Rib hook devices, systems, and methods of use
AssigneesClemson University Research Foundation, MUSC Foundation for Research Development
InventorsGregory J. Wright, Hai Yao, Richard H. Gross
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Rib hook devices, systems, and methods of assembling and using the devices and systems are disclosed. The rib hook device includes a body with a first end and a second end and a rod attachment member coupled to and extending away from the second end of the body. The rib hook system includes at least one rib hook device, a first rod for engaging the at least one rib hook device, and at least one fastener for securing the first rod to the at least one rib hook device. Methods for assembling and using the rib hook devices and systems are also disclosed.
Claims20
A rib hook device, comprising:
- a body comprising:
- a first side;
- a second side;
- a first end extending between the first side and the second side;
- and
- a second end extending between the first side and the second side and positioned opposite the first end;
- wherein the first end is curved between a top side and a bottom side as the first end extends between the first side and the second side forming a concave surface on the first end of the body;
- and
- a rod attachment member coupled to and extending away from the second end of the body.
A rib hook system, comprising:
- at least one rib hook device, wherein the at least one rib hook device, comprises:
- a body comprising:
- a first side;
- a second side;
- a first end extending between the first side and the second side;
- and
- a second end extending between the first side and the second side and positioned opposite the first end;
- wherein the first end is curved between a top side and a bottom side as the first end extends between the first side and the second side forming a concave surface on the first end of the body;
- and
- a rod attachment member coupled to and extending away from the second end of the body;
- a first rod for engaging the rod attachment member of the at least one rib hook device;
- and
- at least one fastener for securing the first rod to the at least one rib hook device.
A method of using a rib hook system, comprising:
- obtaining a rib hook system, the rib hook system comprising:
- at least two rib hook devices, wherein each rib hook device, comprises:
- a body comprising:
- a first side;
- a second side;
- a first end extending between the first side and the second side;
- and
- a second end extending between the first side and the second side and positioned opposite the first end;
- wherein the first end is curved between a top side and a bottom side as the first end extends between the first side and the second side forming a concave surface on the first end of the body;
- and
- a rod attachment member coupled to and extending away from the second end of the body;
- a first rod;
- and
- at least one fastener;
- exposing at least a portion of a patient's ribs;
- coupling a first rib hook device of the at least two rib hook devices to a first rib;
- coupling a second rib hook device of the at least two rib hook devices to a second rib;
- inserting the first rod to engage the first rib hook device and the second rib hook device;
- securing the first rod to the first rib hook device and the second rib hook device;
- and
- closing the patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.