Patent Grant
9095442
The invention generally relates to methods and devices for the closure, sealing, repair and/or reconstruction of an intervertebral disc annulus, and accompanying delivery devices and tools, and their methods of use. The repair can be of an aperture in the disc wall, or a weakened or thin portion. The term “aperture” refers to a hole in the annulus that is a result of a surgical incision or dissection into the intervertebral disc annulus, or the consequence of a naturally occurring tear (rent). The invention generally relates to surgical devices and methods for the treatment of intervertebral disc wall repair or reconstruction. The invention further relates to an annular repair device, or stent, for annular disc repair. These stents can be of natural or synthetic materials. The effects of said reconstruction is restoration of disc wall integrity, which may reduce the failure rate (3-21%) of a common surgical procedure (disc fragment removal or discectomy), or advantageously provide a barrier to intradiscal material migration.
The spinal column is formed from a number of bony vertebrae, which in their normal state are separated from each other by intervertebral discs. These discs are comprised of the annulus fibrosus, and the nucleus pulposus, both of which are soft tissue. The intervertebral disc acts in the spine as a crucial stabilizer, and as a mechanism for force distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies. Without a competent disc, collapse of the intervertebral disc may occur, contributing to abnormal joint mechanics and premature development of degenerative and/or arthritic changes.
The normal intervertebral disc has an outer ligamentous ring called the annulus surrounding the nucleus pulposus. The annulus binds the adjacent vertebrae together and is constituted of collagen fibers that are attached to the vertebrae and cross each other so that half of the individual fibers will tighten as the vertebrae are rotated in either direction, thus resisting twisting or torsional motion. The nucleus pulposus is constituted of soft tissue, having about 85% water content, which moves about during bending from front to back and from side to side.
The aging process contributes to gradual changes in the intervertebral discs. The annulus loses much of its flexibility and resilience, becoming more dense and solid in composition. The aging annulus may also be marked by the appearance or propagation of cracks or fissures in the annular wall. Similarly, the nucleus desiccates, increasing viscosity and thus losing its fluidity. In combination, these features of the aged intervertebral discs result in less dynamic stress distribution because of the more viscous nucleus pulposus, and less ability to withstand localized stresses by the annulus fibrosus due to its desiccation, loss of flexibility and the presence of fissures. Fissures can also occur due to disease or other pathological conditions. Occasionally fissures may form rents through the annular wall. In these instances, the nucleus pulposus is urged outwardly from the subannular space through a rent, often into the spinal column. Extruded nucleus pulposus can, and often does, mechanically press on the spinal cord or spinal nerve rootlet. This painful condition is clinically referred to as a ruptured or herniated disc.
In the event of annulus rupture, the subannular nucleus pulposus migrates along the path of least resistance forcing the fissure to open further, allowing migration of the nucleus pulposus through the wall of the disc, with resultant nerve compression and leakage of chemicals of inflammation into the space around the adjacent nerve roots supplying the extremities, bladder, bowel and genitalia. The usual effect of nerve compression and inflammation is intolerable back or neck pain, radiating into the extremities, with accompanying numbness, weakness, and in late stages, paralysis and muscle atrophy, and/or bladder and bowel incontinence. Additionally, injury, disease or other degenerative disorders may cause one or more of the intervertebral discs to shrink, collapse, deteriorate or become displaced, herniated, or otherwise damaged and compromised.
Surgical repairs or replacements of displaced or herniated discs are attempted approximately 390,000 times in the USA each year. Historically, there has been no known way to repair or reconstruct the annulus. Instead, surgical procedures to date are designed to relieve symptoms by removing unwanted disc fragments and relieving nerve compression. While results are currently acceptable, they are not optimal. Various authors report 3.1-21% recurrent disc herniation, representing a failure of the primary procedure and requiring re-operation for the same condition. An estimated 10% recurrence rate results in 39,000 re-operations in the United States each year.
An additional method of relieving the symptoms is thermal annuloplasty, involving the heating of sub-annular zones in the non-herniated painful disc, seeking pain relief, but making no claim of reconstruction of the ruptured, discontinuous annulus wall.
Some have also suggested that the repair of a damaged intervertebral disc might include the augmentation of the nucleus pulposus, and various efforts at nucleus pulposus replacement have been reported. The present invention is directed at the repair of the annulus, whether or not a nuclear augmentation is also warranted.
In addition, there has been experimentation in animals to assess various surgical incisions with and without the direct surgical repair of the annulus. These studies were performed on otherwise healthy animals and involved no removal or augmentation of nucleus pulposus. The authors of these experiments conclude that direct repair of the annulus does not influence the healing of the disc.
The present inventors have found, advantageously and contrary to accepted practice, that the annulus tissue may be sutured and that annular healing may be facilitated by reapproximation, reinforcement, and/or support of annular tissue. Methods and devices for carrying out annular repair and/or reconstruction are a subject of the present invention.
The present inventions provide methods and related devices for reconstruction of the disc wall in cases of displaced, herniated, thinned, ruptured, or otherwise damaged or infirm intervertebral discs. In accordance with the invention, a method is disclosed for intervertebral disc reconstruction for treating a disc having an aperture, weakened or thin portion in the wall of the annulus fibrosis of the intervertebral disc. Repair, reconstruction, sealing, occluding an aperture, weakened or thin portion in the wall of the annulus may prevent or avoid migration of intradiscal material from the subannular space.
The method of the invention includes, in one embodiment, the steps of providing a first delivery tool having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end carrying a treatment device; providing at least one second delivery tool having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end carrying a fixation element; introducing the distal end of the first delivery tool at least partially into subannular intervertebral disc space; deploying said treatment device; introducing the distal end of said at least one second delivery tool at least partially into subannular intervertebral disc space; and deploying at least one fixation device into, or through, the wall of an annulus to hold said treatment device at least partially within the subannular intervertebral disc space; and removing the delivery tools.
A fixation device useful for intervertebral disc reconstruction for treating a disc having an aperture, weakened, or thin portion in the wall of the annulus fibrosis of said intervertebral disc, said device, in one embodiment comprises at least one anchor portion and at least one band.
A treatment device, according to one embodiment, comprises a mesh patch that radially expands in the subannular space.
The invention also comprises delivery tools for delivering fixation devices and treatment devices, as well as kits comprising devices and tools.
The objects and various advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description which follows. In general, the implantable medical treatment devices are placed, positioned, and subsequently affixed in the annulus to reduce re-extrusion of the nucleus or other intradiscal material through an aperture by: establishing a barrier or otherwise closing or partially closing the aperture; and/or helping to restore the natural integrity of the wall of the annulus; and/or promoting healing of the annulus. Increased integrity and faster and/or more thorough healing of the aperture may reduce future recurrence of herniation of the disc nucleus, or intradiscal material, from the intervertebral disc, and the recurrence of resulting back pain. In addition, it is believed that the repair of the annular tissue could promote enhanced biomechanics and reduce the possibility of intervertebral disc height collapse and segmental instability, thus possibly avoiding back pain after a surgical procedure.
Moreover, the repair of an aperture (after for example, a discectomy procedure) with the reduction of the re-extrusion of the nucleus may also advantageously reduce adhesion formation surrounding the nerve roots. The nuclear material of the disc is toxic to the nerves and is believed to cause increased inflammation surrounding the nerves, which in turn can cause increased scar formation (adhesions or epidural fibrosis) upon healing. Adhesions created around the nerve roots can cause continued back pain. Any reduction in adhesion formation is believed to reduce future recurrence of pain.
The methods and devices of the present inventions may create a mechanical barrier to the extrusion of intradiscal material (i.e., nucleus pulposus, or nuclear augmentation materials) from the disc space, add mechanical integrity to the annulus and the tissue surrounding an aperture, weakened, or thin portion of the wall of the annulus, and promote faster and more complete healing of the aperture, weakened or thin portion.
Although much of the discussion is directed toward the repair of the intervertebral disc after a surgical procedure, such as discectomy (a surgical procedure performed to remove herniated fragments of the disc nucleus), it is contemplated that the devices of the present invention may be used in other procedures that involve access (whether induced or naturally occurring) through the annulus of the intervertebral disc, or prophylactic application to the annulus. An example of another procedure that could require a repair technique involves the replacement of the nucleus (nucleus replacement) with an implantable nucleus material to replace the functioning of the natural nucleus when it is degenerated. The object of the invention in this case would be similar in that the repair would maintain the replacement nucleus within the disc space.
According to an embodiment of the invention, a sub-annular device can be employed to repair an aperture, degenerated, weakened, or thin portion in an intervertebral disc annulus. The device can be secured in place with one or more fixation elements, such as sutures or anchors which may also be used to reapproximate the tissues surrounding the aperture, degenerated, weakened, or thin portion. The invention, through involvement of the sub-annular space and wall for the repair of the aperture has several advantages. The first advantage of a repair that involves a sub-annular surface derives itself from the physical nature of a circular (or an elliptical) compressed chamber with a radius, like an intervertebral disc. Sealing the inside wall has the inherent advantage of being at a smaller radius of curvature versus the outer wall and thus, according to LaPlace's Law, the patch would be subjected to lower stresses at any given pressure, all else held equal.
Another advantage of utilizing the inner surface to accomplish sealing is that the natural pressure within the disc can enhance the seating of the device against the inner wall of the disc space. Conversely, if the repair is performed on the outer surface of the annulus there is an inherent risk of leakage around the periphery of the device, with the constant exposure to the pressure of the disc.
Another advantage of the present invention in utilizing an inner surface of the annulus is the reduction of the risk of having a portion of the device protruding from the exterior surface of the annulus. Device materials protruding from the exterior of the annulus pose a risk of damaging the nerve root and/or spinal canal which are in close proximity. Damage to these structures can result in continued pain, incontinence, bowel dysfunction and paralysis.
Some embodiments of the present invention may also incorporate the concept of pulling the tissues together that surround the aperture, the inner surface, and the outer surface of the annulus to help close the aperture, increase the integrity of the repair, and promote healing.
An example of the technique and placement of the device according to one embodiment of the invention is as follows:
1. A treatment device is actuated into a delivery configuration by delivery device and passed through an aperture in the wall of the annulus, positioning a treatment device in the subannular disc space, as shown in
2. The delivery device is actuated to deploy the treatment device, as shown in
3. Holding the treatment device in the deployed configuration, a fixation instrument is employed to introduce one or more fixation elements into, or through, the annulus to secure the treatment device and subsequently removed, as shown in
4. The delivery device is disengaged from the treatment device.
Several devices according to the present invention can be used to practice the above illustrative inventive steps to seal, reconstruct and/or repair the intervertebral disc. In some of the representative devices described herein, there is: a reconfigurable device (note: patch, stent, device, mesh, barrier, and treatment device are here used interchangeably) that has, in use, at least a portion of the device in the sub-annular space of the intervertebral disc annulus; a means to affix the at least a portion of the device to or within at least a portion of the annulus; a means to draw the patch or fixation device into engagement with the annular tissue in tension to thereby help reduce the relative motion of the surfaces of the aperture and/or annulus after fixation, and thus promote healing. Reducing motion of the annular surfaces may provide the optimal environment for healing.
Some of the concepts disclosed hereinbelow accomplish these objectives, as well as may advantageously additionally incorporate design elements to reduce the number of steps (and time), and/or simplify the surgical technique, and/or reduce the risk of causing complications during the repair of the intervertebral disc annulus. In addition, the following devices may become incorporated by the surrounding tissues, or to act as a scaffold in the short-term (3-6 months) for tissue incorporation.
In an exemplary embodiment, one or more mild biodegradable surgical sutures can be placed at about equal distances along the sides of a pathologic aperture in the ruptured disc wall (annulus) or along the sides of a surgical dissection or incision in the annular wall, which may be weakened or thinned. The sutures hold an expandable device to a subannular surface of the annulus.
Sutures are then drawn in tension and secured in such a fashion as to draw the expandable device into engagement with the annular tissue, and also to help effect closure of the aperture, to enhance natural healing and subsequent reconstruction by natural tissue (fibroblasts) crossing the gap now bridged by the device in the disc annulus.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method can be augmented by creating a subannular barrier in and across the aperture by placement of a patch of biocompatible material acting as a bridge or a scaffold, providing a platform for traverse of fibroblasts or other normal cells of repair existing in and around the various layers of the disc annulus.
