Instrumentation and method for delivering an implant into a vertebral space

Instrumentation for delivering an implant into a vertebral space, comprising:

• a carrier cartridge defining a cavity configured to receive the implant;
• a deployment cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end configured to insert the implant into the vertebral space;
• and
• at least one folding die defined by at least one of said carrier cartridge and said deployment cannula, said folding die forming an inwardly decreasing taper in a direction from said cavity to said deployment cannula so as to reconfigure the implant from a relatively flat configuration toward a substantially cylindrical configuration as the implant is displaced through said cavity toward said deployment cannula.

Instrumentation for delivering an implant into a vertebral space, comprising:

• means for transitioning the implant from a substantially planar configuration to a non-planar configuration;
• means for selectively retaining the implant in said non-planar configuration;
• and
• means for inserting the implant into the vertebral space.

A system for treatment of a portion of the spine, comprising:

• an implant;
• and
• a die member defining an opening sized to receive the implant while in an initial configuration;
• and
• wherein said die member is configured such that relative displacement between the implant and said die member causes the implant to transition from the initial configuration toward a deformed configuration having a reduced lateral profile relative to the initial configuration.

A method for delivering an implant into a vertebral space, comprising:

• providing an implant;
• providing a die member defining an opening sized to receive the implant while in an initial configuration;
• displacing the implant relative to the die member;
• and
• transitioning the implant from the initial configuration to a deformed configuration having a reduced lateral profile relative to the initial configuration.