Artificial disc implant
US6881228B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00976
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An artificial disc implant includes an upper shell, a lower shell, and a spacer therebetween. The spacer preferably has properties similar to that of a natural spinal disc, while the upper and lower shells form a rigid interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral bodies. The upper and lower shells can be configured to prevent expulsion of the spacer from the disc space. The implant upper and lower shells may further be configured into partially cylindrical shapes for ease of insertion through an insertion tube as presently known for interbody fusion devices. The devices may further be configured for insertion through a double-barreled insertion tube. Methods and instruments for inserting an artificial disc implant are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.