Spinal fixation tool set and method

• US 7,621,918 B2
• Filed: 11/23/2004
• Issued: 11/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Roger P. Jackson
• Original Assignee: Roger P. Jackson
• Inventors: Jackson, Roger P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Robert; Eduardo C
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOFFMAN, MARY C
• Application Number:
  US10/996,349
• Publication Number:
  US 20060111713A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,827 Days
• Field of Search: 606/61, 606/104, 606 72- 73, 606/246, 606250-279, 606300-331, 606/86.A, 606/99, 606/914, 606/916
• US Class Current: 606/86.00A
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7002 Longitudinal elements, e.g. rods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7011 Longitudinal element being non-straight, e.g. curved, angled or branched adjustable length longitudinal elements A61B17/7014; A61B17/7019 takes precedence, e.g. coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7032 Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7037 wherein pivoting is blocked when the rod is clamped
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7082 for driving, i.e. rotating, screws or screw parts specially adapted for spinal fixation, e.g. for driving polyaxial or tulip-headed screws driving other bone screws A61B17/8875
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7085 for insertion of a longitudinal element down one or more hollow screw or hook extensions, i.e. at least a part of the element within an extension has a component of movement parallel to the extension's axis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7091 for applying, tightening or removing longitudinal element-to-bone anchor locking elements, e.g. caps, set screws, nuts or wedges

Abstract

A spinal implant tool set includes end guide tools having flexible back wall flaps that receive opposite ends of the rod and intermediate guide tools that hold the rod in intermediate locations between the end guide tools. Both the end and intermediate guide tools include an attachment structure for operably connecting the guide tool to a bone screw. A multi-function installation tool and a bone screw driver each mate and cooperate with the guide tools. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the bone screws and the rod in the patient.

Claims

1. A vertebral support rod implantation kit adapted for use with a plurality of vertebrae, the kit comprising:

a) a plurality of polyaxial bone screws, each bone screw being adapted for implantation in one of the vertebrae, each of the bone screws having an attachment structure;

b) an elongate rod having first and second ends, the rod sized and shaped to extend between a pair of end bone screws of the plurality of bone screws;

c) a plurality of closure tops, each closure top sized and shape to mate with a respective bone screw and retain the elongate rod within a cavity defined by the respective bone screw;

d) a pair of end guide tools, each end guide tool having

i) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis along an entire length of the guide tool, at least a portion of the channel opening sized and shaped for side loading and receiving of an end of the rod;

ii) opposed spinal implant engaging structure near a bottom of the body; and

iii) said elongate body including a flexible holding tang disposed opposite the lateral opening and pressable laterally outwardly from the elongate body outer surface, the holding tang sized and shaped to closely receive and resiliently abut against the end of the rod to minimize movement of the rod along its length.

2. A tool set for implanting a rod in a patient, the tool set comprising:

a) first and second end guide tools, each guide tool further comprising;

i) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis of the guide tool along an entire length of the guide tool, at least a portion of the channel opening sized and shaped for side loading and receiving of an end of the rod;

ii) opposed spinal implant engaging structure near a bottom of the body;

iii) a flexible holding structure disposed opposite the lateral opening and pressable laterally outwardly from the elongate body outer surface, the holding structure sized and shaped to closely receive and abut against the end of the rod; and

wherein

iv) the flexible holding structure includes a back wall disposed opposite the lateral opening, the back wall having first and second elongate and parallel slits with a back wall flap portion disposed between the first and second slits, the back wall flap portion partially defining the channel and pushable to a location lateral with respect to a remainder of the back wall, the channel adapted to receive the rod end therein and the back wall flap portion adapted for lateral flexing to accommodate the rod.

3. A tool set for implanting a rod in a patient, the tool set comprising:

a) first and second end guide tools, each guide tool further comprising;

i) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis of the guide tool along an entire length of the guide tool, at least a portion of the channel opening sized and shaped for side loading and receiving of an end of the rod;

ii) opposed spinal implant engaging structure near a bottom of the body;

iii) a flexible holding structure disposed opposite the lateral opening and pressable laterally outwardly from the elongate body outer surface, the holding structure sized and shaped to closely receive and abut against the end of the rod; and

iv) an elongate installation tool having a translation nut and an attached sleeve, the translation nut coaxial and being freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to at least one of the end guide tools, the sleeve having a rod pushing end, the installation tool being attachable to the end guide tool in a first bone screw implantation orientation and in a second rod pushing orientation, the first orientation with the sleeve being in a fixed, stationary position with respect to the end guide tool and the sleeve substantially surrounding the end guide tool, the second rod pushing orientation wherein the sleeve is in sliding relation along an axis of the end guide tool, the nut translating the rod pushing end between a first location spaced from the end guide tool bottom and a second location near the end guide tool bottom.

