US 9,017,331 B2Granted

Bone staple, instrument and method of use and manufacturing

OwnerWilliam Casey Foxinventor

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Abstract

A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

(a) forming a staple in a non-parallel shape, wherein
(i) the staple comprises a staple bridge adjoined to a plurality of staple legs;
(ii) the non-parallel shape is a convergent shape,
(ii) the staple bridge is contracted and the staple legs are convergent when the staple is in the non-parallel position,
(iv) the staple is shape memory metal in austenite form;
(b) moving the staple to a parallel shape, wherein
(i) the shape memory metal is in martensite form before and during the step of moving, and
(ii) the staple bridge is elongated and the staple legs are substantially parallel when the staple is in the parallel position;
(c) positioning the staple in a cartridge after moving the staple to the parallel position;
and
(d) maintaining the staple in the parallel shape within the cartridge at a temperature above which the shape memory metal would be in the austenite form if not maintained in the parallel shape, wherein the staple is operable for moving substantially toward the non-parallel shape when the staple is released from the cartridge.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/192,186Filed 27 Jul 2011
Published: US 2013/0030438 A131 Jan 2013
Granted: 28 Apr 2015
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification17 codes

A61B 17/0642
Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue: for bones, e.g. for osteosynthesis or connecting tendon to bone
A61B 17/064
Surgical instruments, devices or methods: surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
A61B 17/0682
Surgical staplers , e.g. containing multiple staples or clamps: for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil
A61B 17/10
Surgical instruments, devices or methods: for applying or removing wound clamps , e.g. containing only one clamp or staple ; Wound clamp magazines