Importance

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Abstract

A method and device for treating human intervertebral disc herniations using an endoscopic procedure. An access port is opened into and through the annulus of a disc to remove nucleus pulposus. Subsequent treatment, a balloon device having a valve structure is positioned via an endoscopic procedure into the disc space. The balloon device is filled with a physiological fluid to occupy the disc interspace or to maintain some degree of distraction of the created disc space. Post surgery, after fibrocollagenous tissue has grown into the disc space, a second endoscopic procedure is performed to remove the balloon device. Fluid is removed to collapse the balloon structure and then removed via the guide tube. The ingrowth of fibrocollagenous tissue will continue to fill the void formerly occupied by the balloon device. The balloon device has a rigid valve body and a flexible balloon member. The valve body has an end plug, a valve chamber holding a valve member and a cooperating biasing structure. The balloon member of the device is inserted into a vacated nucleus space of a herniated disc and then inflated with a physiological fluid using a fill tube. The balloon member, valve body, and fill tube or portions thereof may be constructed of a radiolucent material to provide visibility during implantation, surveillance and removal. The balloon device may be used in the cervical, lumbar or thoracic region of the spine.

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First Claim