Methods of using a vertebral body replacement device
AssigneeMedivest, LLC
InventorJeffrey A. Farris
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Tissue spacer implants, surgical distraction instruments, surgical insertion tools, coupling devices, surgical kits, surgical methods for distraction, and methods for coupling bodies are disclosed. The tissue spacer implants include a first end member, a second end member, and an intermediate spacer member having a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the first end member with the intermediate spacer member and to couple the second end member with the intermediate spacer member. The surgical instruments may be used for inserting these implants and include a first elongated member, a second elongated member, a distraction mechanism, and an actuator. The coupling devices may be used to couple the components of the implants.
Claims15
A surgical method for inserting a vertebral body replacement device comprising:
- exposing a space between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body in a spine;
- inserting a first end member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end into the space, wherein the first end of the first end member contacts the first vertebral body and the second end of the first end member includes a recess;
- inserting a second end member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end into the space wherein the first end of the second end member contacts the second vertebral body and the second end of the second end member includes a recess;
- determining a first distance between the second end of the first end member and the second end of the second end member;
- obtaining an intermediate body member of a first height extending along the first distance at least in part as a function of the distance determined, the intermediate body member including at least one first projection, at least one second projection, and a camming device;
- inserting the intermediate body member between the first end member and the second end member such that the at least one first projection is engaged within the recess of the first end member and the at least one second projection is engaged within the recess of the second end member;
- and
- simultaneously securing the intermediate body to the first end member and the second end member by axially translating the camming device relative to the intermediate body member while maintaining the first height of the intermediate body member to bias the at least one first projection and at least one second projection and thereby fix the first end member and the second end member to the intermediate body at least along the first distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.