Method and apparatus for loading and implanting a shape memory implant
Inventors
Cheney, Daniel F. • Taber, Joseph H. • Perkins, Luke A. • Ritz, Joseph P.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10888315-B2
Publication Date
2021-01-12
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 and second legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which the first and second legs are substantially non-parallel and a second shape in which the first and second legs are 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 includes a shape memory implant comprising a bridge interconnecting first and second legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which the first and second legs are non-parallel and a second shape in which the first and second legs are substantially parallel. The insertion system provides an implant insertion device that engages the implant while it is in the second shape.
The implant insertion device includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a third jaw, each movable from a disengaged position to an engaged position. In the engaged position, the first jaw engages the first leg of the shape memory in its substantially parallel position, and the second jaw engages the second leg of the shape memory in its substantially parallel position. The third jaw in its engaged position engages in abutting relationship with the first and second jaws such that the first, second, and third jaws engage and maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.
The implant insertion device architecture further maintains the second shape using movable jaws and jaw engagement behavior coordinated with a slider transitioning between an unlocked position and a locked position. In corresponding embodiments, the slider is configured to position between a first jaw and a second jaw in its locked position, lock the first and second jaws while also engaging the third jaw so that all jaws maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim defining an implant insertion system with a shape memory implant movable between a non-parallel-leg shape and a substantially parallel-leg shape, and an insertion device with three movable jaws that engage and maintain the implant in the parallel-leg shape until delivery into tissue or bone.
Non-parallel to substantially parallel shape memory implant with bridge
A shape memory implant comprising a bridge interconnecting first and second legs, wherein the shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which the first and second legs are non-parallel and a second shape in which the first and second legs are substantially parallel.
Three movable jaws that engage and maintain the implant until delivery
An implant insertion device comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a third jaw, wherein the first, second, and third jaws are movable from a disengaged position to an engaged position; in the engaged position the first jaw engages the first leg in its substantially parallel position, the second jaw engages the second leg in its substantially parallel position, and the third jaw engages in abutting relationship with the first and second jaws so that the first, second, and third jaws engage and maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until delivery into tissue or bone.
Unlocked to locked slider maintaining jaw engagement
The implant insertion device includes a body with first, second, and third jaws and a slider movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein, when the slider is in its locked position, the slider maintains the first, second, and third jaws in engaged positions to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape.
Tooth/leg interface abutting respective legs
In the engaged position, first and second jaws each include a tooth with a leg interface that abuts respective legs of a shape memory implant.
Relative arm lengths to receive different bridge heights
The first arm is shorter than the second arm so the implant insertion device is configured to receive a shape memory implant having a first bridge at a different height than a second bridge.
Third-jaw insertion between first and second jaws
The third jaw contacts the first and second jaws and inserts a portion between the first and second jaws when the jaws are in their engaged positions.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on maintaining a bridge-connected shape memory implant in a substantially parallel-leg second shape using a three-jaw insertion device that engages first and second legs and uses a third jaw in abutting relationship to hold the implant until delivery into tissue or bone. Dependent inventive features further specify slider-based unlocked/locked jaw maintenance, tooth/leg abutting interfaces, relative arm-length compatibility for different bridge heights, and third-jaw insertion behavior.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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