4. The tool set of claim 3 wherein the installation tool sleeve defines a second channel opening extending substantially along a length of the sleeve to an open end thereof opposite the translation nut, the installation tool being selectively attachable to the end guide tool in one of first and second positions, the first position being wherein the first channel opening and the second channel opening are fixed in adjacent relationship, the second position being wherein the flexible holding structure and the second channel opening are fixed in adjacent relationship with the flexible holding structure being outwardly protrudeable through the second channel opening.

5. A tool set for implanting a rod in a patient, the tool set comprising:

a) first and second end guide tools, each guide tool further comprising;

i) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis of the guide tool along an entire length of the guide tool, at least a portion of the channel opening sized and shaped for side loading and receiving of an end of the rod;

ii) opposed spinal implant engaging structure near a bottom of the body;

iii) a flexible holding structure disposed opposite the lateral opening and pressable laterally outwardly from the elongate body outer surface, the holding structure sized and shaped to closely receive and abut against the end of the rod; and

iv) at least one intermediate guide tool having first and second legs defining a longitudinal pass- through slot for receiving the rod therethrough.

6. The tool set of claim 5 further comprising:

a) an installation tool configured for rotatable attachment to at least one of the intermediate guide tool and the end guide tools, the installation tool having a rod pushing end; and

b) at least one driver having a handle, a guide tool attachment portion and a stem, the stem having an end configured for rotatable engagement with a spinal implant, the driver configured for coaxial relationship with at least one of the intermediate guide tool and the end guide tools when the stem is disposed within the respective guide tool and the respective guide tool is attached to an installation tool, the attachment portion configured for rigid attachment to the respective guide tool.

7. A vertebral support rod implantation kit adapted for use with a plurality of vertebrae, the kit comprising:

a) a plurality of polyaxial bone screws, each bone screw being adapted for implantation in one of the vertebrae, each of the bone screws having an attachment structure;

b) an elongate rod having first and second ends, the rod sized and shaped to extend between a pair of end bone screws of the plurality of bone screws;

c) a plurality of closure tops, each closure top sized and shape to mate with a respective bone screw and retain the elongate rod within a cavity defined by the respective bone screw;

d) a pair of end guide tools, each end guide tool having

i) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis along an entire length of the guide tool, at least a portion of the channel opening sized and shaped for side loading and receiving of an end of the rod;

ii) opposed spinal implant engaging structure near a bottom of the body;

iii) a flexible holding structure disposed opposite the lateral opening and pressable laterally outwardly from the elongate body outer surface, the holding structure sized and shaped to closely receive and abut against the end of the rod; and

wherein

iv) the flexible holding structure includes a back wall disposed opposite the lateral opening, the back wall having first and second elongate and parallel slits with a back wall flap portion disposed between the first and second slits, the back wall flap portion partially defining the channel and pushable to a location lateral with respect to a remainder of the back wall, the channel adapted to receive the rod end therein and the back wall flap portion adapted for lateral flexing to accommodate the rod.

8. The kit of claim 7 further comprising a first helically wound guide and advancement structure located near the bottom of the end guide tool, the first guide and advancement structure providing a helical pathway to rotatably and matingly receive a mating guide and advancement structure of a respective bone screw closure top and the first guide and advancement structure also being operably alignable with a second guide and advancement structure located on a respective bone screw so as to continue the helical pathway when a respective guide tool is attached to a respective bone screw and so as to be adapted to transfer the closure top between a respective guide tool and the bone screw upon rotation of the closure top.

9. A vertebral support rod implantation kit adapted for use with a plurality of vertebrae, the kit comprising:

a) a plurality of polyaxial bone screws, each bone screw being adapted for implantation in one of the vertebrae, each of the bone screws having an attachment structure;

b) an elongate rod having first and second ends, the rod sized and shaped to extend between a pair of end bone screws of the plurality of bone screws;

c) a plurality of closure tops, each closure top sized and shape to mate with a respective bone screw and retain the elongate rod within a cavity defined by the respective bone screw;

d) a pair of end guide tools, each end guide tool having

i) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis along an entire length of the guide tool, at least a portion of the channel opening sized and shaped for side loading and receiving of an end of the rod;

ii) opposed spinal implant engaging structure near a bottom of the body;

