Patent ID: 6099514
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
An externally guidable intervertebral disc apparatus having a longitudinal axis comprising:a proximal end for externally guiding the distal end of the apparatus within an intervertebral disc; anda self-navigating intradiscal section adjacent a distal end of the apparatus which navigates itself adjacent an inner wall of an annulus of the disc when the apparatus is extended into the intervertebral disc, the intradiscal section having (a) sufficient rigidity to be advanceable through a nucleus pulposus and around the inner wall of an annulus fibrosus under a force applied longitudinally to the proximal end of the apparatus, (b) insufficient penetration ability to be advanceable out through the annulus fibrosus under the applied force, and (c) sufficient flexibility in a direction of a disc plane to be compliant with the inner wall.