Patent Application
20060149380
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
A portion of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.14.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains generally to repairing intervertebral disc disorders, and more particularly to implants and surgical procedures for repairing a degenerated intervertebral disc.
2. Description of the Background Art
An estimated 4.1 million Americans annually report intervertebral disc disorders, with a significant portion of them adding to the nearly 5.2 million low-back disabled. Though the origin of low-back pain is varied, the intervertebral disc is thought to be a primary source in many cases, and is an initiating factor in others where a degenerated disc has led to altered spinal mechanics and non-physiologic stress in surrounding tissues.
The intervertebral disc is a complex structure consisting of three distinct parts: the nucleus pulposus; the annulus fibrosus; and the cartilaginous end-plates. The nucleus pulposus is a viscous, mucoprotein gel that is approximately centrally located within the disc. It consists of abundant sulfated glycosaxninoglycans in a loose network of type II collagen, with a water content that is highest at birth (approximately 80%) and decreases with age. The annulus fibrosus is that portion of the disc which becomes differentiated from the periphery of the nucleus and forms the outer boundary of the disc. The transition between the nucleus and the annulus is progressively more indefinite with age. The annulus is made up of coarse type I collagen fibers oriented obliquely and arranged in lamellae which attach the adjacent vertebral bodies. The fibers run the same direction within a given lamella but opposite to those in adjacent lamellae. The collagen content of the disc steadily increases from the center of the nucleus to the outer layers of the annulus, where collagen reaches 70% or more of the dry weight. Type I and II collagen are distributed radially in opposing concentration gradients. The cartilaginous end-plates cover the end surfaces of the vertebral bodies and serve as the cranial and caudal surfaces of the intervertebral disc. They are composed predominately of hyaline cartilage.
The disc derives its structural properties largely through its ability to attract and retain water. The proteoglycans of the nucleus attract water osmotically, exerting a swelling pressure that enables the disc to support spinal compressive loads. The pressurized nucleus also creates tensile pre-stress within the annulus and ligamentous structures surrounding the disc. In other words, although the disc principally supports compressive loads, the fibers of the annulus experience significant tension. As a result, the annular architecture is consistent with current remodeling theories, where the ˜60° orientation of the collagen fibers, relative to the longitudinal axis of the spine, is optimally arranged to support the tensile stresses developed within a pressurized cylinder. This tissue pre-stress contributes significantly to the normal kinematics and mechanical response of the spine.
When the physical stress placed on the spine exceeds the nuclear swelling pressure, water is expressed from the disc, principally through the semipermeable cartilaginous end-plates. Consequently, significant disc water loss can occur over the course of a day due to activities of daily living. For example, the average diurnal variation in human stature is about 19 mm, which is mostly attributable to changes in disc height. This change in stature corresponds to a change of about 1.5 mm in the height of each lumbar disc. Using cadaveric spines, researchers have demonstrated that under sustained loading, intervertebral discs lose height, bulge more, and become stiffer in compression and more flexible in bending. Loss of nuclear water also dramatically affects the load distribution internal to the disc. In a healthy disc under compressive loading, compressive stress is created mainly within the nucleus pulposus, with the annulus acting primarily in tension. Studies show that, after three hours of compressive loading, there is a significant change in the pressure distribution, with the highest compressive stress occurring in the posterior annulus. Similar pressure distributions have been noted in degenerated and denucleated discs as well. This reversal in the state of annular stress, from physiologic tension due to circumferential hoop stress, to non-physiologic axial compression, is also noted in other experimental, analytic and anatomic studies, and clearly demonstrates that nuclear dehydration significantly alters stress distributions within the disc as well as its biomechanical response to loading.
The most consistent chemical change observed with degeneration is loss of proteoglycan and concomitant loss of water. This dehydration of the disc leads to loss of disc height. In addition, in humans there is an increase in the ratio of keratan sulphate to chondroitin sulphate, an increase in proteoglycan extractability, and a decrease in proteoglycan aggregation through interaction with hyaluronic acid (although the hyaluronic acid content is typically in excess of that needed for maximum aggregation). Structural studies suggest that the non-aggregable proteoglycans lack a hyaluronate binding site, presumably because of enzytruitic scission of the core protein by stromelysin, an enzyme which is thought to play a major role in extracellular matrix degeneration. These proteoglycan changes are thought to precede the morphological reorganization usually attributed to degeneration. Secondary changes in the annulus include fibrocartilage production with disorganization of the lamellar architecture and increases in type II collagen.