iii) a flexible holding structure disposed opposite the lateral opening and pressable laterally outwardly from the elongate body outer surface, the holding structure sized and shaped to closely receive and abut against the end of the rod; and

iv) at least one elongate installation tool having a translation nut and attached sleeve, the translation nut being coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut being configured for rotatable attachment to the end guide tool, the sleeve having a rod pushing end, the installation tool being selectively attachable to the guide tool in a first bone screw implantation orientation and in a second rod pushing orientation, the first orientation being with the sleeve in a fixed, stationary position with respect to the guide tool, the sleeve substantially surrounding the guide tool, the second rod pushing orientation wherein the sleeve is in sliding relation along an axis of the guide tool, rotation of the nut translating the rod pushing end between a first location spaced from the guide tool end and a second location near the guide tool end.

10. A vertebral support rod implantation kit adapted for use with a plurality of vertebrae, the kit comprising:

a) a plurality of polyaxial bone screws, each bone screw being adapted for implantation in one of the vertebrae, each of the bone screws having an attachment structure;

b) an elongate rod having first and second ends, the rod sized and shaped to extend between a pair of end bone screws of the plurality of bone screws;

c) a plurality of closure tops, each closure top sized and shape to mate with a respective bond screw and retain the elongate rod within a cavity defined by the respective bone screw;

d) a pair of end guide tools, each end guide tool having

i) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis along an entire length of the guide tool, at least a portion of the channel opening sized and shaped for side loading and receiving of an end of the rod;

ii) opposed spinal implant engaging structure near a bottom of the body;

iii) a flexible holding structure disposed opposite the lateral opening and pressable laterally outwardly from the elongate body outer surface, the holding structure sized and shaped to closely receive and abut against the end of the rod; and

iv) at least one intermediate guide tool having first and second legs extending to an end thereof, the first and second legs defining a longitudinal pass-through slot for receiving the rod therethrough.

11. The kit of claim 10 further comprising at least one elongate installation tool having a translation nut and attached sleeve, the translation nut being coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut being configured for rotatable attachment with the intermediate guide tool, the sleeve having a rod pushing end, the installation tool being selectively attachable to the intermediate guide tool in a first bone screw implantation orientation and in a second rod pushing orientation, the first orientation being with the sleeve in a fixed, stationary position with respect to the intermediate guide tool, the sleeve substantially surrounding the first and second legs, the second rod pushing orientation being wherein the sleeve is in sliding relation along an axis of the intermediate guide tool, when rotated the nut translating the rod pushing end along the first and second legs between a first location spaced from the intermediate guide tool end and a second location near the intermediate guide tool end.

12. A vertebral support rod implantation kit adapted for use with a plurality of vertebrae, the kit comprising:

a) a plurality of polyaxial bone screws, each bone screw being adapted for implantation in one of the vertebrae, each of the bone screws having an attachment structure;

b) an elongate rod having first and second ends, the rod sized and shaped to extend between a pair of end bone screws of the plurality of bone screws;

c) a plurality of closure tops, each closure top sized and shape to mate with a respective bone screw and retain the elongate rod within a cavity defined by the respective bone screw;

d) a pair of end guide tools, each end guide tool having

i) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis along an entire length of the guide tool, at least a portion of the channel opening sized and shaped for side loading and receiving of an end of the rod;

ii) opposed spinal implant engaging structure near a bottom of the body;

iii) a flexible holding structure disposed opposite the lateral opening and pressable laterally outwardly from the elongate body outer surface, the holding structure sized and shaped to closely receive and resiliently abut against the end of the rod; and

iv) at least one driver having a handle, a guide tool attachment portion and a stem, the stem having an end configured for rotatable engagement with a respective polyaxial bone screw, the driver being in coaxial relationship with the guide tool when the stem is disposed within the guide tool, the attachment portion being configured for rigid attachment to the guide tool.

13. A spinal rod implantation tool assembly comprising:

a) an elongate guide tool having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis an entire length of the guide tool, and an end configured for releaseable attachment to a spinal implant bone screw;

b) the guide tool being an end guide tool having a body defining a first channel opening and a back wall defining first and second elongate and parallel slits with a back wall flap portion disposed between the first and second slits, the back wall flap portion disposed opposite the first channel opening;

c) an elongate installation tool having a sleeve with a rod pushing end, the installation tool attachable to the elongate guide tool in one of a first bone screw implantation orientation and a second rod pushing orientation, the first orientation with the sleeve being in a fixed, stationary position with respect to the guide tool and substantially surrounding the guide tool, the second rod pushing orientation wherein the rod pushing end is selectively advanced toward and away the elongate guide tool end;

d) the installation tool sleeve defining a second channel opening extending substantially along a length of the sleeve to an open end thereof opposite the translation nut, the installation tool being attachable to the end guide tool in one of first and second positions, the first position wherein the first channel opening and the second channel opening are fixed in adjacent relationship, the second position wherein the back wall and the second channel opening are fixed in adjacent relationship with the back wall flap portion being rotatable into the second channel opening.

e) a translation nut attached to the sleeve, the translation nut coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to the guide tool with rotation of the nut translating the rod pushing end with respect to the guide tool.

