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-10849618-B2
Publication Date
2020-12-01
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
An implant insertion system is described for mechanically constrained shape memory orthopedic implants having a bridge interconnecting first, second, and third legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which the first leg is non-parallel with the second and third legs, and a second shape in which the first leg is substantially parallel with the second and third legs, with the implant provided in its second shape for delivery.
The described insertion device uses two hingedly connected tool pieces with jaws and a slider that inserts between the tool pieces. A first insertion tool piece and a second insertion tool piece separate as the slider inserts, opening the device to receive the shape memory implant between a first jaw and a second jaw, with bridge portions received by a first tool slot in the first jaw and a second tool slot in the second jaw.
The first jaw engages the first and second legs to maintain the implant in its second shape and the second jaw engages at least the third leg. After the implant is held in its second shape, the slider engages the first and second insertion tool pieces to lock the first and second jaws closed, and the system further controls unlocking and gradual release using the slider, including slider locks and a separator/wedge action, together with ramp features, to open the jaws so the implant can return to its first final shape.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes one independent claim (clm-00001) directed to a method of holding a shape memory implant until delivery, using a slider-operated, hingedly connected two-tool/jaw insertion device. The claim includes multiple inventive features, primarily centered on the shape memory implant configuration and a slider-driven jaw/tool locking and release mechanism.
Holding a bridge-connected shape memory implant between non-parallel and substantially parallel leg shapes
A shape memory implant with a bridge interconnecting first, second, and third legs is movable between a first shape where the first leg is non-parallel with the second and third legs and a second shape where the first leg is substantially parallel with the second and third legs, with the implant provided in its second shape for delivery into tissue or bone.
Slider inserts between hingedly connected tool pieces to separate jaw tools for receiving the implant
An implant insertion device has a first insertion tool piece hingedly connected to a second insertion tool piece, and a slider is moved such that the slider inserts between the first and second insertion tool pieces to separate them, thereby opening the implant insertion device to receive the shape memory implant therein.
Tool slots and jaw engagements maintain the implant in its second shape
The shape memory implant is placed between a first jaw of the first insertion tool piece and a second jaw of the second insertion tool piece, where a first tool slot in the first jaw and a second tool slot in the second jaw each receive a portion of the bridge; the first jaw engages the first and second legs to maintain the implant in its second shape, and the second jaw engages at least the third leg.
Slider locks jaws closed about the implant in its second shape
The slider is moved to engage the first and second insertion tool pieces to lock the first and second jaws closed about the shape memory implant in its second shape.
Slider unlocking and release by separating tool halves and opening jaws to return to the first shape
The slider is moved such that unlocking and separation of the hingedly connected tool pieces opens the jaws and permits release, allowing the implant to return from the second shape to the first shape during delivery.
Across the independent claim and its refinements, the core coverage is a method that holds a bridge-connected shape memory implant in a substantially parallel-leg second shape, uses a slider-driven separation and receiving of the implant between jaw tools with bridge portions received in corresponding tool slots, and locks the jaws in the second shape and then unlocks to open and allow the implant to return to the first non-parallel-leg final shape.
Stated Advantages
Allows the shape memory implant to be held until delivery into tissue or bone.
Maintains the shape memory implant in its second shape for delivery.
Controls unlocking and gradual release by separating tool halves and opening jaws, allowing the implant to return to its first final shape.
Documented Applications
Delivery of a mechanically constrained shape memory orthopedic implant into tissue or bone using the described implant insertion system.
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