Patent ID: 7901460
Filing Date: 2011-03-08
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L

Abstract:
1. An intervertebral disc implant, comprising: an elastomeric polymer body sized for introduction into a disc space; and a superelastic element within the elastomeric body, the superelastic element comprising a superelastic metal alloy having shape-memory properties; and wherein each of said elastomeric polymer body and said superelastic element are elongate and each have a generally linear and substantially straight insertion configuration that is transitioned to an implanted configuration upon introduction into the disc space, said implanted configuration comprising a coiled configuration having a spiral shape; and wherein said coiled configuration includes multiple coils spiraling about a center of the implant, and wherein a central region of the implant in said coiled configuration is substantially solid; and wherein said shape-memory properties of said superelastic element forcibly maintains adjacent ones of said multiple coils in contact with one another by a residual force to thereby stabilize said coiled configuration of the implant.