| abstract |
Percutaneous methods and systems for treating an intervertebral disc are disclosed. An intervertebral disc treatment apparatus includes an introducer (12) and a catheter (14) having a distal end (28), a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section (16) at the distal end on which there is at least one functional element (29). The treatment proceeds by applying a force longitudinally to the proximal end of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient to puncture the annulus fibrosus. The functional element is positioned at a selected location of the intervertebral disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter. Then, the functional unit treats the intervertebral disc. Optionally, there is an additional step of aspirating and/or adding a substance to the intervertebral disc. |