Currently, there are few clinical options to offer to patients suffering from these conditions. These clinical options are all empirically based and include (1) conservative therapy with physical rehabilitation and (2) surgical intervention with possible disc removal and spinal fusion. In contrast to other joints, such as the hip and knee, very few methods of repair with restoration of function are not available for the spine.
Therefore, there is a need for a minimally invasive treatment for degenerated discs which can repair and regenerate the disc. The present invention satisfies that need, as well as others, and overcomes the deficiencies associated with conventional implants and treatment methods.
The present invention comprises an implant and minimally invasive method of treating degenerated discs which can repair and regenerate the disc. More particularly, the present invention comprises a bioactive/biodegradable nucleus implant and method of use. The implant is inflated inside the nucleus space after the degenerated nucleus has been removed to re-pressurize the nuclear space within the intervertebral disc. Nuclear pressure produces tension in the annular ligament that increases biomechanical stability and diminishes hydrostatic tissue pressure that can stimulate fibro-chondrocytes to produce inflammatory factors. The device will also increase disc height, separate the vertebral bodies and open the spinal foramina.
By way of example, and not of limitation, an implant according to the invention comprises a collapsible, textured or smooth membrane that forms an inflatable balloon or sack. To inflate the implant, the implant is filled with a high molecular weight fluid, gel or combination of fluid and elastomer, preferably an under-hydrated HA hydrogel/growth factor mixture with or without host cells. Integral to the membrane is a self-sealing valve that allows one-way filling of the implant after it is placed within the disc. The implant membrane is made from a material that allows fibrous in-growth thereby stabilizing the implant. A variety of substances can be incorporated into the device to promote healing, prevent infection, or arrest pain. The implant is inserted utilizing known microinvasive technology. Following partial or total nucleotomy with a small incision, typically annular, the deflated implant is inserted into the nuclear space through a cannula. The implant is then filled through a stem attached to the self-sealing valve. Once the implant is filled to the proper size and pressure, the cannula is removed and the annular defect is sealed.
One of the main difficulties in repairing the degenerated disc is increasing the disc height. The disc and surrounding tissues such as ligaments provide a great deal of resistance to disc heightening. For this reason it is unlikely that placing a hydrogel alone into the nuclear space will be able to generate enough swelling pressure to regain significant disc height. The present invention, however, addresses this problem by allowing initial high pressures to be generated when the implant is inflated in the nuclear space. The initial high pressure is sufficient to initiate the restoration of the original disc height. This initial boost in disc height facilitates the later regeneration stages of this treatment.
In the long term, having a permanent pressurized implant is not likely to be ideal because it may not be able to mimic the essential biomechanical properties of the normal disc. However, the invention also addresses this issue by using a biodegradable sack. The initially impermeable membrane permits high pressurization. When the membrane biodegrades, it allows the hydrogel mixture to take action in playing the role of the normal nucleus pulposus with its inherent swelling pressure and similar mechanical properties.
A variety of growth factors or other bioactive agents can be attached to the surface of the implant or included in the hydrogel mixture that is injected inside the implant. The membrane could be reinforced or not reinforced with a variety of fiber meshes if necessary. Furthermore, a variety of materials could be used for the membrane; the only requirement is that they be biodegradable such that the membrane is impermeable when initially implanted and until it biodegrades. A variety of materials could be injected into the sack such as cartilage cells, alginate gel, and growth factors.
The present invention comprises systems, devices and methods, which can be employed alone or in any combination with each other or in any combination with systems, methods and devices known in the art, in connection with treatment of intervertebral disorders.
