Abstract: A method for anchoring intervertebral disc devices and or augmentation materials for treating human intervertebral disc abnormalities by minimally invasive surgical procedure. An access to the intervertebral disc space is made through the superior or inferior vertebral endplate. This endplate perforation then serves to stabilize the expandable or inflatable device or implant at the entry site of the disc space. The anchoring limits movement within the disc space as it is essentially anchored at the bony channel of the endplate opening or by direct fixation to the bony endplate. This approach is usable for permanently placed devices, and also for removable implants.

Abstract: A method and device for treating human intervertebral disc herniations using an endoscopic procedure. An access port is opened into and through the annulus of a disc to remove nucleus pulposus. Subsequent treatment, a balloon device having a valve structure is positioned via an endoscopic procedure into the disc space. The balloon device is filled with a physiological fluid to occupy the disc interspace or to maintain some degree of distraction of the created disc space. Post surgery, after fibrocollagenous tissue has grown into the disc space, a second endoscopic procedure is performed to remove the balloon device. Fluid is removed to collapse the balloon structure and then removed via the guide tube. The ingrowth of fibrocollagenous tissue will continue to fill the void formerly occupied by the balloon device. The balloon device has a rigid valve body and a flexible balloon member. The valve body has an end plug, a valve chamber holding a valve member and a cooperating biasing structure.