Patent ID: 6733505
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
Apparatus for implanting a prosthetic nucleus in a chamber of an intervertebral disc after removal of at least a portion of a damaged or degenerated nucleus from the chamber, said apparatus comprising:a carrier cartridge defining a first end and a second end, said carrier cartridge having a cavity at said first end, said cavity being configured to selectively hold said prosthetic nucleus; a deployment cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end of said deployment cannula being configured for implanting said prosthetic nucleus in the chamber of the intervertebral disc; releasable connection means being located on at least one of said second end of said carrier cartridge and said distal end of said deployment cannula, said releasable connection means being configured to selectively connect said carrier cartridge and deployment cannula to one another; a folding die being configured in at least one of said carrier cartridge and said deployment cannula, said folding die forming an inwardly decreasing taper in a direction from said cavity to said deployment cannula so as to reconfigure said prosthetic nucleus from a relatively flat configuration to a substantially cylindrical configuration as said prosthetic nucleus moves from said carrier cartridge to said deployment cannula; and force applying means being configurable to impart a force on said prosthetic nucleus so as to cause said prosthetic nucleus to move from said cavity into said deployment cannula.