Another aspect of the invention is a stent for facilitating regeneration of an intervertebral nucleus and/or retention of a bladder-type implant, wherein the intervertebral nucleus is bounded at its upper and lower extremities by opposing vertebral endplates of adjacent vertebrae, and at its periphery by annulus fibrosus. The stent has top and bottom portions comprising metal hoops having a footprint adapted to engage with peripheral regions of the opposing vertebral endplates while leaving a central region of the vertebral endplates open. The stent also includes a plurality of lateral members connecting said top and bottom portions. The lateral members and top and bottom portions are configured to allow the stent to collapse for insertion into the nuclear cavity via an annulus port and then expand upon placement in the nuclear cavity.
In some embodiments, where the stent is configured to be installed in between adjacent lumbar vertebrae, the top and bottom hoops may have an increased ring gauge to accommodate higher compressive loads.
In an alternative embodiment, the stent is configured to be installed in between adjacent cervical endplates. Accordingly, the stent may extend across the majority of the vertebral endplates outward through the region normally occupied by the annulus. In this configuration the upper and lower hoops are preferably elliptical to match the contours of the vertebral bodies. Furthermore, the upper and lower hoops may have a series of serrations to engage the vertebral bodies. The hoops may also have one or more flanges that extend to the anterior portions of the outside wall of the vertebral body, thereby allowing fixation to the anterior surfaces of the vertebra.
In some modes of the present aspect, the stent is configured to support at least a portion of compression loads generated between the opposing vertebral endplates to facilitate regeneration of the intervertebral nucleus. In some embodiments, the stent functions as a flexible cage to allow movement of the vertebral endplates while at the same time keeping the nuclear cavity open for tissue regeneration. The footprint of the top and bottom portions may be circular, or somewhat elliptical to match the anatomy of the intervertebral nucleus.
Preferably, the metal hoops and lateral members comprise a memory material, such as nitinol. The hoops may also be textured and/or a growth factor to promote bony in growth, or an anti-inflammatory factor to treat discogenic pain.
In an alternative embodiment, the stent is configured to be expanded around an inflatable membrane. In this case, the inflated membrane supports intervertebral compression, while the stent prevents membrane lateral expansion or lateral migration.
Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for facilitating regeneration of the intervertebral disc, comprising inserting a collapsed stent into a nuclear cavity in the nucleus pulposus tissue, and expanding the stent to support a portion of intervertebral compression loads and thereby facilitate nuclear regeneration.
In a preferred mode, inserting the collapsed stent is done by creating an annular portal annulus fibrosus to access the nucleus pulposus, removing the nucleus pulposus tissue to create the nuclear cavity, and inserting the collapsed stent through the annular portal and into the nuclear cavity. In the cervical spine, most of the anterior and posterior annulus is removed prior to stent placement, and in this case, implant retention is facilitated by anterior flanges.
Generally, the upper and lower metal hoops to are expanded to engage the vertebral endplates, and generate an axial force on the vertebral endplates via a loading from the plurality of lateral members to separate the upper and lower hoops against the endplates.
In an another embodiment, an inflatable membrane may be first inserted into a nuclear cavity in the nucleus pulposus tissue, and then the inflatable membrane is expanded to further support a portion of intervertebral compression loads and thereby facilitate nuclear regeneration. Alternatively, the stent is inserted into a nuclear cavity while in a collapsed configuration over the inflatable membrane, and inflation of the inflatable membrane releases the stent from the collapsed configuration.
Yet another aspect of the invention is an implant for repairing an intervertebral disc. The implant has an inflatable membrane with an inner layer configured to withstand compressive forces generated in the intervertebral disc, and a textured external layer that to promotes fibrous tissue in growth in the intervertebral disc.
In some embodiments, the textured layer is formed from a foamed, uncured polyurethane. An exemplary textured layer may have an average pore size ranging from approximately 400 microns to approximately 800 microns, and a volume porosity in the range of approximately 75% to approximately 80%.
The implant may also have an internal self-sealing fill valve for filling the membrane. In some embodiments, the valve comprises internal opposing walls that collapse as a result of a compressive load disposed on said internal chamber.
A further aspect of the invention is a method for creating a textured inflatable implant by forming an inflatable membrane, and dipping the inflatable membrane into a solution of foamed, uncured polyurethane to form a final textured surface layer.
