Abstract: A system and method for treating a bulge in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus adjacent to a vertebral body of a patient's spine using a repair device including a suture element, a patch element and a bone anchor. A bore is formed through a portion of the vertebral body, including an endplate thereof adjacent to the intervertebral disc. A suture picker is deployed through the bore and the annulus fibrosus, and the suture element is coupled to the suture picker. The suture picker is withdrawn from the bore. The suture element is pulled so as to draw the patch element against the bulge, and continued tension on the suture element urges the patch and the bulged anteriorly so as to re-approximate the natural shape of the annulus fibrosus. The suture element is secured to the vertebral body using the bone anchor.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a bulge in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus adjacent to a vertebral body of a patient's spine using a repair device including a suture element, a patch element and a bone anchor. A bore is formed through a portion of the vertebral body, including an endplate thereof adjacent to the intervertebral disc. A suture picker is deployed through the bore and the annulus fibrosus, and the suture element is coupled to the suture picker. The suture picker is withdrawn from the bore. The suture element is pulled so as to draw the patch element against the bulge, and continued tension on the suture element urges the patch and the bulged anteriorly so as to re-approximate the natural shape of the annulus fibrosus. The suture element is secured to the vertebral body using the bone anchor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a damaged intervertebral disc nucleus in a minimally invasive manner utilizes a modular disc prosthesis preferably comprised of at least three modular segments and at least two rails that operably connect adjacent modular segments. In one embodiment, each modular segment includes a harder inner portion and a softer outer portion. Preferably, the rails operate to slidably connect and interlock adjacent modular segments. A stem portion of the rails that extends outside the periphery of the body of the prosthesis is removable after implantation such that the modular segments form an implanted unitary device that closely mimics the geometry of the disc nucleus cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a damaged intervertebral disc nucleus in a minimally invasive manner utilizes a modular disc prosthesis preferably comprised of at least three modular segments and at least two rails that operably connect adjacent modular segments. In one embodiment, each modular segment includes a harder inner portion and a softer outer portion. Preferably, the rails operate to slidably connect and interlock adjacent modular segments. A stem portion of the rails that extends outside the periphery of the body of the prosthesis is removable after implantation such that the modular segments form an implanted unitary device that closely mimics the geometry of the disc nucleus cavity.

Abstract: The system includes a radiation emitter which is pulse driven by high current, low voltage full wave rectified direct current electrical power. Pulse frequency and width are controlled to provide periods of non-emissive operation sufficiently longer than the periods of emissive operation to maintain a desired emitter temperature. An electrically conductive case mounts the emitter in electrically conductive relation therewith and provides one current path to the emitter.

Abstract: A motor heat control circuit is provided for heating an electrical motor during the time of motor shutdown, with the circuit functioning to interconnect a winding of the motor with a source of alternating current voltage for substantially an entire half-cycle of the alternating current voltage but only at intervals comprising a selected plurality of cycles of the alternating current voltage. In its preferred form, the motor heat control circuit is adapted to be connected in shunt circuit with a main motor contactor normally interconnecting the motor winding with the source of alternating current voltage, and includes a controllable semi-conductor switch controlled by digital counting logic which is responsive to clock pulses developed from the alternating current voltage.