Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc devices and methods and instrumentation for intervertebral disc procedures. Methods include performing procedures such as implant delivery, tissue manipulation, tissue diagnostics, and therapeutic and diagnostic agent delivery at selected locations within intervertebral discs.

Abstract: Methods of providing soft tissue impaction using anchored implants are disclosed. In some embodiments, the soft tissue impaction provided by the anchored implants can facilitate intervertebral disc reconstruction. A method of soft tissue impaction includes displacing soft tissue from within a defective region of an anulus into a nuclear disc space of an intervertebral disc as it is driven within an outer surface of an adjacent vertebral body.

Abstract: Methods of providing graft impaction using anchored implants are disclosed. In some embodiments, the graft impaction provided by the anchored implants can facilitate surgical spinal fusion procedures. The anchored implants provide increased strength and increased pull-out resistance. The anchored implants can be used in conjunction with various surgical vertebral fusion approaches or techniques, such as anterior, posterior, transforaminal, and/or extreme lateral interbody fusion.

Abstract: Methods of reinforcing anulus fibrosis tissue within an intervertebral disc include the implantation of a repair device comprising one or more support members. The device may be anchored to the surrounding tissue. The device may be compressible and delivered in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide increased pull-out resistance, stability and/or contact with tissue involving a reduced amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are minimally invasive and can include linear, lateral, and off-angle implantation or driving of anchors along, against or within tissue surfaces. Several embodiments disclose anchors and anchoring systems that effectively reconstruct or augment vertebral endplate surfaces.

Abstract: Resilient surgical meshes that, in some aspects, can be compressed or otherwise configured, for minimally invasive delivery in the intervertebral discs are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the surgical mesh can be robust, fatigue resistant, stable and capable of withstanding the dynamic environment generic to intervertebral discs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide pull-out resistance, stability and/or maximize contact with tissue involving a minimum amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are minimally invasive and include linear, lateral, and off-angle implantation or driving of anchors along, against or within tissue surfaces.

Abstract: Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Methods of closing a defect in an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc using a barrier are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and, optionally, a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Systems and methods for closing a defect in the anulus are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Method of supporting and augmenting a nucleus pulposus by inserting a flexible biocompatible material into the disc space using an anchoring means are also provided.

Abstract: Presented are new resilient sheet-like surgical meshes that may be compressed for minimally invasive delivery in the intervertebral discs. According to one or more embodiments, the surgical mesh can be robust, fatigue resistant, stable and capable of withstanding the dynamic environment generic to intervertebral discs.

Abstract: Methods of reinforcing annulus fibrosis tissue within an intervertebral disc include the implantation of a support member also functioning as a barrier to resist damage to the tissue or herniation of tissue outside the disc. The device may be anchored to the surrounding tissue. The device is compressible and may be delivered in a minimally invasive manner through a cannula.

Abstract: Methods of securing an implant within an intervertebral disc are provided. In some embodiments, systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Methods of closing a defect in an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc using a barrier are also provided.

Abstract: Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the anulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for delivering medical devices, such as implants, to desired tissue sites, such as the intervertebral disc. In one aspect, an intervertebral disc repair and diagnostic device that is minimally invasive and that provides precise access to the desired site is provided. In some aspects, the device and method are adapted to deliver, position and expand implants that are initially oriented and compressed for minimally invasive, yet precise and effective implantation.

Abstract: Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation implant suited for minimally invasive deployment. A nucleus augmentation component may be included. The anulus augmentation implant shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Reinforcement of annulus fibrosis tissue within an intervertebral disc can be achieved through implantation of a support member also functioning as a barrier to resist damage to the tissue or herniation of tissue outside of the disc. The device may be anchored to the surrounding tissue. The device is compressible and may be delivered in a minimally invasive manner through a cannula.

Abstract: Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Methods of repairing a herniated disc by displacing at least a portion of the herniated segment to within the pre-herniated borders of the disc and anchoring at least a portion of the displaced herniated segment to a site within the disc are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc devices and methods and instrumentation for intervertebral disc procedures. An intervertebral disc repair and diagnostic device that is minimally invasive, actively guided, and provides direct and consistent access to the inner surface of the posterior anulus, which will not unintentionally exit the posterior anulus and cause harm to the spinal cord, is provided.