Weakened anulus repair

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/508,068 filed on Aug. 22, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/237,360 filed on Sep. 5, 2002, issued Aug. 22, 2006 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,094,258, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/696,636 filed on Oct. 25, 2000, issued Jan. 21, 2003 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,839, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/642,450 filed on Aug. 18, 2000, issued Nov. 19, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,235, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/608,797 filed on Jun. 30, 2000, issued Jul. 30, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,919, wherein U.S. application Ser. No. 09/608,797 claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/149,490 filed Aug. 18, 1999, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/161,085 filed Oct. 25, 1999 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/172,996 filed Dec. 21, 1999 the contents of each of which are incorporated in their entirety into this disclosure by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the surgical treatment of intervertebral discs in the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic spine that have suffered from tears in the anulus fibrosis, herniation of the nucleus pulposus and/or significant disc height loss.

[0003] The disc performs the important role of absorbing mechanical loads while allowing for constrained flexibility of the spine. The disc is composed of a soft, central nucleus pulposus (NP) surrounded by a tough, woven anulus fibrosis (AF). Herniation is a result of a weakening in the AF. Symptomatic herniations occur when weakness in the AF allows the NP to bulge or leak posteriorly toward the spinal cord and major nerve roots. The most common resulting symptoms are pain radiating along a compressed nerve and low back pain, both of which can be crippling for the patient. The significance of this problem is increased by the low average age of diagnosis, with over 80% of patients in the U.S. being under 59.

[0004] Since its original description by Mixter & Barr in 1934, discectomy has been the most common surgical procedure for treating intervertebral disc herniation. This procedure involves removal of disc materials impinging on the nerve roots or spinal cord external to the disc, generally posteriorly. Depending on the surgeon's preference, varying amounts of NP are then removed from within the disc space either through the herniation site or through an incision in the AF. This removal of extra NP is commonly done to minimize the risk of recurrent herniation.

[0005] Nevertheless, the most significant drawbacks of discectomy are recurrence of herniation, recurrence of radicular symptoms, and increasing low back pain. Re-herniation can occur in up to 21% of cases. The site for re-herniation is most commonly the same level and side as the previous herniation and can occur through the same weakened site in the AF. Persistence or recurrence of radicular symptoms happens in many patients and when not related to re-herniation, tends to be linked to stenosis of the neural foramina caused by a loss in height of the operated disc. Debilitating low back pain occurs in roughly 14% of patients. All of these failings are most directly related to the loss of NP material and AF competence that results from herniation and surgery.

[0006] Loss of NP material deflates the disc, causing a decrease in disc height. Significant decreases in disc height have been noted in up to 98% of operated patients. Loss of disc height increases loading on the facet joints. This can result in deterioration of facet cartilage and ultimately osteoarthritis and pain in this joint. As the joint space decreases the neural foramina formed by the inferior and superior vertebral pedicles also close down. This leads to foraminal stenosis, pinching of the traversing nerve root, and recurring radicular pain. Loss of NP also increases loading on the remaining AF, a partially innervated structure that can produce pain. Finally, loss of NP results in greater bulging of the AF under load. This can result in renewed impingement by the AF on nerve structures posterior to the disc.

[0007] Persisting tears in the AF that result either from herniation or surgical incision also contribute to poor results from discectomy. The AF has limited healing capacity with the greatest healing occurring in its outer borders. Healing takes the form of a thin fibrous film that does not approach the strength of the uninjured disc. Surgical incision in the AF has been shown to produce immediate and long lasting decreases in stiffness of the AF particularly against torsional loads. This may over-stress the facets and contribute to their deterioration. Further, in as many as 30% of cases, the AF never closes. In these cases, not only is re-herniation a risk but also leakage of fluids or solids from within the NP into the epidural space can occur. This has been shown to cause localized pain, irritation of spinal nerve roots, decreases in nerve conduction velocity, and may contribute to the formation of post-surgical scar tissue in the epidural space.

[0008] Other orthopedic procedures involving removal of soft tissue from a joint to relieve pain have resulted in significant, long lasting consequences. Removal of all or part of the menisci of the knee is one example. Partial and total meniscectomy leads to increased osteoarthritic degeneration in the knee and the need for further surgery in many patients. A major effort among surgeons to repair rather than resect torn menisci has resulted in more durable results and lessened joint deterioration.

[0009] Systems and methods for repairing tears in soft tissues are known in the art. One such system relates to the repair of the menisci of the knee and is limited to a barbed tissue anchor, an attached length of suture, and a suture-retaining member, which can be affixed to the suture and used to draw the sides of a tear into apposition. The drawback of this method is that it is limited to the repair of a tear in soft tissue. In the intervertebral disc, closure of a tear in the AF does not necessarily prevent further bulging of that disc segment toward the posterior neural elements. Further, there is often no apparent tear in the AF when herniation occurs. Herniation can be a result of a general weakening in the structure of the AF (soft disc) that allows it to bulge posteriorly without a rupture. When tears do occur, they are often radial.

[0010] Another device known in the art is intended for repair of a tear in a previously contiguous soft tissue. Dart anchors are placed across the tear in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the tear. Sutures leading from each of at least two anchors are then tied together such that the opposing sides of the tear are brought together. However, all of the limitations pertaining to repair of intervertebral discs, as described above, pertain to this device.

[0011] Also known in the art is an apparatus and method of using tension to induce growth of soft tissue. The known embodiments and methods are limited in their application to hernias of the intervertebral disc in that they require a spring to apply tension. Aside from the difficulty of placing a spring within the limited space of the intervertebral disc, a spring will induce a continuous displacement of the attached tissues that could be deleterious to the structure and function of the disc. A spring may further allow a posterior bulge in the disc to progress should forces within the disc exceed the tension force applied by the spring. Further, the known apparatus is designed to be removed once the desired tissue growth has been achieved. This has the drawback of requiring a second procedure.

[0012] There are numerous ways of augmenting the intervertebral disc disclosed in the art. In reviewing the art, two general approaches are apparent—implants that are fixed to surrounding tissues and those that are not fixed, relying instead on the AF to keep them in place.

[0013] The first type of augmenting of the intervertebral disc includes generally replacing the entire disc. This augmentation is limited in many ways. First, by replacing the entire disc, they generally must endure all of the loads that are transferred through that disc space. Many degenerated discs are subject to pathologic loads that exceed those in normal discs. Hence, the designs must be extremely robust and yet flexible. None of these augmentation devices has yet been able to achieve both qualities. Further, devices that replace the entire disc must be implanted using relatively invasive procedures, normally from an anterior approach. They may also require the removal of considerable amounts of healthy disc material including the anterior AF. Further, the disclosed devices must account for the contour of the neighboring vertebral bodies to which they are attached. Because each patient and each vertebra is different, these types of implants must be available in many shapes and sizes.

[0014] The second type of augmentation involves an implant that is not directly fixed to surrounding tissues. These augmentation devices rely on an AF that is generally intact to hold them in place. The known implants are generally inserted through a hole in the AF and either expand, are inflated, or deploy expanding elements so as to be larger than the hole through which they are inserted. The limitation of these concepts is that the AF is often not intact in cases requiring augmentation of the disc. There are either rents in the AF or structural weaknesses that allow herniation or migration of the disclosed implants. In the case of a disc herniation, there are definite weaknesses in the AF that allowed the herniation to occur. Augmenting the NP with any of the known augmentation devices without supporting the AF or implant risks re-herniation of the augmenting materials. Further, those devices with deployable elements risk injuring the vertebral endplates or the AF. This may help to retain the implant in place, but again herniations do not require a rent in the AF. Structural weakness in or delamination of the multiple layers of the AF can allow these implants to bulge toward the posterior neural elements. Additionally, as the disc continues to degenerate, rents in the posterior anulus may occur in regions other than the original operated site. A further limitation of these concepts is that they require the removal of much or all of the NP to allow insertion of the implant. This requires time and skill to achieve and permanently alters the physiology of the disc.

[0015] Implanting prostheses in specific locations within the intervertebral disc is also a challenging task. The interior of the disc is not visible to the surgeon during standard posterior spinal procedures. Very little of the exterior of the disc can be seen through the small window created by the surgeon in the posterior elements of the vertebrae to gain access to the disc. The surgeon further tries to minimize the size of any annular fenestration into the disc in order to reduce the risk of postoperative herniation and/or further destabilization of the operated level. Surgeons generally open only one side of the posterior anulus in order to avoid scarring on both sides of the epidural space.

[0016] The rigorous requirements presented by these limitations on access to and visualization of the disc are not well compensated for by any of the intradiscal prosthesis implantation systems currently available.

[0017] The known art relating to the closure of body defects such as hernias through the abdominal wall involve devices such as planer patches applied to the interior of the abdominal wall or plugs that are placed directly into the defect. The known planar patches are limited in their application in the intervertebral disc by the disc's geometry. The interior aspect of the AF is curved in multiple planes, making a flat patch incongruous to the surface against which it must seal. Finally, the prior art discloses patches that are placed into a cavity that is either distended by gas or supported such that the interior wall of the defect is held away from internal organs. In the disc, it is difficult to create such a cavity between the inner wall of the anulus and the NP without removing nucleus material. Such removal may be detrimental to the clinical outcome of disc repair.

[0018] One hernia repair device known in the art is an exemplary plug. This plug may be adequate for treating inguinal hernias, due to the low pressure difference across such a defect. However, placing a plug into the AF that must resist much higher pressures may result in expulsion of the plug or dissection of the inner layers of the anulus by the NP. Either complication would lead to extraordinary pain or loss of function for the patient. Further, a hernia in the intervertebral disc is likely to spread as the AF progressively weakens. In such an instance, the plug may be expelled into the epidural space.

[0019] Another hernia repair device involves a curved prosthetic mesh for use in inguinal hernias. The device includes a sheet of material that has a convex side and a concave side and further embodiments with both spherical and conical sections. This device may be well suited for inguinal hernias, but the shape and stiffness of the disclosed embodiments are less than optimal for application in hernias of the intervertebral disc. Hernias tend to be broader (around the circumference of the disc) than they are high (the distance between the opposing vertebrae), a shape that does not lend itself to closure by such conical or spherical patches.

[0020] Another device involves an inflatable, barbed balloon patch used for closing inguinal hernias. This balloon is left inflated within the defect. A disadvantage of this device is that the balloon must remain inflated for the remainder of the patient's life to insure closure of the defect. Implanted, inflated devices rarely endure long periods without leaks, particularly when subjected to high loads. This is true of penile prostheses, breast implants, and artificial sphincters.