Yet another aspect of the invention is an implant having an inflatable membrane, a filler material comprising a first fluid for inflating the membrane, and a plurality of microspheres dispersed in said filler material, each of said microspheres holding a second fluid. The microspheres may be filled with gas, or with a liquid to help maintain hydration of the first fluid over a period of time.
The microspheres may also be configured to promote movement of fluid between the microspheres and the first fluid based on pressure exerted on the first fluid. For example, the microspheres may transfer the second fluid to the first fluid at rate that increases with increased pressure. The second fluid inside the microspheres may be water, therapeutic agent, or other solution beneficial in promoting healing.
Yet a further aspect of the invention is an implant for repairing an intervertebral disc disposed between opposing vertebral endplates of adjacent vertebrae. The implant has membrane having upper and lower walls configured to engage said vertebral endplates, and reinforced peripheral walls joining the upper and lower walls. The peripherally reinforced walls may have a variety of beneficial attributes, including prevent bulging of the membrane a result of compressive forces imposed on said membrane from the vertebral endplates, increasing fatigue resistance, or providing stiffness in an under inflation condition. Additionally, the reinforced peripheral wall may create a nonlinearity in overall device stiffness during bending or compression to improve overall intervertebral stability
In one embodiment, the peripheral walls are thicker than the upper and lower walls have to provide localized stiffness. As an alternative or addition, the peripheral walls may also be reinforced with a fiber matrix. For example, the fiber matrix comprises a plurality of woven fibers oriented at an angle of approximately 60 degrees relative to vertical.
Yet another aspect is an implant comprising membrane with a plurality of inner chambers for holding an inflation medium.
In one embodiment, the membrane has a first chamber with a different stiffness than the second chamber. For example, the first chamber may be filled with a gel having a first stiffness, and the second chamber may be filled with a gel having a second stiffness that is stiffer than the first gel. The second chamber may also surround the periphery of the first chamber.
Preferably, the first chamber and the second chamber have independent, concentrically oriented valves.
In another embodiment, wherein the first chamber is configured to hold a gel to mechanically support the opposing vertebral endplates, with the second chamber holding a therapeutic agent to promote tissue in growth.
Another aspect is a method of treating a region of annulus fibrosus disposed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The method includes the steps of installing one or more sutures into a vertebral body rim adjacent to the annulus fibrosus region, attaching the one or more sutures to a netting, and securing the netting across the annulus fibrosus region.
Preferably, the netting is secured across an annulus defect, such as hole in the annulus or annulus degeneration. In addition the netting may have one side (the side away from the annulus) with an anti-adhesion film to prevent connective tissue attachment. Accordingly, the side adjacent to the annulus would have an adhesion promoting surface that may consist of texture plus growth factor.
Preferably, at least two sutures are installed into the vertebral rim. The sutures may be installed simultaneously with use of a specially modified tool.
In one embodiment, the suture anchors are placed with a pliers-type tool with a plurality of tangs on each side, wherein each tang is adapted to attach to a suture anchor.
The sutures may be attached directly to the vertebral rim, or attached via installing suture anchors in the vertebral endplate adjacent to the annulus fibrosus region.
Yet a further aspect is a system for treating a region of annulus fibrosus having one or more anchors configured to be installed in the rim of each vertebral body, a netting configured to disposed across the annulus fibrosus region, and one or more sutures configured to attach the netting to the anchors. The netting preferably comprises a woven mesh. In some embodiments, woven mesh has a cross-ply matching the annulus fibrosus architecture. Additionally, one side of the mesh may have a polymer configured to promote tissue in growth, and an opposing side configured to prevent adhesion.
The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:
In the following descriptive material, various aspects and embodiments of the invention are described as systems, devices or methods. It will be appreciated that these aspects and embodiments can be used in a stand-alone manner, and further that any aspect or embodiment can be used in combination with one or more of the aspects or embodiments described herein. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention described herein can be used in combination with other devices, systems and methods known in the art.
Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in
1. Nuclear Disc Implant
Referring first to
Table 1 compares certain characteristics of the inner annulus to a number of commercially-available elastomers that were considered for the membrane material. Key design requirements were biocompatibility, stiffness, and elongation-to-failure. While any of these materials, as well as other materials, can be used, our preferred material was aliphatic polycarbonate polyurethane (HT-4) which has a stiffness that closely approximates that of the inner annulus, can be fabricated into complex shapes using dip molding, possess significant failure properties, and has a track-record for in vivo use.
