Patent ID: 8082043
Filing Date: 2011-12-20
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. An externally guidable intervertebral disc apparatus for treatment of degenerate circumferential disc bulges, the apparatus comprising: a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis, the catheter having an intradiscal section at the distal end of the catheter, the intradiscal section being extendible into the disc and having sufficient rigidity to be advanceable through the nucleus pulposus and around the inner wall of the annulus fibrosus under a force applied longitudinally to the proximal end, having sufficient flexibility to be compliant with the inner wall, having sufficient flexural strength in other directions to follow the inner wall, and having insufficient penetration ability to be advanceable out through the annulus fibrosus under the applied force; and at least one energy delivery device located at the intradiscal section for applying energy at or near the bulge.