Such biocompatible materials may be, for example, medical grade biocompatible fabrics or fibers, biodegradable polymeric sheets, or form fitting or non-form fitting fillers for the cavity created by removal of a portion of the disc nucleus pulposus in the course of the disc fragment removal or discectomy. The prosthetic material can be placed in and around the intervertebral space, created by removal of the degenerated disc fragments.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate illustrative embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to selected illustrative embodiments of the invention, with occasional reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
In the surgical repair of an aperture in the annulus, as shown in
Additionally, to repair a weakened or thinned wall of a disc annulus 42, a surgical incision or dissection can be made along the weakened or thinned region of the annulus 42 and one or more surgical sutures 40 can be placed at about equal distances laterally from the incision. Reapproximation or closure of the incision is accomplished by tying the sutures 40 so that the sides of the incision are drawn together. The reapproximation or closure of the incision/dissection enhances the natural healing and subsequent reconstruction by the natural tissue crossing the now surgically narrowed gap in the annulus 42. Preferably, the surgical sutures 40 are biodegradable, but permanent non-biodegradable materials may be utilized.
Where necessary or desirable, the method can be augmented by placing a patch in and across the aperture 44. The patch acts as a bridge in and across the aperture 44, providing a platform for traverse of fibroblasts or other normal cells of repair existing in and around the various layers of the disc annulus 42, prior to closure of the aperture 44.
In an illustrative embodiment, the annulus stent 10 is a solid unit, formed from one or more of the flexible resilient biocompatible or bioresorbable materials well know in the art. The selection of appropriate stent materials may be partially predicated on specific stent construction and the relative properties of the material such that, after fixed placement of the stent, the repair may act to enhance the healing process at the aperture by relatively stabilizing the tissue and reducing movement of the tissue surrounding the aperture.
For example, the annulus stent 10 may be made from:
A porous matrix or mesh of biocompatible and bioresorbable fibers acting as a scaffold to regenerate disc tissue and replace annulus fibrosus as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,438 (Stone) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,043 (Stone), a strong network of inert fibers intermingled with a bioresorbable (or bioabsorbable) material which attracts tissue ingrowth as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,260 (Ray et al.).
A biodegradable substrate as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,807 (Gan at al.); or
an expandable polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), as used for conventional vascular grafts, such as those sold by W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc. under the trademarks GORE-TEX and PRECLUDE, or by Impra, Inc. under the trademark IMPRA.
Furthermore, the annulus, stent 10, may contain hygroscopic material for a controlled limited expansion of the annulus stent 10 to fill the evacuated disc space cavity.
Additionally, the annulus stent 10 may comprise materials to facilitate regeneration of disc tissue, such as bioactive silica-based materials that assist in regeneration of disc tissue as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,331 (Ducheyne, et al.), or other tissue growth factors well known in the art.
Many of the materials disclosed and described above represent embodiments where the device actively promotes the healing process. It is also possible that the selection of alternative materials or treatments may modulate the role in the healing process, and thus promote or prevent healing as may be required. It is also contemplated that these modulating factors could be applied to material substrates of the device as a coating, or similar covering, to evoke a different tissue response than the substrate without the coating.
Materials of the patch could include a metallic material (e.g., NiTi alloy, Stainless steel, Titanium), or a polymeric material (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate urethane, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyester, PET, poly olefin copolymer, polypropylene, polyethylene), or a biodegradable or bioresorbable material (e.g., collagen, cellulose, polysaccharide, polyglycolic acid (PGA), a polylevolactic acid (PPLA), a polydioxanone (PDA) or for example a racemic polylactic acid (PDLLA), or a combination of these materials.
In an illustrative method of use, as shown in
In an alternative method, where the length of the aperture 44 is less than the length of the outside edge 26 of the annulus stent 10, the annulus stent 10 can be inserted laterally into the aperture 44. The lateral extensions 20 and 22 are compressed, and the annulus stent 10 can then be laterally inserted into the aperture 44. The annulus stent 10 can then be rotated inside the disc annulus 42, such that the upper section 14 can be held back through the aperture 44. The lateral extensions 20 and 22 are then allowed to expand, with the upper surface 28 contouring to the inside surface of the disc annulus 42. The upper section 14 can be positioned within, or proximate to, the aperture 44 in the subannular space such that the annulus stent 10 may be secured to the disc annulus, using means well known in the art.
It is anticipated that fibroblasts will engage the fibers of the polymer or fabric of the intervertebral disc stent 10, forming a strong wall duplicating the currently existing condition of healing seen in the normal reparative process.
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in
As shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the radial extension 76 has a greater thickness at the central hub 66 edge than at the outside edge.
In a method of use, as shown in
It is anticipated that fibroblasts will engage the fibers of the polymer or fabric of the annulus stent 10, forming a strong wall duplicating the currently existing condition of healing seen in the normal reparative process.
In an alternative method of use, as shown in
In one illustrative embodiment, the barbs 82 on the upper surface 68 of one or more strut 67 or other feature of the radial extension 76, engage the disc annulus' 42 inner wall, holding the annulus stent 10 in position.
Turning to
Patches can be folded and expanded in a single plane or in three dimensions. As shown in
It is understood that there can be a variety of device designs of patches/stents/meshes/devices/treatment devices to accomplish the expansion of a device from a first configuration, to a second configuration to occupy at least a portion of the sub-annular space and reduce re-extrusion of the nucleus, or otherwise facilitate maintaining other intradiscal materials within the disc space. These devices can be constructed of single components or multiple components, with a variety of different materials, whether synthetic, naturally occurring, recombinated (genetically engineered) to achieve various objectives in the delivery, deployment and fixation of a device to repair or reconstruct the annulus. The following device concepts are further discussed for additional embodiments of a device and/or system for the repair of an intervertebral disc annulus. The following descriptions will illustratively depict and describe methods, devices, and tools to deliver a treatment to an intervertebral disc after a, lumbar discectomy procedure; although, it is anticipated that these methods, devices, and tools may be similarly used in a variety of applications. As an example, the embodiments described herein may also advantageously maintain materials within the disc space other than natural disc tissue (nucleus, annulus, cartilage, etc.), such as implants and materials that may be used to replace and/or augment the nucleus pulposus or other parts of disc's tissues. These procedures may be performed to treat, for example, degenerative disc disease. Whether these materials are intended to replace the natural functioning of the nucleus pulposus (i.e., implantable prosthetics or injectable, in-situ curable polymer protein, or the like) or provide a fusion between vertebral bodies (i.e., implantable bony or synthetic prosthetics with materials to facilitate fusion, such as growth factors like bone morphogenic proteins)—one skilled in the art would realize that variations to the embodiments described herein may be employed to better address characteristic differences in the various materials and/or implants that could be placed within the subannular space, and that these variations would be within the scope of the invention.
