Abstract: Irrigation and/or aspiration devices and methods may be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially, or concurrently. The devices and methods may provide a base with a removable head, and adapted for partial or complete separation of the irrigation and aspiration functions. The devices and methods can be configured to aspirate and/or irrigate the nasal and sinus cavities. The devices and methods may be manually and/or automatically controlled. The devices and methods may include removable, and/or replaceable, and/or refillable, and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant. The device head and/or aspirant reservoir may comprise a diagnostic device, i.e., test device and/or container after use of the devices and methods.

Abstract: A syringe for withdrawing an aspirate from a body for micro fat grafting is provided. The syringe includes a barrel having an inner wall extending therein. The inner wall has one or more apertures formed therein allowing the aspirate to contact an absorbent positioned between the inner wall and an outer wall of the barrel. A plunger moves longitudinally within the barrel along the inner wall and has a gasket attached to a proximal end forming a seal against the inner wall. The absorbent may take many forms to absorb a non-fat cell portion of the aspirate. A related method includes retracting the plunger from a first position to draw the aspirate from a harvest site of a body into the barrel, exposing the aspirate to the absorbent, and moving the plunger toward the first position so a remaining portion of the aspirate is no longer exposed to the absorbent.

Abstract: An airway assist device and methods of making and using an airway assist device to assist in opening an airway or removing fluid or material obstructing an airway of a subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating vertebral compression fractures are discussed. In an embodiment, a method includes mixing bone cement precursors thereby causing a first chemical curing reaction characterized by a first time-viscosity profile, controllably applying energy to the bone cement from an external source to modify the first time-viscosity profile to a second time-viscosity profile, and injecting the cement into bone at a substantially constant viscosity greater than about 1000 Pa·s to greater than about 5000 Pa·s over an extended working time. In another embodiment, a bone cement injector system is provided that includes a first handle component that is detachably coupled to a second sleeve component having a distal end for positioning in bone and a flow channel extending through the first and second components. The system includes first and second thermal energy emitters for delivering energy to bone cement flows in a flow channel portion in the first and second components, respectively.

Abstract: A removable second stage biocompatible substrate filter including biocompatible implant material configured to trap second stage operative particulate matter, wherein the removable second stage biocompatible substrate filter is configured to combine with first stage operative particulate matter captured from irrigation fluid by a first stage filter, defining a combined product and the removable second stage biocompatible substrate filter is configured to be removable from a filter device container.

Abstract: Kits, devices, systems and related methods for obtaining a nasopharyngeal sample utilize a rinsing fluid supply component and a collecting component, which may be used as separate modules or integrated with a housing to form a handheld unit that may be operated with a single hand. The dispensing component may include a flexible reservoir pump containing a supply of rinsing fluid, and a first nostril interface adapted to engage a first nostril of a patient and guide a stream of rinsing fluid into the patient's nasal cavity. The collecting component may include a collection container and a second nostril interface adapted to engage a second nostril of a patient and collect effluent. An absorbent shield may be arranged on the integrated unit to absorb stray fluid.

Abstract: A syringe cartridge includes a multi-mode device that defines at least two flow regimes having flow rates that differ in response to the same value of a variable. The multi-mode device defines three flow paths. The first flow path allows flow in only a first direction. The second flow path is configured to allow flow below a predetermined rate in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to a variable having a value below a threshold. The third path is configured to allow flow in the second direction at a rate higher than the predetermined rate in response to the variable reaching a value at or above the threshold.

Abstract: A device for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may include a conduit and at least two applicators. The conduit may include a proximal end and a bifurcated distal portion having two distal ends. Each applicator may be coupled with one of the distal ends of the conduit and may be configured to direct the substance out of the applicator toward one of two sides of an airway. A method for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may involve advancing a substance delivery device into the airway, contacting two sides of the airway with at least two applicators of the substance delivery device, such that each applicator contacts the airway near a glossopharyngeal nerve and/or a superior laryngeal nerve on each of the two sides of the airway, and delivering the substance through the applicators to contact the airway along the two sides.

