| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for treating an internal intervertebral disc where a catheter does not give more damage to an internal intervertebral disc. <P>SOLUTION: A method for positioning an arcuate catheter 14 against an inner annular wall 4 of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annular wall of the disc, by arthroscopy is provided. The arcuate catheter retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the catheter. The device and method require no forward pressure of the distal end portion on the inner annular wall of a mammalian intervertebral disc. An arcuate sheath 12 having a cutter is used to remove tissues from the inner annular wall of the disc. In another embodiment, the arcuate sheath is used to progressively remove materials from the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc. In further embodiment, the arcuate sheath and catheter are used to remove the entire intervertebral disc and replace supports to maintain a disc space. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT |
