Expandable vertebral body replacement device and method
Inventors
Semler, Mark Evald • Frankel, Bruce • RUSCITO, Joseph
Assignees
Musc Foundation For Research Development D/b/a Zucker Institute For Innovation Commercialization • Medical University of South Carolina MUSC • MUSC Foundation for Research and Development
Publication Number
US-12295858-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-13
Expiration Date
2041-02-24
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Abstract
An expandable vertebral body implant, and methods of assembly and using the implant. The vertebral body implant includes a body with a first end and a second end, a rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end of the body, wherein an end includes a plurality of first notches inset into the rotating member, an extension member moveably coupled to the rotating member, and a locking member positioned on an interior of the body. Methods for assembling and using the vertebral body implant are also disclosed.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an expandable vertebral body implant designed for implantation in a patient's spine between vertebrae, as well as methods for assembling and using the implant. The implant includes a body with a first end and a second end, a rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end, and an extension member moveably coupled to the rotating member. The assembly also features a locking member within the body to secure the extension member in the desired position, and optional end plates for contacting vertebral bone.
The problem addressed by this invention is the need for effective replacement of vertebral bodies that have been removed during surgical procedures such as corpectomy, often due to trauma or disease causing pressure on the patient’s spinal cord. Current procedures require implants to maintain the space between remaining vertebral bodies after removal of a diseased or damaged vertebral body and adjacent discs.
This vertebral body replacement device provides a structure wherein the expansion is achieved by rotating the rotating member to translate the extension member, thus allowing adjustment of the implant’s height once placed between vertebrae. The locking member ensures the chosen height is maintained post-deployment. The assembly and usage methods detail the stepwise process for implant configuration, insertion, and securement within the patient’s anatomy.
Claims Coverage
The patent sets forth three independent claims, each introducing key inventive features of the vertebral body implant, its assembly, and its method of use.
Expandable vertebral body implant structure
The implant comprises: - A body with a first end and a second end including: - A through hole extending from the first to the second end - First and second alignment protrusions from the interior surface into the through hole - A circumferential protrusion at the first end and an inferiorly positioned groove - Multiple side members on the exterior, each with an opening extending from exterior to interior - Engagement members extending from the second end, an interior slot near the second end - A locking hole near the first end through an alignment protrusion - A rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end - An extension member moveably coupled to the rotating member - A locking member inside the body
Method of assembling a vertebral body implant
The assembly method includes: 1. Obtaining a body with a rotatably coupled rotating member, and with described anatomical features (through hole, alignment protrusions, circumferential protrusion, groove, side members with through openings, engagement members, interior slot, and locking hole) 2. Inserting a locking member into the through hole and positioning it on the interior surface 3. Inserting an extension member into the rotating member and body 4. Rotating the rotating member to move the extension member to an undeployed position 5. Coupling a first end plate to the extension member with a retaining member 6. Coupling a second end plate to the second end of the body with a retaining member
Method of using a vertebral body implant
The method involves: 1. Obtaining the vertebral body implant as described (including detailed body features, a rotating member, an extension member, and a locking member) 2. Obtaining an insertion instrument 3. Coupling the implant to the instrument 4. Inserting the implant between two vertebral bodies 5. Engaging first notches in the rotating member to drive the extension member and expand the implant 6. Removing the insertion instrument
Collectively, these inventive features provide a vertebral body implant system with an expandable mechanism, secure locking, and detailed assembly and use procedures tailored for spinal implantation.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Implantation in a patient's spine between vertebrae to maintain spacing following removal of vertebral bodies and adjacent discs, such as during a corpectomy procedure due to trauma or disease.
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