Abstract: A needle and receiver assembly for use with a syringe cartridge filled with medicine includes a cartridge receiver having a hollow interior, an open end sized for receiving at least part of the syringe cartridge, and a closed end opposite the open end. The assembly includes a needle mounted on the receiver having a fluid passage extending between a sharp delivery tip at a distal end of the needle and a sharp access tip at a proximal end of the needle opposite the delivery tip positioned inside the hollow interior of the receiver. The assembly includes a cutter movably mounted in the hollow interior of the receiver for movement relative to the receiver and the needle to cut the diaphragm of the cartridge when received in the hollow interior of the receiver.

Abstract: A method for administering a liquid medical substance in a vein. The method comprises inserting a plurality of tubular ducts into a target venous lumen, conducting a liquid medical substance via at least one of the plurality of tubular ducts (106, 215, 419, 602) for the administering thereof toward a venous wall (110, 410) at the target venous lumen in an ejection pressure, quantity and direction, and withdrawing a residue of the liquid medical substance from the target venous lumen, in a suction pressure, quantity and direction, for the conducting thereof via at least one different of the plurality of tubular ducts (130, 240, 400). A relation between the ejection pressure, quantity and direction and the suction pressure, quantity and direction limits the extent of the administering within the venous lumen to a predefined space.

Abstract: A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a collection vessel by a flexible conduit. The collection vessel can comprise an impermeable or permeable collection vessel. The collection vessel is contained within a collection container, and can feature a tapered end. An air inlet may be provided in the flexible conduit and/or in a collection canister lid.

Abstract: A selective filtering collection and delivery system for collecting and delivering autogenous bone to and from a surgical site is provided. The selective filtering collection device includes a suction nozzle, suction nozzle assembly and a vacuum source. Disposed in parallel between the suction nozzle assembly and the vacuum source are a removable filter cartridge and a filter bypass tube. A switch on the suction nozzle assembly may be actuated to provide suction to the suction nozzle through either the bypass tube or through the filter cartridge. When suction is applied through the filter cartridge, autogenous bone is collected on a filter medium within the cartridge. Additionally, the cartridge may be removed and directly placed into a delivery device. The delivery device includes a ratchet system that actuates a plunger base to accurately extrude the bone material from the filter cartridge into the desired surgical location.

Abstract: An environmentally sensitive hydrogel material swells or collapses in response to a parameter such as pH level associated with consumption of food by a patient. This swelling or collapsing is harnessed to treat morbid obesity or some other condition of the patient. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may be used to tighten a gastric band or gastric valve when the patient starts eating; then loosen the band or valve when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to increase the size of a space occupying device in the patient's stomach when the patient starts eating; then decrease the size of the space occupying device when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to selectively restrict the absorption of nutrients within a patient's gastrointestinal tract, such as in the duodenum.

Abstract: A metabolite monitoring system comprising a microdialysis probe including a semi-permeable membrane and a probe flow path passing from an inlet through a sensing volume adjacent to said semi-permeable membrane to an outlet, a fluid delivery device for delivering dialysate to said inlet; and a metabolite monitoring system associated with said outlet for monitoring a concentration of at least one metabolite in said dialysate from said microdialysis probe, wherein said fluid delivery device is configured to deliver a pulsed flow of said dialysate to said inlet.

Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.

Abstract: A device includes a hollow body delimiting a cavity for receiving the fluid, which cavity opens in a proximal opening and at least one distal opening for sampling and/or reinjection and a piston movably mounted in the receiving cavity to obturate the proximal opening. The device includes an assembly for selective distribution of a proximal part of the fluid located in the receiving cavity, including a fluid circulation channel that passes through the piston, which channel opens into the receiving cavity. The circulation channel and/or a distribution channel is able to cooperate or to communicate with an additional flow regulation device which can be manually actionable.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes two syringes, or a “double barrel syringe,” includes one syringe that injects or infuses while the other syringe aspirates. In the double barrel syringe, injection and aspiration may be effected by a single action. The double barrel syringe may include a handle with two members. A first member of such a handle includes one arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of a first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of a second syringe. A second member of the handle includes one arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of the first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of the second syringe. Methods for injecting or infusing simultaneously with aspirating are also disclosed.

