METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DELIVERING AND AFFIXING TISSUE SCAFFOLDS
First Claim
1. A tissue scaffold loading system, comprising:
- a delivery shaft having at least one prong extending from a distal end thereof, the at least one prong being configured to extend through a tissue scaffold; and
a loading block having a surface configured to seat a tissue scaffold thereon, the surface having at least one opening formed therein and configured to receive the at least one prong on the delivery shaft such that the at least one prong can extend through a tissue scaffold seated on the surface, the loading block further including a guide member extending from the surface and having at least one channel formed therein, the at least one channel being positioned to guide the at least one prong into the at least one opening on the surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for delivering and affixing tissue replacements. In one embodiment, a tissue scaffold can be delivered into a patient through a cannula to a cavity formed at a defect site in tissue, e.g., cartilage. A delivery shaft can be used to deliver the scaffold through the cannula, and a loading device can help load the scaffold onto the delivery shaft. A delivery guide device can position and temporarily hold the scaffold within the cavity. The delivery guide device can guide one or more surgical instruments to the scaffold to affix the scaffold within the cavity, e.g., to bone underlying the scaffold, using at least one securing mechanism.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. A tissue scaffold loading system, comprising:
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a delivery shaft having at least one prong extending from a distal end thereof, the at least one prong being configured to extend through a tissue scaffold; and a loading block having a surface configured to seat a tissue scaffold thereon, the surface having at least one opening formed therein and configured to receive the at least one prong on the delivery shaft such that the at least one prong can extend through a tissue scaffold seated on the surface, the loading block further including a guide member extending from the surface and having at least one channel formed therein, the at least one channel being positioned to guide the at least one prong into the at least one opening on the surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11-26. -26. (canceled)
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27. A method for delivering a tissue scaffold, comprising:
advancing a proximal end of a delivery shaft into a distal end of a delivery cannula to position a tissue scaffold disposed on a distal end of the delivery shaft within the distal end of the delivery cannula, the delivery cannula causing the tissue scaffold to fold around at least one prong on the distal end of the delivery shaft as the tissue scaffold is advanced into the distal end of the delivery cannula. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37-41. -41. (canceled)
Specification