US 11,744,710 B2
Implantable nuclear prosthesis, kits, and related methods
W. Loren Francis, Erie, CO (US); Mark A. Novotny, Frisco, CO (US); Cory R. A. Hallam, San Antonio, TX (US); and Jake Ganem, Cape Neddick, ME (US)
Assigned to SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC, San Antonio, TX (US)
Filed by SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, San Antonio, TX (US)
Filed on Sep. 4, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/560,684.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/726,704, filed on Sep. 4, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2020/0113705 A1, Apr. 16, 2020
Int. Cl. A61F 2/44 (2006.01); A61F 2/46 (2006.01); A61F 2/30 (2006.01); A61M 25/10 (2013.01)
CPC A61F 2/441 (2013.01) [A61F 2/442 (2013.01); A61F 2/4611 (2013.01); A61F 2002/3008 (2013.01); A61F 2002/30548 (2013.01); A61F 2002/30583 (2013.01); A61F 2002/30586 (2013.01); A61M 2025/1013 (2013.01); A61M 2025/1079 (2013.01)] 25 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A kit for implanting a nuclear prosthesis, the kit comprising:
a spinal implant device comprising:
a flexible body defining:
an outer fillable enclosure defining an outer chamber having a body aperture; and
an inner fillable enclosure defining an inner chamber such that the outer fillable enclosure at least partially surrounds the inner fillable enclosure, the inner fillable enclosure having an opening in fluid communication with the inner chamber; and
a proximal plug configured to be coupled to the inner fillable enclosure such that the proximal plug controls fluid communication through the opening, the proximal plug defines a receptacle including a plug aperture and including a re-sealable membrane to control fluid communication through a proximal opening of the inner chamber, the receptacle including a first retaining element configured to couple with a second retaining element of an inflation stylet, the plug aperture being positioned between the first retaining element and the re-sealable membrane and configured to enable fluid communication to the outer fillable enclosure; and
the inflation stylet configured to mate with the proximal plug and extend at least partially through the proximal plug, the inflation stylet comprising:
a first lumen configured to deliver a fluid to and remove a fluid from the inner chamber;
a second lumen surrounding the first lumen and configured to deliver a fluid to the outer chamber; and
the second retaining element configured to control insertion depth of the inflation stylet and to secure the inflation stylet to the proximal plug.