US20050149191A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spinal mobility preservation apparatus having an expandable membrane
Assignee: Trans1 Inc
•
Filing: 2004-10-22
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2024-10-22
Abstract
Abstract A spinal mobility preservation apparatus and methods are disclosed. The spinal mobility preservation apparatus may include a proximal body, an intermediate body, a distal body, and an expandable membrane. The proximal body and the distal body secure the mobility preservation apparatus to adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of an intermediate body and an expandable membrane secure the proximal body to the distal body and provide a degree of support to a spinal motion segment defined by the adjacent vertebral bodies. A single proximal body and an expandable membrane may also compose a spinal mobility preservation apparatus. The proximal body secured to one of a superior or an inferior vertebral body and the expandable membrane extending into the intervertebral disc space to support the spinal motion segment.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew Cragg
- 👤 Robert Assell
- 👤 Steven Ainsworth
- 👤 Eugene Dickhudt
- 👤 Bradley Wessman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/442; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61F2/441; A61F2/4425; A61B17/84; A61B17/86; A61B17/864; A61B17/8685; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30742; A61F2/30744; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/30004; A61F2002/30014; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30062; A61F2002/30075; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30224; A61F2002/30242; A61F2002/30289; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30331; A61F2002/30405; A61F2002/30448; A61F2002/30462; A61F2002/30476; A61F2002/30495; A61F2002/30507; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30563; A61F2002/30565; A61F2002/30566; A61F2002/30571; A61F2002/30579; A61F2002/30581; A61F2002/30583; A61F2002/30604; A61F2002/30667; A61F2002/30677; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/3085; A61F2002/30859; A61F2/3094; A61F2002/3097; A61F2002/443; A61F2002/444; A61F2002/4495; A61F2/4657; A61F2002/4666; A61F2002/4667; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0004; A61F2210/0061; A61F2210/0085; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/0033; A61F2220/005; A61F2220/0075; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0069; A61F2230/0071; A61F2230/0091; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0014; A61F2250/0018; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00017; A61F2310/00029; A61F2310/00389; A61F2310/0097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 125
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
1 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, comprising: a intermediate body having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end; a proximal body including a first retention structure secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body and defining a proximal lumen; a distal body including a second retention structure secured to the distal end of the intermediate body; and an expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of the intermediate body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
1 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, comprising: a intermediate body having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end; a proximal body including a first retention structure secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body and defining a proximal lumen; a distal body including a second retention structure secured to the distal end of the intermediate body; and an expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of the intermediate body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
2 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , with the first retention structure comprising a first thread and the second retention structure comprising a second thread.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
3 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
4 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber and the expansion chamber in communication with the proximal lumen.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
5 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 4 , further comprising prosthetic nucleus material positioned within the expansion chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
6 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the proximal body having internal threading within the proximal lumen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
7 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the intermediate body defining an intermediate lumen.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
8 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 7 , further comprising the intermediate body defining one or more fenestrations in fluid communication with the intermediate lumen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
9 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 7 , further comprising the distal body defining a distal lumen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
10 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 7 , further comprising the distal body defining a distal cavity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
11 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the intermediate body defining one or more fenestrations in fluid communication with the proximal lumen.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
12 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising a plug secured within the proximal lumen.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
13 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 12 , further comprising a prosthetic nucleus material positioned within an expansion chamber defined by the expandable membrane.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
14 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the proximal lumen configured to receive a driver.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
15 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 9 , further comprising the distal lumen configured to receive a driver.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
16 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 10 , further comprising the distal cavity configured to receive a driver.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
17 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 2 , wherein a major thread diameter of the proximal body is greater than a major thread diameter of the distal body.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
44 words
18 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 2 , wherein the pitch of the second thread is finer than the pitch of the first thread to induce distraction of the caudad vertebral body and the cephalad vertebral body during implantation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
19 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the proximal lumen extending axially through the proximal body and in fluid communication with the expansion chamber.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
20 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the expandable membrane is compliant.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
60 words
21 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein a first portion of the expandable membrane configured to face in the direction of one of the caudad vertebral body and the cephalad vertebral body is relatively more compliant than a second portion of the expandable membrane configured to face in the direction of the annulus.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
22 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises an elastomeric material.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
23 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a silicone.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
24 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a moisture-permeable bioabsorbable material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
25 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a woven fabric of polymeric fibers.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
26 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 25 , wherein the woven fabric of polymeric fibers are semi-permeable.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
27 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 25 , wherein the woven fabric of polymeric fibers are microporous.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
28 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a silicone.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
29 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material is a saline solution an elastomeric solid.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
30 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material is a saline solution.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
31 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material is a viscoelastic gel.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
32 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material comprises a hydrogel.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
33 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material comprises a silicone.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
34 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material comprises a polyurethane.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
35 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 33 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a silicone.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