Abstract: An enteral fluid delivery and reflux collection system and method are disclosed. A fluid nutrient source container and administration tube are joined to an enteral feeding tube, and a gastric reflux tube connects a vented reflux collection syringe to selectively permit or prevent reflux collection, and/or to aspirate or flush the associated fluid lines.

Abstract: Novel methods for the chemical ablation of tissue (e.g. prostatic tissue) are described. These methods include the steps of: (a) providing one or more solid salt dosage form comprising 50-100% w/w salt; and (b) inserting one or more of such solid salt dosage forms into the tissue. The solid salt dosage form is optionally inserted into the tissue under real-time ultrasonic observation. An advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate toxic byproducts. For example, where NaCl-based solid salt dosage forms are used to effect localized chemical ablation, the concentration is ultimately reduced to the level of normal saline (i.e., about 0.9%) upon absorption by the body of the subject being treated.

Abstract: A syringe comprises a barrel with a plunger in slidable and sealing engagement therein, and a needle attached to one end of the barrel. The barrel has an aspiration device in the form of manually-operable resilient portions, which can be operated to cause a pressure differential in the barrel, the pressure differential then being used to perform aspiration. The resilient portions are preferably formed by localized reductions of wall thickness in the external surface of the barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes two syringes, or a “double barrel syringe,” includes one syringe that injects or infuses while the other syringe aspirates. In the double barrel syringe, injection and aspiration may be effected by a single action. The double barrel syringe may include a handle with two members. A first member of such a handle includes one arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of a first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of a second syringe. A second member of the handle includes one arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of the first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of the second syringe. Methods for injecting or infusing simultaneously with aspirating are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-barrel syringe is disclosed for the dual function of delivering and drawing fluid from a target site. The syringe has at least two barrels that may be positioned coaxially relative to one another. One barrel may be pre-filled with sterile delivery fluid designed to irrigate catheter tubing. Another barrel may be provided for removing delivered fluid or other body fluid from a site. The syringe may orientate the barrels such that fluid passing in one barrel does not contact the other barrel. The syringe includes collapsible and extendable plungers for each barrel where each plunger is length adjustable. While in use, the syringe includes a locking mechanism to prevent movement of other plungers while one plunger is in use. Methods of using the described syringe are also provided.

Abstract: A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a collection vessel by a flexible conduit. The collection vessel can comprise one or more syringe bodies. The syringe bodies are provided with tissue removed from a body using the cannula by a tissue transfer channel. As a result, multiple syringe bodies can be loaded with tissue, without requiring manual handling of that tissue. Alternatively or in addition, a collection bag can be provided for receiving tissue removed from a body using a cannula. The tissue collection bag can include a filter. A collection vessel comprising a collection bag can be used in combination with a collection vessel comprising one or more syringe bodies.

Abstract: A catheter for drainage of a wound and delivery of a therapeutic agent at or near the wound of a patient is provided. The catheter comprises: a proximal end configured to receive the therapeutic agent and permit passage of bodily fluid, the proximal end configured to be coupled to a drainage tube and/or a therapeutic agent delivery device; a distal end for insertion at or near the wound; and a body disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter and configured to receive the therapeutic agent from the proximal end of the catheter, the body having a first set of holes configured to allow passage of the therapeutic agent from the proximal end to a site at or near the wound and the body having a second set of holes configured to allow drainage of bodily fluid from the wound into the catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bone graft applicator assembly including a specially designed applicator, attached to a reservoir of bone graft material, such that the graft material can be moved into the delivery portion while the tip of the delivery portion is in place. The instantly disclosed device allows for the collapse of the delivery tip so that the tip can be placed between vertebras or alternatively within any bony structure or implant where the placement of bone graft material would be desirable, and then expanded to allow the bone graft material to be placed between the vertebras or the like while maintaining the geometry of the space into which the bone graft material is being placed.

