Abstract:
An intervertebral disc prosthesis including a core of elastomeric material provided within an inner component of fabric. The inner component is provided with an outer component of fabric. By providing a smooth inner contact surface between the inner component and the core, movement between the inner and outer components is facilitated in preference to movement between the inner component and core. Core abrasion is thus avoided. The use of an inner component and an outer component also means that the characteristics of each can be optimized to meet different aims. The elastomeric core is provided with an additive to enhance radiopacity under medical imaging.
Abstract:
A textile-based plate implant (and related methods) that supports tissue ingrowth within the implanted implant structure and is suitable for use in a variety of surgical applications, including but not limited to anterior, posterior and lateral surgical approaches directed towards the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions of the spine.
Abstract:
A treatment process by which medical implants may be pre-settled before surgical implantation. Although explained herein within the context of a spinal implant, it will be appreciated that the same techniques and features of the present invention may be applied to any medical implant, particularly those having a core or other structure subject to material creep over time after implantation. This pre-settling process of the present invention may be done at any stage in the manufacturing of the implantable device after the spinal implant has been formed but before the device is surgically implanted. The pre-settling of the invention may be used for any type of core material that may have creep characteristics including, but not limited to, elastomers and textiles.
Abstract:
A fissure repair (60) device for a spinal disc is provided, the device including a first portion (61), a second portion (62a, 62b) and a variable link (63a, 63b) between the first portion and second portion, in which the first and second portions are portions of a common element, one of the first or second portions being formed by one or both end portions of the element, the first portion being linked to the second portion by one or more link portions (63a, 63b), the one or more link portions being portions of the common element.
Abstract:
Implants and methods aimed at safely repairing and/or reconstructing the facet joint so as to provide the required flexibility and elasticity to support continued motion after the implant has been implanted in a facet joint.
Abstract:
A method for applying microwave techniques to embroidered surgical implants including using microwave technology in the process of acetate removal and using microwave technology in the process of drying implants.
Abstract:
Disc prostheses, particularly for use in the lumbar region of the spine are provided. The disc prosthesis includes a core of elastomeric material provided within an inner component of fabric. The inner component is provided within an outer component of fabric. By providing a smooth inner contact surface between the inner component and the core, movement between the inner and outer components is facilitated in preference to movement between the inner component and core. Core abrasion is thus avoided. The use of an inner component and an outer component also means that the characteristics of each can he optimized to meet different aims.
Abstract:
A series of disc prostheses are provided, the series including at least a first prosthesis and a second prosthesis, the first prosthesis differing in size and differing in one or more materials from which it is formed compared with the second prosthesis, the first and second prosthesis being of the same type. In this way a surgeon can select from the series the appropriate size so as to mimic the size of natural disc being replaced in a particular patient. As well as mimicking size, however, the invention also provides that the elastomer used in each different size has a different Shore hardness. This allows the intended stiffness and/or shock absorbing properties to be provided in each disc size and so provides for full mimicking of the natural disc in each size.
Abstract:
A combination pre-filled and in situ filled implant for the replacement of an intervertebral disc of the spine, including a textile core and a flange with apertures dimensioned to receive screws or other affixation elements. The combination pre-filled and in situ filled implant may also have attached side pockets comprised of extra layers of embroidered fabric. The pockets on the implant may serve a dual purpose: to facilitate insertion and to expand the dimensions of the implant after insertion.
Abstract:
A manufacturing process and resultant medical devices and components thereof wherein one or more individual laces (12) is placed within an embroidered structure (10) using an automated process allowing for the manufacture of embroidered surgical implants containing laces to be mass produced repeatably and cost effectively.