The peripheral surface of the implant is preferably coated with one or more bioactive substances that will promote healing of the inner annulus and integration of the implant with the surrounding annular tissue. Also, the top and bottom surfaces of the implant are preferably coated with one or more bioactive substances that will promote healing of the cartilaginous endplates and integration of the implant with the endplates.
To limit the amount of lateral bulging when the implant is axially compressed, the peripheral surface of the implant can be reinforced with a fiber matrix if desired. In that event, the angle of the fibers relative to the vertical axis of placement should be approximately ±60° to closely approximate that of the native collagen fibers in the inner annulus.
Implant 10 includes an integral, internal, self-sealing, one-way valve 16 that will allow the implant to be inserted in a deflated state and then be inflated in situ without risk of deflation. Valve 16 functions as a flapper valve to prevent leakage and maintain pressurization of the implant when pressurized with the nuclear filler material. Because valve 16 is internal to the implant, compression of implant 10 will place internal pressure on valve 16 to keep it in a closed position. Due to the self-sealing nature of valve 16, the same pressure that might be sufficient to allow the nuclear filler material to escape will cause valve 16 to remain closed so as to create a barrier to extrusion.
To better understand the operation and configuration of valve 16, reference is now made to
To inflate the implant, a needle-like fill stem is inserted through entrance port 32 so as to puncture the distal end 34 of valve 16 and extend into the interior chamber of the implant. The implant is then filled with a fluid material, such as a high molecular weight fluid, gel or combination of fluid and elastomer which has a viscosity that will permit its introduction into the implant through, for example, an 18-gauge needle. The specific properties of filler material 14 should allow the material to achieve and maintain the desired osmotic pressure. The filling takes place after the implant is placed within the disc. Preferably filler material is a cross-linkable polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel with chondroitin sulfate (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) with or without host cells as will now be described.
Table 2 shows the characteristics of a number of commercially-available hydrogels that were considered for filler material 14. While any of these materials, as well as other materials, can be used, we selected an in situ cross-linkable polyethylene glycol (PEG) gel because of its bio-compatibility and physical properties. The PEG gel is a two component formulation that becomes a low-viscosity fluid when first mixed and which cross-links to a firm gel after insertion. The cross-link time depends on the formulation. A key feature of the gel is its osmotic pressure. We sought to formulate a gel that would possess an osmotic pressure of near 0.2 MPa which is that of the native nucleus pulposus.
The preferred PEG gel comprises a nucleophilic “8-arm” octomer (PEG-NH2, MW 20 kDa) and a “2-arm” amine-specific electrophilic dimer (SPA-PEG-SPA, MW 3.4 kDa), and is available from Shearwater Corporation, Huntsville, Ala. The addition-elimination polymerization reaction culminates in a nitrogen-carbon peptide-like linkage, resulting in a stable polymer whose rate of polymerization increases with pH and gel concentration. The range of pH (approximately 10 for the unmodified gel) and concentration (approximately 0.036 g/mL to 0.100 g/mL) investigated resulted in a polymerization time of approximately 10 minutes to 20 minutes. To fortify the hydrogel's inherent swelling due to hydrogen bonding, high molecular weight additives chondroitin sulfate (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) with established fixed charged densities were incorporated into the gel matrix.
The swelling pressures of the hydrogel filler (cross-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels and derivatives incorporating HA and CS) were measured by equilibrium dialysis as a function of gel and additive concentration. Polyethylene glycol (Molecular Weight 20 kDa available from Sigma-Aldrich Corporation) was also used as the osmotic stressing agent, while molecularporous membrane tubing was used to separate sample gels from the dialysate. Gels were formed over a broad concentration range (0.036 to 0.100 g/mL), weighed, placed in dialysis tubing (Spectra/Por Membrane, Molecular Weight Cut Off of 3.5 kDa available from Spectrum Medical Industries), and allowed to equilibrate for 40 to 50 hours in the osmotic stressing solution, weighed again to determine hydration, then oven dried (at 60 degrees Celsius) and weighed once again. Hydration values taken at various osmotic pressures allowed the construction of osmotic pressure curves. By adjusting the concentrations of CS or HA we were able to meet our design criteria, successfully achieving swelling pressures above 0.2 MPa. A potential deleterious interaction between the elastomer and hydrogel was noted. One PEG-CS specimen aged in saline demonstrated breakdown of the elastomer shell. This may have been due to the relatively low-molecular weight CS penetrating into the membrane material (polyurethane) leading to an increased rate of hydrolysis.
