Patent ID: 7273497
Filing Date: 2007-09-25
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L

Abstract:
1. A method for treating an annulus fibrosis having an outer layer, at least one inner layer, and a defect extending through the outer and inner layers, comprising the steps of: inserting a porous mesh into the defect in the annulus fibrosis, the porous mesh being arranged in a structure having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and a length between the distal and proximal ends; advancing the porous mesh distally beyond the outer layer of the annulus fibrosis; and expanding the porous mesh to a diameter larger than the defect to prevent escape of nucleus pulposus through the defect, wherein the porous mesh expands radially by reducing the length between the distal and proximal ends, and the proximal end of the porous mesh is located distally beyond the outer layer of the annulus fibrosis.