[0021] Another known method of closing inguinal hernias involves applying both beat and pressure to a planar patch and the abdominal wall surrounding the hernia. This method has the drawback of relying entirely on the integrity of the wall surrounding the defect to hold the patch in place. The anulus is often weak in areas around a defect and may not serve as a suitable anchoring site. Further, the planar nature of the patch has all of the weaknesses discussed above.

[0022] Various devices and techniques have further been disclosed for sealing vascular puncture sites. The most relevant is a hemostatic puncture-sealing device that generally consists of an anchor, a filament and a sealing plug. The anchor is advanced into a vessel through a defect and deployed such that it resists passage back through the defect. A filament leading from the anchor and through the defect can be used to secure the anchor or aid in advancing a plug that is brought against the exterior of the defect. Such a filament, if it were to extend to the exterior of the disc, could lead to irritation of nerve roots and the formation of scar tissue in the epidural space. This is also true of any plug material that may be left either within the defect or extending to the exterior of the disc. Additionally, such devices and methods embodied for use in the vascular system require a space relatively empty of solids for the deployment of the interior anchor. This works well on the interior of a vessel, however, in the presence of the more substantial NP, the disclosed internal anchors are unlikely to orient across the defect as disclosed in their inventions.

[0023] It is an object of the disclosed invention to reduce the long-term negative consequences of back injuries such as herniated discs by repairing and/or augmenting rather than resecting the soft tissues of the disc. It is a further object of this invention to prevent or reduce the occurrence of re-herniation and disc height loss following surgical therapy for herniated discs. It is a further object of this invention to increase the AF's resistance to posterior bulging and leakage of NP material while preferably increasing its stiffness under load. It is a further object of this invention to permit the augmentation of the soft tissues of the disc in such a way so as to limit the risk of the herniation of any augmentation materials toward nerve structures posterior to the disc. It is a further object of the present invention to shield the sensitive nerve fibers in the outer layers of the anulus from pressures within the nucleus.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an in vivo augmented functional spine unit. The augmented functional spine unit includes the two adjoining vertebrae and the intervertebral disc, composed of a central region surrounded by an anulus fibrosis and situated in the intervertebral disc space between the vertebra, and a disc herniation constraining device situated within the intervertebral disc space. The disc herniation constraining device includes an anchor fixedly coupled to an anterior portion of one of the adjoining vertebrae or anulus fibrosis and is connected to a support member by a connecting member. The support member is positioned posterior to the central region, preferably in or posterior to the anulus fibrosis. In one embodiment the central region of the functional spine unit contains a nucleus pulposus.

[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, the connection member is maintained under tension between the anchor and the support member. In yet another embodiment, augmentation material is secured along at least a portion of the length of the connection member, which serves to assist the function of the intervertebral disc in supporting and separating the vertebrae, and allowing motion of one vertebra relative to the other.

[0026] In another aspect of the invention there is provided an in vivo augmented functional spine unit. The augmented functional spine unit includes the two adjoining vertebrae and the intervertebral disc, composed of a central region surrounded by an anulus fibrosis and situated in the intervertebral disc space between the vertebra, and a disc augmentation device situated within the intervertebral disc space. The disc augmentation device includes an anchor fixedly coupled to an anterior portion of one of the adjoining vertebrae or anulus fibrosis, augmentation material situated in the intervertebral disc space and restrained therein by a connection member secured between the anchor and the augmentation material. In an alternate embodiment, a support member is secured within the functional spine unit, the connection member extends between the anchor, the augmentation material and the support member, further restraining the movement of the augmentation material within the central region. In yet another embodiment, the central region may contain a nucleus pulposus.

[0027] In yet another aspect of the present invention there are provided methods of augmenting a functional spine unit. These methods include using the disc herniation constraining devices and the disc augmentation devices disclosed herein.

[0028] The present invention further relates to devices and methods for sealing defects in tissue walls separating two anatomic regions of the body. Specifically, prosthetic devices and methods are disclosed which allow the closure of a defect in the AF of the human intervertebral disc, preventing the egress of material from within the disc and/or distributing pressure within the disc space across an inner wall surface of the disc.

[0029] Closure of the defect is achieved by placing a membrane or barrier on an interior aspect of the defect. In the case of the intervertebral disc, the barrier is positioned either on the interior aspect of the AF proximate to the NP or between layers of the AF. The barrier means may be inserted by dissecting a space between the anulus and nucleus. Alternatively, a portion of the nucleus and/or anulus may be resected to create adequate space.

[0030] The barrier may be inserted into position directly through the defect or alternatively it may be advanced from a remote entry through the tissue wall or other tissue neighboring the defect.

[0031] Various fixation devices can be used to secure the barrier to surrounding tissues. In the intervertebral disc, these tissues can include the surrounding AF, vertebral endplates, vertebral bodies, and even NP. Alternatively, the barrier can be held in place simply by the pressure the NP exerts on the barrier and AF where the stiffness and shape of the barrier patch may also help to maintain position and orientation within the disc. The barrier may further incorporate various self-retaining members that resist motion of the barrier within the disc. The barrier or membrane may incorporate a frame that can serve to enlarge or expand the dimensions of the barrier from a compressed state to an enlarged state. The frame can be a self expanding material such as a nickel titanium material. The barrier may further have properties that cause it to adhere to surrounding tissues either with an adhesive, by the application of heat, or ingrowth/ongrowth of surrounding tissue. Various embodiments of the disclosed barrier are composed of either singular materials and components or a multiplicity of materials and components.

[0032] It is a further object of the present invention to reduce the limitations of current disc repair methods. It is a further object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for implanting a prosthesis along the interior aspect of the anulus through a single, small annulotomy from the posterior aspect of the disc.

[0113] The present invention provides for an in vivo augmented functional spine unit. A functional spine unit includes the bony structures of two adjacent vertebrae (or vertebral bodies), the soft tissue (anulus fibrosis (AF), and optionally nucleus pulposus (NP)) of the intervertebral disc, and the ligaments, musculature and connective tissue connected to the vertebrae. The intervertebral disc is substantially situated in the intervertebral space formed between the adjacent vertebrae. Augmentation of the functional spine unit can include repair of a herniated disc segment, support of a weakened, torn or damaged anulus fibrosis, or the addition of material to or replacement of all or part of the nucleus pulposus. Augmentation of the functional spine unit is provided by herniation constraining devices and disc augmentation devices situated in the intervertebral disc space.

[0114] FIGS. 1A and 1B show the general anatomy of a functional spine unit 45. In this description and the following claims, the terms ‘anterior’ and ‘posterior’, ‘superior’ and ‘inferior’ are defined by their standard usage in anatomy, i.e., anterior is a direction toward the front (ventral) side of the body or organ, posterior is a direction toward the back (dorsal) side of the body or organ; superior is upward (toward the head) and inferior is lower (toward the feet).

[0115] FIG. 1A is an axial view along the transverse axis M of a vertebral body with the intervertebral disc 15 superior to the vertebral body. Axis M shows the anterior (A) and posterior (P) orientation of the functional spine unit within the anatomy. The intervertebral disc 15 contains the anulus fibrosis (AF) 10 which surrounds a central nucleus pulposus (NP) 20. A Herniated segment 30 is depicted by a dashed-line. The herniated segment 30 protrudes beyond the pre-herniated posterior border 40 of the disc. Also shown in this figure are the left 70 and right 70′ transverse spinous processes and the posterior spinous process 80.

[0116] FIG. 1B is a sagittal section along sagittal axis N through the midline of two adjacent vertebral bodies 50 (superior) and 50′ (inferior). Intervertebral disc space 55 is formed between the two vertebral bodies and contains intervertebral disc 15, which supports and cushions the vertebral bodies and permits movement of the two vertebral bodies with respect to each other and other adjacent functional spine units.

[0117] Intervertebral disc 15 is comprised of the outer AF 10 which normally surrounds and constrains the NP 20 to be wholly within the borders of the intervertebral disc space. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, herniated segment 30, represented by the dashed-line, has migrated posterior to the pre-herniated border 40 of the posterior AF of the disc. Axis M extends between the anterior (A) and posterior (P) of the functional spine unit. The vertebral bodies also include facet joints 60 and the superior 90 and inferior 90′ pedicle that form the neural foramen 100. Disc height loss occurs when the superior vertebral body 50 moves inferiorly relative to the inferior vertebral body 50′.

[0118] Partial disruption 121 of the inner layers of the anulus 10 without a true perforation has also been linked to chronic low back pain. Such a disruption 4 is illustrated in FIG. 1C. It is thought that weakness of these inner layers forces the sensitive outer annular lamellae to endure higher stresses. This increased stress stimulates the small nerve fibers penetrating the outer anulus, which results in both localized and referred pain.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present invention, the disc herniation constraining devices 13 provide support for returning all or part of the herniated segment 30 to a position substantially within its pre-herniated borders 40. The disc herniation constraining device includes an anchor which is positioned at a site within the functional spine unit, such as the superior or inferior vertebral body, or the anterior medial, or anterior lateral anulus fibrosis. The anchor is used as a point against which all or part of the herniated segment is tensioned so as to return the herniated segment to its pre-herniated borders, and thereby relieve pressure on otherwise compressed neural tissue and structures. A support member is positioned in or posterior to the herniated segment, and is connected to the anchor by a connecting member. Sufficient tension is applied to the connecting member so that the support member returns the herniated segment to a pre-herniated position. In various embodiments, augmentation material is secured within the intervertebral disc space, which assists the NP in cushioning and supporting the inferior and superior vertebral bodies. An anchor secured in a portion of the functional spine unit and attached to the connection member and augmentation material limits movement of the augmentation material within the intervertebral disc space. A supporting member, located opposite the anchor, may optionally provide a second point of attachment for the connection member and further hinder the movement of the augmentation material within the intervertebral disc space.

[0120] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict one embodiment of device 13. FIG. 2A shows the elements of the constraining device in position to correct the herniated segment. Anchor is securely established in a location within the functional spine unit, such as the anterior AF shown in the figure. Support member 2 is positioned in or posterior to herniated segment 30. Leading from and connected to anchor 1 is connection member 3, which serves to connect anchor 1 to support member 2. Depending on the location chosen for support member 2, the connection member may traverse through all or part of the herniated segment.

[0121] FIG. 2B shows the positions of the various elements of the herniation constraining device 13 when the device 13 is supporting the herniated segment. Tightening connection member 2 allows it to transmit tensile forces along its length, which causes herniated segment 30 to move anteriorly, i.e., in the direction of its pre-herniated borders. Once herniated segment 30 is in the desired position, connection member 3 is secured in a permanent fashion between anchor 1 and support member 2. This maintains tension between anchor 1 and support member 2 and restricts motion of the herniated segment to within the pre-herniated borders 40 of the disc. Support member 2 is used to anchor to herniated segment 30, support a weakened AF in which no visual evidence of herniation is apparent, and may also be used to close a defect in the AF in the vicinity of herniated segment 30.

