Patent US1998950A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US20030191536A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Artificial intervertebral disc replacements incorporating reinforced wall sections
Assignee: Anova Corp
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Filing: 2003-04-04
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2023-04-04
Abstract
Abstract An Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) includes a body and/or outer wall that is fortified, reinforced, stiffened or otherwise strengthened with a higher durometer, for example, where it rests against a weakened or deficient area of the annulus fibrosis (AF). The “less stiff” portions facilitate the transfer of load to the healthier portion of the AF. A hydrogel or other compressible and/or resilient material may be used within the center of the ADR to selectively transfer the forces to the outer wall. The outer wall may constructed of an elastomer, and may include a radial ply, bias ply, and/or belted construction. Methods of determining a properly sized ADR are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Bret Ferree
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:46
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/442; A61F2/441; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2/3094; A61F2/30965; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30112; A61F2002/30133; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30331; A61F2002/30383; A61F2002/30462; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30581; A61F2002/30584; A61F2002/3082; A61F2002/30827; A61F2002/30828; A61F2002/30841; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30879; A61F2002/4435; A61F2002/448; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/0033; A61F2220/0075; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/0015; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00017; A61L; A61L2430/00; A61L2430/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
1 . An artificial disc replacement (ADR) configured for placement within an annulus fibrosis (AF) having a defective or weakened section, the ADR comprising: a body having a center portion and an outer wall; and wherein the outer wall is locally fortified so that stresses applied to the center result in less pressure on the defective or weakened section as compared to other sections of the AF.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
1 . An artificial disc replacement (ADR) configured for placement within an annulus fibrosis (AF) having a defective or weakened section, the ADR comprising: a body having a center portion and an outer wall; and wherein the outer wall is locally fortified so that stresses applied to the center result in less pressure on the defective or weakened section as compared to other sections of the AF.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
2 . The ADR of claim 1 , wherein the local fortification of the outer wall is achieved through a localized thickening of the same material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
3 . The ADR of claim 1 , wherein the local fortification of the outer wall is achieved through the use of a different, stiffer material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
4 . The ADR of claim 3 , wherein the different material is bonded to or embedded within the outer wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
5 . The ADR of claim 3 , wherein the different material compositionally transitions from the bulk of the material comprising the outer wall.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
6 . The ADR of claim 1 , wherein the outer wall includes a bias-ply, radial, or bias-belted fiber-reinforced structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
7 . The ADR of claim 6 , wherein the fiber-reinforced wall structure includes one or more biologically compatible fabrics composed of nylon, polyester, metal, fiberglass, or a combination thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
8 . The ADR of claim 1 , wherein the center portion includes a gas, liquid or gel to promote resilient compressibility.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
9 . The ADR of claim 8 , wherein the gel is a hydrogel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
87 words
10 . A method of replacing at least a portion of a natural intervertebral disc within an annulus fibrosis (AF) having a defective or weakened section, comprising the steps of: providing an artificial disc replacement (ADR) having a compressible center portion and an outer wall including at least one fortified region to withstand greater stress transferred from the center portion during compression; and implanting the ADR within a disc space such that the fortified region is aligned with the defective or weakened section of the annulus fibrosis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
87 words
10 . A method of replacing at least a portion of a natural intervertebral disc within an annulus fibrosis (AF) having a defective or weakened section, comprising the steps of: providing an artificial disc replacement (ADR) having a compressible center portion and an outer wall including at least one fortified region to withstand greater stress transferred from the center portion during compression; and implanting the ADR within a disc space such that the fortified region is aligned with the defective or weakened section of the annulus fibrosis.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
11 . A method of determining the proper size for an artificial disc replacement (ADR), comprising the steps of: filling a disc space with a measured volume of gas or liquid; and selecting an ADR in accordance with the measured volume.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
11 . A method of determining the proper size for an artificial disc replacement (ADR), comprising the steps of: filling a disc space with a measured volume of gas or liquid; and selecting an ADR in accordance with the measured volume.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the volume is measured using a graduated syringe coupled to an inflatable balloon within the disc space.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
13 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the liquid is a polymer or other substance which is cured within the disc space, removed and measured to determine the volume.
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