Oblique inserter
AssigneeSpineology Inc.
InventorsTodd BJORK, Lauren Berger VANBEEK, Adam SHINBROT, Steve JACOBSON
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An inserter includes a knob at its proximal end. The knob actuates linear motion of a slide at the distal end of the inserter. The linear motion of the slide separates two pins that project from a distal end of the inserter. The pins engage and release corresponding holes defined in the faceplate of an implant. The pins can project at an oblique angle from the longitudinal axis of the inserter. The angle of projection of each pin can be different so that a jaw-like action is provided, which securely grasps the implant via the holes in the faceplate.
Claims20
A surgical implant insertion tool, comprising:
- a slide defined at a distal end of the insertion tool;
- an actuator mechanically linked to the slide;
- a first pin disposed at the distal end of the insertion tool;
- a second pin coupled to the slide,
- wherein both the first and second pins project distally from the distal end of the insertion tool, and
- wherein the slide is constrained to move linearly so that the second pin vertically separates from the first pin when the actuator is moved in a first direction.
An implant system, comprising:
- an implantable device comprising a faceplate, wherein a first and second hole are defined into the faceplate;
- and
- an insertion tool releasably securable to the implantable device, the insertion tool comprising:
- a first pin disposed at a distal end of the insertion tool;
- a second pin disposed at the distal end of the insertion tool, the second pin linearly movable in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insertion tool;
- wherein both the first and second pins project distally from the distal end of the insertion tool, and
- wherein the first and second pins together secure the implantable device to the insertion tool by grasping a respective first and second hole of the implant when the second pin is moved in a direction away from longitudinal axis of the insertion tool.
A method of grasping a surgical implant with an implant insertion tool having a vertical height that is less than that of the surgical implant, the method comprising:
- inserting a first pin of the implant insertion tool into a first hole defined into a faceplate of the surgical implant;
- inserting a second pin of the implant insertion tool into a second hole defined into the faceplate of the surgical implant;
- and
- moving the second pin linearly away from a longitudinal axis of the implant insertion tool until the first and second pins securely grip the surgical implant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.