Patent ID: 8702733

Claim:
A device for fixing a defect in an anulus fibrosus surrounding an intervertebral disc space of a patient, the device comprising: a mesh patch configured for positioning against the outside surface of an anulus fibrosus so as to cover a defect in an anulus fibrosus; a first suture assembly comprising: a first anchor adapted for insertion into the side wall of a vertebral body adjacent to the intervertebral disc space; and a first suture having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first suture is coupled to the first anchor; and a second suture assembly comprising: a second anchor adapted for insertion into the side wall of a vertebral body adjacent to the intervertebral disc space; and a second suture having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second suture is coupled to the second anchor; wherein the second ends of the first and second sutures extend over the mesh patch without penetrating the mesh patch, and extend adjacent to one another, and are welded to one another over the mesh patch so as to form a substantially continuous band of suture extending from the first anchor to the second anchor, whereby to overlie the mesh patch and thereby capture the mesh patch to the outside surface of the anulus fibrosus.