Abstract: An assembly for the in situ formation of a prosthesis in an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae of a patient. At least one retention structure is located in the intervertebral disc space. A distal end of at least one lumen is located proximate the at least one retention structure. One or more in situ curable biomaterials are delivered to the intervertebral disc space through the first lumen and into engagement with the retention structure. The retention structure serves to retain at least a portion of the biomaterial in the intervertebral disc space by surface tension, adhesion, mechanical capture, friction, viscosity, and/or a variety of other mechanisms. The at least partially cured biomaterial and the at least one retention structure cooperate to comprise the prosthesis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluidly coupling a reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial to a mold. The flow of the flowable biomaterial into the mold is controlled in accordance with a first operating parameter. At least one injection condition is monitored. The flow of the flowable biomaterial is controlled in accordance with a second operating parameter in response to one or more of the injection conditions reaching a threshold level. The second operating parameter is maintained during at least a portion of the curing of the flowable biomaterial. In some embodiments, the second operating parameter may optionally include permitting a portion of the flowable biomaterial to be expelled from the mold.

Abstract: A method of treating a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus. The method includes the steps of accessing and preparing the intervertebral disc for receipt of the biomaterial by removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create a nuclear cavity. A quantity of the curable biomaterial is delivered under pressure to the nuclear cavity. The delivered biomaterial is at least partially cured in such a manner to retain it in the nuclear cavity. The at least partially cured biomaterial is contoured to achieve a desired conformation approximating that of the nuclear cavity.

Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.

Abstract: A system for the in situ formation of prostheses between adjacent vertebrae of a patient. The system includes a first mold adapted to be located in an intervertebral disc space between the adjacent vertebrae and at least a second mold adapted to be positioned between adjacent posterior elements. Lumens are fluidly coupled to each of the molds. One or more in situ curable biomaterials are delivered through the lumens to the molds. The at least partially cured biomaterial and the molds cooperate to maintain a desired alignment and spacing of the intervertebral disc space and the posterior elements.

Abstract: A system for forming a spinal prosthesis in situ within an intervertebral space located between first and second adjacent vertebrae includes at least one mold having at least one internal compartment adapted to receive at least one flowable biomaterial. The system also includes a retaining member adapted to secure the mold between the first and second vertebrae, the retaining member including first and second portions adapted to be engaged with first and second surfaces of the first and second vertebrae, respectively. The retaining member also includes an intermediate body operatively coupling the first portion to the second portion, the intermediate body adapted to be positioned in or adjacent to the intervertebral space. A biomaterial delivery apparatus is in fluid communication with the mold at a pressure sufficient for the mold to engage with the retaining member. The spinal prosthesis selectively position the first vertebrae relative to the second vertebrae.

Abstract: A method and system of evaluating the geometry of the nuclear cavity within the annulus. A three-dimensional mold of the nuclear cavity is created. The three-dimensional mold is preferably removed from the nuclear cavity. The three-dimensional mold can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the nuclear cavity.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing adjacent vertebrae including the steps of forming at least one annulotomy in an annulus. At least a portion of the nucleus material is removed through the annulotomy to form a cavity in an intervertebral disc space between the adjacent vertebrae. A reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial is fluidly coupled to the intervertebral disc space. A flowable biomaterial is delivered to the cavity. The delivery of the flowable biomaterial into the intervertebral disc space is controlled in accordance with at least a first operating parameter. The biomaterial is at least partially cured to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A multi-lumen mold is for the in situ formation of a prosthesis in an intervertebral disc space located between adjacent vertebrae of a patient. The multi-lumen mold a flexible mold, a first lumen, a second lumen and a curable biomaterial. The flexible mold is shaped to be positioned in the intervertebral disc space. The first lumen and the second lumen each have a distal end is fluidly coupled to the flexible mold at a first location and a second location, respectively. The first lumen is shaped to extend out through a first opening extending through one of the adjacent vertebrae when the mold is positioned in the intervertebral disc space. The curable biomaterial is delivered into the flexible mold through at least one of the first and second lumens. The first and second locations can optionally be located on generally opposite sides of the mold, on the same side of the mold, or a variety of other configurations. One or more securing members can be used to secure the mold in the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: An assembly for the in situ formation of a prosthesis in an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae of a patient. At least one retention structure is located in the intervertebral disc space. A distal end of at least one lumen is located proximate the at least one retention structure. One or more in situ curable biomaterials are delivered to the intervertebral disc space through the first lumen and into engagement with the retention structure. The retention structure serves to retain at least a portion of the biomaterial in the intervertebral disc space by surface tension, adhesion, mechanical capture, friction, viscosity, and/or a variety of other mechanisms. The at least partially cured biomaterial and the at least one retention structure cooperate to comprise the prosthesis.