Furthermore, it should be noted that surgeons differ in their techniques and methods in performing an intervention on a spinal disc, and the inventive descriptions and depictions of methods, devices and delivery tools to repair annular tissue could be employed with a variety of surgical techniques; such as, but not limited to: open surgical, microsurgical discectomy (using a magnifying scope or loupes), minimally invasive surgical (through, for example, a METRx™ system available from Medtronic, Inc.), and percutaneous access. Surgeons may also employ a variety of techniques for intra-operative assessment and/or visualization of the procedure, which may include: intra-operative probing, radiography (e.g., C-arm, flat plate), and endoscopy. It is contemplated that the inventive embodiments described are not limited by the various techniques that may be employed by the surgeon.
In addition, the surgical approach to the intervertebral disc throughout the figures and descriptions depict a common approach, with related structures, to a lumbar discectomy; although, it is possible that surgeons may prefer alternative approaches to the intervertebral disc for various applications (for example, different intervertebral disc levels such as the cervical or thoracic region, or for nucleus augmentation), which may include, but is not limited to: posterior-lateral, anterior, anterior-lateral, transforaminal, extra-foraminal, extra-pedicular, axial (i.e., through the vertebral bodies), retroperitoneal, trans psoas (through the Psoas muscle), contralateral. The approach to the intervertebral disc space should not be interpreted to limit the use of the invention for the repair or reconstruction of the an aperture, weakened or thin portion of the annulus, as described herein.
It is also important to note that the boundary in the intervertebral disc space between the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus as depicted herein may be demarked or otherwise highlighted; however, it is important to recognize that these tissues are not as precisely demarked in human tissues, and may be even less so as the patient ages or evinces degeneration of the intervertebral disc. This demarcation may be especially difficult to discern during an operative procedure, using for example; available surgical tools (i.e., probes), fluoroscopic guidance (x-ray), or visual (endoscope) guidance. However, in general, the layers of the annulus have more structural integrity (and strength) than the nucleus, and this integrity varies from the outer most layers of the annulus being of higher structural integrity than the inner most layers of the annulus.
Moreover, the drawings and descriptions herein are necessarily simplified to depict the operation of the devices and illustrate various steps in the method. In use, the tissues may be manipulated by, and are frequently in contact with, the various tools and devices; however, for clarity of construction and operation, the figures may not show intimate contact between the tissues the tools and the devices.
As depicted in
The are a variety of ways to affix a device to the sub-annular wall of the annulus in addition to those discussed hereinabove. The following exemplary embodiments are introduced here to provide inventive illustrations of the types of techniques that can be employed to reduce the time and skill required to affix the patch to the annulus, versus suturing and tying a knot. Discussed hereinabove is the use of sutures, staples and other fixation devices to affix the patch to the annulus. In a simple example, a patch/stent could be compressed, passed through a guide tube such as tubes 18, 18A shown in
Another fixation means includes the passing of “anchoring band s” into the wall of the annulus, vertebral bodies (superior, inferior, or both), or the Sharpey's Fibers (collagenous fibers between the junction of the annular fibers and vertebral bodies). In the following example of anchors, the barbs or bands are affixed to the annulus/vertebral bodies/Sharpey's fibers. Another element, for example a suture, cinch line, or a staple is utilized to attach the anchor bands to the patch, and thus hold the patch in proximity to the inner wall of the annulus. In addition, these bands may reapproximate the tissues at the aperture.
Another example of fixating the device to inner wall of the annulus is further illustrated by
The barbs and the connection band between the barbs could be constructed of the same material or of different materials. For example, the barbed part of the anchor band could be a biodegradable/bioabsorbable material (such as, for example, collagen, cellulose, polysaccharides, carbohydrates, polyglycolic acid, polylevolactic acid, polydioxanone, racemic polylactic acid) or could be constructed of a metallic or polymeric biocompatible material (e.g., titanium, NiTi alloy, stainless steel, platinum, gold, polyurethane, polycarbonate urethane, polyimide, polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PET, PEEK). The anchors could also be constructed of a combination of these materials. In addition, the band that connects these barbs can be constructed of materials that are similar to the barbs, or different materials. For example, the connection band could be a biodegradable/bioabsorbable suture, such as Vicryl, or a biocompatible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, silk, stainless steel, PET. In addition, it is possible that these elements are constructed from multiple materials to accomplish the objective of anchoring into the annulus and providing for a fixation site to draw the tissues together.
The cinching of the anchor bands and the patch also allows for taking-up the slack that allows for the accommodation of varying sizes. For example, the thickness of the annular wall surrounding the aperture can vary from 1 mm up to 10 mm. Therefore, if the anchor bands have a set length, this design with a cinch line accommodates different dimensions of the thickness of the wall of the annulus by drawing the “slack” of the bands together within the aperture.
Although it has been described here as patch placement that involves two lateral anchor bands with a suture to draw the patch, bands and tissues together, one or two or more bands could be used and two bands is only an example. Furthermore, the anchor bands were placed with the barbs in a superior-inferior fashion. One skilled in the art would recognize that these could be placed at different locations surrounding the aperture, vertebral bodies or into the Sharpey's fibers.
Although the patch depicted in the example above does not have barbs attached to the patch, it is also possible to have the barbs as described hereinabove to further promote the fixation of the patch to the inner wall of the annulus.
Finally, although the drawings depict an aperture that lends itself to re-approximating the tissues, it is conceivable that some apertures, whether natural or surgically made, may be relatively large and therefore might require the placement of additional material within the aperture to act as a scaffold for tissue in growth, between the patch on the inner wall of the annulus and the anchor bands located on the outer wall. An example of material to fill the aperture might include autograft para-spinal fascial tissue, xenograft, allograft, or other natural collagenous materials. The filler material could also be of a biocompatible material such as a Dacron (polyester, or PET), polypropylene, polyethylene material.
As an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the anchor bands 709 as described previously (anchor bands into annulus) could be sufficiently long enough to pass through the annulus and then through the patch. The barbs in this embodiment have an engaging involvement with the patch. This concept was previously discussed hereinabove in connection with
In addition, although the bands shown in
It is also foreseen within the scope of the invention that there may be patch designs which will accommodate the placement and securement of the anchor to the fabric that covers the frame of the patch. For example, a frame for a patch that is made out of metal such as Nitinol can provide for “windows”. The device, covered with a mesh fabric, for example silicone or Dacron, would therefore allow the anchoring barbs to be passed through the “windows” in the frame of the patch. In this case, the barb can be secured to the patch in the fabric covering the frame.
