Abstract: A method of protecting a spinal area of a patient includes the step of positioning a sheet of collagen membrane material so as to surround at least a portion of a patient's spinal chord. The sheet of collagen membrane preferably includes at least one barrier layer with a smooth face to inhibit cell adhesion and act as a barrier to prevent passage of cells therethrough. When surgery involves placement of s vertebrae replacement material between vertebrae, the collagen membrane material can be positioned so as to surround at least a portion of the vertebrae replacement material.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 15, 1999
Date of Patent:
April 24, 2001
Assignee:
Ed. Geistlich Söhne AG fur Chemische Industrie
Inventors:
Peter Geistlich, Philip J. Boyne, Lothar Schlösser