36 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the compliancy of the radial surface is less than the compliancy of at least one of the superior and inferior surfaces.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
37 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the expandable membrane supporting the radial surface has a greater thickness than the expandable membranes supporting the superior and inferior surfaces.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
38 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane further comprises a collar that abuts the disc annulus.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
39 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising a collar secured to the radial surface of the expandable membrane.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
40 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 39 , wherein the collar comprises an expansion limiting structure.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
41 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 39 , wherein the collar comprises a noncompliant band.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
42 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 39 , wherein the collar is secured around the perimeter of the expandable membrane.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
43 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 39 , wherein the collar is integral with the perimeter of the semi-elastic membrane.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
44 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a polymeric tube.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
45 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a compliant tube.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
63 words
46 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the expandable membrane is at least partially filled with the prosthetic nucleus material, and wherein the physical properties of the combination of the expandable membrane and the prosthetic nucleus material enable the expandable membrane to transfer a component of axial compression into lateral force for absorption by the annulus.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
47 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the proximal surface and the distal surface have a greater compliancy than the radial surface.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
48 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material is modulus matched to a natural disc material.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
21 words
49 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 48 , wherein the natural disc material comprises the nucleus.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
50 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 48 , wherein the natural disc material comprises the intervertebral disc.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
33 words
51 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane is semi-elastic and is configured to have a predetermined maximum stretching capacity along a horizontal plane.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
27 words
52 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane has a predetermined maximum stretching capacity along the horizontal plane.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
53 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the expandable membrane is expandable radially.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
54 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 5 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material and the intermediate body share the physiological load.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
30 words
55 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 54 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material and the intermediate body share the physiological load in a uniform manner.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
56 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 54 , wherein sharing the physiological load comprises dissipating any forces associated with the load.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
57 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 54 , wherein sharing the physiological load comprises distributing any forces associated with the load.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
66 words
58 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 1 , further comprising a first portion having a female component of a coupling mechanism within the distal section of the implantable spinal mobility preservation device that engages with a male component of the releasable coupling mechanism located on an insertion rod used to introduce An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus into the treatment site.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
59 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 5 , further comprising at least one stop-flow mechanism within the proximal lumen.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
60 . An implantable mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 1 , having an aspect ratio of greater than one.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
95 words
61 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, comprising: a intermediate body having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end; a proximal body defining a proximal lumen and including a first retention structure secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body; a distal body including a second retention structure secured to the distal end of the intermediate body; an expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of the intermediate body; and a plug secured within the proximal lumen.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
95 words
61 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, comprising: a intermediate body having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end; a proximal body defining a proximal lumen and including a first retention structure secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body; a distal body including a second retention structure secured to the distal end of the intermediate body; an expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of the intermediate body; and a plug secured within the proximal lumen.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
218 words
62 . A method for supporting the spine, comprising: providing an implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus having a intermediate body having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end, a proximal body including a first retention structure secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body, the proximal body defining a proximal lumen, a distal body including a second retention structure secured to the distal end of the intermediate body, and an expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of the intermediate body, the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber and the expansion chamber in fluid communication with the proximal lumen; forming an axial bore through a caudad vertebral body, an intervertebral disc and a cephalad vertebral body; removing at least a portion of a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the axial bore to form a disc space; and axially inserting the implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus through the axial bore; securing the distal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the cephalad vertebral body; securing the proximal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the caudad vertebral body; and providing a prosthetic nucleus material through the proximal lumen into the expansion chamber of the spinal mobility preservation apparatus.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
218 words
62 . A method for supporting the spine, comprising: providing an implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus having a intermediate body having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end, a proximal body including a first retention structure secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body, the proximal body defining a proximal lumen, a distal body including a second retention structure secured to the distal end of the intermediate body, and an expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of the intermediate body, the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber and the expansion chamber in fluid communication with the proximal lumen; forming an axial bore through a caudad vertebral body, an intervertebral disc and a cephalad vertebral body; removing at least a portion of a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the axial bore to form a disc space; and axially inserting the implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus through the axial bore; securing the distal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the cephalad vertebral body; securing the proximal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the caudad vertebral body; and providing a prosthetic nucleus material through the proximal lumen into the expansion chamber of the spinal mobility preservation apparatus.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
224 words