[0122] Anchor 1 is depicted in a representative form, as it can take one of many suitable shapes, be made from one of a variety of biocompatible materials, and be constructed so as to fall within a range of stiffness. It can be a permanent device constructed of durable plastic or metal or can be made from a resorbable material such as polylactic acid (PLA) or polyglycolic acid (PGA). Specific embodiments are not shown, but many possible designs would be obvious to anyone skilled in the art. Embodiments include, but are not limited to, a barbed anchor made of PLA or a metal coil that can be screwed into the anterior AF. Anchor 1 can be securely established within a portion of the functional spine unit in the usual and customary manner for such devices and locations, such as being screwed into bone, sutured into tissue or bone, or affixed to tissue or bone using an adhesive method, such as cement, or other suitable surgical adhesives. Once established within the bone or tissue, anchor 1 should remain relatively stationary within the bone or tissue.

[0123] Support member 2 is also depicted in a representative format and shares the same flexibility in material and design as anchor 1. Both device elements can be of the same design, or they can be of different designs, each better suited to being established in healthy and diseased tissue respectively. Alternatively, in other forms, support member 2 can be a cap or a bead shape, which also serves to secure a tear or puncture in the AF, or it can be bar or plate shaped, with or without barbs to maintain secure contact with the herniated segment. Support member 2 can be established securely to, within, or posterior to the herniated segment.

[0124] The anchor and support member can include suture, bone anchors, soft tissue anchors, tissue adhesives, and materials that support tissue ingrowth although other forms and materials are possible. They may be permanent devices or resorbable. Their attachment to a portion of FSU and herniated segment must be strong enough to resist the tensional forces that result from repair of the hernia and the loads generated during daily activities.

[0125] Connection member 3 is also depicted in representative fashion. Member 3 may be in the format of a flexible filament, such as a single or multi-strand suture, wire, or perhaps a rigid rod or broad band of material, for example. The connection member can further include suture, wire, pins, and woven tubes or webs of material. It can be constructed from a variety of materials, either permanent or resorbable, and can be of any shape suitable to fit within the confines of the intervertebral disc space. The material chosen is preferably adapted to be relatively stiff while in tension, and relatively flexible against all other loads. This allows for maximal mobility of the herniated segment relative to the anchor without the risk of the supported segment moving outside of the pre-herniated borders of the disc. The connection member may be an integral component of either the anchor or support member or a separate component. For example, the connection member and support member could be a length of non-resorbing suture that is coupled to an anchor, tensioned against the anchor, and sewn to the herniated segment.

[0126] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict another embodiment of device 13. In FIG. 3A the elements of the herniation constraining device are shown in position prior to securing a herniated segment. Anchor 1 is positioned in the AF and connection member 3 is attached to anchor 1. Support member 4 is positioned posterior to the posterior-most aspect of herniated segment 30. In this way, support member 4 does not need to be secured in herniated segment 30 to cause herniated segment 30 to move within the pre-herniated borders 40 of the disc. Support member 4 has the same flexibility in design and material as anchor 1, and may further take the form of a flexible patch or rigid plate or bar of material that is either affixed to the posterior aspect of herniated segment 30 or is simply in a form that is larger than any hole in the AF directly anterior to support member 4. FIG. 3B shows the positions of the elements of the device when tension is applied between anchor 1 and support member 4 along connection member 3. The herniated segment is displaced anteriorly, within the pre-herniated borders 40 of the disc.

[0127] FIGS. 4A and 4B show five examples of suitable anchoring sites within the FSU for anchor 1. FIG. 4A shows an axial view of anchor 1 in various positions within the anterior and lateral AF. FIG. 4B similarly shows a sagittal view of the various acceptable anchoring sites for anchor 1. Anchor 1 is secured in the superior vertebral body 50, inferior vertebral body 50′ or anterior AF 10, although any site that can withstand the tension between anchor 1 and support member 2 along connection member 3 to support a herniated segment within its pre-herniated borders 40 is acceptable.

[0128] Generally, a suitable position for affixing one or more anchors is a location anterior to the herniated segment such that, when tension is applied along connection member 3, herniated segment 30 is returned to a site within the pre-herniated borders 40. The site chosen for the anchor should be able to withstand the tensile forces applied to the anchor when the connection member is brought under tension. Because most symptomatic herniations occur in the posterior or posterior lateral directions, the preferable site for anchor placement is anterior to the site of the herniation. Any portion of the involved FSU is generally acceptable, however the anterior, anterior medial, or anterior lateral AF is preferable. These portions of the AF have been shown to have considerably greater strength and stiffness than the posterior or posterior lateral portions of the AF. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, anchor 1 can be a single anchor in any of the shown locations, or there can be multiple anchors 1 affixed in various locations and connected to a support member 2 to support the herniated segment. Connection member 3 can be one continuous length that is threaded through the sited anchors and the support member, or it can be several individual strands of material each terminated under tension between one or more anchors and one or more support members.

[0129] In various forms of the invention, the anchor(s) and connection member(s) may be introduced and implanted in the patient, with the connection member under tension. Alternatively, those elements may be installed, without introducing tension to the connection member, but where the connection member is adapted to be under tension when the patient is in a non-horizontal position, i.e., resulting from loading in the intervertebral disc.

[0130] FIGS. 5A-C show an alternate embodiment of herniation constraining device 13A. In this series of figures, device 13A, a substantially one-piece construct, is delivered through a delivery tube 6, although device 13A could be delivered in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, by hand or by a hand held grasping instrument. In FIG. 5A, device 13A in delivery tube 6 is positioned against herniated segment 30. In FIG. 5B, the herniated segment is displaced within its pre-herniated borders 40 by device 13A and/or delivery tube 6 such that when, in FIG. 5C, device 13A has been delivered through delivery tube 6, and secured within a portion of the FSU, the device supports the displaced herniated segment within its pre-herniated border 40. Herniation constraining device 13A can be made of a variety of materials and have one of many possible forms so long as it allows support of the herniated segment 30 within the pre-herniated borders 40 of the disc. Device 13A can anchor the herniated segment 30 to any suitable anchoring site within the FSU, including, but not limited to the superior vertebral body, inferior vertebral body, or anterior AF. Device 13A may be used additionally to close a defect in the AF of herniated segment 30. Alternatively, any such defect may be left open or may be closed using another means.

[0131] FIG. 6 depicts the substantially one-piece device 13A supporting a weakened segment 30′ of the posterior AF 10′. Device 13A is positioned in or posterior to the weakened segment 30′ and secured to a portion of the FSU, such as the superior vertebral body 50, shown in the figure, or the inferior vertebral body 50′ or anterior or anterior-lateral anulus fibrosis 10. In certain patients, there may be no obvious herniation found at surgery. However, a weakened or tom AF that may not be protruding beyond the pre-herniated borders of the disc may still induce the surgeon to remove all or part of the NP in order to decrease the risk of herniation. As an alternative to discectomy, any of the embodiments of the invention may be used to support and perhaps close defects in weakened segments of AF.

[0132] A further embodiment of the present invention involves augmentation of the soft tissues of the intervertebral disc to avoid or reverse disc height loss. FIGS. 7A and 7B show one embodiment of device 13 securing augmentation material in the intervertebral disc space 55. In the left side of FIG. 7A, anchors 1 have been established in the anterior AF 10. Augmentation material 7 is in the process of being inserted into the disc space along connection member 3 which, in this embodiment, has passageway 9. Support member 2′ is shown ready to be attached to connection member 3 once the augmentation material 7 is properly situated. In this embodiment, connection member 3 passes through an aperture 11 in support member 2′, although many other methods of affixing support member 2′ to connection member 3 are possible and within the scope of this invention.

[0133] Augmentation material 7 may have a passageway 9, such as a channel, slit or the like, which allows it to slide along the connection member 3, or augmentation material 7 may be solid, and connection member 3 can be threaded through augmentation material by means such as needle or other puncturing device. Connection member 3 is affixed at one end to anchor 1 and terminated at its other end by a support member 2′, one embodiment of which is shown in the figure in a cap-like configuration. Support member 2′ can be affixed to connection member 3 in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, swaging support member 2′ to connection member 3. In a preferred embodiment, support member 2′ is in a cap configuration and has a dimension (diameter or length and width) larger than the optional passageway 9, which serves to prevent augmentation material 7 from displacing posteriorly with respect to anchor 1. The right half of the intervertebral disc of FIG. 7A (axial view) and FIG. 7B (sagittal view) show augmentation material 7 that has been implanted into the disc space 55 along connection member 3 where it supports the vertebral bodies 50 and 50′. FIG. 7A shows an embodiment in which support member 2′ is affixed to connection member 3 and serves only to prevent augmentation material 7 from moving off connection member 3. The augmentation device is free to move within the disc space. FIG. 7B shows an alternate embodiment in which support member 2′ is embedded in a site in the functional spine unit, such as a herniated segment or posterior anulus fibrosis, to further restrict the movement of augmentation material 7 or spacer material within the disc space.

[0134] Augmentation or spacer material can be made of any biocompatible, preferably flexible, material. Such a flexible material is preferably fibrous, like cellulose or bovine or autologous collagen. The augmentation material can be plug or disc shaped. It can further be cube-like, ellipsoid, spheroid or any other suitable shape. The augmentation material can be secured within the intervertebral space by a variety of methods, such as but not limited to, a suture loop attached to, around, or through the material, which is then passed to the anchor and support member.

[0135] FIGS. 8, 9A, 9B and 10A and 10B depict further embodiments of the disc herniation constraining device 13B in use for augmenting soft tissue, particularly tissue within the intervertebral space. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A, device 13B is secured within the intervertebral disc space providing additional support for NP 20. Anchor 1 is securely affixed in a portion of the FSU, (anterior AF 10 in these figures). Connection member 3 terminates at support member 2, preventing augmentation material 7 from migrating generally posteriorly with respect to anchor 1. Support member 2 is depicted in these figures as established in various locations, such as the posterior AF 10′ in FIG. 8, but support member 2 may be anchored in any suitable location within the FSU, as described previously. Support member 2 may be used to close a defect in the posterior AF. It may also be used to displace a herniated segment to within the pre-herniated borders of the disc by applying tension between anchoring means 1 and 2 along connection member 3.

[0136] FIG. 9A depicts anchor 1, connection member 3, spacer material 7 and support member 2′ (shown in the “cap”-type configuration) inserted as a single construct and anchored to a site within the disc space, such as the inferior or superior vertebral bodies. This configuration simplifies insertion of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 by reducing the number of steps to achieve implantation. Connection member 3 is preferably relatively stiff in tension, but flexible against all other loads. Support member 2′ is depicted as a bar element that is larger than passageway 9 in at least one plane.

