Devices and methods for annular repair of intervertebral discs

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and/or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and/or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.

1 . A biocompatible implant adapted to augment, reinforce, or otherwise repair an intervertebral disc defect. 
     
     
         2 . The implant of  claim 1  comprising a resiliently compressible material. 
     
     
         3 . The implant of  claim 1  comprising an elastic material. 
     
     
         4 . The implant of  claim 1  comprising a polymer. 
     
     
         5 . A system for treating an intervertebral defect, comprising the implant of  claim 1  and a delivery device. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said delivery device comprises at least one tube having a lumen and an advancer. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for securing an implant for treating intervertebral disc disease, comprising:
 an anchor portion coupled to the implant and adapted to be implanted and fixed into annular tissue,   the anchor portion having an implantation position and a fixation position, the anchor portion being resistive to expulsion from the annular tissue when in a fixation position.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the anchor portion comprises at least one anchor mechanism adapted to resist expulsion. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the anchor portion is formed integral to the implant. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the anchor portion comprises one or more anchor mechanisms that project into annular tissue when the anchor portion is in the fixation position. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the anchor portion is at least partially collapsed when the anchor portion is in the implantation position and at least partially expanded when the anchor portion is in the fixation position. 
     
     
         12 . A method for treating intervertebral disc disease in a patient, the method comprising:
 (1) providing
 a biocompatible implant adapted to obliterate an intervertebral disc defect, said implant comprising an apparatus for securing said implant having an anchor portion coupled to the implant and adapted to be implanted and fixed into annular tissue, said anchor portion having an implantation position and a fixation position, and said anchor portion being resistive to expulsion from the annular tissue when in a fixation position; 
 a delivery device comprising at least one tube having a lumen; and 
 an advancer; 
   (2) inserting said delivery device into an intervertebral disc of a patient;   (3) delivering said implant into a therapeutically effective location with said anchor portion of said implant in an implantation position; and   (4) engaging said anchor portion of said implant to a fixation position, thereby fixing said implant into annular tissue.   
     
     
         13 . The method for treating intervertebral disc disease of  claim 12 , wherein the implantation position of said anchor portion of said implant is an at least partially collapsed position. 
     
     
         14 . The method for treating intervertebral disc disease of  claim 12 , wherein the fixation position of said anchor portion of said implant is an at least partially expanded position.