Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation provide a conformable device which assumes a first shape associated with insertion and a second shape or expanded shape to occlude the defect which typically follows partial discectomy. The device may take different forms according to the invention, including patches size to cover the defect or plugs adapted to fill the defect. In a preferred embodiment, however, the device is a gel or other liquid or semi-liquid which solidifies to occlude the defect from within the body of the disc itself. In another preferred embodiment, a mesh screen is collapsed into an elongated form for the purposes of insertion, thereby minimizing the size of the requisite incision while avoiding delicate surrounding nerves.

Abstract: A method for closing a fissure in a region of tissue having an inner surface and an outer surface, the method comprising: providing at least a pair of transverse anchor components, each transverse anchor component being coupled to at least one flexible longitudinal fixation component having a longitudinal axis; placing the transverse anchor components relative to the inner surface of the tissue on both sides of the fissure such that an exposed end of a flexible longitudinal fixation component extends through the tissue and past the outer surface of the tissue on both sides of the fissure; applying axial tension to the exposed ends; and anchoring the exposed ends.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fixing defects in the anulus fibrosus (vertebral disc) of a patient are described. The devices include a mesh patch, and first and second suture assemblies, each of which include an anchor and a suture. The anchor has a first portion adapted to be inserted into a bone and a second portion having an opening therethrough. The suture is adapted to be disposed through the opening and has a first end is adapted to couple to the mesh patch. The method of treatment includes inserting the first portion of the first anchor into a cranial vertebra and inserting the second portion of the second anchor into a caudal vertebra. The first ends of the sutures are attached to the mesh patch. The mesh patch is positioned adjacent the defect by pulling on, or applying tension to, the second ends of the sutures.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for occluding openings in an annulus fibrosis to prevent conditions such as disc herniation and recurrent disc herniation. An occluding device having an intradiscal component, an extradiscal component, and a barrier element disposed between the intradiscal and extradiscal components is provided. The intradiscal component has first and second arms having a collapsed state with a horizontal dimension less than the width of the opening and an expanded state having a horizontal dimension greater than the width of the opening. The barrier element and the intradiscal component in the collapsed state are inserted through the annulus fibrosis opening, the extradiscal component being positioned adjacent an outer surface of the annulus fibrosis. The intradiscal component assumes the expanded state in the intradiscal space, the first and second arms urging the barrier element against the inner wall of the annulus fibrosis adjacent the opening, thereby occluding the opening.

Abstract: Spinal stabilization mechanisms act to prevent lateral bending, extension, and rotation across adjacent vertebrae. Methods for spinal stabilization includes placing one or more anchors at each vertebral level, positioning one or more sutures around each anchor at each level such that the each suture forms a loop or band around two adjacent anchors, applying tension to the ends of each suture to tighten the suture loop around the anchors and welding overlapping ends of each suture together to form suture bands connecting the anchors and thereby preventing lateral bending, extension, and rotation of the spinal segment. An in-growth component is placed over the anterior portions of the three adjacent vertebrae and the disk space therebetween. An anti-adhesion patch is placed over the in-growth component, anchors and elongate members. The anti-adhesion patch has one or more notches that provide access to at least two of the anchors and a flap extending from between the notches.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation provide a conformable device which assumes a first shape associated with insertion and a second shape or expanded shape to occlude the defect which typically follows partial discectomy. The device may take different forms, including patches sized to cover the defect, plugs adapted to fill the defect, or a mesh screen collapsed into an elongated form for the purposes of insertion, thereby minimizing the size of the requisite incision while avoiding delicate surrounding nerves. Such a configuration also permits the use of instrumentation to install the device, including, for example, a hollow tube or sheath adapted to hold the collapsed screen and a push rod to expel the collapsed device out of the sheath for use in occluding the disc defect. A device may further include one or more anchors to assist in permanently affixing the device with respect to the defect.