Abstract: An implant (10) arranged as a tubular member (20) with a longitudinal axis (80). The tubular member exhibits a proximal end (100) and a distal end (110), the distal end arranged to extend to within the inner region of an annulus. Inter-annulus support members (30) are arranged radially about the tubular member, and connected proximally of the distal end, thus defining an axial support member (120) between the connection to the tubular member and the distal end. Proximal securing members are further provided arranged radially about the tubular member and removed proximally from the connection point of the inter-annulus support members. The inter-annulus support members are connected to the axial support member such that ejection forces are opposed by a concavingly curved link member between the axial support member and the inter-annulus support members.

Abstract: The present application relates to an implantable device (104) and a method for delivering the implant for the repair and closure of annular defects and in particular, to such a device and method in which spinal annular defects are repaired with an elastic-plastic implant adept to securely seal an annular defect while providing a sufficiently compliant implant that adapts to bodily movements.