Systems and methods for reducing pressure within a spinal disc

Abstract

Systems and methods for reducing pressure within a spinal disc are described. In accordance with one implementation, a spinal disc system comprises an aperture within a spinal disc body, and the aperture is configured to permit nucleus pulposus to flow from the disc body through the aperture. In accordance with another implementation, a method of reducing pressure within a spinal disc comprises forming an aperture within a spinal disc body, and permitting at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to flow from the disc body through the aperture.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A spinal disc system comprising:
 an aperture within a spinal disc body, wherein the aperture is configured to permit nucleus pulposus to flow from the disc body through the aperture.   
     
     
         2 . The spinal disc system of  claim 1 , further comprising a stent body at least partially interposed within the aperture. 
     
     
         3 . The spinal disc system of  claim 2 , further comprising a removal portion attached to the stent body for removing the stent from the aperture. 
     
     
         4 . The spinal disc system of  claim 3 , wherein the removal portion is a wire. 
     
     
         5 . The spinal disc system of  claim 4 , wherein the wire is attached to the stent body at a first end and is of a length configured to extend outside a patient's body at the other end. 
     
     
         6 . The spinal disc system of  claim 2 , further comprising a cannula for implanting the stent within the aperture. 
     
     
         7 . The spinal disc system of  claim 2 , wherein the stent body is generally helical prior to insertion. 
     
     
         8 . The spinal disc system of  claim 2 , wherein the stent body is made of a biodegradable material. 
     
     
         9 . The spinal disc system of  claim 2 , wherein the stent body is coated with a chemotherapy material. 
     
     
         10 . A method of reducing pressure within a spinal disc comprising:
 forming an aperture within a spinal disc body; and   permitting at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to flow from the disc body through the aperture.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising positioning a stent at least partially within the aperture. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein forming the aperture includes forming the aperture on an anterior or lateral portion of the disc body. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein forming the aperture comprises advancing a device through a disc annulus central portion. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein forming the aperture comprises using at least one of a burn hole, drill hole, balloon dilation, incision and puncture. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising removing the stent. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising estimating a desired amount of time for the aperture to permit the flow of the nucleus pulposus. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising at least partially blocking the aperture to limit flow of the nucleus pulposus therethrough. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein at least partially blocking the aperture is performed in a time frame of about 2 weeks to about 8 weeks after forming the aperture. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein at least partially blocking the aperture includes inserting a plug into the aperture. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein at least partially blocking the aperture includes deforming at least a portion of the aperture. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising at least partially blocking the aperture by accessing the stent from inside a disc annulus central portion. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising at least partially blocking the aperture to limit flow of the nucleus pulposus therethrough. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein at least partially blocking the aperture includes deforming at least a portion of the stent. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein at least partially blocking the aperture includes collapsing at least a portion of the stent. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein deforming at least a portion of the stent includes applying heat to at least a portion of the stent. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising dislodging the stent.