Referring now to
An inner passage 52 extends through inner annular buttress 42 for attachment to buttress positioner 40 and insertion of fill stem 38 through inner annular buttress 42 into implant 10. Inner passage 52, head portion 44 and body portion 46 are preferably coaxial. Buttress positioner 40 and inner annular buttress 42 are coupled together using mating threads 54a, 54b or another form of detachable coupling that allows buttress positioner 40 to be easily removed from inner annular buttress 42 after placement. Note that inner annular buttress 42 can be attached to implant 10 using adhesives, ultrasonic welding or the like, or can be separate and unattached from implant 10.
Fill stem 38 includes a collar 56 for attachment to a syringe 58 or other device to be used for inflating the implant with the filler material. Fill stem 38 and syringe 58 are coupled together using threads (not shown) or another form of detachable coupling. Preferably, syringe 58 includes a pressure gauge (not shown) for determining the proper inflation pressure. The implant and delivery system would be deployed into the nucleus pulposus space by being inserted into a conventional catheter, cannula or the like (not shown) having a retractable cover (not shown) that protects the implant during insertion.
As shown in
The referred protocol for creating a nuclear space for the implant comprises making a small puncture within the annulus with a pointed, 3 mm diameter probe. This pointed probe serves to separate annular fibers and minimize damage to the annulus. Next, a portion of the nucleus is removed using standard surgical instruments. The Coblation probe is then inserted. Suction and saline delivery are available with the probe, although we have found that suction through another portal using, for example, a 16-gage needle, may be required. A critical feature of device success is the method of creating a nuclear space while minimizing trauma to the outer annulus fibrosus. The outer annulus should be preserved, as it is responsible for supporting the implant when pressurized.
Next, as shown in
The catheter and delivery system (e.g., fill stem 38 and buttress positioner 40) are then removed, leaving inner annular buttress 42 in place and implant 10 sealed in position as shown in
Finally,
It will be appreciated that the implant can be inserted using other procedures as well. For example, instead of performing a discectomy (posterolateral or otherwise), the implant could be inserted into a preexisting void within the annulus that arises from atrophy or other form of non-device-induced evacuation of the nucleus pulposus, such as for, example, by leakage or dehydration over time.
Prototype implant shells were fabricated by Apex Biomedical (San Diego, Calif.). The fabrication process included dip molding using a custom-fabricated mandrel. The mandrel was dipped so that the elastomer thickness was between 5 and 7 mils (0.13-0.17 mm). After dipping, the implant was removed from the mandrel, inverted (so that the stem was inside the implant) and heat-sealed at the open end. This process resulted in a prototype that could be filled with the PEG gel, which when cross-linked could not exit through the implant stem. The stem effectively sealed the implant by functioning as a “flapper valve”. This means that by being placed within the implant, internal pressures (that might serve to extrude the gel) compress and seal the stem, creating a barrier to extrusion. This sealing mechanism was verified by in vitro testing.
Elastomer bags filled with PEG were compressed to failure between two parallel platens. The implants failed at the heat seal at approximately 250 Newtons force. These experiments demonstrated that under hyper-pressurization, the failure mechanism was rupture at the sealed edge, rather than extrusion of gel through the insertion stem. When the device is placed within the intervertebral disc, support by the annulus and vertebral body results in a significantly increased failure load and altered construct failure mechanism.
