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.