Expandable vertebral body replacement device and method
Inventors
Semler, Mark Evald • Frankel, Bruce • RUSCITO, Joseph • HAPSTACK, Christopher
Assignees
Medical University of South Carolina MUSC • MUSC Foundation for Research and Development
Publication Number
US-11278424-B2
Publication Date
2022-03-22
Expiration Date
2037-05-04
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Abstract
Expandable vertebral body implants, systems, instruments, and methods of assembly and using the implants, systems, and instruments are disclosed. The vertebral body implant includes a body with a first end and a second end, a first rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end, wherein an end includes a plurality of first notches inset into the first rotating member, a second rotating member rotatably coupled to the second end, wherein an end includes a plurality of second notches inset into the second rotating member, a first extension member moveably coupled to the first end, and a second extension member moveably coupled to the second end. The expandable cage system comprises a vertebral body implant and an insertion instrument. Methods for assembling and using the vertebral body implants and instruments are also disclosed.
Core Innovation
The invention provides expandable vertebral body implants, systems, instruments, and methods for their assembly and use. The vertebral body implant consists of a body with a first end and a second end, a first rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end and a second rotating member rotatably coupled to the second end, each rotating member including a plurality of notches. The device further comprises a first extension member moveably coupled to the first end and a second extension member moveably coupled to the second end.
An expandable cage system is disclosed, which includes the vertebral body implant device and an insertion instrument. The body of the implant has at least one aperture at its midpoint, with both superior and inferior locking holes. The insertion instrument is configured to interact with these features for proper positioning and expansion of the implant. Upon placement in the patient between two vertebral bodies, the system allows for expansion of the device, after which the insertion instrument can be removed.
The problem addressed by this invention is the need to replace removed vertebral bodies, often necessitated by trauma or disease such as tumors, to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord. Current approaches require the maintenance of the space between the remaining vertebral bodies after such removal, for which the disclosed expandable vertebral body replacement device and associated method provide a solution.
Claims Coverage
The patent presents several inventive features as specified in its independent claims.
Expandable vertebral body implant with apertures, locking holes, rotating and extension members, and locking plate
The vertebral body implant comprises: - A body with first and second ends and at least one aperture at a midpoint between the ends. - At least one first locking hole positioned superior to the aperture and at least one second locking hole positioned inferior to the aperture. - At least one rotating member coupled to at least one end, the rotating member including a plurality of notches inset into it. - At least one extension member moveably coupled to at least one end. - A locking plate that can be positioned against an interior wall of the body to engage and prevent further extension of the extension member.
Expandable cage system including vertebral body device with locking features and insertion instrument
The expandable cage system comprises: - A vertebral body device with a body having first and second ends, at least one aperture at the midpoint, at least one first locking hole superior and at least one second locking hole inferior to the aperture. - At least one rotating member rotatably coupled to an end of the body. - At least one extension member moveably coupled to an end. - A locking plate capable of preventing further extension by positioning against an interior wall. - An insertion instrument sized to surround the aperture and locking holes.
Method of using an expandable cage system with expansion and locking in situ
The method comprises: - Obtaining a vertebral body implant comprising a body with first and second ends, an aperture at the midpoint, superior and inferior locking holes, at least one rotating member, at least one extension member, and a locking plate. - Obtaining an insertion instrument. - Coupling the vertebral body implant to the instrument and inserting it between two vertebral bodies. - Expanding the implant and removing the instrument.
The inventive features center on a vertebral body implant system employing strategically placed apertures and locking holes for secure fixation, paired with a coordinated assembly of rotating and extension members, a locking plate, and instruments for precise insertion, expansion, and stabilization between vertebrae.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Implantation in a patient’s spine between vertebrae to replace removed vertebral bodies and maintain space during procedures such as corpectomy.
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