Devices and Methods for Annular Repair of Intervertebral Discs

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and / or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and / or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 943,525 filed Sep. 17, 2004; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 390,970, filed Mar. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,695; and is a continuation-in-part of 10 / 055,780, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,125. U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 390,970 is a continuation-in-part of 09 / 685,401, filed Oct. 10, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,291; which is a continuation-in-part of 10 / 093,990, filed Mar. 7, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,835,205; which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 542,972, filed Apr. 4, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,750; and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 263,343, filed Jan. 22, 2001; and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 368,108 filed Mar. 26, 2002 entitled DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SPINAL DISORDERS, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] As will become apparent from the following detailed description, the improved devices and methods of the present invention may reduce if not eliminate back pain while maintaining near normal anatomical motion. Specifically, the present invention provides disc reinforcement devices to reinforce a damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc. The devices of the present invention are particularly well suited for minimally invasive methods of implantation.

[0022] The reinforcement devices of the present invention may provide three distinct functions. Firstly, the reinforcement devices may mechanically stabilize and strengthen the disc to minimize if not eliminate chronic irritation of nerve roots and nerves around the periphery of the disc annulus. Secondly, the reinforcement devices may radially and / or circumferentially compress the disc to close fissures, fractures and tears, thereby preventing the ingress of nerves as well as potentially facilitating healing. Thirdly, the reinforcement devices may be used to stabilize the posterior disc after a discectomy procedure in order to reduce the need for re-operation.

Problems solved by technology

Secondly, the reinforcement devices may radially and / or circumferentially compress the disc to close fissures, fractures and tears, thereby preventing the ingress of nerves as well as potentially facilitating healing.

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