Patent ID: 9162041
Filing Date: 2015-10-20
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of delivering a nucleus pulposus replacement material comprising: removing nucleus pulposus material from an intervertebral disc; inserting a cannulated delivery tube through an opening in an annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, the cannulated delivery tube including an inflatable annular balloon disposed proximate a distal portion of the delivery tube; inflating the inflatable annular balloon of the cannulated delivery tube against the annulus fibrosus about the opening to create an annular seal between the inflatable annular balloon of the cannulated delivery tube and the annulus fibrosus and thereby seal the opening in the annulus fibrosus; injecting a known amount of volumetric material through the cannulated delivery tube and the sealed opening directly into the annulus fibrosus, and not into an implant placed in the annulus fibrosus, to determine the volume of nucleus pulposus material removed from the intervertebral disc, removing the volumetric material injected in the annulus fibrosus; delivering through the cannulated delivery tube and the sealed opening in the annulus fibrosus an amount of a nucleus pulposus replacement material directly into the annulus fibrosus and not into an implant placed in the annulus fibrosus, the amount of nucleus pulposus replacement material being based on the amount of volumetric material injected; removing the cannulated delivery tube; and closing the opening in the annulus fibrosus.