Abstract: An inflation syringe having an improved display and method of displaying pressurization information. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for providing both numeric and non-numeric indications of an inflation pressurization associated with an inflation syringe. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a progressive non-numeric display is provided for displaying the pressurization of the inflation syringe along with numeric indicators of the pressurization. The progressive display includes a plurality of indicia corresponding to a range of inflation pressurization values. The indicia are actuated to indicate inflation pressurization and to allow the practitioner to not only easily monitor the general intensity of the pressurization but to monitor changes in the pressurization without needing to interpret numerical values.

Abstract: A nasal spray apparatus for simultaneously administrating metered amounts of multiple medicaments includes chambers for separately storing incompatible medicaments, such as an antihistamine and a steroid. Reciprocal piston pumps allow the medications to be sprayed into the user's nasal cavity. Two pumps can be used to separately transfer the medicaments to a receptacle where they can be initially mixed just prior to administration. A small volume receptacle is used to reduce the amount of mixture remaining after each stroke of the nasal spray apparatus. A check valve can be associated with each pump to further reduce medicament mixtures from cross contamination within storage chamber preparations. Collapsible components, including collapsible storage chambers or balloon capacitors can be employed to compensate for vacuums and back pressures as the medicaments are pumped to a spray nozzle.

Abstract: An infusion system comprises a disposable wearable infusion device having a body arranged to be adhered to a patient's skin and a reservoir for holding a liquid medicament to be infused into the patient. The infusion system further comprises a filler device arranged to be detachably received by the infusion device and to provide a positive pressure directly to the liquid medicament to transfer a volume of the liquid medicament to the infusion device reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the transplantation of tissue from a donor site in a body to a recipient site. The device includes an outer chamber having an interior volume in which a perforated inner chamber can be placed. During the aspiration of tissue, a vacuum is formed in the interior volume of the outer chamber, to draw tissue from a cannula into the perforated inner chamber. The perforations are sized such that fat is collected within the inner chamber, while fluids and other materials are drawn through the perforations, away from the collected fat. For reinjection, the inner chamber can be removed from the outer chamber, and a sleeve positioned to cover the perforations and thereby form a syringe body that can be interconnected to a needle and plunger for reinjection of the collected fat.

Abstract: A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a washing reservoir by a flexible conduit. The washing reservoir has an outlet that is connected to the inlet of a tissue collection reservoir. Washed tissue can be removed from the washing reservoir by tipping or otherwise causing the outlet of the washing reservoir to be covered by washed tissue. Tissue collected in the tissue collection reservoir can be readied for injection into a body by removing an inner or filter chamber from an outer chamber and blocking holes in the body of the inner chamber to use the inner chamber as part of a syringe.

Abstract: A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a collection vessel by a flexible conduit. The collection vessel can comprise one or more syringe bodies. The syringe bodies are provided with tissue removed from a body using the cannula by a tissue transfer channel. As a result, multiple syringe bodies can be loaded with tissue, without requiring manual handling of that tissue. Alternatively or in addition, a collection bag can be provided for receiving tissue removed from a body using a cannula. The tissue collection bag can include a filter. A collection vessel comprising a collection bag can be used in combination with a collection vessel comprising one or more syringe bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used in a urological procedure. The apparatus includes a sheath capable of insertion into a passageway within a patient. A filter is provided that includes a mesh that retains any particulate matter that is entrained with the liquid and allows the liquid to pass therethrough. The filter may be removeably attached to receive flow from an outlet of the sheath.

