Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for the provision of spinal therapy to two or more adjacent motion segments accessed through a trans-sacral approach. The spinal therapies include fusion and dynamic stabilization with and without a distraction of the most cephalad motion segment of the two or more adjacent motion segments provided therapy. The disclosure includes methods and apparatus to impart a push distraction to increase the distance between two adjacent vertebrae. Related concepts for the extraction of previously inserted devices and the delivery and removal of plugs for plugging the interior cavities of implantable devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal mobility preservation apparatus and methods are disclosed. The spinal mobility preservation apparatus may include a proximal body, an intermediate body, a distal body, and an expandable membrane. The proximal body and the distal body secure the mobility preservation apparatus to adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of an intermediate body and an expandable membrane secure the proximal body to the distal body and provide a degree of support to a spinal motion segment defined by the adjacent vertebral bodies. A single proximal body and an expandable membrane may also compose a spinal mobility preservation apparatus. The proximal body secured to one of a superior or an inferior vertebral body and the expandable membrane extending into the intervertebral disc space to support the spinal motion segment.

Abstract: Prosthetic nucleus apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc are disclosed. Prosthetic nucleus apparatus may include a barrier sealant membrane and a prosthetic nucleus material. The barrier sealant membrane forms a chamber which can receive the prosthetic nucleus material. The barrier sealant membrane can be formed by depositing a layer of material on a tissue surface within a de-nucleated space within an intervertebral disc. The prosthetic nucleus material may be positioned within the chamber of the barrier sealant membrane after the barrier sealant membrane is deposited within the de-nucleated space. The barrier sealant membrane and the prosthetic nucleus material may be positioned within a patient through an axial trans-sacral bore. A plug may also be included to prevent expulsion of the barrier sealant membrane and prosthetic nucleus material.

Abstract: Cutter assemblies for use with cutter blades made of shape memory materials. The cutter blades may be deployed in the interior of an intervertebral disc space and rotated relative to a central axis of the cutter assembly to cut the material present for removal from the intervertebral disc space. Cutter blades with different attributes (such as throw length, cutter blade angle, type and location of blade edges) are adapted to achieve different objectives within the intervertebral disc space. Some cutter blades are adapted to promote bleeding of cartilage and vertebral body endplates and some cutter blades are adopted to avoid causing such bleeding. Closed loop cutter blades are described which have certain desirable attributes including the ability to remove the entire cutter blade from the intervertebral disc space after a break in the blade. Serration patterns are disclosed including a serration pattern that makes use of trapezoidal serrations.

Abstract: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. Many of the spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual pivot. A number of different embodiments of spinal motion preservation assemblies are disclosed which include at least one component adapted for elastic deformation under compressive loads. The disclosed mobility preservation assemblies provide for dynamic stabilization of the spinal motion segment. Other variations and implementations of the teachings are disclosed, including the sheathed delivery of membranes in order to protect the membranes before and during deployment.

Abstract: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. Many of the spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual pivot. A number of different embodiments of spinal motion preservation assemblies are disclosed which include at least one component adapted for elastic deformation under compressive loads. The disclosed mobility preservation assemblies provide for dynamic stabilization of the spinal motion segment. Other variations and implementations of the teachings are disclosed, including the sheathed delivery of membranes in order to protect the membranes before and during deployment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.

Abstract: The present inventions provide apparatuses and methods for repairing or otherwise treating an intervertebral disc. The apparatus and methods in accordance with the present inventions may be used to treat or repair a tear, rent, incision, defect, aperture or delamination of the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc. The apparatus and methods may employ fixation delivery apparatuses, fixation apparatuses, patch delivery tools and patches positioned in or on aspects of an intervertebral disc for treatment or repair of the intervertebral disc or its components.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as compared to conventional surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair with and without the use of a patch or stent. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as compared to conventional surgical procedures.

Abstract: A spinal disc annulus repair stent for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, which may incorporate suture closure or other means of stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs. In an illustrative embodiment, the design of the spinal disc annulus stent advantageously allows ingrowth of normal cells of healing in an enhanced fashion strengthening the normal reparative process.

Abstract: Prosthetic nucleus apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc are disclosed. Prosthetic nucleus apparatus may include a barrier sealant membrane and a prosthetic nucleus material. The barrier sealant membrane forms a chamber which can receive the prosthetic nucleus material. The barrier sealant membrane can be formed by depositing a layer of material on a tissue surface within a de-nucleated space within an intervertebral disc. The prosthetic nucleus material may be positioned within the chamber of the barrier sealant membrane after the barrier sealant membrane is deposited within the de-nucleated space. The barrier sealant membrane and the prosthetic nucleus material may be positioned within a patient through an axial trans-sacral bore. A plug may also be included to prevent expulsion of the barrier sealant membrane and prosthetic nucleus material.

Abstract: A lead employing a connection between a conductor and an electric element is provided. The connection includes a conductive pad electrically connected to at least one conductor and the electric element electrically connected to the conductive pad. The conductive pad can further include an elongated element to connect the pad to the electric element. The method for connecting a conductor to an electric element is also provided. The method includes forming a groove in the insulator of a lead body to expose the conductor. Placing a conductive pad within the groove and electrically connecting a conductive pad to the conductor. An electric element is then placed over the conductive pad and the electric element is electrically connected to the conductive pad.

Abstract: A spinal disc annulus repair stent for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, which may incorporate suture closure or other means of stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs. In an illustrative embodiment, the design of the spinal disc annulus stent advantageously allows ingrowth of normal cells of healing in an enhanced fashion strengthening the normal reparative process.

Abstract: Tools for use in the deployment of spinal implant assemblies such as spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. The tools allow the deployment of a pair of spinal implant components that are not rigidly connected to one another to be driven into adjacent vertebral bodies. The tools further allow for distraction via either dissimilar thread pitch or by axially advancing a distraction tool based on a threaded engagement with a proximal component in a proximal vertebral body to impose an distraction between that vertebral body and an adjacent distal vertebral body. The tools also allow for the provision of flowable biomaterials such as prosthetic nucleus material. Delivery of flowable biomaterials can be performed while the vertebrae are being held apart by a distraction tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair with and without the use of a patch or stent. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as compared to conventional surgical procedures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a neurostimulation lead, comprises: a lead body, the lead body comprising an inner insulator, an outer insulator positioned around the inner insulator, wherein the outer insulator and the inner insulator are fused together; at least one conductor that is wound between the inner insulator and the outer insulator; and at least one electrode that is electrically coupled to the at least one conductor.

Abstract: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. The spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual pivot. A number of different embodiments of spinal motion preservation assemblies are disclosed which include at least one component adapted for elastic deformation under compressive loads. The disclosed mobility preservation assemblies provide for dynamic stabilization (DS) of the spinal motion segment.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for the provision of spinal therapy to two or more adjacent motion segments accessed through a trans-sacral approach. The spinal therapies include fusion and dynamic stabilization with and without a distraction of the most cephalad motion segment of the two or more adjacent motion segments provided therapy. The disclosure includes methods and apparatus to impart a distraction on a second more caudal motion segment after providing therapy to the more cephalad motion segment. Related concepts for the extraction of previously inserted devices and the delivery and removal of plugs for plugging the interior cavities of implantable devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.