Abstract: A device for delivering a therapeutic agent to the disc of the spine includes an introducer needle having a hollow cannula (508), a stylet and a delivery catheter with a hollow shaft The catheter fits coaxially through the introducer needle when the stylet is removed. The catheter is longer than the introducer needle and has a blunt closed-ended tip (804) and at least one side port (812) at the distal end. The introducer needle and stylet have a sharpness and consistency that allows them to penetrate the wall of the annulus fibrosus. The catheter forms a pre-set bend (806) as it exits coaxially through the distal end of the introducer needle. The angle of the bend of the catheter in combination with the blunt tip allow the catheter to traverse inside the circumference of the annulus fibrosus without entering the nucleus pulposus or exiting the annulus fibrosus into surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Various devices and methods for accessing and preparing treatment sites within the intervertebral disc space for subsequent negligible-incision surgical (NIS) or percutaneous procedures to treat disc degeneration and disc related back pain are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for performing a percutaneous spine procedure including preparing a treatment site within the intervertebral disc space for subsequent delivery of a biomaterial to treat disc degeneration and disc related back pain.