Patent GB189817549A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US20030023311A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Intervertebral disc nucleus implants and methods
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2002-09-24
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2022-09-24
Abstract
Abstract Nucleus pulposus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space are provided. In one form of the invention, an implant includes a load bearing elastic body surrounded in the disc space by an anchoring, preferably resorbable, outer shell. In certain forms of the invention, the elastic body is surrounded by a supporting member, such as a band or jacket, and the supporting member is surrounded by the outer shell. Kits for forming such implants are also provided. In another form of the invention, an implant is provided that has locking features and optional shape memory characteristics. In yet another aspect of the invention, nucleus pulposus implants are provided that have shape memory characteristics and are configured to allow short-term manual, or other deformation without permanent deformation, cracks, tears, breakage or other damage. Methods of forming and implanting the implants are also described.
Inventors
- 👤 Hai Trieu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 22:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2/44; A61F2/441; A61F2/442; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256; A61F2/3094; A61F2/30965; A61F2/28; A61F2002/2817; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30062; A61F2002/30092; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30112; A61F2002/30133; A61F2002/30159; A61F2002/30179; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/302; A61F2002/30224; A61F2002/30291; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30563; A61F2002/30594; A61F2002/30604; A61F2002/30667; A61F2002/30677; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30838; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30891; A61F2002/30906; A61F2/30907; A61F2002/30909; A61F2002/30925; A61F2/30942; A61F2002/30957; A61F2002/4415; A61F2002/444; A61F2002/4495; A61F2002/4625; A61F2002/4627; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0004; A61F2210/0014; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/0015; A61F2230/0028; A61F2230/0058; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0065; A61F2230/0069; A61F2230/0091
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 73
Claim 1
Independent Claim
29 words
1 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space, said body surrounded by a resorbable shell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
1 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space, said body surrounded by a resorbable shell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
2 . The implant of claim 1 , wherein said resorbable shell is comprised of an elastic material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
3 . The implant of claim 1 , wherein said resorbable shell is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of fibrin, albumin, gelatin, collagen, elastin, silk, demineralized bone matrix, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene fumarate and combinations thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
4 . The implant of claim 1 , wherein said elastic body is comprised of a hydrogel material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
5 . The implant of claim 4 , further including a pharmacological agent associated with said hydrogel material, said resorbable shell, or a combination thereof, said agent selected from the group consisting of growth factors, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, analgesics, and combinations thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
6 . The implant of claim 5 , wherein said pharmacological agent is a growth factor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
7 . The implant of claim 6 , wherein said growth factor is selected from the group consisting of transforming growth factor β, bone morphogenetic proteins, fibroblast growth factors, platelet-derived growth factors, insulin-like growth factors and combinations thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
8 . The implant of claim 7 , wherein said growth factor is a recombinant human protein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
9 . The implant of claim 1 , wherein said elastic body is comprised of a polymer selected from the group consisting of elastomers and hydrogels.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
10 . The implant of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of said elastic body includes projections extending therefrom, said projections configured for enhancing fixation of said body in said intervertebral space.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
11 . The implant of claim 10 , wherein said projections comprise fiber loops.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
12 . The implant of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of said elastic body is microtexturized.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
13 . The implant of claim 12 , wherein said microtexturizing is performed by a process selected from the group consisting of bead blasting, plasma etching, chemical etching and combinations thereof.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
48 words
14 . The implant of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of said elastic body includes reactive chemical groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups, amino groups, carboxyl groups and organofunctional silane groups, said groups enhancing fixation of said elastic body to said resorbable shell.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
15 . The implant of claim 1 , wherein said resorbable shell is formed in-situ.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
16 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body of hydrogel material sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space, said body surrounded by a resorbable shell.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
16 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body of hydrogel material sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space, said body surrounded by a resorbable shell.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
17 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space, said body surrounded by a supporting member, said supporting member surrounded by a resorbable shell.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
17 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space, said body surrounded by a supporting member, said supporting member surrounded by a resorbable shell.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
18 . The implant of claim 17 , wherein said resorbable shell is comprised of an elastic material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
19 . The implant of claim 17 , wherein said resorbable shell is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of fibrin, albumin, gelatin, collagen, elastin, silk, demineralized bone matrix, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene fumarate and combinations thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
20 . The implant of claim 17 , wherein said elastic body is comprised of a hydrogel material.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