[0137] FIG. 9B depicts a variation on the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B shows substantially one-piece disc augmentation device 13C, secured in the intervertebral disc space. Device 13C has anchor 1, connection member 3 and augmentation material 7. Augmentation material 7 and anchor 1 could be pre-assembled prior to insertion into the disc space 55 as a single construct. Alternatively, augmentation material 7 could be inserted first into the disc space and then anchored to a portion of the FSU by anchor 1.

[0138] FIGS. 10A and 10B show yet another embodiment of the disclosed invention, 13D. In FIG. 10A, two connection members 3 and 3′ are attached to anchor 1. Two plugs of augmentation material 7 and 7′ are inserted into the disc space along connection members 3 and 3′. Connection members 3 and 3′ are then bound together (e.g., knotted together, fused, or the like). This forms loop 3″ that serves to prevent augmentation materials 7 and 7′ from displacing posteriorly. FIG. 10B shows the position of the augmentation material 7 after it is secured by the loop 3″ and anchor 1. Various combinations of augmentation material, connecting members and anchors can be used in this embodiment, such as using a single plug of augmentation material, or two connection members leading from anchor 1 with each of the connection members being bound to at least one other connection member. It could further be accomplished with more than one anchor with at least one connection member leading from each anchor, and each of the connection members being bound to at least one other connection member.

[0139] Any of the devices described herein can be used for closing defects in the AF whether created surgically or during the herniation event. Such methods may also involve the addition of biocompatible material to either the AF or NP. This material could include sequestered or extruded segments of the NP found outside the pre-herniated borders of the disc.

[0140] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate devices used in and methods for closing a defect in an anulus fibrosis. One method involves the insertion of a barrier or barrier means 12 into the disc 15. This procedure can accompany surgical discectomy. It can also be done without the removal of any portion of the disc 15 and further in combination with the insertion of an augmentation material or device into the disc 15.

[0141] The method consists of inserting the barrier 12 into the interior of the disc 15 and positioning it proximate to the interior aspect of the annular defect 16. The barrier material is preferably considerably larger in area than the size of the defect 16, such that at least some portion of the barrier means 12 abuts healthier anulus fibrosis 10. The device acts to seal the annular defect 16, recreating the closed isobaric environment of a healthy disc nucleus 20. This closure can be achieved simply by an over-sizing of the implant relative to the defect 16. It can also be achieved by affixing the barrier means 12 to tissues within the functional spinal unit. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the barrier 12 is affixed to the anulus surrounding the annular defect 16. This can be achieved with sutures, staples, glues or other suitable fixation means or fixation device 14. The barrier means 12 can also be larger in area than the defect 16 and be affixed to a tissue or structure opposite the defect 16, i.e. anterior tissue in the case of a posterior defect.

[0142] The barrier means 12 is preferably flexible in nature. It can be constructed of a woven material such as Dacron™ or Nylon™, a synthetic polymaide or polyester, a polyethplene, and can further be an expanded material, such as expanded polytetrafluroethelene (e-PTFE), for example. The barrier means 12 can also be a biologic material such as cross-linked collagen or cellulous.

[0143] The barrier means 12 can be a single piece of material. It can have an expandable means or component that allows it to be expanded from a compressed state after insertion into the interior of the disc 15. This expandable means can be active, such as a balloon, or passive, such as a hydrophilic material. The expandable means can also be a self-expanding elastically deforming material, for example.

[0144] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a barrier 12 mounted within an anulus 10 and covering an annular defect 16. The barrier 12 can be secured to the anulus 10 with a fixation mechanism or fixation means 14. The fixation means 14 can include a plurality of suture loops placed through the barrier 12 and the anulus 10. Such fixation can prevent motion or slipping of the barrier 12 away from the annular defect 16.

[0145] The barrier means 12 can also be anchored to the disc 15 in multiple locations. In one preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the barrier means 12 can be affixed to the anulus tissue 10 in or surrounding the defect and further affixed to a secondary fixation site opposite the defect, e.g. the anterior anulus 10 in a posterior herniation, or the inferior 50′ or superior 50 vertebral body. For example, fixation means 14 can be used to attach the barrier 12 to the anulus 10 near the defect 16, while an anchoring mechanism 18 can secure the barrier 12 to a secondary fixation site. A connector 22 can attach the barrier 12 to the anchor 18. Tension can be applied between the primary and secondary fixation sites through a connector 22 so as to move the annular defect 16 toward the secondary fixation site. This may be particularly beneficial in closing defects 16 that result in posterior herniations. By using this technique, the herniation can be moved and supported away from any posterior neural structures while further closing any defect in the anulus 10.

[0146] The barrier means 12 can further be integral to a fixation means such that the barrier means affixes itself to tissues within the functional spinal unit.

[0147] Any of the methods described above can be augmented by the use of a second barrier or a second barrier means 24 placed proximate to the outer aspect of the defect 16 as shown in FIG. 15. The second barrier 24 can further be affixed to the inner barrier means 12 by the use of a fixation means 14 such as suture material.

[0148] FIGS. 16A and 16B depict intervertebral disc 15 comprising nucleus pulposus 20 and anulus fibrosis 10. Nucleus pulposus 20 forms a first anatomic region and extra-discal space 500 (any space exterior to the disc) forms a second anatomic region wherein these regions are separated by anulus fibrosis 10.

[0149] FIG. 16A is an axial (transverse) view of the intervertebral disc. A posterior lateral defect 16 in anulus fibrosis 10 has allowed a segment 30 of nucleus pulposus 20 to herniate into an extra discal space 500. Interior aspect 32 and exterior aspect 34 are shown, as are the right 70′ and left 70 transverse processes and posterior process 80.

[0150] FIG. 16B is a sagittal section along the midline intervertebral disc. Superior pedicle 90 and inferior pedicle 90′ extend posteriorly from superior vertebral body 95 and inferior vertebral body 95′ respectively.

[0151] To prevent further herniation of the nucleus 20 and to repair any present herniation, in a preferred embodiment, a barrier or barrier means 12 can be placed into a space between the anulus 10 and the nucleus 20 proximate to the inner aspect 32 of defect 16, as depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18. The space can be created by blunt dissection. Dissection can be achieved with a separate dissection instrument, with the barrier means 12 itself, or a combined dissection/barrier delivery tool 100. This space is preferably no larger than the barrier means such that the barrier means 12 can be in contact with both anulus 10 and nucleus 20. This allows the barrier means 12 to transfer load from the nucleus 20 to the anulus 10 when the disc is pressurized during activity.

[0152] In position, the barrier means 12 preferably spans the defect 16 and extends along the interior aspect 36 of the anulus 10 until it contacts healthy tissues on all sides of the defect 16. Depending on the extent of the defect 16, the contacted tissues can include the anulus 10, cartilage overlying the vertebral endplates, and/or the endplates themselves.

[0153] In the preferred embodiment, the barrier means 12 consists of two components—a sealing means or sealing component 51 and an enlarging means or enlarging component 53, shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B.

[0154] The sealing means 51 forms the periphery of the barrier 12 and has an interior cavity 17. There is at least one opening 8 leading into cavity 17 from the exterior of the sealing means 51. Sealing means 51 is preferably compressible or collapsible to a dimension that can readily be inserted into the disc 15 through a relatively small hole. This hole can be the defect 16 itself or a site remote from the defect 16. The sealing means 51 is constructed from a material and is formed in such a manner as to resist the passage of fluids and other materials around sealing means 51 and through the defect 16. The sealing means 51 can be constructed from one or any number of a variety of materials including, but not limited to PTFE, e-PTFE, Nylon™, Marlex™, high-density polyethylene, and/or collagen. The thickness of the sealing component has been found to be optimal between 0.001 inches (0.127 mm) and 0.063 inches (1.600 mm).

[0155] The enlarging means 53 can be sized to fit within cavity 17 of sealing means 51. It is preferably a single object of a dimension that can be inserted through the same defect 16 through which the sealing means 51 was passed. The enlarging means 53 can expand the sealing means 51 to an expanded state as it is passed into cavity 17. One purpose of enlarging means 53 is to expand sealing means 51 to a size greater than that of the defect 16 such that the assembled barrier 12 prevents passage of material through the defect 16. The enlarger 53 can further impart stiffness to the barrier 12 such that the barrier 12 resists the pressures within nucleus pulposus 20 and expulsion through the defect 16. The enlarging means 53 can be constructed from one or any number of materials including, but not limited to, silicon rubber, various plastics, stainless steel, nickel titanium alloys, or other metals. These materials may form a solid object, a hollow object, coiled springs or other suitable forms capable of filling cavity 17 within sealing means 51.

[0156] The sealing means 51, enlarging means 53, or the barrier means 12 constructs can further be affixed to tissues either surrounding the defect 16 or remote from the defect 16. In the preferred embodiment, no aspect of a fixation means or fixation device or the barrier means 12 nor its components extend posterior to the disc 15 or into the extradiscal region 500, avoiding the risk of contacting and irritating the sensitive nerve tissues posterior to the disc 15.

[0157] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing means 51 is inserted into the disc 15 proximate the interior aspect 36 of the defect. The sealing means 51 is then affixed to the tissues surrounding the defect using a suitable fixation means, such as suture or a soft-tissue anchor. The fixation procedure is preferably performed from the interior of the sealing means cavity 17 as depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20. A fixation delivery instrument 110 is delivered into cavity 17 through opening 8 in the sealing means 51. Fixation devices 14 can then be deployed through a wall of the sealing means 53 into surrounding tissues. Once the fixation means 14 have been passed into surrounding tissue, the fixation delivery instrument 110 can be removed from the disc 15. This method eliminates the need for a separate entryway into the disc 15 for delivery of fixation means 14. It further minimizes the risk of material leaking through sealing means 51 proximate to the fixation means 14. One or more fixation means 14 can be delivered into one or any number of surrounding tissues including the superior 95 and inferior 95′ vertebral bodies. Following fixation of the sealing means 51, the enlarging means 53 can be inserted into cavity 17 of the sealing means 51 to further expand the barrier means 12 construct as well as increase its stiffness, as depicted in FIGS. 21A and 21B. The opening 8 into the sealing means 51 can then be closed by a suture or other means, although this is not a requirement of the present invention. In certain cases, insertion of a separate enlarging means may not be necessary if adequate fixation of the sealing means 51 is achieved.

