Patent ID: 7749273
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of delivery of an implant to an intervertebral disc, the method comprising: providing an implant including at least two anchor apparatuses connected by at least one connecting member, the anchor apparatuses including at least one t-anchor or barbed anchor capable of being disposed within the intervertebral disc tissue, and at least one pledget capable of being positioned on the outer surface of the annulus, providing an implant delivery device having a proximal and distal portion, the implant delivery device comprising an outer cannula, a needle cannula at least partially disposed within said outer cannula, and an elongate inner member at least partially disposed within said needle cannula; wherein, during implant delivery, said needle cannula is adapted to receive at least a portion of said implant within its distal portion and wherein said elongate inner member is adapted to abut and is capable of resisting proximal movement of the implant within the needle cannula, positioning the distal portion of said delivery device into, or through, intervertebral disc tissue, retracting said needle cannula to at least partially dispense a portion of the implant into the intervertebral disc tissue, wherein the step of retraction allows proximal movement of the needle cannula with respect to the outer cannula and the elongate inner member; applying tension on the at least one connecting member between the two anchor apparatuses after retracting the needle cannula; and removing the implant delivery device after applying tension on the at least one connecting member.