Methods and instruments for interbody fusion

US7300440B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Inventors

• Thomas Zdeblick · Middleton, US
• Lawrence M. Boyd · Memphis, US
• Eddie F. Ray, III · Cordova, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 21, 2003
• Grant date: Nov 27, 2007
• Expiry date: May 21, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2310/00796
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope includes a laparoscopic port at its opposite end through which instruments and implants are inserted. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. The laparoscope is alternately engaged within bilateral locations in the disc space for insertion of a pair of fusion implants. A switching sleeve extends through the laparoscope to protect the tissue at the surgical site as the laparoscope is moved between the bilateral fusion locations.