63 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, comprising: a intermediate body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the intermediate body including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end to increase the flexibility of the intermediate body, and the intermediate body defining at least one fenestration; a proximal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the proximal body secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body, the proximal body including a first thread to rotatably position the proximal body through an axial bore in a body of a caudad vertebra, the proximal body defining a proximal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body; a distal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the distal body secured to the distal end of the intermediate body, the distal body including second thread to rotatably position the distal body through an axial bore in a body of a cephalad vertebra; and an expandable membrane having a substantially tubular shape, the expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of intermediate body which includes the at least one fenestration, the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
224 words
63 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, comprising: a intermediate body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the intermediate body including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end to increase the flexibility of the intermediate body, and the intermediate body defining at least one fenestration; a proximal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the proximal body secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body, the proximal body including a first thread to rotatably position the proximal body through an axial bore in a body of a caudad vertebra, the proximal body defining a proximal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body; a distal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the distal body secured to the distal end of the intermediate body, the distal body including second thread to rotatably position the distal body through an axial bore in a body of a cephalad vertebra; and an expandable membrane having a substantially tubular shape, the expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of intermediate body which includes the at least one fenestration, the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
28 words
64 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , further comprising prosthetic nucleus material positioned within the expansion chamber defined by the expandable membrane.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
25 words
65 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , further comprising the proximal body having internal threading within the proximal lumen.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
22 words
66 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , further comprising the intermediate body defining an intermediate lumen.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
27 words
67 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 66 , further comprising the one or more fenestrations in fluid communication with the intermediate lumen.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
22 words
68 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , further comprising the distal body defining a distal lumen.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
22 words
69 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , further comprising the proximal body defining a central cavity.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
22 words
70 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , further comprising a plug secured within the proximal lumen.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
71 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , further comprising the proximal lumen configured to receive a driver.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
23 words
72 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 68 , further comprising the distal lumen configured to receive a driver.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
73 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 69 , further comprising the distal cavity configured to receive a driver.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
33 words
74 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein a major thread diameter of the proximal body is greater than a major thread diameter of the distal body.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
44 words
75 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 63 , wherein the pitch of the second thread is finer than the pitch of the first thread to induce distraction of the caudad vertebral body and the cephalad vertebral body during implantation.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
32 words
76 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , further comprising the proximal lumen extending axially through the proximal body and in fluid communication with the expansion chamber.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
24 words
77 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein at least a portion of the expandable membrane is compliant.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
60 words
78 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein a first portion of the expandable membrane configured to face in the direction of one of the caudad vertebral body and the cephalad vertebral body is relatively more compliant than a second portion of the expandable membrane configured to face in the direction of the annulus.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
21 words
79 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises an elastomeric material.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
20 words
80 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a silicone.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
81 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a moisture-permeable bioabsorbable material.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
24 words
82 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a woven fabric of polymeric fibers.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
22 words
83 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 82 , wherein the woven fabric of polymeric fibers are semi-permeable.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
22 words
84 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 82 , wherein the woven fabric of polymeric fibers are microporous.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
20 words
85 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a silicone.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
25 words
86 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material is a saline solution an elastomeric solid.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
87 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material is a saline solution.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
22 words
88 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material is a viscoelastic gel.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
21 words
89 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material comprises a hydrogel.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
21 words
90 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material comprises a silicone.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
21 words
91 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material comprises a polyurethane.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
20 words
92 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 90 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a silicone.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
35 words
93 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the compliancy of the radial surface is less than the compliancy of at least one of the superior and inferior surfaces.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
35 words
94 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the expandable membrane supporting the radial surface has a greater thickness than the expandable membranes supporting the superior and inferior surfaces.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
26 words
95 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane further comprises a collar that abuts the disc annulus.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
26 words
96 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , further comprising a collar secured to the radial surface of the expandable membrane.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
21 words
97 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 96 , wherein the collar comprises an expansion limiting structure.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
20 words
98 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 96 , wherein the collar comprises a noncompliant band.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
25 words
99 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 96 , wherein the collar is secured around the perimeter of the expandable membrane.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
25 words
100 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 96 , wherein the collar is integral with the perimeter of the semi-elastic membrane.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
21 words
101 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a polymeric tube.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
21 words
102 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane comprises a compliant tube.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
63 words
103 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the expandable membrane is at least partially filled with the prosthetic nucleus material, and wherein the physical properties of the combination of the expandable membrane and the prosthetic nucleus material enable the expandable membrane to transfer a component of axial compression into lateral force for absorption by the annulus.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
