Filing Information

Inventor(s)	Jeffrey C. Lotz · David S. Bradford ·
Assignee(s)	THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA ·  View assignee updates
Correspondent	JOHN P. O'BANION;O'BANION & RITCHEY LLP ·
Application Number	US12396385
Filing date	03/02/2009
Publication date	09/17/2009
Predicted expiration date	05/24/2022
U.S. Classifications	623/171.6  · 623/115  · 623/171.2  ·
International Classifications	A61F206  · A61F244  ·
Kind Code	A1

Patent Family

Abstract

A bioactive/biodegradable nucleus implant for repairing degenerated intervertebral discs that is inflated inside the nucleus space after the degenerated nucleus has been removed to re-pressurize the nuclear space within the intervertebral disc. The implant is inflated with a high molecular weight fluid, gel or combination of fluid and elastomer, preferably an under-hydrated HA hydrogel/growth factor mixture with or without host cells. The implant includes an internal, integral, self-sealing valve that allows one-way filling of the implant after it is placed within the disc, and is made from a material that allows fibrous in growth thereby stabilizing the implant. A variety of substances can be incorporated into the implant to promote healing, prevent infection, or arrest pain.

Independent Claims | See all claims (24)

1. 1-52. (canceled)
2. 53. An implant for repairing an intervertebral disc, the intervertebral disc being disposed between opposing vertebral endplates of adjacent vertebrae, comprising: an inflatable membrane; and a valve coupled to said inflatable membrane for delivery of an inflation medium into said membrane; said membrane having a plurality of inner chambers for holding said inflation medium.
3. 60-70. (canceled)
4. 73. An implant for repairing an intervertebral disc, the intervertebral disc comprising an annulus that substantially surrounds a nuclear space and is located between opposing vertebral endplates of first and second vertebrae, comprising: an inflatable membrane; said membrane being insertable in a collapsed configuration through a passageway formed across the annulus and into the nuclear space; said membrane being adjustable within the nuclear space from the collapsed configuration to an inflated configuration with a geometry configured to substantially fill the nuclear space such that a first portion of the membrane is located adjacent the first vertebra, a second portion of the membrane located opposite the first portion is positioned adjacent the second vertebra; and a valve coupled to said inflatable membrane for delivery of an inflation medium into said membrane; said membrane having a plurality of inner chambers for holding said inflation medium.
5. 78. A system for facilitating regeneration of an intervertebral nucleus, said intervertebral nucleus bounded at its upper and lower extremities by opposing vertebral endplates of first and second vertebrae, and at its periphery by annulus fibrosus, comprising: a stent having top and bottom portions comprising metal hoops; said top and bottom portions having a footprint adapted to engage with peripheral regions of the opposing vertebral endplates while leaving a central region of the vertebral endplates open; a plurality of lateral members connecting said top and bottom portions; said lateral members and top and bottom portions configured to allow the stent to collapse for insertion between the adjacent vertebrae; wherein the stent is configured to be inserted in a collapsed configuration through a passageway formed across the annulus and into the nuclear space wherein the stent is configured to expand to an expanded configuration within the nuclear space such that the top portion contacts the first vertebrae and the bottom portion contacts the second vertebrae; and an inflatable membrane; said membrane being insertable in a collapsed configuration through the passageway formed across the annulus and into the nuclear space, said membrane being adjustable within the nuclear space from the collapsed configuration to an inflated configuration with a geometry configured to substantially fill the nuclear space in between said stent, such that a first portion of the membrane is located adjacent the first vertebra, a second portion of the membrane located opposite the first portion is positioned adjacent the second vertebra.