Patent ID: 9307968
Filing Date: 2016-04-12
CPC Classification: A61B,A61L,A61M

Claim Text:
1. A method for preventing leakage of therapeutic agents from a target site in an annulus of an intervertebral disc through an injection opening created by an injection needle, the injection opening having a certain length, wherein the method comprises: delivering the therapeutic agents to the target site in a subject using an apparatus while creating the injection opening adjacent to the target site, the injection opening comprising an exterior end, wherein the apparatus comprises the injection needle comprising a plunger, and a transparent tubing connecting a first detachable portion with the injection needle; closing the tubing; removing the first detachable portion from the tubing; attaching a second detachable portion comprising a needle shaped plug to the tubing; marking the second detachable portion to indicate the length of the injection opening; opening the tubing; delivering the needle shaped plug to fill the injection opening by pushing the injection needle plunger and stopping at the marking of the second detachable portion, removing the apparatus; and applying a biocompatible adhesive to the exterior end of the injection opening.