Abstract: The distal portion of a shape-memory filament extends from a needle containing at least one filament gripping element. To implant the shape-memory filament in tissue, the needle is inserted into a cannula with a flexible and removable hook. During partial withdrawal of the needle, the hook holds the distal portion of the filament stationary to deposit a section of filament in the distal portion of the cannula. The needle is re-advanced, pushing the section of the shape-memory filament to coil or fold within the tissue. Rotation of the needle with the filament gripping element further tightens the coiled or folded filament. Partial withdrawal, re-advancement, rotation and pushing of the needle are repeated to fill, pack, strengthen, enlarge or augment the tissue with the shape-memory filament.

Abstract: A distal portion of a filament is extended beyond the distal end of a needle with a gripper. The needle with the extended filament is inserted into a cannula with snagging points at the distal opening of the cannula in tissue. The snagging points of the cannula hook and retain the distal portion of the filament. During partial withdrawal of the needle, a section of filament is deposited in the lumen of the cannula between the distal ends of the needle and cannula. When the needle is re-advanced, the section of filament is expelled or pushed out of the cannula into tissue. The needle is then rotated; the gripper engages and spirals the expelled filament, burrowing into tissue. The needle can further advanced to push and pack the spiral of filament deep into the tissue. The knot-like filament spiral is individually formed by rotation of the needle and friction between the extended filament and tissue.

Abstract: The distal portion of a shape-memory filament extends from a needle containing at least one filament gripping element. To implant the shape-memory filament in tissue, the needle is inserted into a cannula with a flexible and removable hook. During partial withdrawal of the needle, the hook holds the distal portion of the filament stationary to deposit a section of filament in the distal portion of the cannula. The needle is re-advanced, pushing the section of the shape-memory filament to coil or fold within the tissue. Rotation of the needle with the filament gripping element further tightens the coiled or folded filament. Partial withdrawal, re-advancement, rotation and pushing of the needle are repeated to fill, pack, strengthen, enlarge or augment the tissue with the shape-memory filament.

Abstract: The intervertebral disc is avascular. Nutrients and waste are diffused through adjacent vertebral bodies into the disc. As we age, calcified layers form between the disc and vertebral bodies, blocking diffusion of nutrients, oxygen and pH buffer in blood. Under anaerobic conditions, lactic acid is produced, irritating nerve endings and causing nonspecific pain. In addition, the disc begins to starve and flatten. The weight shifts abnormally from disc to the facet joints causing strain and back pain. Lactic acid inhibitor inhibits production of lactic acid from pyruvate within the disc to reduce or alleviate back pain.

Abstract: A distal portion of a filament is extended beyond the distal end of a needle with a gripper. The needle with the extended filament is inserted into a cannula with snagging points at the distal opening of the cannula in tissue. The snagging points of the cannula hook and retain the distal portion of the filament. During partial withdrawal of the needle, a section of filament is deposited in the lumen of the cannula between the distal ends of the needle and cannula. When the needle is re-advanced, the section of filament is expelled or pushed out of the cannula into tissue. The needle is then rotated; the gripper engages and spirals the expelled filament, burrowing into tissue. The needle can further advanced to push and pack the spiral of filament deep into the tissue. The knot-like filament spiral is individually formed by rotation of the needle and friction between the extended filament and tissue.

Abstract: The intervertebral disc is avascular. Nutrients and waste are diffused through adjacent vertebral bodies into the disc. As we age, calcified layers form between the disc and vertebral bodies, blocking diffusion of nutrients, oxygen and pH buffer in blood. Under anaerobic conditions, lactic acid is produced, irritating nerve endings and causing nonspecific pain. In addition, the disc begins to starve and flatten. The weight shifts abnormally from disc to the facet joints causing strain and back pain. Lactic acid inhibitor inhibits production of lactic acid from pyruvate within the disc to reduce or alleviate back pain.