Staples for bone fixation
US6685708B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S606/916
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for increasing the span length of a bone staple, which includes two prongs connected by a system which provides a mechanical advantage to facilitate bringing the prongs closer together or further apart. One prong includes a staple receptor. The other prong includes a cam-like head such that when the prongs are brought together the staple span length of a staple in the receptor increases. Alternatively, the two prongs are disposed for mounting a staple. When the prongs are pushed apart the staple span length increases. The present invention also relates to a bone staple formed of a shape-memory alloy and an apparatus associated with the staple. The apparatus deforms the staple by increasing its span length and facilitating its insertion into bone tissue. The deformation range of the staple allows the staple to revert to its original shape when the temperature is changed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.