US6206921B1
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: 1999-02-22
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Granted: 2001-03-27
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Expires: 2019-02-22
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 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
- 👤 Peter A. Guagliano
- 👤 Anthony C. Ross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/46; A61F2/4601; A61F2/44; A61F2/441; 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: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 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. removal of nucleus pulposus contained in said annulus fibrosus of said intervertebral disk; c. injection of a resilient material comprising a geometric isomer of natural rubber which will not disperse upon setting, so as to cause said resilient material to occupy a space formerly occupied by said nucleus pulposus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 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. removal of nucleus pulposus contained in said annulus fibrosus of said intervertebral disk; c. injection of a resilient material comprising a geometric isomer of natural rubber which will not disperse upon setting, so as to cause said resilient material to occupy a space formerly occupied by said nucleus pulposus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an interverbral disk as described in claim 1 , wherein nucleus pulposus is removed prior to injection of said resilient material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 1 , wherein said resilient material comprises dental gutta percha.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 2 , comprises dental gutta percha.
Claim 6
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 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process for replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 5 , wherein the resilient material comprises approximately 19 to 22% gutta percha and 59 to 75% zinc oxide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process for replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 5 , wherein the resilient material further comprises plasticizing waxes and resins.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 5 , wherein the resilient material further comprises metal sulfates.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 1 , further comprising: heating the resilient material prior to injection of the resilient material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 9 , further comprising: pressurizing the heated resilient material to inject the resilient material into the intervertebral disk.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 9 , wherein said heated resilient material is injected through a nozzle and then into the space formally occupied by the nucleus pulposus.
Claim 13
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 14
Dependent Claim
67 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 fibrosis of an interverbral disk; b. heating a resilient material; c. pressurizing the heated resilient material and injecting the resilient material into the intervertebral disk, such that the injected heated material will set and occupy a space formerly occupied by said nucleus pulposus.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
67 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 fibrosis of an interverbral disk; b. heating a resilient material; c. pressurizing the heated resilient material and injecting the resilient material into the intervertebral disk, such that the injected heated material will set and occupy a space formerly occupied by said nucleus pulposus.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 2 , wherein said resilient material comprises dental gutta percha.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 13 , wherein said resilient material comprises dental gutta percha.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process for replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 13 , wherein the resilient material comprises approximately 19 to 22% gutta percha and 59 to 75% zinc oxide.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk as described in claim 13 , wherein said heated resilient material is injected through a nozzle and then into the space formally occupied by the nucleus pulposus.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process of replacing nucleus pulposus of an interverbral disk as described in claim 13 , further comprising: nucleus pulposus removing in the interverbral disk prior to injecting the heated material.
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) | 2004-03-26 | 2004-09-25 | 2005-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-03-26 | 2008-09-25 | 2009-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-03-26 | 2012-09-25 | 2013-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |