Apparatus and methods for closing openings in spinal discs
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United States of America Patent
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N/A
Issued Date -
Oct 10, 2002
app pub date -
Apr 6, 2001
filing date -
Apr 6, 2001
priority date (Note) -
Abandoned
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
A closure device includes a body defining a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of tissue engaging elements that are expandable between contracted and expanded conditions, and preferably biased to extend outwardly from the body in the expanded condition. The closure device may include a generally planar body including tines extending from its outer edge, an elongate body including annular flanges extending from its peripheral surface, or an annular body including tissue engaging elements extending from its proximal portion. An opening is created through the annulus fibrosis into a disc, and a procedure is performed within the disc. The closure device is introduced into the opening, and the tissue engaging elements are expanded to engage tissue surrounding the opening, thereby anchoring the closure device within the opening. Alternatively, the closure device may be a threaded plug that is threaded into the opening after completing the procedure to seal the opening.
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