US 6,582,441 B1 · Surgical insertion tool

Abstract

A tool is provided for facilitating determining a proper location for an implantable device or medication, and for then delivering the implant to the precise location determined with the tool. To determine the target location, the tool may include a component for testing target locations, such as a stimulating probe for simulating a miniature implantable stimulator. In one embodiment, the tool is used to test a miniature implantable stimulator prior to depositing the implant precisely at the target location. The components of the tool are configured to maintain the implant at the target location while the tool is withdrawn. In one embodiment, a push rod assembly of the tool keeps the implant in position while it retracts the implant holder from around the implant. The ergonomic and light-weight tool leads to reduced surgical time, number and size of incisions, risk of infection, and likelihood of error.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A surgical system for inserting an implant comprising:

an implant;
a cannula;
a handle attached to the cannula;
at least one locating device removably insertable into the cannula;
an implant holder removably insertable into the cannula;
and
a push rod removably insertable into the implant holder;
wherein the implant is held by the implant holder;
and
wherein the push rod engages the implant, thereby keeping the implant in place as the implant holder is disengaged from the implant;
and
wherein the implant is a miniature implantable stimulator.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Surgical insertion tool

Life of this patent

Surgical insertion tool

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32