Method and Apparatus for Enhanced Delivery of Treatment Device to the Intervertebral Disc Annulus

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and devices for enhancing the delivery of treatment devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices may employ delivery support elements to delivery tools used to deliver expandable treatment devices to the intervertebral disc. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which may help to secure the treatment device in place.

1 - 134 . (canceled) 
   
   
       135 . A therapeutic device delivery tool for use in the treatment of intervertebral disc tissue comprising:
 a longitudinal delivery tool comprising a proximal end and a distal end configured to carry a therapeutic device releasably attached to the distal end of said tool and at least one proximal actuating member; and   at least one delivery support element connected to a therapeutic device in a first, pre-deployment configuration, and adapted to facilitate lateral deployment of a therapeutic device from the longitudinal axis of the delivery tool;   said at least one delivery support element movable in the longitudinal direction under tension to facilitate lateral deployment of a therapeutic device in a second, post-deployment configuration.   
   
   
       136 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 135 , wherein said at least one delivery support element comprises a suture line having a first end and a second end. 
   
   
       137 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 136 , wherein the first end and the second end of said suture line are attached to the proximal actuating member of said delivery tool. 
   
   
       138 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 136 , wherein the first end is attached to the proximal actuating member of said delivery tool, and the second end is attached to the proximal end of said delivery tool. 
   
   
       139 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 136 , wherein the first end is attached to a first proximal actuating member and the second end is attached to a second proximal actuating member. 
   
   
       140 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 136 , further comprising a finger grip assembly, wherein said proximal actuating member abuts said finger grip assembly, and wherein the second end is releasably affixed to a juncture between the proximal actuating member and the finger grip assembly. 
   
   
       141 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 136 , wherein said suture line extends from said tool through a therapeutic device releasably attached to the distal end of said tool. 
   
   
       142 . The therapeutic treatment delivery device according to  claim 135 , comprising two or more delivery support elements. 
   
   
       143 . The therapeutic treatment delivery device according to  claim 135 , wherein said at least one delivery support element is releasable from said delivery tool. 
   
   
       144 . The therapeutic treatment delivery device according to  claim 136 , wherein the second end of said suture line is releasable from said delivery tool. 
   
   
       145 . The therapeutic treatment delivery device according to  claim 135 , wherein said at least one delivery support element is constructed from biocompatible polymeric materials, polyamide, polyamide derivatives, polyketones, polyketone derivatives, PET, polycarbonate, acrylic, polyurethane, polycarbonate urethane, acetates, acetate derivatives, polysulfones, polysulfone derivatives, biocompatible metallic materials, biodegradable/bioresorbable materials, naturally derived materials, or synthetically derived materials. 
   
   
       146 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 135 , further comprising at least one delivery support element collar configured to distally hold said at least one delivery support element. 
   
   
       147 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 146 , wherein said at least one delivery support element collar is configured to allow said at least one delivery support element to movably pass through said collar. 
   
   
       148 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 146 , wherein said at least one delivery support element collar is affixed to said delivery tool. 
   
   
       149 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 146 , wherein said at least one delivery support element collar is movable in the longitudinal direction. 
   
   
       150 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 146 , wherein said at least one delivery support element collar comprises a tube affixed to the shaft of said tool. 
   
   
       151 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 146 , wherein said at least one delivery support element collar is constructed from a biocompatible material. 
   
   
       152 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 151 , wherein said biocompatible material is a polymer, a metal, a metallic alloy, a ceramic, a synthetic material, an engineered material, a shape memory material, or a biodegradable/bioresorbable material. 
   
   
       153 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 135 , wherein said at least one delivery support element comprises a tether, a rod, beam, wire, band, tube, or actuating element. 
   
   
       154 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 135 , wherein said at least one delivery support element comprises a suture line having at least one knot along its length. 
   
   
       155 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 135 , wherein said at least one delivery support element is integrated with the therapeutic device. 
   
   
       156 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 135 , wherein at least a portion of said at least one delivery support element is exterior to said delivery tool. 
   
   
       157 . The therapeutic device delivery tool according to  claim 135 , wherein the distal end of said tool comprises a latching element.