[0158] Another method of securing the barrier 12 to tissues is to affix the enlarging means 53 to tissues either surrounding or remote from the defect 16. The enlarging means 53 can have an integral fixation region 4 that facilitates securing it to tissues as depicted in FIGS. 22A, 22B, 32A and 43B. This fixation region 4 can extend exterior to sealing means 51 either through opening 8 or through a separate opening. Fixation region 4 can have a hole through which a fixation means or fixation device 14 can be passed. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier 12 is affixed to at least one of the surrounding vertebral bodies (95 and 95′) proximate to the defect using a bone anchor 14′. The bone anchor 14′ can be deployed into the vertebral bodies 50, 50′ at some angle between 0.degree. and 180.degree. relative to a bone anchor deployment tool. As shown the bone anchor 14′ is mounted at 90.degree. relative to the bone anchor deployment tool. Alternatively, the enlarging means 53 itself can have an integral fixation device 14 located at a site or sites along its length.

[0159] Another method of securing the barrier means 12 is to insert the barrier means 12 through the defect 16 or another opening into the disc 15, position it proximate to the interior aspect 36 of the defect 16, and pass at least one fixation means 14 through the anulus 10 and into the barrier 12. In a preferred embodiment of this method, the fixation means 14 can be darts 15 and are first passed partially into anulus 10 within a fixation device 120, such as a hollow needle. As depicted in FIGS. 23A and 23B, fixation means 25 can be advanced into the barrier means 12 and fixation device 120 removed. Fixation means 25 preferably have two ends, each with a means to prevent movement of that end of the fixation device. Using this method, the fixation means can be lodged in both the barrier 12 and anulus fibrosis 10 without any aspect of fixation means 25 exterior to the disc in the extradiscal region 500.

[0160] In another aspect of the present invention, the barrier (or “patch”) 12 can be placed between two neighboring layers 33,37 (lamellae) of the anulus 10 on either or both sides of the defect 16 as depicted in FIGS. 24A and 24B. FIG. 24A shows an axial view while 24B shows a sagittal cross section. Such positioning spans the defect 16. The barrier means 12 can be secured using the methods outlined.

[0161] A dissecting tool can be used to form an opening extending circumferentially 31 within the anulus fibrosis such that the barrier can be inserted into the opening. Alternatively, the barrier itself can have a dissecting edge such that it can be driven at least partially into the sidewalls of defect or opening 16 in the anulus. This process can make use of the naturally layered structure in the anulus in which adjacent layers 33, 37 are defined by a circumferentially extending boundary 35 between the layers.

[0162] Another embodiment of the barrier 12 is a patch having a length, oriented along the circumference of the disc, which is substantially greater than its height, which is oriented along the distance separating the surrounding vertebral bodies. A barrier 12 having a length greater than its height is illustrated in FIG. 25. The barrier 12 can be positioned across the defect 16 as well as the entirety of the posterior aspect of the anulus fibrosis 10. Such dimensions of the barrier 12 can help to prevent the barrier 12 from slipping after insertion and can aid in distributing the pressure of the nucleus 20 evenly along the posterior aspect of the anulus 10.

[0163] The barrier 12 can be used in conjunction with an augmentation device 11 inserted within the anulus 10. The augmentation device 11 can include separate augmentation devices 42 as shown in FIG. 26. The augmentation device 11 can also be a single augmentation device 44 and can form part of the barrier 12 as barrier region 300, coiled within the anulus fibrosis 10, as shown in FIG. 27. Either the barrier 12 or barrier region 300 can be secured to the tissues surrounding the defect 16 by fixation devices or darts 25, or be left unconstrained

[0164] In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier or patch 12 may be used as part of a method to augment the intervertebral disc. In one aspect of this method, augmentation material or devices are inserted into the disc through a defect (either naturally occurring or surgically generated). Many suitable augmentation materials and devices are discussed above and in the prior art. As depicted in FIG. 26, the barrier means is then inserted to aid in closing the defect and/or to aid in transferring load from the augmentation materials/devices to healthy tissues surrounding the defect. In another aspect of this method, the barrier means is an integral component to an augmentation device. As shown in FIGS. 27, 28A and 28B, the augmentation portion may comprise a length of elastic material that can be inserted linearly through a defect in the anulus. A region 300 of the length forms the barrier means of the present invention and can be positioned proximate to the interior aspect of the defect once the nuclear space is adequately filled. Barrier region 300 may then be affixed to surrounding tissues such as the AF and/or the neighboring vertebral bodies using any of the methods and devices described above.

[0165] FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate axial and sagittal sections, respectively, of an alternate configuration of an augmentation device 38. In this embodiment, barrier region 300 extends across the defect 16 and has fixation region 4 facilitating fixation of the device 13 to superior vertebral body 50 with anchor 14′.

[0166] FIGS. 29A-D illustrate the deployment of a barrier 12 from an entry site 800 remote from the defect in the anulus fibrosis 10. FIG. 29A shows insertion instrument 130 with a distal end positioned within the disc space occupied by nucleus pulposus 20. FIG. 29B depicts delivery catheter 140 exiting the distal end of insertion instrument 130 with barrier 12 on its distal end. Barrier 12 is positioned across the interior aspect of the defect 16. FIG. 29C depicts the use of an expandable barrier 12′ wherein delivery catheter 140 is used to expand the barrier 12′ with balloon 150 on its distal end. Balloon 150 may exploit heat to further adhere barrier 12′ to surrounding tissue. FIG. 29D depicts removal of balloon 150 and delivery catheter 140 from the disc space leaving expanded barrier means 12′ positioned across defect 16.

[0167] Another method of securing the barrier means 12 is to adhere it to surrounding tissues through the application of heat. In this embodiment, the barrier means 12 includes a sealing means 51 comprised of a thermally adherent material that adheres to surrounding tissues upon the application of heat. The thermally adherent material can include thermoplastic, collagen, or a similar material. The sealing means 51 can further comprise a separate structural material that adds strength to the thermally adherent material, such as a woven Nylon. or Marlex™. This thermally adherent sealing means preferably has an interior cavity 17 and at least one opening 8 leading from the exterior of the barrier means into cavity 17. A thermal device can be attached to the insertion instrument shown in FIGS. 29C and 29D. The insertion instrument 130 having a thermal device can be inserted into cavity 17 and used to heat sealing means 51 and surrounding tissues. This device can be a simple thermal element, such as a resistive heating coil, rod or wire. It can further be a number of electrodes capable of heating the barrier means and surrounding tissue through the application of radio frequency (RF) energy. The thermal device can further be a balloon 150, 150′, as shown in FIG. 47, capable of both heating and expanding the barrier means. Balloon 150, 150′ can either be inflated with a heated fluid or have electrodes located about its surface to heat the barrier means with RF energy. Balloon 150, 150′ is deflated and removed after heating the sealing means. These thermal methods and devices achieve the goal of adhering the sealing means to the AF and NP and potentially other surrounding tissues. The application of heat can further aid the procedure by killing small nerves within the AF, by causing the defect to shrink, or by causing cross-linking and/or shrinking of surrounding tissues. An expander or enlarging means 53 can also be an integral component of barrier 12 inserted within sealing means 51. After the application of heat, a separate enlarging means 53 can be inserted into the interior cavity of the barrier means to either enlarge the barrier 12 or add stiffness to its structure. Such an enlarging means is preferably similar in make-up and design to those described above. Use of an enlarging means may not be necessary in some cases and is not a required component of this method.

[0168] The barrier means 12 shown in FIG. 25 preferably has a primary curvature or gentle curve along the length of the patch or barrier 12 that allows it to conform to the inner circumference of the AF 10. This curvature may have a single radius R as shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B or may have multiple curvatures. The curvature can be fabricated into the barrier 12 and/or any of its components. For example, the sealing means can be made without an inherent curvature while the enlarging means can have a primary curvature along its length. Once the enlarging means is placed within the sealing means the overall barrier means assembly takes on the primary curvature of the enlarging means. This modularity allows enlarging means with specific curvatures to be fabricated for defects occurring in various regions of the anulus fibrosis.

[0169] The cross section of the barrier 12 can be any of a number of shapes. Each embodiment exploits a sealing means 51 and an enlarging means 53 that may further add stiffness to the overall barrier construct. FIGS. 30A and 30B show an elongated cylindrical embodiment with enlarging means 53 located about the long axis of the device. FIGS. 31A and 31B depict a barrier means comprising an enlarging means 53 with a central cavity 49. FIGS. 32A and 32B depict a barrier means comprising a non-axisymmetric sealing means 51. In use, the longer section of sealing means 51 as seen on the left side of this figure would extend between opposing vertebra 50 and 50′. FIGS. 33A and 33B depict a barrier means comprising a non-axisymmetric sealing means 51 and enlarger 53. The concave portion of the barrier means preferably faces nucleus pulposus 20 while the convex surface faces the defect 16 and the inner aspect of the anulus fibrosis 10. This embodiment exploits pressure within the disc to compress sealing means 51 against neighboring vertebral bodies 50 and 50′ to aid in sealing. The ‘C’ shape as shown in FIG. 33A is the preferred shape of the barrier wherein the convex portion of the patch rests against the interior aspect of the AF while the concave portion faces the NP. To improve the sealing ability of such a patch, the upper and lower portions of this ‘C’ shaped barrier means are positioned against the vertebral endplates or overlying cartilage. As the pressure within the nucleus increases, these portions of the patch are pressurized toward the endplates with an equivalent pressure, preventing the passage of materials around the barrier means. Dissecting a matching cavity prior to or during patch placement can facilitate use of such a ‘C’ shaped patch.

[0170] FIGS. 34 through 41 depict various enlarging or expansion devices 53 that can be employed to aid in expanding a sealing element 51 within the intervertebral disc 15. Each embodiment can be covered by, coated with, or cover the sealing element 51. The sealing means 51 can further be woven through the expansion means 53. The sealing element 51 or membrane can be a sealer which can prevent flow of a material from within the anulus fibrosis of the intervertebral disc through a defect in the anulus fibrosis. The material within the anulus can include nucleus pulposus or a prosthetic augmentation device, such as a hydrogel.

[0171] FIGS. 34 through 38 depict alternative patterns to that illustrated in FIG. 33A. FIG. 33A shows the expansion devices 53 within the sealing means 51. The sealing means can alternatively be secured to one or another face (concave or convex) of the expansion means 53. This can have advantages in reducing the overall volume of the barrier means 12, simplifying insertion through a narrow cannula. It can also allow the barrier means 12 to induce ingrowth of tissue on one face and not the other. The sealing means 51 can be formed from a material that resists ingrowth such as expanded polytetraflouroethylene (e-PTFE). The expansion means 53 can be constructed of a metal or polymer that encourages ingrowth. If the e-PTFE sealing means 51 is secured to the concave face of the expansion means 53, tissue can grow into the expansion means 53 from outside of the disc 15, helping to secure the barrier means 12 in place and seal against egress of materials from within the disc 15. The expansion means 53 shown in FIG. 33A can be inserted into the sealing means 51 once the sealing means 51 is within the disc 15. Alternatively, the expansion means 53 and sealing means 51 can be integral components of the barrier means 12 that can be inserted as a unit into the disc.