29 words
104 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the proximal surface and the distal surface have a greater compliancy than the radial surface.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
26 words
105 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material is modulus matched to a natural disc material.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
21 words
106 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 105 , wherein the natural disc material comprises the nucleus.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
22 words
107 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 105 , wherein the natural disc material comprises the intervertebral disc.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
33 words
108 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane is semi-elastic and is configured to have a predetermined maximum stretching capacity along a horizontal plane.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
27 words
109 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane has a predetermined maximum stretching capacity along the horizontal plane.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
20 words
110 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , wherein the expandable membrane is expandable radially.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
26 words
111 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 64 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material and the intermediate body share the physiological load.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
30 words
112 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 111 , wherein the prosthetic nucleus material and the intermediate body share the physiological load in a uniform manner.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
26 words
113 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 111 , wherein sharing the physiological load comprises dissipating any forces associated with the load.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
26 words
114 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 111 , wherein sharing the physiological load comprises distributing any forces associated with the load.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
42 words
115 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus as in claim 63 , further comprising the distal body having a female component of a coupling mechanism that engages with a male component of the releasable coupling mechanism located on an insertion rod.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
24 words
116 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 64 , further comprises at least one stop-flow mechanism within the proximal lumen.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
20 words
117 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, as in claim 63 , having an aspect ratio greater than one.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
334 words
118 . A method for supporting the spine, comprising: providing an implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus having a intermediate body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the intermediate body including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end to increase the flexibility of the intermediate body, and the intermediate body defining at least one fenestration, a proximal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the proximal body secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body, the proximal body including a first thread to rotatably position the proximal body through an axial bore in a body of a caudad vertebra, the proximal body defining a proximal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body, a distal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the distal body secured to the distal end of the intermediate body, the distal body including second thread to rotatably position the distal body through an axial bore in a body of a cephalad vertebra, and an expandable membrane having a substantially tubular shape, the expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of intermediate body which includes the at least one fenestration, the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body; forming an axial bore through a caudad vertebral body, an intervertebral disc and a cephalad vertebral body; removing at least a portion of a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the axial bore to form a disc space; and axially inserting the implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus through the axial bore; securing the distal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the cephalad vertebral body; securing the proximal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the caudad vertebral body; and providing a prosthetic nucleus material through the proximal lumen into the expansion chamber of the spinal mobility preservation apparatus.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
334 words
118 . A method for supporting the spine, comprising: providing an implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus having a intermediate body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the intermediate body including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end to increase the flexibility of the intermediate body, and the intermediate body defining at least one fenestration, a proximal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the proximal body secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body, the proximal body including a first thread to rotatably position the proximal body through an axial bore in a body of a caudad vertebra, the proximal body defining a proximal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body, a distal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the distal body secured to the distal end of the intermediate body, the distal body including second thread to rotatably position the distal body through an axial bore in a body of a cephalad vertebra, and an expandable membrane having a substantially tubular shape, the expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of intermediate body which includes the at least one fenestration, the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body; forming an axial bore through a caudad vertebral body, an intervertebral disc and a cephalad vertebral body; removing at least a portion of a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the axial bore to form a disc space; and axially inserting the implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus through the axial bore; securing the distal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the cephalad vertebral body; securing the proximal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the caudad vertebral body; and providing a prosthetic nucleus material through the proximal lumen into the expansion chamber of the spinal mobility preservation apparatus.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
231 words
119 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, comprising: a intermediate body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the intermediate body including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end to increase the flexibility of the intermediate body, and the intermediate body defining at least one fenestration; a proximal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the proximal body secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body, the proximal body including a first thread to rotatably position the proximal body through an axial bore in a body of a caudad vertebra, the proximal body defining a proximal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body; a distal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the distal body secured to the distal end of the intermediate body, the distal body including second thread to rotatably position the distal body through an axial bore in a body of a cephalad vertebra; an expandable membrane having a substantially tubular shape, the expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of intermediate body which includes the at least one fenestration, the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body; and a plug secured within the proximal lumen.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
231 words
119 . An implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus, comprising: a intermediate body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the intermediate body including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal and the distal end to increase the flexibility of the intermediate body, and the intermediate body defining at least one fenestration; a proximal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the proximal body secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body, the proximal body including a first thread to rotatably position the proximal body through an axial bore in a body of a caudad vertebra, the proximal body defining a proximal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body; a distal body being substantially radially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the distal body secured to the distal end of the intermediate body, the distal body including second thread to rotatably position the distal body through an axial bore in a body of a cephalad vertebra; an expandable membrane having a substantially tubular shape, the expandable membrane secured over at least a portion of intermediate body which includes the at least one fenestration, the expandable membrane defining an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the at least one fenestration of the intermediate body; and a plug secured within the proximal lumen.
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