Alternatively, the patch can be secured by passing barbs that engage the lattice of the patch frame. These embodiments of the invention illustrate designs in which the barbs engage with the vertical, horizontal or criss-crossed structures/members of the frame. In this case, the barbs would pass through the mesh or lattice of the frame and they would be unable to pass back out of the structure.
Although this discussion refers to “anchor bands” that are shown to be two anchors connected by a suture, it is also contemplated that single barbs with sutures could be placed and the sutures' ends, at the outer surface of the annulus, are tied after placement through the patch. It is also possible that these “single anchors” could be retained by a suture “pledget” on the outer wall of the annulus to better hold the outer surface, or could include a suture (or band) locking device.
One objective in the designs discussed hereinabove is to provide a way to “pull up the slack” in a system to adjust the length of sutures and for anchor bands. According to the present invention, a technique referred to as the “Lasso Cinch Knot” was developed as a means to draw the anchor bands together with a suture cinch line that is incorporated into the patch design.
It is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention that sutures or bands 710′ can be preattached directly to a stent/patch. As shown in
An alternative embodiment for securing a patch 902 and reapproximating a rent or incision is to provide each of the separate barbs with sutures having variable lengths as shown in
Alternatively, the locking mechanism can be as shown in
Although cinch lines have been described as using a knot to “lock” the length of the suture, other mechanisms could also lock the length, as shown in
Although the embodiments of
Similarly, an alternative embodiment to cause tension within the device and draw the tissues together after placement of the anchor bands might include an elastic band or band with a spring which one end can be attached to the anchor bands and the other end attached to the patch. Alternatively, the anchor bands might, in and of themselves may be made of an elastic band between the barbs, or may contain a spring element between the barbs. Such an embodiment can be made to resemble a so-called “Bobber Spring.” Again, it is contemplated that the elastic or resilient element could be made from a wide variety of metals, polymeric, or biodegradable/bioabsorbable material.
As previously mentioned, the present invention also encompasses delivery devices or tools of the following description. The delivery devices of the present invention are configured to deliver at least one, or a portion thereof, device into (or through) the annulus or other surface or tissue. The delivery tools (or devices) will typically comprise devices or shafts having proximal and distal ends. As referred to herein, the proximal portion of a device or tool or component will generally refer to the portion of the device/tool/component that is located furthest away from the patient (and closest to the surgeon); whereas, the distal portion will generally refer to the portion that is within (in use), or closest to the patient (and therefore furthest away from the surgeon). Although some of the device descriptions may refer to some fixation element embodiments as being “fixation” or “anchor/anchor band/barb”, this is done for clarity reasons and should not be misconstrued to suggest that the device is not capable of also performing a treatment and/or a repair.
In addition, the following descriptions of delivery devices/tools are generally intended to be single-use and disposable; however, it is clear that these tools could as easily be constructed to be partially, or wholly, re-usable and re-sterilizable.
An illustrative delivery device as depicted in
The delivery device 708 will also advantageously contain within it an ejection rod 715. The proximal end of the ejection rod 715 typically will contain an end portion 713 to function as a stopper, e.g., having a diameter larger than the remaining portion of the rod, such as is shown in
Advantageously, the ejection rod 715 and delivery device may be configured to deliver multiple fixation devices, sequentially or simultaneously. Thus, if multiple fixation devices are contained within the device, the ejection rod 715 and delivery device may be configured such that the rod 715 be pushed a first distance, sufficient to deliver a first fixation device. The device is then removed from the first insertion point and inserted into a second insertion point, where the ejection rod is then pushed a second distance for delivery of a second fixation device, and so-on as desired. For simultaneous delivery of multiple fixation devices, multiple delivery devices may be arranged in parallel (or substantially parallel). The distance between (or among) the delivery devices may be fixed or adjustable, as desired.
The distance the ejection rod 715 is pushed to define a first, second, and subsequent distances may be regulated by feel. Alternatively, the distance can be regulated by the architecture of the device. For example, the shaft and ejection rod may be fitted with a notch-and-groove configuration, respectively. In such configuration, the notch in the outer surface of the ejection rod may be aligned with a groove in the inner surface of the device. The length of the groove defines a first distance. The ejection rod 715 would be then turned or rotated within the device, aligning the notch within the device to a second groove defining a second distance, and so-on. In an alternative embodiment, the ejection rod and anchor portion of the fixation device (e.g., barb or T-anchor) may surround the shaft of the device, as a sleeve surrounds an arm. In such a configuration, the delivery tool would comprise a solid shaft and the ejection rod and fixation device would be at least partially hollow and disposed over the distal portion of the delivery device. Pushing the ejection rod in a proximal to distal direction would deploy the anchor portion of the fixation device.
Referring to
In addition, as previously described, one could use barbs having a multitude of configurations. One could also configure delivery devices to deliver one (as in
For example, although FIGS. 24 and 25A-B depict a device that places two anchors 709 banded together with one device, one could accomplish an equivalent or other desired result with a single device that delivers multiple barbs at the same time.
Although much of this description has described placement of the anchors into the annulus (or soft tissue) of the disc, one could perform anchoring into other tissues surrounding the aperture, including the bone or Sharpey fibers, it is also contemplated that, given the delivery device construction, a bone drill or similar device may be necessary to facilitate the placement of the delivery device through the bony or similar tissue.
The band 709′ connecting the thus implanted anchors (or barbs) advantageously contains a moveable knot 714 between the anchors. Suitable knots include, but are not limited to, the Roeder knot and its functional equivalents, and are advantageously, but not necessarily, pre-tied. After insertion of both anchors 709 (or barbs), the band 709′ is advantageously tightened by hand or by pushing on the knot with a knot-pusher or similar device. Although not shown in
The shaft of the device may be of any convenient length, typically from, e.g., 1 inch to 10 inches. Materials of which to make the delivery device include, but are not limited to: metals, such as stainless steel, nickel, titanium alloy, and titanium; plastics, such as PTFE, polypropylene, PEEK, polyethylene, and polyurethane, acrylic, polycarbonate, engineering plastics; and/or composites.
Advantageously, the shaft of the device will have a cross-sectional shape suitable to accommodate an ejection rod and at least one fixation element, or portion thereof. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the shaft of the device may be hollow, having a circular, elliptical, triangular, trapezoidal or other suitable cross-sectional area sufficient to accommodate an ejection rod.
