Systems and methods for surgical procedures using band clamp implants and tensioning instruments
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12458420-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Implants, systems, and methods for securing a flexible band, thereby providing a desired correction to the spine. The implant may secure the flexible band to a spinal rod and/or a pedicle screw. The implant has a locking mechanism to secure the band. The band may be looped around bony anatomy and tensioned to achieve correction and provide fixation as an alternative or supplement to pedicle screws and spinal rods during spinal deformity surgery. Tensioners may be used that allow for multiple positions for attachment between the tensioner and a band clamp inserter.
Core Innovation
The described invention relates to spinal fixation systems that use a flexible band and a band clamp implant. The system includes band clamp portions configured to receive the flexible band, a locking member for locking the band in the band clamp, and supplemental fixation and sublaminar band fixation configurations that can be combined with pedicle screws, spinal rods, and related fixation elements as part of spinal fixation.
The invention further discloses band clamp implant structures that include a rod slot and a band slot, along with an anchor arrangement for attaching a band. The locking member is implemented with structures such as a set screw with a saddle and/or spring block, a cam lock, and related locking components. The band attachment mechanisms are described in terms of leader, buckle, and anchor features configured to engage and retain the flexible band within the band clamp arrangement.
A key aspect is a tensioning instrument and tensioner for applying tension to the flexible band during spinal fixation surgery. The tensioner includes a two-handle arrangement with a first handle assembly, a second handle assembly movable relative to the first, and a spool assembly disposed between the handle assemblies, the spool assembly configured to receive the flexible band. The tensioner also includes an adjustable head movably fixated to the first handle assembly, where a button assembly allows the adjustable head to be moved between a plurality of angled orientations for applying band tension.
Claims Coverage
The claim coverage includes two independent claims, each centered on tensioning a flexible band for spinal fixation using a two-handle tensioner with a spool assembly and an adjustable head moved by a button assembly, and on incorporating that tensioner into a band clamp/band clamp inserter spinal fixation system. The inventive coverage is primarily in the structure and user-actuated interaction of the handle assemblies, spool assembly, and adjustable head.
Adjustable head tensioning with two-handle spool and buttoned angled orientations
A system for applying tension to a flexible band during a spinal fixation surgery, comprising a first handle assembly, a second handle assembly configured to move relative to the first handle assembly, a spool assembly disposed between the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly and configured to receive the flexible band, and an adjustable head movably fixated to the first handle assembly, wherein the first handle assembly includes a button assembly that when pushed allows the adjustable head to be moved between a plurality of angled orientations.
Spinal fixation system using band clamp inserter with tensioner before fixating
A system for performing spinal fixation surgery, comprising a band clamp, a band clamp inserter configured to engage the band clamp, a flexible band configured to be inserted into the band clamp, and a tensioner configured to apply tension to the flexible band prior to fixating the flexible band in the band clamp, the tensioner including a first handle assembly, a second handle assembly configured to move relative to the first handle assembly, a spool assembly disposed between the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly and configured to receive the flexible band, and an adjustable head movably fixated to the first handle assembly, wherein the first handle assembly includes a button assembly that when pushed allows the adjustable head to be moved between a plurality of angled orientations.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage is a tensioner that applies tension to a flexible band using a spool assembly between a first and second handle assembly, together with an adjustable head on the first handle that is moved among a plurality of angled orientations by pushing a button assembly.
Stated Advantages
Improved tensioners enabling adjustable attachment positions.
Time savings via simplified engagement/locking.
Options in tensioning capacity.
Easier ergonomics/visualization.
Documented Applications
Performing spinal fixation surgery using a band clamp, a band clamp inserter, a flexible band inserted into the band clamp, and applying tension to the flexible band with a tensioner prior to fixating the flexible band in the band clamp.
Applying tension to a flexible band during a spinal fixation surgery with the disclosed tensioner structure.
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