Centrally driven expandable implant

US7879096B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Inventors

• Andrew M. Dickson · Knoxville, US
• James S. Harrop · Philadelphia, US
• Dean G. Karahalios · Indianapolis, US
• Eric A. Potts · Indianapolis, US
• Christopher I. Shaffrey · Charlottesville, US
• Jeffrey C. Wang · West Hollywood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 27, 2006
• Grant date: Feb 1, 2011
• Expiry date: Mar 10, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2310/00179
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An expandable medical implant for supporting skeletal structures. The medical implant having a length along its expandable dimension. The implant having a first tubular member with a connection end, an opposite skeletal interface end, and a central expansion instrument opening. Also, the implant has a second tubular member with a connection end configured to engage with the connection end of the first tubular member. The second tubular member having an opposite skeletal interface end. Additionally, an expansion instrument is insertable through the central expansion instrument opening and expandable against the first tubular member and the connection end of the second tubular member to expand the medical implant. The combined first and second tubular members are of a greater dimension along the length of the implant than the combined first and second tubular members are in any dimension perpendicular to their length.