Patent · US Expired

Instrument and method for implanting an interbody fusion device

US6524312B2 · kind B2 · utility

265Cited by
90References
114Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 5, 2001
Grant dateFeb 25, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 5, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2250/0063
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A holder is provided which couples to the spine. In an embodiment, the holder has two conduits into which sleeves may be inserted during a spinal fusion procedure. The holder may have a distractor extending from the bottom of the holder. The distractor secures the holder to the spine and maintains a proper separation distance between adjacent vertebrae. The sides of the distractor may be serrated to better secure the holder to the spine. The sleeves and conduits serve as alignment guides for instruments and implants used during the procedure. In an embodiment, the holder may include holes for fasteners that fixably secure the holder to vertebrae adjacent to a disc space. A flange may be placed around the holder to shield surrounding tissue and to provide a placement location for adjacent blood vessels during the spinal fusion procedure.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.