Cervical distraction/implant delivery device
US8512347B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2220/0041
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems for distracting a facet joint and positioning a permanent implant in the joint are disclosed. The implants serve to retain a distracted position of the facet joint which is achieved with positioning of the leading end of a distraction tool in the facet joint and then distracting or enlarging the joint a desired amount. The permanent implant could be part of the distraction mechanism which can be separated from the delivery tool once the joint has been distracted or an auxiliary implant may be positioned before the distraction mechanism is removed from the distracted joint. The permanent implants can be solid, mechanical devices that may have fixation means thereon to hold them in place or injected fluids such as hydrogels or fluids confined within balloons.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.