CERVICAL DISTRACTION/IMPLANT DELIVERY DEVICE
First Claim
1. A distraction tool for distracting a facet joint, the tool comprising:
- a handle;
a cannula extending from the handle; and
a distraction mechanism positioned on a distal end of the cannula and adapted to be placed in the facet joint,wherein the handle is in communication with the distraction mechanism and actuation of the handle causes distraction thereof.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A distraction tool for distracting a facet joint, the tool comprising:
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a handle; a cannula extending from the handle; and a distraction mechanism positioned on a distal end of the cannula and adapted to be placed in the facet joint, wherein the handle is in communication with the distraction mechanism and actuation of the handle causes distraction thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
wherein, actuation of the elongate member causes distraction of at least one of the plurality of pairs of teeth.
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4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the distraction mechanism comprises:
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a hollow elongated body having facet engaging features; and an elongated member adapted for insertion within the body, wherein, insertion of the elongated member actuates the facet engaging features.
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5. The tool of claim 4, wherein the facet engaging features include deployable keels.
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6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the distraction mechanism comprises a plurality of leaf blades and the handle includes an indicating dial, wherein actuation of the indicating dial advances one or more of the plurality of leaf blades and provides an indication of the level of distraction.
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7. The tool of claim 1, wherein the distraction mechanism comprises:
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an expandable receiving portion having upper and lower generally planar elements connected at an end with a living hinge; and an actuation device adapted to be placed between the planar elements, wherein, the planar elements include malleable material that conforms to the facet surface upon implantation.
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8. A distraction mechanism for distracting a facet joint, the mechanism comprising:
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a head in the form of an oblong band; and an elongate member extending through the head and adapted to draw opposing ends of the head toward one another thereby expanding the head. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A distraction mechanism for distracting a facet joint, the mechanism comprising:
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a plurality of pairs of teeth in pivotal relation with a central core; and an elongate member extending through the central core, wherein, actuation of the elongate member causes distraction of at least one of the plurality of pairs of teeth. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A distraction mechanism for a facet joint, the mechanism comprising:
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a hollow elongated body having facet engaging features; and an elongated member adapted for insertion within the body, wherein, insertion of the elongated member actuates the facet engaging features. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A distraction mechanism for distracting a facet joint, the mechanism comprising:
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an expandable receiving portion having upper and lower generally planar elements connected at an end with a living hinge; and an actuation device adapted to be placed between the planar elements, wherein, the planar elements include malleable material that conforms to the facet surface upon implantation. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A delivery tool for positioning a distraction mechanism in a facet joint between confronting facets of adjacent vertebra, the tool comprising:
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a distraction mechanism for distracting a facet joint, a handle and a cannula connected to one another and carrying said distraction mechanism on a distal end thereof, said handle including means for delivering energy to said distraction mechanism, said distraction mechanism being manipulatable to increase the spacing of said confronting facets thereby distracting said facet joint. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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Specification