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 Ser. No. 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 Ser. No. 09 / 685,401, filed Oct. 10, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,291; which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 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 incor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

These devices effectively reduce or eliminate chronic back pain, maintain normal anatomical motion, and promote healing by stabilizing the disc and preventing nerve ingression, offering a less invasive and more effective alternative to existing treatments.

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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