Abstract: An instrument for cutting an extension, such as a catheter or biomaterial, coupled to a prosthesis, such as a prosthesis located in an intervertebral disc space, that includes at least one axial member having a distal opening and at least one cutting device, such as for example a wire or blade, coupled to the at least one axial member that is capable of moving across at least a portion of the distal opening when a force is applied to the at least one cutting wire. A method for cutting a catheter is also disclosed. The removal instrument may be inserted into an introduction lumen. A force is applied to the at least one cutting device after the catheter is in the distal opening.

Abstract: A modular and reconfigurable multi-stage microreactor cartridge apparatus provides a manifold for removably attaching multiple microfluidic components such as microreactors. The microfluidic components are attached at microfluidic component ports having two input/output terminals, which microfluidic component ports are connected via connections internal to the manifold to other microfluidic component ports providing a microfluidic circuit. The microfluidic component may be a microfluidic circuit plug-in or a cartridge having a mounting block with two input/output terminals and a fastener aperture and fluidic tubing having a first and second transport portion and a body portion, the three portions being disposed in substantially parallel planes and the body portion being would in a coil around a spool. The coil is connected to the mounting block by either epoxy protector or L-bracket.

Abstract: A mold assembly for the in situ formation of a prosthesis in an annulus located in an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae of a patient. The mold assembly includes at least a first mold having at least one interior cavity adapted to be located in the intervertebral disc space. At least a first lumen has a distal end fluidly coupled to the mold at a first location. One or more discrete reinforcing structures are located in the intervertebral disc space with the mold. One or more biomaterials are provided to be delivered to the interior cavity through the first lumen. The at least partially cured biomaterial, the reinforcing structures and the mold cooperating to form the prosthesis.

Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.

Abstract: A catheter holder designed to deliver a curable biomaterial to an intervertebral disc space. By securing the catheter to the catheter holder, the depth of insertion of the catheter into the disc space can be accurately controlled. The catheter holder optionally helps with insertion of a optional mold through the annulotomy and into the disc space created by the nuclectomy. The catheter holder helps keep the mold from being drawn too far into the disc space or pushed too far out of the disc space during polymer injection.

Abstract: A method of treating a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus. The method includes the steps of accessing and preparing the intervertebral disc for receipt of the biomaterial by removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create a nuclear cavity. A quantity of the curable biomaterial is delivered under pressure to the nuclear cavity. The delivered biomaterial is at least partially cured in such a manner to retain it in the nuclear cavity. The at least partially cured biomaterial is contoured to achieve a desired conformation approximating that of the nuclear cavity.

Abstract: A multi-lumen mold is for the in situ formation of a prosthesis in an annulus located in an intervertebral disc space of a patient. The annulus has at least two openings formed by minimally invasive techniques and at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus is removed to form a nuclear cavity. The multi-lumen mold includes a mold adapted to be located in the nuclear cavity. A first lumen having a distal end is fluidly coupled to a flexible mold at a first location. At least a second lumen having a distal end fluidly coupled to the flexible mold at a second location. The first and second lumens are adapted to extend out through the openings in the annulus when the mold is positioned in the nuclear cavity. One or more securing members can be used to secure the mold in the intervertebral disc space. The securing members can engage with the annulus, the end plates, and/or another surface of a vertebrate.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis in a disc located between a pair of adjacent vertebrae of a patient. Damaged or diseased nucleus pulpous is removed from the disc using minimally invasive techniques. The adjacent vertebrae are positioned in a lordotic condition. A mold adapted to contain a biomaterial is positioned between the adjacent vertebrae. A flowable biomaterial is delivered into the mold using minimally invasive techniques so that the adjacent vertebrae are in the lordotic condition. The flowable biomaterial is allowed to at least partially cure so that the adjacent vertebrae are in a lordotic-neutral position.

Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.

Abstract: A nuclectomy method for creating a nuclear cavity in an annulus located in an intervertebral disc space and for preparing the nuclear cavity to receive an intervertebral prosthesis. An annulotomy is formed in the annulus along an annular axis to provide access to a nucleus. A portion of the nucleus is removed in a first region surrounding the annular axis using at least a first surgical tool. Another portion of the nucleus is removed from a second region using at least a second surgical tool. An evaluation mold is positioned in the nuclear cavity and a fluid is delivered to the evaluation mold so that the mold substantially fills the nuclear cavity. The amount of nucleus removed from the annulus is estimated. One or more of the removing steps are optionally repeated as necessary until an adequate amount of the nucleus is removed from the annulus.