| abstract |
A device and method to reinforce the annulus during spinal surgery. The device is placed into the intervertebral space following discectomy. The distal end of a catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The expansile loop can use an attachment means to secure it to substantially healthy tissues of the annulus, nucleus, or endplates. The present invention comprises four embodiments and can be used for disc fusion, artificial replacement of the nucleus, artificial replacement of the annulus, or both. |