The delivery device may also contain a handle or raised surface configured to accommodate the shape of surgeon's hands or fingers for easier handling. Such raised or configured portion may be made of the same or different material as the tube or shaft. Suitable materials known in the art include, among others, polymers, such as acrylic polymers, polyurethane, polycarbonate, engineering plastics; and metals, such as stainless steel and titanium.
Much of the previous discussion relates to the use of a patch (or stent) for annular repair and/or reconstruction. In some clinical instances, the method of the invention may be accomplished without the use of a patch, however. For example, a patch may be unnecessary to repair small apertures or apertures of certain shapes, or certain weakened or thin portion(s) of an annulus. The invention therefore also encompasses methods for repairing or reconstructing annular tissue that do not necessarily involve the use of a patch, and to fixation devices and tools useful in carrying out these methods, as exemplified in
The band and the barbs may be separate elements or comprise one continuous element. Bands and barbs may be made of the same or different materials.
The bands may be string-like, made from suture or similar material, or of any construction or dimension that is amenable to the delivery and engagement of the fixation device. For example, the band may have a width greater than, in some embodiments far greater than, its thickness. The suture material may in some embodiments have a width:height ratio of 1.25:1. In some embodiments, bands may be constructed, wholly or partially, of a mesh tube. Moreover, different segments along the length of the band may have different dimensions and constructions. For example, the band may be constructed of thin material, such as nickel titanium alloy or stainless steel wire, close to the anchor barbs, while the middle portion that spans the aperture may comprise a much wider band made of optionally softer material.
The fixation devices of the invention could be delivered as a pair of barbs attached by a single band, or each barb could be delivered individually Alternatively, multiple barbs (anchors) may be pre-attached to a single or multiple bands for ease and speed of delivery. For example,
An additional exemplary depiction of fixation devices that may be used to reapproximate and hold annular tissue as previously described in
A further exemplary embodiment of the invention in the form of a braided patch 1100 such as depicted in
The “patch” 1100 is constructed from a braided tube of filaments 1102. The ends 1104 of the braided tube are heat-sealed to keep the braid from unraveling and the seals also provide structural integrity to the patch when deployed. Although the devices described herein principally utilize heat sealing for forming the ends of the device, there may be a variety of ways to fixate, secure or otherwise form the ends of the device through the addition of other materials to add structure to the filaments, to include, but not limited to, the addition of collars or sleeves, dipping the ends in a material to fixate (i.e., heated polymer, adhesive). These added materials could be metallic or polymeric.
The braided patch 1100 is woven on a braiding machine with multiple filaments 1102 to create the structure. For example, the patch can be woven with 72 polyester filaments in order to create the construct that readily deploys into the annular defect, promotes tissue or matrix ingrowth into the device, and retains an anchor after it has been placed through the wall of the annulus and through the patch. Changing the number of filaments 1102 in the patch, the material of the filaments, the dimension of the filaments (e.g., diameter), as well as the configuration of the filaments (e.g., cross-sectional area), or changing the braid pattern, can create differences in the characteristics of the patch. The braided patch can be made on a standard Steeger braider, or similar type braiding machine, that can handle braiding from anywhere from 16 filaments at a time, to up to 196 filaments. Preferably the patch is braided with between 32 to 144 filaments. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device is braided with 72 filaments of polyester filaments, with every other braid filament being approximately 0.012″ diameter, alternating with yarn (e.g., approximately 64 microfilaments, each approximately 17 microns in diameter, bundled) or alternating with a polyester braid monofilament approximately 0.004″ in diameter.
In addition, much of the description herein depicts devices that generally have a tubular form, although it is also anticipated that these devices could be woven on the braider (i.e., by changing the configuration of the braiding mandrel), or reformed in processing (i.e., heat forming) to obtain a patch construct that deviates from a “circular” cross section, in order to obtain different characteristics of the patch pre, during or post deployment to accommodate anatomical, physical, and biological considerations of the patient or the delivery of the implant. These device configurations may include square, rectangular, oblong, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, triangular, “clover leaf”, or other cross-sectional constructions that may be partially (i.e., only in a portion of the device body, and/or only in a portion of the device ends), or completely present throughout the device.
The filaments 1102 of the patch can be made of different materials or dimensions, or all of the filaments in a patch can be of like material and dimensions. The filaments can be biocompatible metallic material, such as a stainless steel, a nickel titanium alloy, or other metallic materials. The patch 1100 can also be made from biocompatible polymeric material such as polyethyleneteraphthalate (PET), polyester, polyethylene, polycarbonate urethane, polymethylmethacrylate, or polypropylene, for example. It is also conceivable that the patch can be braided from biodegradable materials, such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), collagen (or its derivatives), fibrin (or its derivatives), cellulose (or its derivatives), polysaccharides (or its derivatives) or other biocompatible material that may degrade and/or be re-absorbed by the body over time.
It is also possible to braid the patch 1100 with multiple materials and/or multiple dimensions of the filaments. For example, the patch can be braided with 32 filaments of a polymeric PET material and 32 filaments of polyester yarn material to create a patch that may be optimal for sealing an annulus. The combination of different filament materials, sizes, cross-sectional configuration, number of filaments, and braiding pattern can be used to construct a braided patch that can be delivered into the sub-annular space, while acting as a scaffold to induce healing of the aperture.
The braided patch has advantages in that it can be placed through an aperture in the wall of the annulus that is relatively small, but then expand to a dimension that is substantially greater than the aperture. For example, it is possible to construct the braided tube to be less than 5 mm in diameter, whereas in its fully deployed state it could be greater than, for example, 20 mm. This is exemplary and is not intended to be construed as limiting in the actual dimensions of the device pre and post deployment.
Referring to
Once the patch 1100 has been expanded to its fully expanded state, a cinch line 1212 that is connected to the distal and proximal ends of the patch can be tightened and a knot, such as a Roeder knot, can be used to hold the braided patch in its expanded configuration. Although, the device is shown with a cinch knot 1214, it is possible that a locking element may not be needed, depending on the means used to fixate the patch into the annulus. It is possible that no locking means is necessary. It is also possible that alternative locking means can be contemplated to keep the braided patch in its expanded form. A knot pusher 1210 can also be employed to manipulate the knot locking device 1214.
Once the device patch has been expanded into its final configuration in the aperture and subannular space, the retention member 1208 can be removed from the distal portion of the inner member by slidably pulling the proximal end of the retention member in a proximal direction. Removing the retention member relieves the stress holding the distal cuff of the patch in place and allows the patch to be slidably removed from the distal end of the delivery device, and thus deployed into the subannular space.
