Patent ID: 7052516
Filing Date: 2006-05-30
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of primarily treating an intervertebral disc annulus having an aperture in the wall of the annulus fibrosus, wherein the aperture provides a path for the migration of nucleus pulposus from the subannular space, the method comprising the steps of: providing an expandable device having a first configuration dimensioned to pass through the aperture and a second expanded configuration having at least one dimension at least as large as the aperture and having at least one dimension larger than a corresponding dimension in said first configuration; inserting the device through the aperture into the subannular space when the device is in the first configuration; and causing or allowing the device to expand in the subannular space into the second expanded configuration, wherein said device has a portion that is provided primarily for treating said aperture and serving to bridge the aperture and preventing the migration of nucleus pulposus therethrough.