Method and system for storing and inserting an implant
Inventors
Cheney, Daniel F. • Marcano, Eric A. • Pancratz, David J.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9775659-B2
Publication Date
2017-10-03
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 relates to an implant storage system and an insertion system for a shape-memory orthopedic implant having a first end and a second end, where the first end includes an implanted shape and an insertion shape. The system constrains the implant first end in its insertion shape within a restraining block so that the restraining block maintains the constrained condition, and a base block receives the restraining block such that the restraining block maintains the first end of the implant in its insertion shape.
The invention further provides an insertion approach in which the restraining block is manipulated by a medical instrument to move first and second components of the restraining block into an abutting relationship. This manipulation constrains the first end of the implant in its insertion shape, and the restraining block is inserted into the base block to maintain the constrained condition. The system is described for providing insulation/protection from operating-room temperatures while the implant is constrained in a deformed state.
During insertion into bone, the restraining block is engaged with the medical instrument, removed from the base block, and positioned adjacent a first bone so that the implant second end is located at the first bone. The second end is inserted into the first bone with the medical instrument, and opening the medical instrument releases the first end from the restraining block so the exposed arms can warm and transform to the first shape. A further embodiment includes an arresting tab to maintain anatomic orientation and prevent dislodgement while pulling a second bone over the first end of the implant.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims include three independent claims, each focused on using a restraining block and, in some cases, a base block in combination with a medical instrument to constrain an implant in an insertion shape and then release it during insertion into bone.
Constraining the implant in an insertion shape using a restraining block and base block
providing the implant including a first end and a second end with the first end including an implanted shape and an insertion shape; inserting the first end into a restraining block by placing a first component adjacent a second component with the first end therebetween; manipulating the restraining block by engaging the first and second components with a medical instrument to move the first and second components into an abutting relationship that constrains the first end in its insertion shape; and inserting the restraining block into a base block such that the restraining block maintains the first end in its insertion shape.
Inserting an implant into bone with restrained first end release and pulling a second bone
engaging with a medical instrument a restraining block having therein a first end of the implant; removing with the medical instrument the restraining block from a base block; inserting with the medical instrument a second end of the implant into a first bone; opening the medical instrument thereby releasing the first end of the implant from the restraining block; and pulling a second bone over the first end of the implant.
Restraining the implant first end in insertion shape, locating second end, releasing first end, and pulling second bone over
providing the implant with the first end including an implanted shape and an insertion shape; engaging the first end with a restraining block such that the restraining block constrains the first end in its insertion shape; engaging the restraining block with a medical instrument to maintain the first end constrained in its insertion shape; positioning the restraining block adjacent a first bone using the medical instrument thereby locating the second end at the first bone; inserting with the medical instrument the second end into the first bone; opening the medical instrument thereby releasing the first end from the restraining block; and pulling a second bone over the first end.
Overall claim coverage centers on restraining an implant first end in its insertion shape using a restraining block, manipulating the restraining block with a medical instrument to maintain constraint, inserting the second end into bone, and then opening the medical instrument to release the first end so that a second bone is pulled over the first end.
Stated Advantages
Insulation/protection from operating-room temperatures while the implant is constrained in a deformed state.
Documented Applications
Inserting a shape-memory orthopedic implant into bone, including pulling a second bone over the first end of the implant after releasing the first end from the restraining block.
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