Abstract: A bowel extension device implantable into a body for treatment of short bowel syndrome. The bowel extension device comprises a housing and a displaceable member coupled to the housing. The bowel extension device is configured to apply a tensile force sufficient to promote bowel growth without causing damage to the bowel. In some embodiments, the bowel extension device can be completely contained with the body.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system, device and methods for performing minimally invasive spider vein treatments. In some embodiments an apparatus for eliminating spider veins comprises a dual syringe mechanism that includes a pusher for pushing sclerosant materials into a target vein, and an extractor for extracting debris from a target vein; a needle for application into a target vein; and a Y-connector connecting each exit of the dual syringe mechanism to the needle. In some implementations the apparatus's dual syringe mechanism includes a locking mechanism to enable controlled advancing of the syringe pusher.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes two syringes, or a “double barrel syringe,” includes one syringe that injects or infuses while the other syringe aspirates. The double barrel syringe is a hand-held, hand-operated device with which injection and aspiration may be effected by a single action. The double barrel syringe may include a handle with two member. A first member includes one arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of a first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of a second syringe. A second member of the handle includes one arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of the first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of the second syringe. Methods for injecting or infusing simultaneously with aspirating are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are novel medical delivery devices that can be used to effectively distribute a medical agent to multiple sites within a tissue volume without requiring the device to be repositioned, including for example to distribute the medical agent within the nucleus pulposus tissue of a spinal disc. Also described are medical delivery devices configured to simultaneously remove fluid from the tissue volume into which a medical agent is being delivered, thus avoiding or otherwise decreasing any pressure build-up and facilitating an effective, uniform delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The control of fluid introduction into and out of body conduits such as vessels, is of great concern in medicine. As the development of more particular treatments to vessels and organs continues it is apparent that controlled introduction and removal of fluids is necessary. Fluid delivery and removal from such sites, usually referred to as irrigation and aspiration, using fluid exchange devices that control also need to be considerate of potential volume and/or pressure in the vessel or organ are described together with catheter and lumen configurations to achieve the fluid exchange. The devices include several electrically or mechanically controlled embodiments and produce both controlled and localized flow with defined volume exchange ratios for fluid management. The applications in medicine include diagnostic, therapeutic, imaging, and uses for the introduction or removal of concentrations of emboli within body cavities.

Abstract: A wearable infusion device comprises a component that causes a piston to move an incremental distance to cause the device to dispense a dose of medicament from a reservoir.

Abstract: A device (1) which includes an elongate body (2) with a movable mass (3) arranged for sliding movement within the body (2), the element (4) being arranged to decelerate toward an end of the body (2) in order to impart forward movement thereto, via momentum transfer, and being arranged to accelerate away from said end in order to further drive the body (2) forward, again using momentum transfer.

Abstract: A single-use system for separating blood and producing platelet concentrates includes an elongated container for receiving blood from a patient. The container has a movable plunger mounted within the blood container for expressing blood fractions separated during centrifugation of the container through a first port mounted at one end of said container, a second port mounted on the plunger, and a third port mounted on a plunger rod attached to the plunger.

Abstract: To accomplish isolation and removal of a substance from a vasculature, a catheter is employed to occlude a vessel of the vasculature. The substance is thus isolated in the vasculature and can be removed. In this way, the substance is removed before entering other parts of the circulatory system. This method is applicable to removal of contrast from the coronary sinus shortly after injection of the coronary arteries with the contrast. The method substantially minimizes or avoids renal dysfunction caused by angiographic procedures in which contrast must be injected. Such angiographic procedures are often performed during intervention procedures. This method substantially prevents circulation of the contrast to the kidneys where it could otherwise cause renal dysfunction or failure. The apparatus for implementation of the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bone cement mixing systems and related methods are disclosed. The bone cement mixing systems can include a first chamber, a second chamber, and a passage fluidly connecting the first and second chambers. A first piston can be disposed in the first chamber, and a second piston can be disposed in the second chamber.

Abstract: A shape memory shutter device for controlling the rectum of a disabled person, comprises a section of conduit to be connected to the rectum of the disabled person, and a shutter which controls the passage through the conduit section and actuated by a shape memory actuator. The shutter comprises a plurality of petals positioned circumferentially around the conduit section and able to move between a closed and an open position. The actuator comprises shape memory wires associated to the petals which are supplied with electrical current to cause opening of the petals.

