Patent ID: 8088147
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A multi-membrane axial implant assembly for placement in a spinal motion segment through an access channel, the multi-membrane axial implant assembly comprising: a threaded element to be anchored in a more caudal vertebra; an innermost membrane adapted to expand as prosthetic nucleus material is deployed under pressure, the innermost membrane having a proximal end opening configured to maintain a connection with prosthetic nucleus material delivery instrumentation while expanding under pressure as the prosthetic nucleus material is deployed but to become disengaged from the prosthetic nucleus material delivery instrumentation as the prosthetic nucleus material delivery instrumentation is drawn out of the access channel while leaving the expanded innermost membrane containing cured prosthetic nucleus material so that the expanded innermost membrane is independent of any threaded element anchored to a vertebra in a completed multi-membrane axial implant assembly; and a preformed outermost membrane distinct from and substantially surrounding the innermost membrane, the preformed outermost membrane unfolds as the innermost membrane expands.