Method and apparatus for loading and implanting a shape memory implant
Inventors
Cheney, Daniel F. • Knight, Adam T.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10456130-B2
Publication Date
2019-10-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
An implant insertion device is adapted for use with a shape memory implant. The shape memory implant includes a bridge interconnecting first, second, and third legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which at least the first leg is substantially non-parallel and a second shape in which at least the first leg is substantially parallel. The implant insertion device engages the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an implant insertion device adapted for use with a shape memory implant comprising a bridge interconnecting first, second, and third legs, where the shape memory implant is movable between a first shape and a second shape. The implant insertion device maintains the shape memory implant in the second shape until delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone by receiving a portion of the bridge and engaging the legs through the jaws while the insertion device is closed.
The implant insertion device includes a first insertion tool piece terminating in a first jaw and a second insertion tool piece terminating in a second jaw, with the second insertion tool piece hingedly connected with the first insertion tool piece. The first and second insertion tool pieces reside in an opposed relationship with the first jaw aligned with the second jaw so that closure brings the jaws into a bridge-receiving relationship, and each jaw is adapted to receive therein a portion of the bridge of the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape.
A slider engageable with the first and second insertion tool pieces moves a separator disposed between the first and second insertion tool pieces. The separator separates the first and second insertion tool pieces to release the shape memory implant from the first and second insertion tool pieces, and thereafter permits closure of the first and second insertion tool pieces. The first jaw is adapted to engage the first and second legs, and the second jaw is adapted to engage at least the third leg, to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims (clm-00001 and clm-00012). Across these claims, the coverage concentrates on maintaining a shape memory implant in a second shape using a bridge-receiving, leg-engaging insertion device, with a hinged, opposed jaw structure and a slider-driven separator that releases the implant for delivery.
Maintain shape memory implant in second shape until delivery
An implant insertion device adapted to maintain the shape memory implant in the second shape until delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone, where the implant comprises a bridge interconnecting first, second, and third legs and is movable between a first shape and a second shape.
Hingedly connected opposed insertion tool pieces with aligned jaws
A first insertion tool piece terminating in a first jaw and a second insertion tool piece terminating in a second jaw, with the second insertion tool piece hingedly connected with the first insertion tool piece such that the first and second insertion tool pieces reside in an opposed relationship with the first jaw aligned with the second jaw.
Slider with separator that separates to release and permits closure
A slider engageable with the first and second insertion tool pieces, the slider including a separator disposed between the first and second insertion tool pieces, where the slider is movable whereby the separator separates the first and second insertion tool pieces to release the shape memory implant, and where the slider is movable whereby the separator permits closure of the first and second insertion tool pieces.
Bridge-receiving jaws and leg engagement to hold second shape
The first and second jaws each are adapted to receive therein a portion of the bridge of the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape; the first jaw engages the first and second legs to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape; and the second jaw engages at least the third leg to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape.
Overall, the independent claim set covers a hinged, opposed implant insertion device that uses a slider-driven separator to release a shape memory implant held in a second shape, where the jaws maintain the second shape by receiving a portion of the bridge and engaging the legs, including at least the third leg.
Stated Advantages
Maintains the shape memory implant in its second shape until delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.
Documented Applications
Delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone using an implant insertion device/system that maintains the implant in a second shape until delivery.
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