Abstract: A tissue prosthesis insertion system (80) includes a first assembly (10) comprising a plurality of nested tubes (12), one of the tubes being a carrier tube (14) which, in use, receives a component (16) of a tissue prosthesis at a distal end of the carrier tube (14). A magnetic mount (44) is carried at a proximal end of the first assembly (10). A second assembly (82) is removably attachable to the first assembly (10). An attachment device (92) is carried at a distal end of the second assembly (82), the attachment device (92) being responsive to the magnetic mount (44) of the first assembly (10), the magnetic mount (44) and the attachment device (92) carrying complementary engaging formations to facilitate hermetic sealing between the magnetic mount (44) and the attachment device (92).

Abstract: A device (12) for implanting a tissue prosthesis comprises an elongate support member (14) having a proximal end (16) and a distal end (13), the support member (14) defining a recessed receiving zone 20 at a distal region for receiving at least a part (22) of the implant in a collapsed configuration. A cover member (24) having a proximal end (26) and a distal end (28) is arranged on the support member (14) to over at least the receiving zone (20) of the support member (14), the cover member (24) being removably arranged relative to the support member (14) to provide access to the receiving zone (20), the cover member (24) and the support member (14) together defining an insertion assembly (32).

Abstract: A tissue prosthesis 100 comprises an envelope 38 of a biologically inert, elastically deformable material capable of being expanded to conform to an interior surface of a cavity 36 formed at a site 10 in a patient's body. A filler material 60 is received in a fluent state in the envelope 38. The filler material 60 is of the same class of material as the envelope 38 to form, when cured, together with the envelope 38, a unified structure.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc implant (10) includes an envelope (12) of a stretchable and elastically deformable elastomeric material. The envelope includes an attaching formation (74) for attachment of an introducer (76) to enable the envelope, in a collapsed state, to be introduced into a volume of an intervertebral disc that has undergone a nucleotomy. A filler material (14) is receivable in the envelope via the introducer to cause the envelope to expand elastically to conform substantially to the volume in which the envelope is received.