System for coupling an implant to a tool for inserting and removing the implant
US5409492A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2230/0023
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for inserting and removing an implant comprising an implant and a tool. The implant has a protrusion, preferably triangular, extending from its proximal end. A tool designed for engaging the protrusion has a shaft, a sleeve and an actuation assembly. A cavity for receiving and lockingly engaging the protrusion on the implant is formed in the distal end of the shaft. The sleeve has a flattened surface in its interior configured to confront a complementary flattened surface on the shaft to constrain the shaft and the sleeve against rotation relative to each other. The actuation assembly moves the sleeve back and forth along the shaft to position the shaft into an extended position wherein the cavity is exposed or into a retracted position wherein the cavity, and the protrusion when it is seated in the cavity, are captured in the sleeve. A spring is provided in the actuation assembly for biasing the sleeve distally toward an open end of the shaft to move the shaft and the cavity in a normally retracted position within the sleeve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.