Patent ID: 8936642
Filing Date: 2015-01-20
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L

Abstract:
1. A method for treating an annulus fibrosis having an outer layer, at least one inner layer, and a defect extending through the outer and inner layers, comprising the steps of: inserting an implant into the defect in the annulus fibrosis, the implant comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one aperture extending from the proximal end to the distal end; advancing the implant distally beyond the outer layer in the annulus fibrosis; positioning the implant to occlude the defect; inserting an elongate fixation element having a first end region and a second end region into the implant so that the first end region of the elongate fixation member extends through the at least one aperture from the proximal end of the implant to the distal end of the implant and the second end region of the elongate fixation member extends out of the implant and across the annulus fibrosis to a portion of the annulus fibrosis located distal to the defect; and anchoring the second end region of the elongate fixation element to the annulus fibrosis at a portion of the annulus fibrosis located distal to the defect, wherein the implant prevents escape of nucleus pulposus through the defect.