BALLOON-ASSISTED ANNULUS REPAIR

摘要

The present invention is directed to an inflatable annulus repair device (10) for sealing an annulus defect located in an annulus fibrosis of an intervertebral disc space. In use, the inflatable device is introduced, in a first non-expanded state, preferably via a cannula (100) into the annulus defect. After the inflatable device has been properly positioned, a filler material (11) is injected into the inflatable device to expand the device to a second expanded state. In the second expanded state, the inflatable annulus repair device seals the annulus defect, secures its position within the annulus defect to thereby limit or prevent migration, and applies a compression force to a captured portion of the annulus adjacent to the defect. The inflatable device is preferably filled with a liquid that solidifies into an elastic material within the device.