Patent ID: 7914537

Claim:
A method of introducing a fluent material into a disc space to replace disc nucleus pulposus within the disc annulus fibrosis, comprising the steps of: creating an opening having a first extent through the annulus fibrosis of a spinal disc in communication with the intradiscal space; removing at least a portion of nucleus pulposus; providing an integral tube unit comprising an elongate tube having a distal end and an opposite proximal end and a seal supported integrally on said tube adjacent the distal end, said seal including a surface having a second extent greater than said first extent projecting outwardly from said tube; moving said tube unit toward said annulus fibrosis until said distal end of said tube extends through said opening and into said intradiscal space and said seal surface engages said annulus fibrosis adjacent said opening in a sealed relationship; introducing fluent curable biomaterial in a liquid form through said tube directly into said intradiscal space in contiguity with said annulus fibrosis or remaining nucleus pulposus, said material having properties that upon curing are substitutive of the nucleus pulposus; and allowing said fluent biomaterial to substantially cure while maintaining said seal.