Method and system for storing and inserting an implant
Inventors
Cheney, Daniel Frank • Marcano, Eric Alberto • Pancratz, David Joseph
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8834483-B2
Publication Date
2014-09-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
An implant storage and insertion system for a shape memory orthopedic implant allows the implant to be constrained in a deformed state, protected, insulated, held for insertion, and properly positioned in bone. The implant storage and insertion system includes a restraining block having an impact surface. The restraining block engages an implant at a first end, and further a medical instrument engages the restraining block and positions the restraining block at a bone such that the impact surface may be impacted to insert a second end of the implant into the bone.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an implant storage and insertion system for a shape memory orthopedic implant including a first end and a second end. The first end has an implanted shape and an insertion shape, and the system constrains the first end in the insertion shape while the second end remains unconstrained.
A restraining block is adapted to engage the implant at the first end and is further adapted for engagement by a medical instrument to position the restraining block at a first bone so that an impact surface may be impacted to insert the second end into the first bone. The restraining block includes a first clamshell and a second clamshell, each having an implant engagement feature adapted to receive a portion of the first end therein, an instrument engagement feature adapted for engagement by the medical instrument, and an impacting portion of the impact surface.
A base block receives therein the second end of the implant to constrain the second end in a deformed shape simultaneously while the restraining block maintains the first end in the insertion shape. In further arrangements, the restraining block includes first and second independently movable components or movable components with aligned openings to substantially completely enclose the first end in its insertion shape, while an arresting tab maintains proper positioning and an insulating material may be used.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes four independent claims covering a shape memory implant storage and insertion system centered on a restraining block that holds the first end in an insertion shape and a base block that constrains the second end, with positioning at a first bone and impaction or instrument interaction for insertion.
Constrained first end by clamshell restraining block with impact surface
A restraining block with a first clamshell and a second clamshell, each including an implant engagement feature, an instrument engagement feature, and an impacting portion of an impact surface, where the clamshells engage and constrain and deform the first end in its insertion shape while the second end remains unconstrained, and the impacting portions are adapted for impaction to insert the second end into the first bone.
Simultaneous second-end constraining base block
A base block that receives therein the second end of the implant thereby constraining the second end in a deformed shape, where the base block includes a restraining block engagement feature that receives the first and second clamshells such that the clamshells maintain the first end in its insertion shape while the base block constrains the second end simultaneously.
First movable and second movable components maintaining first end insertion shape
A restraining block including a first movable component and a second movable component, where placing the first movable component adjacent the second movable component with the first end of the shape memory implant in its insertion shape therebetween engages and maintains the first end in its insertion shape, and positioning the restraining block at a first bone facilitates insertion into the first bone of the second end, with a base block that maintains the first end in its insertion shape while simultaneously receiving and constraining the second end in its insertion shape.
Abutting independently movable components enclosing first end via aligned openings
A restraining block with a first independently movable component including an implant engagement feature with an opening and a second independently movable component including an implant engagement feature with an opening, where the components are adapted to abut so that the openings align and receive the first end in its insertion shape such that the components substantially completely enclose the first end and constrain it in the insertion shape while the second end remains unconstrained, and a base block that receives the restraining block while simultaneously receiving and constraining the second end in its insertion shape.
Medical instrument with deforming restraining-block engagement feature
A medical instrument together with a restraining block that receives the first end and maintains the first end in its insertion shape, where the restraining block includes an instrument engagement feature comprising at least one opening in the restraining block that deforms when engaged by the medical instrument such that the restraining block remains attached to the medical instrument, allowing positioning of the restraining block at a first bone and insertion into the first bone of the second end, while a base block receives the restraining block and additionally receives and constrains the second end in its insertion shape.
Across the independent claims shown, the inventive coverage is centered on a restraining block that keeps the first end of a shape memory implant in an insertion shape during positioning at a first bone, combined with a base block that simultaneously constrains the second end in a deformed or insertion shape, with insertion enabled by impacting the restraining block’s impact surface or by instrument interaction that maintains attachment and positioning.
Stated Advantages
Inserts the second end of the implant into the first bone by impacting the impact surface of the restraining block.
Constrains the first end of the implant in its insertion shape while the second end remains unconstrained until insertion.
Constrains and deforms the first end in its insertion shape and constrains the second end in a deformed or insertion shape simultaneously.
Maintains proper positioning of the implant using an arresting tab until a second bone is inserted.
Prevents over-insertion of the implant into the first bone.
Insulates the implant by providing the restraining block made of insulating material.
Documented Applications
Insertion of a shape memory implant into a first bone, facilitated by positioning the restraining block at the first bone and impacting the impact surface to insert the second end.
Maintaining implant positioning and constraining an end in its insertion shape until a second bone is inserted.
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