Systems and methods for spinal surgery

US9180024B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medos International Sarl · CH

Inventors

• Michael Mahoney · Middletown, US
• Sara Dziedzic · Milton, US
• Paul Birkmeyer · Marshfield, US
• Timothy Beardsley · Kingston, US
• Dale Frank · Norwalk, US
• Ron Naughton · Pleasanton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 19, 2011
• Grant date: Nov 10, 2015
• Expiry date: Nov 18, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2310/00359
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.