertebral disc so as to displace existing vertebral tissue, such as NP. The size or amount of the prosthesis inserted into the interior region of the vertebral disc may be a characteristic of the disc or the prosthesis. For example, the amount or size of prosthesis inserted into the disc may be dependent upon restoring the functionality of the disc (e.g., the ability of the disc to transfer nutrients or otherwise survive, the ability of the disc to carry the required loads and absorb stress or the reduction of pain). Restoring disc function may be determined by the resulting disc height desired, the resulting disc pressure desired or the resulting disc volume desired. The prosthesis may be sized or positioned within the interior of the vertebral disc such that it is spaced from at least one of the end plates of the vertebral disc. The prosthesis may be formed of a material having a compression strength that is less than 4 mn / m<2 >. A deployment device may be used to facilitate placement of the prosthesis within the vertebral disc. The prosthesis may include a grouping of multiple components that can be deployed as group.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 439,261, filed on Jan. 10, 2003; 60 / 438,022, filed on Jan. 3, 2003; and 60 / 417,219, filed Oct. 9, 2002.[0002] This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 055,504 filed on Oct. 25, 2001, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 696,636 filed on Oct. 25, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,839, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 642,450 filed on Aug. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,235, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 608,797 filed on Jun. 30, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,919.[0003] Application Ser. No. 10 / 055,504 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 311,586 filed on Aug. 10, 2001. Application Ser. Nos. 09 / 642,450 and 09 / 608,797 each claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 172,996, filed on Dec. 19, 1999; 60 / 161,085, filed...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a method for treating damaged vertebral discs in the spine. The method involves replacing the damaged disc with a prosthesis material that can be inserted into the interior region of the disc to restore its function. The prosthesis material can be a hydrogel or a foam-like material that is designed to mimic the natural nucleus pulposus. The method can also involve monitoring the characteristics of the disc and the prosthesis material to ensure a safe and effective treatment. Overall, the patent text provides a technical solution for treating degenerated spinal discs and restoring their function."

Problems solved by technology

The most common resulting symptoms are pain radiating along a nerve and low back pain, both of which can be crippling for the patient.

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