21 . The implant of claim 17 , wherein said supporting member is comprised of a supporting band.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
22 . The implant of claim 17 , wherein said supporting member is comprised of a jacket.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
91 words
23 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space, said body having a first end, a second end, a central portion, and a first configuration wherein said first end and said second end are positioned adjacent to said central portion to form at least one inner fold, said elastic body configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis, said body configurable back into said first configuration after said insertion.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
91 words
23 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space, said body having a first end, a second end, a central portion, and a first configuration wherein said first end and said second end are positioned adjacent to said central portion to form at least one inner fold, said elastic body configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis, said body configurable back into said first configuration after said insertion.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
24 . The implant of claim 23 , wherein said inner fold defines an aperture.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
25 . The implant of claim 23 , wherein said elastic body is comprised of a hydrogel material.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
26 . The implant of claim 23 , wherein said elastic body is comprised of an elastomer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
27 . The implant of claim 26 , wherein said elastomer is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyurethane, copolymers of silicone and polyurethane, polyolefins, nitrile and combinations thereof.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
28 . The implant of claim 24 , wherein said inner fold has a surface with projections, said projections extending into said aperture.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
29 . The implant of claim 23 , wherein said elastic body has an outer surface, said outer surface having projections extending therefrom, said projections configured for enhancing fixation of said body in said intervertebral disc space.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
30 . The implant of claim 23 , wherein the outer surface of said elastic body is microtexturized.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
31 . The implant of claim 30 , wherein said microtexturizing is performed by a process selected from the group consisting of bead blasting, plasma etching, chemical etching and combinations thereof.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
32 . The implant of claim 23 , wherein said body further comprises a reinforcing material at said inner fold surface.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
33 . The implant of claim 32 , wherein said reinforcing material comprises fibers.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
34 . The implant of claim 23 , wherein said elastic body is comprised of a hydrogel material, said material having at least one growth factor dispersed therein.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
38 words
35 . The implant of claim 34 , wherein said growth factor is selected from the group consisting of transforming growth factor β, bone morphogenetic proteins, fibroblast growth factors, platelet-derived growth factors, insulin-like growth factors and combinations thereof.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
36 . The implant of claim 34 , wherein said growth factor comprises a recombinant protein.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
37 . The implant of claim 36 , wherein said recombinant protein is a human protein.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
98 words
38 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space, said body having a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end configured for mating engagement with each other, said elastic body having a first configuration wherein said first end and said second end are matingly engaged to each other, said elastic body configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis, said body configurable back into said first configuration after said insertion.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
98 words
38 . An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising: a load bearing elastic body sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space, said body having a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end configured for mating engagement with each other, said elastic body having a first configuration wherein said first end and said second end are matingly engaged to each other, said elastic body configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis, said body configurable back into said first configuration after said insertion.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
39 . The implant of claim 38 , wherein one of said ends defines an internal channel, said other end interlockingly disposed within said channel.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
40 . The implant of claim 39 , wherein said other end is configured to conform to the shape of said internal channel.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
41 . The implant of claim 38 , wherein said elastic body is annular-shaped.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
42 . The implant of claim 38 , wherein said elastic body is comprised of a hydrogel material, said material having a growth factor dispersed therein.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
38 words
43 . The implant of claim 42 , wherein said growth factor is selected from the group consisting of transforming growth factor β, bone morphogenetic proteins, fibroblast growth factors, platelet-derived growth factors, insulin-like growth factors and combinations thereof.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
39 words
44 . A kit for forming an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising a load bearing elastic body sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space and a container of material to form a resorbable shell around said body.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
39 words
44 . A kit for forming an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising a load bearing elastic body sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space and a container of material to form a resorbable shell around said body.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
45 . The kit of claim 44 , wherein said material is curable.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
46 . The kit of claim 44 , wherein said resorbable shell is comprised of an elastic material.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
43 words
47 . The kit of claim 44 , wherein said resorbable shell is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of fibrin, albumin, gelatin, collagen, elastin, silk, demineralized bone matrix, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene fumarate and combinations thereof.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
48 . The kit of claim 44 , wherein said elastic body is comprised of a hydrogel material.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
49 . The kit of claim 44 , wherein said elastic body is comprised of a polymer selected from the group consisting of elastomers and hydrogels.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