[0172] The patterns shown in FIGS. 34 through 38 can preferably be formed from a relatively thin sheet of material. The material may be a polymer, metal, or gel, however, the superelastic properties of nickel titanium alloy (NITINOL) makes this metal particularly advantageous in this application. Sheet thickness can generally be in a range of 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm and for certain embodiments has been found to be optimal if between 0.003″ to 0.015″ (0.0762 mm to 0.381 mm), for the thickness to provide adequate expansion force to maintain contact between the sealing means 51 and surrounding vertebral endplates. The pattern may be Wire Electro-Discharge Machined, cut by laser, chemically etched, or formed by other suitable means.

[0173] FIG. 34A shows an embodiment of a non-axisymmetric expander 153 having a superior edge 166 and an inferior edge 168. The expander 153 can form a frame of barrier 12. This embodiment comprises dissecting surfaces or ends 160, radial elements or fingers 162 and a central strut 164. The circular shape of the dissecting ends 160 aids in dissecting through the nucleus pulposus 20 and/or along or between an inner surface of the anulus fibrosis 10. The distance between the left-most and right-most points on the dissecting ends is the expansion means length 170. This length 170 preferably lies along the inner perimeter of the posterior anulus following implantation. The expander length 170 can be as short as 3 mm and as long as the entire interior perimeter of the anulus fibrosis. The superior-inferior height of these dissecting ends 160 is preferably similar to or larger than the posterior disc height.

[0174] This embodiment employs a multitude of fingers 162 to aid in holding a flexible sealer or membrane against the superior and inferior vertebral endplates. The distance between the superior-most point of the superior finger and the inferior-most point on the inferior finger is the expansion means height 172. This height 172 is preferably greater than the disc height at the inner surface of the posterior anulus. The greater height 172 of the expander 153 allows the fingers 162 to deflect along the superior and inferior vertebral endplates, enhancing the seal of the barrier means 12 against egress of material from within the disc 15.

[0175] The spacing between the fingers 162 along the expander length 170 can be tailored to provide a desired stiffness of the expansion means 153. Greater spacing between any two neighboring fingers 162 can further be employed to insure that the fingers 170 do not touch if the expansion means 153 is required to take a bend along its length. The central strut 164 can connect the fingers and dissecting ends and preferably lies along the inner surface of the anulus 10 when seated within the disc 15. Various embodiments may employ struts 164 of greater or lesser heights and thicknesses to vary the stiffness of the overall expansion means 153 along its length 170 and height 172.

[0176] FIG. 35 depicts an alternative embodiment to the expander 153 of FIG. 34. Openings or slots 174 can be included along the central strut 164. These slots 174 promote bending of the expander 153 and fingers 162 along a central line 176 connecting the centers of the dissecting ends 160. Such central flexibility has been found to aid against superior or inferior migration of the barrier means or barrier 12 when the barrier 12 has not been secured to surrounding tissues.

[0177] FIGS. 34B and 34C depict different perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the expander/frame 153 within an intervertebral disc 15. Expander 53 is in its expanded condition and lies along and/or within the posterior wall 21 and extends around the lateral walls 23 of the anulus fibrosis 10. The superior 166 and inferior 168 facing fingers 162 of expander 153 extend along the vertebral endplates (not shown) and/or the cartilage overlying the endplates. The frame 153 can take on a 3-D concave shape in this preferred position with the concavity generally directed toward the interior of the intervertebral disc and specifically a region occupied by the nucleus pulposus 20.

[0178] The bending stiffness of expander 153 can resist migration of the implant from this preferred position within the disc 15. The principle behind this stiffness-based stability is to place the regions of expander 153 with the greatest flexibility in the regions of the disc 153 with the greatest mobility or curvature. These flexible regions of expander 153 are surrounded by significantly stiffer regions. Hence, in order for the implant to migrate, a relatively stiff region of the expander must move into a relatively curved or mobile region of the disc.

[0179] For example, in order for expander 153 of FIG. 34B to move around the inner circumference of anulus fibrosis 10 (i.e. from the posterior wall 21 onto the lateral 23 and/or anterior 27 wall), the stiff central region of expander 153 spanning the posterior wall 21 would have to bend around the acute curves of the posterior lateral corners of anulus 10. The stiffer this section of expander 153 is, the higher the forces necessary to force it around these corners and the less likely it is to migrate in this direction. This principle was also used in this embodiment to resist migration of fingers 162 away from the vertebral endplates: The slots 174 cut along the length of expander 153 create a central flexibility that encourages expander 153 to bend along an axis running through these slots as the posterior disc height increases and decreased during flexion and extension. In order for the fingers 162 to migrate away from the endplate, this central flexible region must move away from the posterior anulus 21 and toward an endplate. This motion is resisted by the greater stiffness of expander 153 in the areas directly inferior and superior to this central flexible region.

[0180] The expander 153 is preferably covered by a membrane that acts to further restrict the movement of materials through the frame and toward the outer periphery of the anulus fibrosis.

[0181] FIG. 36 depicts an embodiment of the expander 153 of FIG. 33A with an enlarged central strut 164 and a plurality of slots 174. This central strut 164 can have a uniform stiffness against superior-inferior 166 and 168 bending as shown in this embodiment. The strut 164 can alternatively have a varying stiffness along its height 178 to either promote or resist bending at a given location along the inner surface of the anulus 10.

[0182] FIGS. 37A-C depict a further embodiment of the frame or expander 153. This embodiment employs a central lattice 180 consisting of multiple, fine interconnected struts 182. Such a lattice 180 can provide a structure that minimizes bulging of the sealing means 51 under intradiscal pressures. The orientation and location of these struts 182 have been designed to give the barrier 12 a bend-axis along the central area of the expander height 172. The struts 182 support inferior 168 and superior 166 fingers 162 similar to previously described embodiments. However, these fingers 162 can have varying dimensions and stiffness along the length of the barrier 12. Such fingers 162 can be useful for helping the sealer 51 conform to uneven endplate geometries. FIG. 37B illustrates the curved cross section 184 of the expander 153 of FIG. 37A. This curve 184 can be an arc segment of a circle as shown. Alternatively, the cross section can be an ellipsoid segment or have a multitude of arc segments of different radii and centers. FIG. 37C is a perspective view showing the three dimensional shape of the expander 153 of FIGS. 37A and 37B.

[0183] The embodiment of the frame 153 as shown in FIGS. 37A C, can also be employed without the use of a covering membrane. The nucleus pulposus of many patients with low back pain or disc herniation can degenerate to a state in which the material properties of the nucleus cause it to behave much more like a solid than a gel. As humans age, the water content of the nucleus declines from roughly 88% to less than 75%. As this occurs, there is an increase in the cross linking of collagen within the disc resulting in a greater solidity of the nucleus. When the pore size or the largest open area of any given gap in the lattice depicted in FIGS. 37A, 37B, and 37C is between 0.05 mm.sup.2 (7.75.times.10.sup.−5 in.sup.2) and 0.75 mm.sup.2 (1.16.times.10.sup.−3 in.sup.2), the nucleus pulposus is unable to extrude through the lattice at pressures generated within the disc (between 250 KPa and 1.8 MPa). The preferred pore size has been found to be approximately 0.15 mm.sup.2 (2.33.times.10.sup.−4 in.sup.2). This pore size can be used with any of the disclosed embodiments of the expander or any other expander that falls within the scope of the present invention to prevent movement of nucleus toward the outer periphery of the disc without the need for an additional membrane. The membrane thickness is preferably in a range of 0.025 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0184] FIG. 38 depicts an expander 153 similar to that of FIG. 37A without fingers. The expander 153 includes a central lattice 180 consisting of multiple struts 182.

[0185] FIGS. 39 through 41 depict another embodiment of the expander 153 of the present invention. These tubular expanders can be used in the barrier 12 embodiment depicted in FIG. 31A. The sealer 51 can cover the expander 153 as shown in FIG. 31A. Alternatively, the sealer 51 can cover the interior surface of the expander or an arc segment of the tube along its length on either the interior or exterior surface.

[0186] FIG. 39 depicts an embodiment of a tubular expander 154. The superior 166 and inferior surfaces 168 of the tubular expander 154 can deploy against the superior and inferior vertebral endplates, respectively. The distance 186 between the superior 166 and inferior 168 surfaces of the expander 154 are preferably equal to or greater than the posterior disc height at the inner surface of the anulus 10. This embodiment has an anulus face 188 and nucleus face 190 as shown in FIGS. 39B, 39C and 39D. The anulus face 188 can be covered by the sealer 51 from the superior 166 to inferior 168 surface of the expander 154. This face 188 lies against the inner surface of the anulus 10 in its deployed position and can prevent egress of materials from within the disc 15. The primary purpose of the nucleus face 190 is to prevent migration of the expander 154 within the disc 15. The struts 192 that form the nucleus face 190 can project anteriorly into the nucleus 20 when the barrier 12 is positioned across the posterior wall of the anulus 10. This anterior projection can resist rotation of the tubular expansion means 154 about its long axis. By interacting with the nucleus 20, the struts 192 can further prevent migration around the circumference of the disc 15.

[0187] The struts 192 can be spaced to provide nuclear gaps 194. These gaps 194 can encourage the flow of nucleus pulposus 20 into the interior of the expander 154. This flow can insure full expansion of the barrier 12 within the disc 15 during deployment.

[0188] The embodiments of FIGS. 39, 40 and 41 vary by their cross-sectional shape. FIG. 39 has a circular cross section 196 as seen in FIG. 39C. If the superior-inferior height 186 of the expander 154 is greater than that of the disc 15, this circular cross section 196 can deform into an oval when deployed, as the endplates of the vertebrae compress the expander 154. The embodiment of the expander 154 shown in FIG. 40 is preformed into an oval shape 198 shown in FIG. 40C. Compression by the endplates can exaggerate the unstrained oval 198. This oval 198 can provide greater stability against rotation about a long axis of the expander 154. The embodiment of FIGS. 41B, 41C and 41D depict an ‘egg-shaped’ cross section 202, as shown in FIG. 41C, that can allow congruity between the curvature of the expander 154 and the inner wall of posterior anulus 10. Any of a variety of alternate cross sectional shapes can be employed to obtain a desired fit or expansion force without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.

[0189] FIGS. 40E, 40F, and 40I depict the expander 154 of FIGS. 40A D having a sealing means 51 covering the exterior surface of the anulus face 188. This sealing means 51 can be held against the endplates and the inner surface of the posterior anulus by the expander 154 in its deployed state.

[0190] FIGS. 40G and 40H depict the expander 154 of FIG. 40B with a sealer 51 covering the interior surface of the anulus face 188. This position of the sealer 51 can allow the expander 154 to contact both the vertebral endplates and inner surface of the posterior anulus. This can promote ingrowth of tissue into the expander 154 from outside the disc 15. Combinations of sealer 51 that cover all or part of the expander 154 can also be employed without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The expander 154 can also have a small pore size thereby allowing retention of a material such as a nucleus pulposus, for example, without the need for a sealer as a covering.

[0191] FIGS. 42A-D depict cross sections of a preferred embodiment of sealing means 51 and enlarging means 53. Sealing means 51 has internal cavity 17 and opening 8 leading from its outer surface into internal cavity 17. Enlarger 53 can be inserted through opening 8 and into internal cavity 17.

[0192] FIGS. 43A and 43B depict an alternative configuration of enlarger 53. Fixation region 4 extends through opening 8 in sealing means 51. Fixation region 4 has a through-hole that can facilitate fixation of enlarger 53 to tissues surrounding defect 16.

[0193] FIGS. 44A and 44B depict an alternative shape of the barrier. In this embodiment, sealing means 51, enlarger 53, or both have a curvature with radius R. This curvature can be used in any embodiment of the present invention and may aid in conforming to the curved inner circumference of anulus fibrosis 10.

[0194] FIG. 45 is a section of a device used to affix sealing means 51 to tissues surrounding a defect. In this figure, sealing means 51 would be positioned across interior aspect 50 of defect 16. The distal end of device 110′ would be inserted through defect 16 and opening 8 into the interior cavity 17. On the right side of this figure, fixation dart 25 has been passed from device 110′, through a wall of sealing means 51 and into tissues surrounding sealing means 51. On the right side of the figure, fixation dart 25 is about to be passed through a wall of sealing means 51 by advancing pusher 111 relative to device 110′ in the direction of the arrow.

[0195] FIG. 46 depicts the use of thermal device 200 to heat sealing means 51 and adhere it to tissues surrounding a defect. In this figure, sealing means 51 would be positioned across the interior aspect 36 of a defect 16. The distal end of thermal device 200 would be inserted through the defect and opening 8 into interior cavity 17. In this embodiment, thermal device 200 employs at its distal end resistive heating element 210 connected to a voltage source by wires 220. Covering 230 is a non-stick surface such as Teflon tubing that ensures the ability to remove device 200 from interior cavity 17. In this embodiment, device 200 would be used to heat first one half, and then the other half of sealing means 51.

[0196] FIG. 47 depicts an expandable thermal element, such as a balloon, that can be used to adhere sealing means 51 to tissues surrounding a defect. As in FIG. 18, the distal end of device 130 can be inserted through the defect and opening 8 into interior cavity 17, with balloon 150′ on the distal end device 130 in a collapsed state. Balloon 150′ is then inflated to expanded state 150, expanding sealing means 51. Expanded balloon 150 can heat sealing means 51 and surrounding tissues by inflating it with a heated fluid or by employing RF electrodes. In this embodiment, device 130 can be used to expand and heat first one half, then the other half of sealing means 51.

[0197] FIG. 48 depicts an alternative embodiment to device 130. This device employs an elongated, flexible balloon 150′ that can be inserted into and completely fill internal cavity 17 of sealing means 51 prior to inflation to an expanded state 150. Using this embodiment, inflation and heating of sealing means 51 can be performed in one step.

[0198] FIGS. 49A through 49G illustrate a method of implanting an intradiscal implant. An intradiscal implant system consists of an intradiscal implant 400, a delivery device or cannula 402, an advancer 404 and at least one control filament 406. The intradiscal implant 400 is loaded into the delivery cannula 402 which has a proximal end 408 and a distal end 410. FIG. 49A illustrates the distal end 410 advanced into the disc 15 through an annulotomy 416. This annulotomy 416 can be through any portion of the anulus 10, but is preferably at a site proximate to a desired, final implant location. The implant 400 is then pushed into the disc 15 through the distal end 410 of the cannula 402 in a direction that is generally away from the desired, final implant location as shown in FIG. 49B. Once the implant 400 is completely outside of the delivery cannula 402 and within the disc 15, the implant 400 can be pulled into the desired implant location by pulling on the control filament 406 as shown in FIG. 49C. The control filament 406 can be secured to the implant 400 at any location on or within the implant 400, but is preferably secured at least at a site 414 or sites on a distal portion 412 of the implant 400, i.e. that portion that first exits the delivery cannula 402 when advanced into the disc 15. These site or sites 414 are generally furthest from the desired, final implant location once the implant has been fully expelled from the interior of the delivery cannula 402.

[0199] Pulling on the control filament 406 causes the implant 400 to move toward the annulotomy 416. The distal end 410 of the delivery cannula 402 can be used to direct the proximal end 420 of the implant 400 (that portion of the implant 400 that is last to be expelled from the delivery cannula 402) away from the annulotomy 416 and toward an inner aspect of the anulus 10 nearest the desired implant location. Alternately, the advancer 404 can be used to position the proximal end of the implant toward an inner aspect of the anulus 20 near the implant location, as shown in FIG. 49E. Further pulling on the control filament 406 causes the proximal end 426 of the implant 400 to dissect along the inner aspect of the anulus 20 until the attachment site 414 or sites of the guide filament 406 to the implant 400 has been pulled to the inner aspect of the annulotomy 416, as shown in FIG. 49D. In this way, the implant 400 will extend at least from the annulotomy 416 and along the inner aspect of the anulus 10 in the desired implant location, illustrated in FIG. 49F.

[0200] The implant 400 can be any of the following: nucleus replacement device, nucleus augmentation device, anulus augmentation device, anulus replacement device, the barrier of the present invention or any of its components, drug carrier device, carrier device seeded with living cells, or a device that stimulates or supports fusion of the surrounding vertebra. The implant 400 can be a membrane which prevents the flow of a material from within the anulus fibrosis of an intervertebral disc through a defect in the disc. The material within the anulus fibrosis can be, for example, a nucleus pulposus or a prosthetic augmentation device, such as hydrogel. The membrane can be a sealer. The implant 400 can be wholly or partially rigid or wholly or partially flexible. It can have a solid portion or portions that contain a fluid material. It can comprise a single or multitude of materials. These materials can include metals, polymers, gels and can be in solid or woven form. The implant 400 can either resist or promote tissue ingrowth, whether fibrous or bony.

[0201] The cannula 402 can be any tubular device capable of advancing the implant 400 at least partially through the anulus 10. It can be made of any suitable biocompatible material including various known metals and polymers. It can be wholly or partially rigid or flexible. It can be circular, oval, polygonal, or irregular in cross section. It must have an opening at least at its distal end 410, but can have other openings in various locations along its length.

[0202] The advancer 404 can be rigid or flexible, and have one of a variety of cross sectional shapes either like or unlike the delivery cannula 402. It may be a solid or even a column of incompressible fluid, so long as it is stiff enough to advance the implant 400 into the disc 15. The advancer 404 can be contained entirely within the cannula 402 or can extend through a wall or end of the cannula to facilitate manipulation.

[0203] Advancement of the implant 400 can be assisted by various levers, gears, screws and other secondary assist devices to minimize the force required by the surgeon to advance the implant 400. These secondary devices can further give the user greater control over the rate and extent of advancement into the disc 15.

[0204] The guide filament 406 may be a string, rod, plate, or other elongate object that can be secured to and move with the implant 400 as it is advanced into the disc 15. It can be constructed from any of a variety of metals or polymers or combination thereof and can be flexible or rigid along all or part of its length. It can be secured to a secondary object 418 or device at its end opposite that which is secured to the implant 400. This secondary device 418 can include the advancer 404 or other object or device that assists the user in manipulating the filament. The filament 406 can be releasably secured to the implant 400, as shown in FIG. 49G or permanently affixed. The filament 406 can be looped around or through the implant. Such a loop can either be cut or have one end pulled until the other end of the loop releases the implant 400. It may be bonded to the implant 400 using adhesive, welding, or a secondary securing means such as a screw, staple, dart, etc. The filament 406 can further be an elongate extension of the implant material itself. If not removed following placement of the implant, the filament 406 can be used to secure the implant 400 to surrounding tissues such as the neighboring anulus 10, vertebral endplates, or vertebral bodies either directly or through the use of a dart, screw, staple, or other suitable anchor.

[0205] Multiple guide filaments can be secured to the implant 400 at various locations. In one preferred embodiment, a first or distal 422 and a second or proximal 424 guide filament are secured to an elongate implant 400 at or near its distal 412 and proximal 420 ends at attachment sites 426 and 428, respectively. These ends 412 and 420 correspond to the first and last portions of the implant 400, respectively, to be expelled from the delivery cannula 402 when advanced into the disc 15. This double guide filament system allows the implant 400 to be positioned in the same manner described above in the single filament technique, and illustrated in FIGS. 50A C. However, following completion of this first technique, the user may advance the proximal end 420 of the device 400 across the annulotomy 416 by pulling on the second guide filament 424, shown in FIG. 50D. This allows the user to controllably cover the annulotomy 416. This has numerous advantages in various implantation procedures. This step may reduce the risk of herniation of either nucleus pulposus 20 or the implant itself. It may aid in sealing the disc, as well as preserving disc pressure and the natural function of the disc. It may encourage ingrowth of fibrous tissue from outside the disc into the implant. It may further allow the distal end of the implant to rest against anulus further from the defect created by the annulotomy. Finally, this technique allows both ends of an elongate implant to be secured to the disc or vertebral tissues.

[0206] Both the first 422 and second 424 guide filaments can be simultaneously tensioned, as shown in FIG. 50E, to ensure proper positioning of the implant 400 within the anulus 10. Once the implant 400 is placed across the annulotomy, the first 422 and second 424 guide filaments can be removed from the input 400, as shown in FIG. 50F. Additional control filaments and securing sites may further assist implantation and/or fixation of the intradiscal implants.

[0207] In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 51 A C, an implant guide 430 may be employed to aid directing the implant 400 through the annulotomy 416, through the nucleus pulposus 10, and/or along the inner aspect of the anulus 10. This implant guide 430 can aid in the procedure by dissecting through tissue, adding stiffness to the implant construct, reducing trauma to the anulus or other tissues that can be caused by a stiff or abrasive implant, providing 3-D control of the implants orientation during implantation, expanding an expandable implant, or temporarily imparting a shape to the implant that is beneficial during implantation. The implant guide 430 can be affixed to either the advancer 404 or the implant 406 themselves. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 52A and 52B, the implant guide 430 is secured to the implant 400 by the first 424 and second 426 guide filaments of the first 426 and the second 428 attachment sites, respectively. The guide filaments 424 and 426 may pass through or around the implant guide 430. In this embodiment, the implant guide 430 may be a thin, flat sheet of biocompatible metal with holes passing through its surface proximate to the site or sites 426 and 428 at which the guide filaments 422 and 424 are secured to the implant 400. These holes allow passage of the securing filament 422 and 424 through the implant guide 430. Such an elongated sheet may run along the implant 400 and extend beyond its distal end 412. The distal end of the implant guide 430 may be shaped to help dissect through the nucleus 10 and deflect off of the anulus 10 as the implant 400 is advanced into the disc 15. When used with multiple guide filaments, such an implant guide 430 can be used to control rotational stability of the implant 400. It may also be used to retract the implant 400 from the disc 15 should this become necessary. The implant guide 430 may also extend beyond the proximal tip 420 of the implant 400 to aid in dissecting across or through the anulus 10 proximate to the desired implantation site.

[0208] The implant guide 430 is releasable from the implant 400 following or during implantation. This release may be coordinated with the release of the guide filaments 422 and 424. The implant guide 430 may further be able to slide along the guide filaments 422 and 424 while these filaments are secured to the implant 400.

[0209] Various embodiments of the barrier 12 or implant 400 can be secured to tissues within the intervertebral disc 15 or surrounding vertebrae. It can be advantageous to secure the barrier means 12 in a limited number of sites while still insuring that larger surfaces of the barrier 12 or implant juxtapose the tissue to which the barrier 12 is secured. This is particularly advantageous in forming a sealing engagement with surrounding tissues.

[0210] FIGS. 53-57 illustrate barriers having stiffening elements 300. The barrier 12 can incorporate stiffening elements 300 that run along a length of the implant required to be in sealing engagement. These stiffening elements 300 can be one of a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, plates 302, rods 304, or coils. These elements are preferably stiffer than the surrounding barrier 12 and can impart their stiffness to the surrounding barrier. These stiffening elements 300 can be located within an interior cavity formed by the barrier. They can further be imbedded in or secured to the barrier 12.

[0211] Each stiffening element can aid in securing segments of the barrier 12 to surrounding tissues. The stiffening elements can have parts 307, including throughholes, notches, or other indentations for example, to facilitate fixation of the stiffening element 300 to surrounding tissues by any of a variety of fixation devices 306. These fixation devices 306 can include screws, darts, dowels, or other suitable means capable of holding the barrier 12 to surrounding tissue. The fixation devices 306 can be connected either directly to the stiffening element 300 or indirectly using an intervening length of suture, cable, or other filament for example. The fixation device 306 can further be secured to the barrier 12 near the stiffening element 300 without direct contact with the stiffening element 300.

[0212] The fixation device 306 can be secured to or near the stiffening element 300 at opposing ends of the length of the barrier 12 required to be in sealing engagement with surrounding tissues. Alternatively, one or a multitude of fixation devices 306 can be secured to or near the stiffening element 300 at a readily accessible location that may not be at these ends. In any barrier 12 embodiment with an interior cavity 17 and an opening 8 leading thereto, the fixation sites may be proximal to the opening 8 to allow passage of the fixation device 306 and various instruments that may be required for their implantation.

[0213] FIGS. 53A and 53B illustrate one embodiment of a barrier 12 incorporating the use of a stiffening element 300. The barrier 12 can be a plate and screw barrier 320. In this embodiment, the stiffening element 300 consists of two fixation plates, superior 310 and inferior 312, an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 54A and 54B with two parts 308 passing through each plate. The parts 308 are located proximal to an opening 8 leading into an interior cavity 17 of the barrier 12. These parts 8 allow passage of a fixation device 306 such as a bone screw. These screws can be used to secure the barrier means 12 to a superior 50 and inferior 50′ vertebra. As the screws are tightened against the vertebral endplate, the fixation plates 310, 312 compress the intervening sealing means against the endplate along the superior and inferior surfaces of the barrier 12. This can aid in creating a sealing engagement with the vertebral endplates and prevent egress of materials from within the disc 15. As illustrated in FIGS. 53A and 53B, only the superior screws have been placed in the superior plate 310, creating a sealing engagement with the superior vertebra.

[0214] FIGS. 55A and 55B illustrate another embodiment of a barrier 12 having stiffening elements 300. The barrier 12 can be an anchor and rod barrier 322. In this embodiment, the stiffening elements 300 consist of two fixation rods 304, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 56A and 56B, imbedded within the barrier 12. The rods 304 can include a superior rod 314 and an inferior rod 316. Sutures 318 can be passed around these rods 314 and 316 and through the barrier means 10. These sutures 318 can in turn, be secured to a bone anchor or other suitable fixation device 306 to draw the barrier 12 into sealing engagement with the superior and inferior vertebral endplates in a manner similar to that described above. The opening 8 and interior cavity 17 of the barrier 12 are not required elements of the barrier 12.

[0215] FIG. 57 illustrates the anchor and rod barrier 322, described above, with fixation devices 306 placed at opposing ends of each fixation rod 316 and 318. The suture 18 on the left side of the superior rod 318 has yet to be tied.

[0216] Various methods may be employed to decrease the forces necessary to maneuver the barrier 12 into a position along or within the lamellae of the anulus fibrosis 10. FIGS. 58A, 58B, 59A and 59B depict two preferred methods of clearing a path for the barrier 12.

[0217] FIGS. 58A and 58B depict one such method and an associated dissector device 454. In these figures, the assumed desired position of the implant is along the posterior anulus 452. In order to clear a path for the implant, a hairpin dissector 454 can be passed along the intended implantation site of the implant. The hairpin dissector 454 can have a hairpin dissector component 460 having a free end 458. The dissector can also have an advancer 464 to position the dissector component 460 within the disc 15. The dissector 454 can be inserted through cannula 456 into an opening 462 in the anulus 10 along an access path directed anteriorly or anterior-medially. Once a free-end 458 of the dissector component 460 is within the disc 15, the free-end 458 moves slightly causing the hairpin to open, such that the dissector component 460 resists returning into the cannula 456. This opening 462 can be caused by pre-forming the dissector to the opened state. The hairpin dissector component 460 can then be pulled posteriorly, causing the dissector component 460 to open, further driving the free-end 458 along the posterior anulus 458. This motion clears a path for the insertion of any of the implants disclosed in the present invention. The body of dissector component 460 is preferably formed from an elongated sheet of metal. Suitable metals include various spring steels or nickel titanium alloys. It can alternatively be formed from wires or rods.

[0218] FIGS. 59A and 59B depict another method and associated dissector device 466 suitable for clearing a path for implant insertion. The dissector device 466 is shown in cross section and consists of a dissector component 468, an outer cannula 470 and an advancer or inner push rod 472. A curved passage or slot 474 is formed into an intradiscal tip 476 of outer cannula 470. This passage or slot 474 acts to deflect the tip of dissector component 468 in a path that is roughly parallel to the lamellae of the anulus fibrosis 10 as the dissector component 468 is advanced into the disc 15 by the advancer. The dissector component 468 is preferably formed from a superelastic nickel titanium alloy, but can be constructed of any material with suitable rigidity and strain characteristics to allow such deflection without significant plastic deformation. The dissector component 468 can be formed from an elongated sheet, rods, wires or the like. It can be used to dissect between the anulus 10 and nucleus 20, or to dissect between layers of the anulus 10.

[0219] FIGS. 60A-C depict an alternate dissector component 480 of FIGS. 59A and 59B. Only the intradiscal tip 476 of device 460 and regions proximal thereto are shown in these figures. A push-rod 472 similar to that shown in FIG. 59A can be employed to advance dissector 480 into the disc 15. Dissector 480 can include an elongated sheet 482 with superiorly and inferiorly extending blades (or “wings”) 484 and 486, respectively. This sheet 482 is preferably formed from a metal with a large elastic strain range such as spring steel or nickel titanium alloy. The sheet 482 can have a proximal end 488 and a distal end 490. The distal end 490 can have a flat portion which can be flexible. A step portion 494 can be located between the distal end 490 and the proximal end 488. The proximal end 488 can have a curved shape. The proximal end can also include blades 484 and 486.

[0220] In the un-deployed state depicted in FIGS. 60A and 60B, wings 484 and 486 are collapsed within outer cannula 470 while elongated sheet 482 is captured within deflecting passage or slot 474. As the dissector component 480 is advanced into a disc 15, passage or slot 478 directs the dissector component 480 in a direction roughly parallel to the posterior anulus (90 degrees to the central axis of sleeve 470 in this case) in a manner similar to that described for the embodiment in FIGS. 59A and 59B. Wings 484 and 486 open as they exit the end of sleeve 470 and expand toward the vertebral endplates. Further advancement of dissector component 480 allows the expanded wings 484 and 486 to dissect through any connections of nucleus 20 or anulus 10 to the endplates that may present an obstruction to subsequent passage of the implants of the present invention. When used to aid in the insertion of a barrier, the dimensions of dissector component 480 should approximate those of the barrier such that the minimal amount of tissue is disturbed while reducing the forces necessary to position the barrier in the desired location.

[0221] FIGS. 61A-61D illustrate a method of implanting a disc implant. A disc implant 552 is inserted into a delivery device 550. The delivery device 550 has a proximal end 556 and a distal end 558. The distal end 558 of the delivery device 550 is inserted into an annulotomy illustrated in FIG. 61A. The annulotomy is preferably located at a site within the anulus 10 that is proximate to a desired, final implant 552 location. The implant 552 is then deployed by being inserted into the disc 15 through the distal end 558 of the delivery device 550. Preferably the implant is forced away from the final implant location, as shown in FIG. 61B. An implant guide 560 can be used to position the implant 552. After deployment of the implant 552, an augmentation material 554 can be injected into the disc 15, shown in FIG. 61C. The augmentation material 554 can include a hydrogel or collagen, for example. In one embodiment, the delivery device 550 is removed from the disc 15 and a separate tube is inserted into the annulotomy to inject the augmentation material 554. Alternately, the distal end 558 of the delivery device 550 can remain within the annulotomy and the augmentation material 554 injected through the delivery device 550. Next, the delivery device 550 is removed from the annulotomy and the intradiscal implant 552 is positioned over the annulotomy in the final implant location, as shown in FIG. 61D. The implant 552 can be positioned using control filaments described above.

[0222] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.