As depicted in
The advantages of the braided design, given the right selection of filament dimension, configuration, material, braid pattern, and number of filaments is that it can be easily delivered to the annular repair site, have the flexibility to take the shape of the annular defect while maintaining the mechanical integrity needed to remain within the disc space upon loading. Another advantage, again with the appropriate selection of material, filament configuration, braiding, dimensional considerations, and multiple filament weaves, is that one can construct a patch that is conducive, in its deployed state, for incorporation of fibrosis and the fibrotic healing of the annular defect. Finally, the patch can be designed so that when it is in its delivered state, it can easily receive one or more anchor bands through the braided filaments while retaining the T-anchor or other similar type fixation device, after passing the fixation device through the patch.
As shown in
As depicted in
As depicted in
Additionally inventive of the anchor band device (and its delivery and deployment tools) is the unique inter-relationship of the slide body, spring, and the tension delivered to the T-anchor and tissue during deployment. For example, T-anchor assembly can be designed to pass through softer, or otherwise more pliable tissues (e.g., nucleus pulposus, softer annular layers) while resisting, under the same tension, passage through tougher tissues and/or substrates (e.g., outer annular layers, treatment device construct). In further illustrative description, tension delivered to the suture line 310 can be limited by the interface between the slide body member 318 and the suture retention block 414, through spring 316 such that tension is exerted on T-anchor body 316 which may sufficiently allow movement of T-anchor 316 through softer tissue, but alternatively requires a greater force to pull T-anchor body through other materials or substrates such as the treatment device 600 or outer layers of the annulus 202. Spring 316 can be designed to sufficiently draw tissues and/or the patch together, while not overloading suture line 310 when the fixation has been effected. Spring 316 may also be advantageously designed to allow blade assembly 420, upon reaching an appropriate loading to effect the delivery, to sever the suture line 310. As illustrative example, but not intended to be limiting, T-anchor body and suture line may be constructed to require approximately 5 pounds of force to draw the T-anchor assembly through nuclear tissue, but substantially greater load to draw T-anchor through annular tissue and/or patch device. Spring may be designed to exert approximately 5 pounds, sufficiently pulling anchor through nuclear tissue, and in proximity to treatment device, as intended. Once sufficient load has been applied to move T-anchor to engage patch, the loading on the suture line is not allowed to substantially increase. Advantageously, additional loading would cause the final compression of spring between suture retention block and blade assembly to sever suture line. Preferably, the severing and the design of the tether elements are such that the ultimate strength of the suture line is greater than the load required to draw T-anchor through soft tissue, or the like, and less than the load inflicted to cause the severing by blade assembly. The description herein is intended to be illustrative and not limiting, in that other device and delivery tools could be derived to employ the inventive embodiments.
Additionally inventive of the treatment device (and its delivery and deployment tools) is the unique inter-relationship of the actuator body, spring, and the holder tube assembly, allowing the device to be deployed while still holding the device firmly during deployment. The use of the actuator rod to stiffen the distal end of the small diameter outer cannula, and the use of a radially compact treatment device offers additional advantages, such as the ability to pass through softer, or otherwise more pliable tissues (e.g., nucleus pulposus, softer annular layers) while resisting columnar bending during navigation. As an illustrative embodiment, a mesh patch as described in
The spring may be designed to exert approximately 5 pounds, sufficient to provide tactile control while preventing inadvertent release of the treatment device. By requiring actuation of the device in a different direction for release (i.e., rotation of the proximal cap) than that required for initial deployment (i.e., proximal translation of the finger grip), each with tactile, auditory or visually perceptible confirmation, safe an affirmative deployment can be achieved.
Additional embodiments of treatment device 600 might include constructions that can be “inverted” or “non-inverted” at the either, or both, ends of the device. As illustratively depicted in
In alternative embodiment in the construction of device, such as, for example implant 600, devices may be pre-set in a heat forming process to induce the device to have different structural or physical characteristics during the introduction, delivery, deployment, fixation or otherwise use of the device to treat a treatment site. An illustrative example of a pre-set heat forming process is shown in
Although
In additional alternative embodiments, it may be possible to perform alternative processes on the implant that may alter the structural or physical characteristics of the device, advantageously inducing the device to evince beneficial characteristics during the introduction, delivery, deployment, fixation or otherwise use of the device to treat a treatment site. For example, it is possible to provide heat to selected regions of a device to heat melt, heat seal, or otherwise flow and/or fixate various components of a device in selected regions, thus causing the device to have different characteristics during the pre-deployment, deployment or post-deployment of the device. Inclusive in the inventive embodiments are elements that are fixedly attached to at least an element of a device to also effect beneficial characteristic changes of an otherwise unaltered device. The elements may, or may not be of similar materials as the treatment device.
Changing characteristics of the treatment device with various ribbing effects may be performed for a variety of reasons, as an example (and not to be limited in scope of the invention), one might prefer to change the base (e.g., unaltered) characteristics of a device to accomplish, for example, a lower profile of the device while mounted on its delivery tool, or during its deployment. Alternatively, one might want to change the symmetry of the deployed device to open with different configurations to address different anatomical considerations of the treatment site. For example, one might prefer that a deployed device be placed predominantly, more medially of an aperture of a annulus fibrosus. Alternatively, it is possible that one might want to increase the structural integrity of the patch during delivery to provide more radially directed force into soft tissue, for example nuclear tissue, in order to better deliver the device into the intervertebral disc. The drawings and descriptions of ribs and heat sealing elements, and the resulting beneficial outcomes, above and herein are intended to serve as examples to altering the configuration through various processes applied to a device, although, they are only intended to serve as examples, and should not be considered exhaustive of the advantages of changing the characteristics through various heat sealing altering processes, or alternative procedures that apply rib elements to a device.
Heat sealing, in an embodiment of the invention may be used to heat melt, fasten, or otherwise secure the device ends 606 and 604 of the filaments of device 600, as discussed previously. Some of the devices described herein may illustrate end portions as radial (or circular) in cross section. However, heat sealing may advantageously allow end portions of devices to have a multitude of configurations which may address various needs of a device and its delivery tools. For example, end portions of the device may be square, oblong, rectangular, triangular, or multi-sided. Heat sealing may readily be performed by heat sealing and otherwise flowing material of the ends of a device over mandrels having the shape of the intended configurations. The heat sealing method may advantageously facilitate construction of end portions in such a fashion. The various shapes are intended to be exemplary, and not limiting in the scope of the invention. Similarly, it is possible that alternative methods to fixate, secure or otherwise form the ends of the device may also incorporate the different shaped end portions configurations.
