Systems and methods for inserting an expandable intervertebral device
AssigneePioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.
InventorScott J. Perrow
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Abstract
An expandable interbody device for implantation within an intervertebral space is provided, together with methods and tools for use therewith. The interbody devices of the present invention include upper and lower bearing members configured to expand via an expansion mechanism configured to allow the insertion of osteoconductive materials and other structures into the interior of the interbody device before and after implantation, and before and after expansion of the interbody device. The insertion tool is configured expand the interbody device and to allow insertion of materials into the interbody device through a protected pathway.
Claims20
An expandable intervertebral device for implantation within an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae, the expandable intervertebral device comprising:
- upper and lower bearing members each having a bone-engaging outer surface and an inner facing surface, a distal leading end, a proximal trailing end, opposing lateral sides, and a through-opening extending between the bone-engaging outer surface and the inner facing surface and located between the leading and trailing ends and the opposing lateral sides;
- and
- an expansion mechanism operably connected to the upper and lower bearing members for shifting the bearing members between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration, the expansion mechanism located between the upper and lower bearing members and on either side of the through-opening in each of the upper and lower bearing members so that the through-openings are oriented to provide an uninterrupted void between the outer surfaces of the upper and lower bearing members to promote boney ingrowth between the adjacent vertebrae.
A system for implanting an expandable interbody device between adjacent upper and lower vertebrae with an insertion tool, the system comprising:
- the expandable interbody device having upper and lower bearing members and an opening at a proximal end thereof for insertion of osteoconductive material or additional components into an interior of the expandable interbody device;
- the insertion tool being configured to hold the expandable interbody device and comprising:
- an actuator for causing the interbody device to expand;
- and
- a hollow shaft assembly having an enclosed pathway extending through the shaft assembly to the opening in the proximal end of the expandable interbody device for inserting osteoconductive material or additional components into the interior of the expandable interbody device while the insertion tool is engaged with the interbody device.
A method of inserting an expandable intervertebral device, comprising:
- preparing an intervertebral disc for implantation of an interbody device;
- inserting the interbody device into the intervertebral space with an insertion tool;
- expanding the interbody device into an expanded configuration with the insertion tool;
- inserting osteoconductive material through an enclosed path of the insertion tool into the interbody device while the insertion tool is engaged with the interbody device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.