초록 ▼

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 fl

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.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method for repairing an intervertebral disc, said disc comprising an annulus that substantially surrounds a nuclear space and is located between first and second adjacent vertebrae, said annulus having a wall, said method comprising: inserting an inflatable implant in a col

What is claimed is: 1. A method for repairing an intervertebral disc, said disc comprising an annulus that substantially surrounds a nuclear space and is located between first and second adjacent vertebrae, said annulus having a wall, said method comprising: inserting an inflatable implant in a collapsed configuration through a passageway formed across the annulus wall and into the nuclear space; wherein said inflatable implant comprises, an inflatable membrane, said membrane having an internal chamber, said membrane having an internal self-sealing fill valve located within the internal chamber; and inflating said implant within the nuclear space from the collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration 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; wherein said internal self-sealing fill valve comprises internal opposing walls that are disposed relative to the membrane so as to collapse as a result of a compressive load between the first and second vertebrae, and thus between the first and second membrane portions, and thereby disposed on said internal chamber. 2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said membrane comprises an elastomer. 3. A method as recited in claim 2, wherein said elastomer is biodegradable. 4. A method as recited in claim 2, wherein said elastomer comprises polyurethane. 5. A method as recited in claim 4, wherein said polyurethane comprises aliphatic polycarbonate polyurethane. 6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said implant is inflated with a hydrogel. 7. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein said hydrogel is mixed with an additive selected from the group consisting essentially of chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. 8. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein said hydrogel comprises: a nucleophilic “8-arm” octomer (PEG-NH2, MW 20 kDa); and a “2-arm” amine-specific electrophilic dimer. 9. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein said hydrogel comprises cross-linkable polyethylene glycol. 10. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising removing nucleus pulposus tissue to form said nuclear space. 11. A method as recited in claim 10, further comprising removing said nucleus pulposus tissue by performing a postero-lateral percutaneous discectomy. 12. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said membrane and said self-sealing valve are formed as one unitary member.