Treatment devices throughout the descriptions and illustrations contained herein may be described as comprising a single braided or woven body like member, However, it is anticipated that treatment devices may contain multiple braided, woven, otherwise patch-like structures, as illustratively shown in
With regards to introduction, delivery, deployment and/or fixation of fixation element 308 as described previously and in particular, with regards to
Since the surgeon's visualization of during discectomy procedures is typically limited to the epi-annular space and the aperture at the outside surface of the annulus, any tactile, visual or audible signals to assist, or otherwise enhance, the surgeon's ability to reliably deliver and deploy treatment devices and/or anchor bands may be advantageous. The anchor band delivery tool 400, may have a patch detection feature 442 on the distal end of slotted needle cannula 428 which may provide perceptible feedback (tactile and/or audible) to the surgeon that the anchor band delivery tool has accessed and penetrated the patch and it is therefore acceptable to deliver the band. As shown, detection feature 442 is composed of multiple bands or ribs although the outer surface of needle 428. The movement of the ribs of 442 against the patch structure (e.g., the filaments of treatment device 600) may produce a clicking sound and feel, and the interface of the components of the devices and tools may be optimally designed to enhance such feedback features. One, or multiple, ribs or tabs may be utilized to achieve the perceptible features. The feed back may be perceived on or with the patch and/or patch delivery tool or through the anchor band and/or anchor band delivery tool, or both.
As discussed previously, a patch/stent/mesh/treatment device such as treatment device 600 may have element 608 to facilitate the fixing of the patch or its ends in a final deployed configuration, if required. In one exemplary embodiment as shown in
The latching or securing embodiments described above principally show the locking effected at, around, or near the proximal portion of the treatment device. However, it is equally anticipated that these locking embodiments could be effected on the distal portion of the treatment device, or at both ends simultaneously, as shown in
Latching elements could be constructed from various biocompatible materials, such as polymeric materials (for example, polypropylene, polyimide, polyamide, PEEK, polyester, PET polycarbonate urethane, PTFE, polyethylene, engineering plastics), metallic materials (for example, stainless steel, titanium, chromium cobalt alloy, nickel titanium alloy, platinum, gold), bioresorbable of biodegradable materials (for example, material discussed previously for patch or suture materials), natural materials (for example, silk, cotton), or a combination of above materials.
Flowable, injectable, or otherwise insertable nuclear augmentation materials might include natural or synthetic materials comprising: hydrogels, polymers, polymeric precipitates, polymeric emulsions, collagen, fibrin, polymeric protein compositions, poly vinyl alcohols, polysaccharides, cellulose or any derivations of these materials.
As discussed previously,
As described above, there are a variety of instruments and tools readily available to the surgeon during spine surgery, or other surgical procedures, to obtain outcomes intended by the surgeon and the surgical procedure. These tools and instruments may be used to: incise, resect, dissect, remove, manipulate, elevate, retract, probe, cut, curette, measure or otherwise effect a surgical outcome. It is anticipated that some of these tools and/or instruments may be used before, during, or after the use of the inventive methods, devices and tools described herein in order to access, prepare, and/or generally assess treatment, treatment site, or facilitate the manipulation, introduction, or deployment of the treatment device and/or it's components. Additional tools and instruments may also be provided to the surgeon to address some of these functions.
Finally, the description and illustrations described previously may be directed and illustrative of various spinal applications of the invention, it is possible that the inventive methods, devices and delivery tools could be applied to the repair, fixation, augmentation, reinforcement, support or otherwise generally prophylactically or therapeutically treating other tissues. As an example, but not to be limiting the scope of use in other tissues,
An additional example of using the inventive methods, devices and delivery tools described herein for the repair, fixation, reinforcement, augmentation, support or otherwise generally prophylactically or therapeutically treating other tissues is exemplified in
All patents referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification, including; U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,438 (Stone), U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,043 (Stone), U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,260 (Ray et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,807 (Gan et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,331 (Ducheyne et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,154 (Rhodes), U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,106 (Schepers at al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,220 (Felt et al.),U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,120 (Sarver et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,186 (Bao et al.).
Various materials know to those skilled in the art can be employed in practicing the present invention. By means of example only, the body portions of the stent could be made of NiTi alloy, plastics including polypropylene and polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, stainless steel and other biocompatible metals, chromium cobalt alloy, or collagen. Webbing materials can include silicone, collagen, ePTFE, DACRON, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, and other biocompatible materials and can be woven or non-woven. Membranes might be fashioned of silicone, polypropylene, polyester, SURLYN, PEBAX, polyethylene, polyurethane or other biocompatible materials. Inflation fluids for membranes can include gases, liquids, foams, emulsions, and can be or contain bioactive materials and can also be for mechanical, biochemical and medicinal purposes. The stent body, webbing and/or membrane can be drug eluting or bioabsorbable, as known in the medical implant arts.
Further, any of the devices or delivery tools described herein, or portions thereof, could be rendered visible or more visible via fluoroscopy, if desired, through the incorporation of radiopaque materials or markers. Preferably implantable devices are constructed with MRI compatible materials. In particular, devices and/or their components could be wholly or partially radiopaque, as result of, for example: compounding various radiopaque materials (e.g., barium sulphate) into device materials; affixing radiopaque materials to device structures (e.g., bands of platinum, gold, or their derivative alloys); deposition of radiopaque materials onto device structures (e.g., deposition of platinum, gold of their derivative alloys); processing radiopaque materials into device structures (e.g., braiding/weaving platinum or gold wires or its alloy derivatives). One inventive way to achieve radiopacity of a device described herein, for example treatment device 600, is placing one or more radiopaque marker bands onto filaments of braided device 600 before (or possibly after) creating end portions of the device.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/247,687, filed Oct. 8, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,914, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/120,750, filed May 3, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,076, issued Nov. 10, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/352,981 filed Jan. 29, 2003, now abandoned, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/327,106 filed Dec. 24, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,970, issued Feb. 28, 2006, each of which are continuations-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/133,339 filed Apr. 29, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,516, issued May 30, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/947,078, filed Sep. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,695, issued Jul. 15, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/484,706, filed Jan. 18, 2000, now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/160,710, filed Oct. 20, 1999. This application also claims, through application Ser. No. 10/133,339 the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/309,105, filed Jul. 31, 2001. This application is also related to, and claims the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/075,615, filed on Feb. 15, 2002, now abandoned. All are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
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