Method of deploying spinal implants

Abstract

Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the anulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.

1 . A method for inserting an implant within an intervertebral disc, comprising: 
 inserting a deployment cannula into the intervertebral disc,    wherein said deployment cannula is inserted along a first axis; and    deploying an implant laterally from the cannula within the intervertebral disc,    wherein said deployment occurs along a second axis which is transverse to the first axis, and    wherein said deployment occurs along an innermost layer of the anulus fibrosis.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the deployment cannula is removably coupled to the implant.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cannula comprises a distal insertion tip with an internal deflecting surface and an opening at said insertion tip for deployment of said implant.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant comprises a barrier.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant comprises a membrane.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant comprises a biocompatible support member.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein deploying the implant laterally from the cannula comprises a slot or passage operable to deflect the implant along a path substantially parallel to the anulus fibrosis.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of inserting the deployment cannula into the intervertebral disc comprises inserting the cannula through a defect in the annulus.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the defect is a pre-existing defect that existed in the disc prior to insertion of the cannula.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of inserting the deployment cannula into the intervertebral disc is performed without creating an insertion hole through the annulus.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , 
 wherein the step of inserting the deployment cannula into the intervertebral disc comprises inserting the cannula through a defect in the annulus, and    wherein the step of deploying the implant comprises deploying the implant beyond the defect in the annulus.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the deployment cannula comprises 
 a curved passage or slot; and    a dissector component    wherein the curved passage or slot acts to deflect the dissector component along a path that is substantially parallel to the lamellae of the annulus.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the dissector component comprises a nickel titanium alloy.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the dissector component comprises a wire.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the dissector component comprises a rod.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the dissector component comprises a sheet of a metal alloy.