47 words
50 . A kit for forming an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising a load bearing elastic body sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space, a supporting member to surround said body and a container of material to form a resorbable shell around said supporting member.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
47 words
50 . A kit for forming an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising a load bearing elastic body sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space, a supporting member to surround said body and a container of material to form a resorbable shell around said supporting member.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
51 words
51 . A method for implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant in an intervertebral disc space, comprising: (a) preparing said intervertebal disc space to receive said implant; and (b) introducing a load bearing elastic body into said disc space, said body surrounded in said disc space by a resorbable shell.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
51 words
51 . A method for implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant in an intervertebral disc space, comprising: (a) preparing said intervertebal disc space to receive said implant; and (b) introducing a load bearing elastic body into said disc space, said body surrounded in said disc space by a resorbable shell.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
52 . The method of claim 51 , comprising introducing said resorbable shell into said intervertebral disc space prior to introducing said elastic body into said intervertebral disc space.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
28 words
53 . The method of claim 51 , comprising introducing said resorbable shell into said intervertebral disc space after introducing said elastic body into said intervertebral disc space.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
54 . The method of claim 51 , comprising introducing said resorbable shell into said intervertebral disc space at the same time as introducing said elastic body into said intervertebral disc space.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
55 . The method of claim 51 , comprising surrounding said elastic body with said resorbable shell prior to introducing said elastic body into said disc space.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
30 words
56 . The method of claim 51 , wherein said resorbable shell is formed from a resorbable material in an uncured state and is cured to form said outer shell.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
59 words
57 . A method for implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant in an intervertebral disc space, comprising: (a) preparing said intervertebal disc space to receive said implant; and (b) introducing a load bearing elastic body into said disc space, said body surrounded by a supporting member, said supporting member surrounded in said disc space by a resorbable shell.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
59 words
57 . A method for implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant in an intervertebral disc space, comprising: (a) preparing said intervertebal disc space to receive said implant; and (b) introducing a load bearing elastic body into said disc space, said body surrounded by a supporting member, said supporting member surrounded in said disc space by a resorbable shell.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
58 . The implant of claim 57 , wherein said supporting member is comprised of a supporting band.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
17 words
59 . The implant of claim 57 , wherein said supporting member is comprised of a jacket.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
124 words
60 . A method for implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant in an intervertebral disc space, comprising: (a) providing a load bearing elastic body sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space, said body having a first end, a second end, a central portion, and a first configuration wherein said first end and said second end are positioned adjacent to said central portion to form at least one inner fold, said elastic body configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in said annulus fibrosis, said body configurable back into said first configuration after said insertion; (b) preparing said intervertebal disc space to receive said body; and (c) positioning said body into said intervertebral disc space after said preparing step.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
124 words
60 . A method for implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant in an intervertebral disc space, comprising: (a) providing a load bearing elastic body sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space, said body having a first end, a second end, a central portion, and a first configuration wherein said first end and said second end are positioned adjacent to said central portion to form at least one inner fold, said elastic body configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in said annulus fibrosis, said body configurable back into said first configuration after said insertion; (b) preparing said intervertebal disc space to receive said body; and (c) positioning said body into said intervertebral disc space after said preparing step.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
29 words
61 . The method of claim 60 , wherein said method further comprises configuring said body at least partially into said second, straightened configuration prior to said placing step.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
132 words
62 . A method for implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant in an intervertebral disc space, comprising: (a) providing a load bearing elastic body sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space, said body having a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end configured for mating engagement with each other, said elastic body having a first configuration wherein said first end and said second end are matingly engaged to each other, said elastic body configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis, said body configurable back into said first configuration after said insertion; (b) preparing said intervertebal disc space to receive said body; (c) positioning said body into said intervertebral disc space after said preparing step.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
132 words
62 . A method for implanting an intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant in an intervertebral disc space, comprising: (a) providing a load bearing elastic body sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space, said body having a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end configured for mating engagement with each other, said elastic body having a first configuration wherein said first end and said second end are matingly engaged to each other, said elastic body configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis, said body configurable back into said first configuration after said insertion; (b) preparing said intervertebal disc space to receive said body; (c) positioning said body into said intervertebral disc space after said preparing step.
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