Apparatus for spinal fusion
US8206398B2 · kind B2 · utility
18Cited by
109References
30Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S606/914
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. An expandable implant includes a plurality of elements are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of elements. The column of elements is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the elements are consecutively added to the column. The expandable implant includes a constraint including a cooperative engagement structure between adjacent elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.