Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.

Abstract: An exemplary nucleus removal device may be used to remove a portion of nucleus pulposus from an intervertebral disc. A nucleus removal device may include a cannula, an access tool, a maceration tool, and an evacuation tool. The access cannula is inserted into an intervertebral body laterally, creating a fissure in the annular fibrosis. The access tool 304 is slid through the access cannula and the fissure in annular fibrosis, such that a portion of access tool extends into the nucleus pulposus. The maceration tool is extended from the access tool into the nucleus pulposus, in a direction orthogonal to the axial extension of access tool, and macerates the nucleus pulposus. To assist in maceration, a stream of liquid may also be introduced into the vertebral body through the access tool before, during, or after maceration. Macerated material and liquid is removed from the intervertebral disc by the evacuation tool.

Abstract: An inter-vertebral disc prosthesis intended for percutaneous deployment comprises an expandable annular enclosure and an expandable nuclear enclosure. The expandable annular enclosure incorporates a reinforcing annular band along its periphery and is filled with in-situ curable rubber. The expandable nuclear enclosure is filled with a gas. The nuclear prosthesis further incorporates a novel, integrally molded sealing valve assembly and is stretchable and collapsible into a minimal profile for ease of insertion into a specially designed delivery cannula, and is inflation-assisted expandable into an inter-vertebral disc in which complete percutaneous nuclectomy has been performed.

Abstract: An inter-vertebral disc prosthesis intended for percutaneous deployment comprises an expandable annular enclosure and an expandable nuclear enclosure. The expandable annular enclosure incorporates a reinforcing annular band along its periphery and is filled with in-situ curable rubber. The expandable nuclear enclosure is filled with a gas. The nuclear prosthesis further incorporates a novel, integrally molded sealing valve assembly and is stretchable and collapsible into a minimal profile for ease of insertion into a specially designed delivery cannula, and is inflation-assisted expandable into an inter-vertebral disc in which complete percutaneous nuclectomy has been performed.