Bone fusion system, device and method including delivery apparatus
AssigneeNeuropro Technologies, Inc.
InventorsTroy D. Knapp, Gregory C. Stalcup, Kreigh R. Williams, Benjamin J. Remington
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.
Claims26
A bone fusion system for inserting material into a bone fusion device in a desired location, the system comprising:
- a bone fusion body;
- and
- a delivery apparatus comprising a docking rod and a delivery member having an elongated hollow shaft that leads to an exit aperture, the exit aperture formed by an L-shaped cutout of a tip of the elongated hollow shaft, wherein the delivery member includes a funneling chamber having a narrow end proximate the elongated hollow shaft and a threaded chamber end opposite the narrow end, wherein the elongated hollow shaft provides a path from the funneling chamber to the exit aperture.
A method of operation of a bone fusion system, the method comprising:
- providing a bone fusion body;
- and
- detachably coupling a delivery member to a docking rod, wherein the delivery member has an elongated hollow shaft that leads to an exit aperture, the exit aperture formed by an L-shaped cutout of a tip of the elonged hollow shaft, and further wherein the delivery member includes a funneling chamber having a narrow end proximate the elongated hollow shaft and a threaded chamber end opposite the narrow end, wherein the elongated hollow shaft provides a path from the funneling chamber to the exit aperture.
A delivery apparatus for use in a bone fusion system, the delivery apparatus comprising:
- an elongated hollow shaft having an entrance aperture, an exit aperture and one or more coupling hoops extending from an outer surface of the hollow shaft between the exit aperture and the entrance aperture, wherein the exit aperture is formed by an L-shaped cutout of a tip of the hollow shaft;
- and
- a funneling chamber having a narrow end coupled to the entrance aperture of the elongated hollow shaft and a threaded chamber end opposite the narrow end, wherein the elongated hollow shaft provides a path from the funneling chamber to the exit aperture.
A flexible plunger for use in a bone fusion system, the flexible plunger comprising:
- a handle;
- a first straight flexible rod;
- a second straight flexible rod;
- a sleeve coupled with the handle, wherein the sleeve holds the first straight flexible rod adjacent to the second straight flexible rod in an area such that the first and second straight flexible rods are held next to each other within the area, but able to flex away from each other outside of the area, wherein the portion of the first straight flexible rod and the portion of the second straight flexible rod that extend out from the sleeve away from the handle have different lengths such that a distal tip of the first straight flexible rod is offset from a distal tip of the second straight flexible rod when both are fully extended away from the sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.