System and method for spine spacing
US6733534B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S606/91
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for positioning a spacer within a patient. The device has a first form having a reduced size to be inserted into the patient in a minimally invasive manner. The device than expands to a second form once inside the patient to an enlarged size. In one embodiment, the expansion results from biomaterial fed into the device. In another embodiment, the expansion results from the device being constructed of an expandable material that enlarges after being inserted into the patient. The method includes forming a minimally invasive opening within the patient for delivering the device to an application point. In one embodiment, a conduit is positioned within the patient for delivering the device. The conduit may also be used to deliver biomaterial to the interior of the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.