Ex vivo mechanical testing were performed with human cadaveric spines to characterize the performance of the device under expected extreme in vivo conditions. We conducted a series of experiments that consisted of placing the device in human cadaveric discs using the developed surgical protocols and then testing the construct to failure under compressive loading. The objective of these experiments was to characterize the failure load and failure mechanism. The target failure load was to exceed five times body weight (anticipated extremes of in vivo loading). Importantly, the failure mode was to be endplate fracture and extrusion of the implant into the adjacent vertebra. This is the mode of disc injury in healthy spines. We did not want the construct to fail by extrusion through the annulus, particularly through the insertion hole, since this would place the hydrogel in close proximity to sensitive neural structures.
Load-to-failure experiments demonstrated that the implant may sustain in excess of 5000 N (approximately seven times body weight) before failure, and that the failure mode was endplate fracture. These preliminary experiments demonstrate that the implant can sustain extremes in spinal compression acutely.
Referring now to
Referring to
Referring now to
As can be seen from
2. Intervertebral Stent
The sides, or lateral members 206 of the implant 200 are preferably made of flexible nitinol wires that allow the implant to collapse as shown in
The stent 200 is preferably inserted through an annular portal 68, as shown in
The axial stiffness of the stent 200 is preferably only sufficient to partially unload the disc. Thus, the stent 200 is generally not configured to act like a rigid interbody fusion cage, but rather a flexible cage to allow movement while at the same time keeping the nuclear space 70 open for tissue regeneration.
In another embodiment illustrated in perspective view
The size, stiffness, and geometry of stents 200, 210 may also be varied to accommodate different patients, or to produce different therapeutic effect. The stents 200, 210 may also be coated with appropriate bioactive factors to facilitate healing, such as TGF-b, FGF, GDF-5, OP-1, or factors that reduce inflammation.
The stent 200, 210, may be a stand-alone device that is used to enhance disc stability while facilitating nuclear regeneration. For example, this stent 200 could be placed after discectomy to facilitate disc repair in a physiologic configuration. The stent may also be used in conjunction with stem cells and polymer carriers to regenerate the nucleus
In an alternative embodiment, the stent 200, 210 may be used to provide additional mechanical support for the biodegradable membrane 10 described in
As shown in
Alternatively, the stent 200, 210 may be placed into the nuclear space 70 in its collapsed state by itself, as shown in
The stent of the present invention is particularly advantageous, since no interdiscal stent exists that could work synergictically with surrounding tissues while providing space and the appropriate mechanical environment to facilitate disc regeneration.
3. Surface Texturing as a Means to Stabilize a Nuclear Implant
In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface of the nuclear implant 10 described in
As a final stage of dip manufacturing, the implant may be dipped into a foamed, uncured polyurethane, forming a final textured surface finish, or layer 224 outside of membrane 222. The final surface texture of the outside layer 224 would typically have an average pore size in the range of approximately 400 microns to approximately 800 microns, volume porosity in the range of approximately 75% to approximately 80%, and thickness of approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm. This texturing would facilitate fibrous tissue ingrowth.
The above process may be used to augment mechanisms to stabilize the nuclear implant described above in
It is further appreciated that the above described texturing could be also used in combination with other implants known in the art, both in spinal applications, and in other anatomical locations where promoting in growth with surrounding tissues is desirable.
4. Nuclear Implant Filler with Microbubbles/Microspheres
Referring now to
In an alternative embodiment, the microspheres 234 may serve as a reservoir for drugs having appropriate bioactive factors to facilitate healing to further enhance the performance of the gel filler 232.
It is further appreciated that the microspheres 234 may be used for any inflatable implant currently used in the art.
5. Nuclear Implant Bladder with Peripheral Reinforcement
Accordingly, side, or peripheral walls 244 may have a different thickness T2 around the circumference of the bladder. The periphery, or lateral margins 244 of the bladder 240 may be fabricated with a thickened region T2 to provide localized stiffness.
This increased peripheral thickness may have several beneficial effects, including preventing extrusion, or increasing fatigue resistance. This thickened peripheral edge 244 may also serve to provide device stiffness in an “under inflation situation”. The peripheral thickening may further be configured to cause nonlinearity in overall device stiffness, such as during extreme bending or compression, that would improve overall intervertebral stability. It will be appreciated that an advantage of this aspect of the invention is that peripheral stiffness will enhance mechanical performance.
