US6183518B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of replacing nucleus pulposus and repairing the intervertebral disk
Assignee: Nuvasive Inc
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Filing: 1999-03-23
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Granted: 2001-02-06
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Expires: 2019-03-23
Abstract
Abstract A process for repairing the annulus fibrosus, and replacing the nucleus pulposus. Removal of the nucleus pulposus and only as much of the annulus fibrosus and intervertebral disk as is necessary is performed. The tissue so removed is replaced by a material which is resilient, but non-dispersing upon setting. After application of the material, and after the material is set, the resiliency of the material permits motion of the vertebrae and performs the cushioning and joint functions of the intervertebral disk. The material is physiologically acceptable to the human body.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony C. Ross
- 👤 Peter A. Guagliano
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:41
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/441; A61F2/46; A61F2/4601; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/00491; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256; A61F2/442; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30065; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30563; A61F2002/30581; A61F2002/30583; A61F2002/444; A61F2002/4635; A61F2002/465; A61F2002/4688; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0071; A61F2210/0085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk, comprising the steps of: a. identifying a location of a prolapse in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disk; b. removing nucleus pulposus associated with the said annulus fibrosus of said intervertebral disk; c. heating a resilient material which will not disperse upon setting; and d. pressurizing the heated resilient material and injecting the pressurized heated material through a thermally insulating nozzle into the intervertebral disk, such that the injected resilient material, upon setting, will occupy a space formerly occupied by said nucleus pulposus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk, comprising the steps of: a. identifying a location of a prolapse in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disk; b. removing nucleus pulposus associated with the said annulus fibrosus of said intervertebral disk; c. heating a resilient material which will not disperse upon setting; and d. pressurizing the heated resilient material and injecting the pressurized heated material through a thermally insulating nozzle into the intervertebral disk, such that the injected resilient material, upon setting, will occupy a space formerly occupied by said nucleus pulposus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 1 , further comprising: removing nucleus pulposus prior to injection of said heated resilient material, wherein said resilient material occupies a space formerly occupied by said nucleus pulposus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 2 , wherein said resilient material is a geometric isomer of natural rubber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 2 , wherein said resilient material is a geometric isomer of natural rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 1 , wherein said resilient material is dental gutta percha.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 2 , wherein said resilient material is dental gutta percha.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 1 , wherein the resilient material comprises gutta percha and zinc oxide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process for replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 7 , wherein the resilient material comprises approximately 19 to 22% gutta percha and 59 to 75% zinc oxide.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process for replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 7 , wherein the resilient material further comprises plasticizing waxes and resins.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 7 , wherein the resilient material further comprises metal sulfates.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 1 , wherein removal of nucleus pulposus comprises irrigation and suction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 1 , further comprising: identifying the location of the pulposus with diagnostic imaging procedures.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 1 , wherein the resilient material is heated to a temperature such that the resilient material is moldable.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
101 words
A process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk, comprising the steps of: a. identifying a location of a prolapse in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disk; b. removing nucleus pulposus associated with the said annulus fibrosus of said intervertebral disk; c. thereafter heating to a moldable temperature geometric isomer of natural rubber material which will not disperse upon setting; and d. pressurizing the heated material and injecting the pressurized heated material through a thermally insulating nozzle into the intervertebral disk, such that the injected resilient material, upon setting, will occupy a space formerly occupied by said nucleus pulposus.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
101 words
A process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk, comprising the steps of: a. identifying a location of a prolapse in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disk; b. removing nucleus pulposus associated with the said annulus fibrosus of said intervertebral disk; c. thereafter heating to a moldable temperature geometric isomer of natural rubber material which will not disperse upon setting; and d. pressurizing the heated material and injecting the pressurized heated material through a thermally insulating nozzle into the intervertebral disk, such that the injected resilient material, upon setting, will occupy a space formerly occupied by said nucleus pulposus.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 14 , wherein said material is dental gutta percha.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 14 , wherein the material comprises gutta percha and zinc oxide.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process for replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 16 , wherein the resilient material comprises approximately 19 to 22% gutta percha and 59 to 75% zinc oxide.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process for replacing nucleus Pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 16 , wherein the resilient material further comprises plasticizing waxes and resins.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 14 , wherein removal of nucleus pulposus comprises irrigation and suction.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervebral disk as described in claim 14 , further comprising: identifying the location of the pulposus with diagnostic imaging procedures.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-02-06 | 2004-08-07 | 2005-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-02-06 | 2008-08-07 | 2009-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-02-06 | 2012-08-07 | 2013-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |