Annulotomy closure device and related methods

摘要

A system for sealing a hole in a body, comprising a generally cylindrical mesh formed from a plurality of helical strands which is inserted into the hole, with at least one end of the cylindrical mesh being moved least partially through an interior portion of the cylindrical shaped mesh such that the mesh expands radially outwards against sides of the hole.

主权项

1. A method for preventing egress through a hole in a vertebral annulus, the vertebral annulus having an exterior wall and an interior wall, and said hole having a first opening in the exterior wall and a second opening in the interior wall and a passageway therebetween, comprising:
introducing at least a portion of a blocking element through said hole to a position beyond said second opening, said blocking element being situated on an end of an insertion rod during introduction, and wherein a plurality of tethers attached to said blocking element extend out of said hole and along said insertion rod when introduced; and expanding said blocking element by transitioning said blocking element from a relaxed state to a deformed state, such that said blocking element blocks said second opening, said expanded blocking element being configured to prevent the egress through said hole of at least one of a high viscosity liquid and a solid.