This dual thickness construction may be incorporated in bladders having the self-sealing internal valve 16 of the present invention, as well as other implant bladders known in the art.
6. Nuclear Implant Bladder With Multiple Chambers
Referring now to
To facilitate filling of the chambers, implant 250 may have a peripheral valve 252 allowing access to the peripheral chamber 258, and a central valve 254 allowing access to internal chamber 256. Valves 252 and 254 are preferably concentric located with respect to each other, as shown in
Valves 252 and 254 are also preferably integrated, internal, self-sealing valves as shown and described in
In an alternative embodiment, either or both of the internal and peripheral chambers of implant 250 may also further be divided into a plurality of smaller chambers.
The bladders of implant 250 may also be configured to have differing stiffness. For example, the internal chamber 256 may be filled at a different pressure than the peripheral chamber 258. Additionally, the central chamber 256 may be filled with a softer gel, while the peripheral 258 chamber is filled with a stiffer gel. External walls 262 encasing the peripheral chamber may also have differing or larger thickness than the internal walls 260 of the internal chamber 260. Any of these configurations may be used to advantageously prevent occurrence of implant extrusion through an annular defect.
Finally, the implant 250 could be configured to have an inner mechanical support bladder in chamber 256, and an outer drug delivery bladder in peripheral chamber 258. Thus, the internal chamber 256 may be filled first with a hydrogel having properties that allow the chamber to reach the desired osmotic or swelling pressure, and then the outer chamber 258 is then filled with a liquid or gel carrying therapeutic agents. Potential drugs for delivery include tgf-b and gdf-5 to encourage tissue ingrowth and implant stability. Other choices include, anti-inflammatory drugs to specifically target pain, such as Remicade (anti-tnf-alpha), or glucosamine.
In an alternative version shown in
The multiple bladder approach shown above also has the additional advantage of providing redundancy to the system. Separate chambers may act as a failsafe mechanism in the event that a single bladder fails. In this situation, the multiple bladders would prevent catastrophic failure, with the remaining bladder or bladders maintaining implant performance.
7. Method of Sealing or Repairing the Annulus Fibrosus
Once the anchors 282 are set, netting 282 (such as the cargo net 288 shown in
The netting 288 is then stretched over the annulus defect 290, and the free-ends of the sutures 284 are pulled to adjust the fit of the netting 288. This may be facilitated using a ‘cable-tie’ type fastener 286(in addition to, or in lieu of sutures 284), illustrated in further detail in
In one embodiment, one of several surgical sealants known in the art may be placed between the mesh 288 and the outer annulus 66.
As an alternative using suture anchors, the surgeon may instead suture directly through and around the vertebral rims 282.
In some instances, the vertebral bodies 60 may be avoided altogether, and sutures 284 may be installed directly through the annulus 66. This may be facilitated using minimally-invasive suturing techniques similar to those currently employed for rotator cuff repair. For example, Opus Medical (www.opusmedical.com) describes an ‘AutoCuff System’ that includes a tool and technique for automated tissue suturing through a narrow/deep tissue channel (this constraint will likely accompany most disc repair surgical techniques). A similar device may be configured for suturing the annulus fibrosus, having customized tips and implant anchors that optimize the repair strength for the disc.
It is appreciated that system and methods illustrated in FIGS. 36A and 37A-C may be used as a stand-alone technology to seal an annular defect after discectomy. Alternatively, the system may be used to “finish up” insertion of a nuclear implant by sealing the annular defect.
It is appreciated existing annular repair approaches attempt to attach to annulus only. Since the quality of the annulus in many cases may be poor, these methods have a high possibility of failure. With the present invention, repair is facilitated by attaching to the vertebral margins in a manner similar to the natural annulus. The approach of the present invention is expected to provide better sealing ability, particularly in situations when the annulus is weakened.
Although the description above contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, collagen could be used instead of polymer, and polylysine or type 2 collagen with a cross-linking agent could be used instead of hydrogel. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art. In the appended claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”
The additives in formulation #8 consisted of a pre-swollen HA-PEG gel that was dried then finely cut and incorporated into a new PEG gel.
This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/632,396 filed on Dec. 1, 2004, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60632396 | Dec 2004 | US |
