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Apparatus and a method for automatically introducing implants into soft tissue with adjustable spacing

  • US 6,270,472 B1
  • Filed: 12/29/1998
  • Issued: 08/07/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/29/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for depositing implants having an implant length Ls in soft tissue, said apparatus comprising:

  • an introducer comprising an elongated tube having a distal end insertable into the soft tissue and a passage extending from a proximal end to said distal end in which a plurality of implants are adapted to be retained;

    an obturator slidable within said passage in said introducer from said proximal end and bearing against said implants;

    a sleeve through which said introducer slidably extends; and

    an operating mechanism comprising means repetitively, incrementally withdrawing said introducer reward relative to said sleeve a distance L and means automatically coupling said obturator to said introducer after said introducer has been withdrawn a distance Ls equal to the length of the implant to withdraw said obturator with said introducer for the remainder of said distance L equal to Lp, whereby implants are deposited in said soft tissue with a spacing equal to Lp.

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