Abstract: There is provided an injector having a gasket held in excellent intimate contact with an inner wall surface of a barrel and shortened in overall length. A gasket is joined to a mount base disposed on a tip end of a plunger and having a bendable portion which bends toward an axis of the plunger radially outwardly of the mount base. The gasket is joined to the mount base with a gap left for allowing the bendable portion to bend toward the tip end of the plunger when the gasket slides toward an injection needle. The gasket is made of a synthetic resin having an A-scale Shore hardness in the range from 20 to 70. The gasket has a groove define therein radially outwardly of the mount base, and the bendable portion comprises a portion of the gasket disposed radially outwardly of the groove.

Abstract: The control of fluid introduction into and out of body conduits such as vessels, is of great concern in medicine. As the development of more particular treatments to vessels and organs continues it is apparent that controlled introduction and removal of fluids is necessary. Fluid delivery and removal from such sites, usually referred to as irrigation and aspiration, using fluid exchange devices that control also need to be considerate of potential volume and/or pressure in the vessel or organ are described together with catheter and lumen configurations to achieve the fluid exchange. The devices include several electrically or mechanically controlled embodiments and produce both controlled and localized flow with defined volume exchange ratios for fluid management. The applications in medicine include diagnostic, therapeutic, imaging, and uses for the introduction or removal of concentrations of emboli within body cavities.

Abstract: The control of fluid introduction into and out of body conduits such as vessels, is of great concern in medicine. As the development of more particular treatments to vessels and organs continues it is apparent that controlled introduction and removal of fluids is necessary. Fluid delivery and removal from such sites, usually referred to as irrigation and aspiration, using fluid exchange devices that control also need to be considerate of potential volume and/or pressure in the vessel or organ are described together with catheter and lumen configurations to achieve the fluid exchange. The devices include several electrically or mechanically controlled embodiments and produce both controlled and localized flow with defined volume exchange ratios for fluid management. The applications in medicine include diagnostic, therapeutic, imaging, and uses for the introduction or removal of concentrations of emboli within body cavities.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use with minimally invasive surgery applicators are disclosed. The disclosure includes compositions and methods for in situ formation of hydrogels using minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Abstract: There is provided an injector having a gasket held in excellent intimate contact with an inner wall surface of a barrel and shortened in overall length. A gasket 6 is joined to a mount base 10 disposed on a tip end of a plunger 5 and having a bendable portion 14 which bends toward an axis of the plunger 5 radially outwardly of the mount base 10. The gasket 6 is joined to the mount base 10 with a gap left for allowing the bendable portion 14 to bend toward the tip end of the plunger 5 when the gasket 6 slides toward an injection needle 2. The gasket 6 is made of a synthetic resin having an A-scale Shore hardness in the range from 20 to 70. The gasket 6 has a groove 16 defined therein radially outwardly of the mount base 10, and the bendable portion 14 comprises a portion of the gasket 6 disposed radially outwardly of the groove.

Abstract: A hand-held applicator delivers liquid or semi-liquid compositions, such as adhesives, to an internal tissue or organ in an even and controlled manner. The applicator includes a pump, a tubular extension that is thin enough to pass through an endoscopic pathway or trocar, a proximal end of the tubular extension being sealingly connected to the pump, and an applicator tip that attaches to the distal end of the tubular extension. The tip includes the liquid and the pump pumps the liquid to the internal tissue in an even and controlled manner without contact of the liquid by the pump. The pump is preferably a micropipetter that includes a hand-held portion having a hand-actuatable plunger that does not come in direct, physical contact with the liquid to be dispensed. The composition may be an adhesive such as an alpha-cyanoacrylate. The device may further include a wound closure device including at least two closure pins extending from the distal end of the tubular extension.

Abstract: The method and apparatus as shown in FIGS. 8-10 in which a fluid expandable member (208) is positioned in concentric relation about a needle (202). The fluid expandable member (208) is expanded into the nucleus pulposus potential space bordered by the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disk. Then, thermoplastic material in a flowing state is injected by a needle (202) within the annulus fibrosus to collapse the fluid expandable member (208) and occupy the space formerly occupied by the fluid expandable member (208).