The present invention relates to an artificial
nucleus pulposus
implant that is injected minimally invasively into the
nucleus cavity of the annulus fibrosus to restore the normal anatomical and
physiological function of the spine in the affected disc segment. In one aspect of the invention, a device is disclosed for delivering a phase changing
biomaterial to a tissue site, the device comprising a dispenser including (i) a
plunger having a proximal portion and a
distal portion, an inlet end and an outlet end, (ii) a dispensing
actuator attached to the proximal portion of the
plunger, and (iii) a
cartridge adapted to be inserted into the inlet end of the
plunger for containing the phase changing
biomaterial in a fluid state. The dispenser may be mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically actuated. The dispenser may further comprise a
nozzle attached to the
cartridge for dispensing the
biomaterial to the tissue site. In another aspect, the device may further comprise a
tissue cavity access unit providing a conduit having an inlet end in fluid communication with the
nozzle, and an outlet end adapted to deliver the biomaterial to the tissue site. The biomaterial may transition from the fluid state to a
solid state after a set amount of time, a temperature change or an
exposure to an external stimuli such as
radiation, UV light or an electrical stimuli. The
cartridge may be a dual-chambered cartridge for storing different fluid biomaterials in the two chambers. In another aspect of the invention, a process for producing the artificial
nucleus pulposus
implant in the nucleus cavity of the annulus fibrosus is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of (a) obtaining access to the nucleus cavity; (b) injecting the artificial nucleus pulposus into the nucleus cavity; and (c) permitting the biomaterial to transition from a fluid state to a
solid state in-situ after a given condition.