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US 2008/0167658 A1Published application
Injectable fastener system and method
AssigneeSynthes USA, LLC
InventorsSean Kerr, Edward August Kurek, Junior Julien
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and devices are shown for forming polymer fasteners into bone by expelling the polymer from a cannula. Devices and methods shown allow a user to form multiple fasteners of various sizes without re-loading a device. Devices and methods shown further provide temperature profiles during fastener formation that reduce or eliminate thermal necrosis. Devices and methods shown further provide fasteners with increased strength.
Claims20
A bone support attachment device, comprising:
- an injection cannula sized to hold an amount of polymer to form a fastener;
- a polymer supply inlet in a side of the injection cannula;
- and
- a plunger located at an first end of the injection cannula such that when actuated, the plunger cuts off the supply inlet and subsequently expels the amount of polymer from a second end of the injection cannula.
1 more element
A bone support attachment device, comprising:
- an injection cannula sized to hold an amount of polymer to form a fastener;
- a polymer supply inlet in a side of the injection cannula;
- a plunger located at an first end of the injection cannula such that when actuated, the plunger cuts off the supply inlet and subsequently expels the amount of polymer from a second end of the injection cannula;
- a chamber to house a block of polymer, the chamber connected to the supply inlet to provide multiple fasteners from a single chamber full of polymer
- a heating element to raise a temperature of an amount of polymer within the injection cannula;
- and
- a depth gauge coupled adjacent to the second end of the injection cannula to control a depth of the cannula within a fastener opening.
4 more elements
A method of attaching a support structure to a bone, comprising:
- heating an amount of polymer at or above its glass transition temperature;
- drilling a hole in the bone to accept a fastener;
- aligning a hole in the support structure with the hole in the bone;
- inserting a cannula through the hole in the support structure, past an interface between the support structure and the bone, and at least partially into the hole in the bone;
- expelling the heated amount of polymer from a tip of a cannula, into the hole in the bone;
- and
- removing the cannula from the hole in the bone and the hole in the support structure, wherein the polymer remains fastened to the bone, and holds to the adjacent support structure in place.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.