14. A spinal rod implantation tool assembly comprising:

a) an elongate guide tool having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis an entire length of the guide tool, and an end configured for releaseable attachment to a spinal implant bone screw;

the guide tool having first and second legs;

the guide tool having a first pin projecting from a first inner surface of the first leg, the first pin having a first body and a first lip, the first pin body, first lip and the first inner surface defining a first slot;

the guide tool having a second pin smaller than the first pin, the second pin projecting from a second inner surface of the second leg, the second pin having a second body and a second lip, the second body, second lip, and second inner surface defining a second slot, the first and second slots for a twist-on insertion and releaseable attachment of a spinal bone screw head between the first and second legs;

b) an elongate installation tool having a sleeve with a rod pushing end, the installation tool attachable to the elongate guide tool in one of a first bone screw implantation orientation and a second rod pushing orientation, the first orientation with the sleeve being in a fixed, stationary position with respect to the guide tool and substantially surrounding the guide tool, the second rod pushing orientation wherein the rod pushing end is selectively advanced toward and away the elongate guide tool end; and

c) a translation nut attached to the sleeve, the translation nut coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to the guide tool with rotation of the nut translating the rod pushing end with respect to the guide tool.

15. The assembly of claim 14 further comprising:

a) a first nub disposed on the first inner surface and spaced from the first pin; and

b) a second nub disposed on the second inner surface and spaced from the second pin.

16. A spinal rod implantation tool assembly comprising:

a) an elongate guide tool having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis an entire length of the guide tool, and an end configured for releaseable attachment to a spinal implant bone screw;

the guide tool having an outer surface having a first guide and advancement structure thereon;

b) an elongate installation tool having a sleeve with a rod pushing end, the installation tool attachable to the elongate guide tool in one of a first bone screw implantation orientation and a second rod pushing orientation, the first orientation with the sleeve being in a fixed, stationary position with respect to the guide tool and substantially surrounding the guide tool, the second rod pushing orientation wherein the rod pushing end is selectively advanced toward and away the elongate guide tool end;

c) a translation nut attached to the sleeve, the translation nut coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to the guide tool with rotation of the nut translating the rod pushing end with respect to the guide tool;

the translation nut having a first inner surface having a second guide and advancement structure thereon, mateable with the first guide and advancement structure; and

d) a driver having a handle, a guide tool attachment portion and a stem, the stem having an end configured for rotatable engagement with a spinal implant, the driver in coaxial relationship with both the guide tool and the installation tool when the stem is disposed within the guide tool and the guide tool is attached to the installation tool, the attachment portion configured for rigid and releaseable attachment to the guide tool;

the driver guide tool attachment portion has a second inner surface having a third guide and advancement structure mateable with the first guide and advancement structure.

17. A spinal rod implantation tool assembly comprising:

a) an elongate guide tool having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis an entire length of the guide tool, and an end configured for releaseable attachment to a spinal implant bone screw;

b) an elongate installation tool having a sleeve with a rod pushing end, the installation tool attachable to the elongate guide tool in one of a first bone screw implantation orientation and a second rod pushing orientation, the first orientation with the sleeve being in a fixed, stationary position with respect to the guide tool and substantially surrounding the guide tool, the second rod pushing orientation wherein the rod pushing end is selectively advanced toward and away the elongate guide tool end;

c) a translation nut attached to the sleeve, the translation nut coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to the guide tool with rotation of the nut translating the rod pushing end with respect to the guide tool; and

d) a driver having a handle, a guide tool attachment portion and a stem, the stem having an end configured for rotatable engagement with a spinal implant, the driver in coaxial relationship with both the guide tool and the installation tool when the stem is disposed within the guide tool and the guide tool is attached to the installation tool, the attachment portion configured for rigid and releaseable attachment to the guide tool;

the driver guide tool attachment portion being a nut attachment freely rotatable with respect to the driver handle.

18. A spinal rod implantation tool assembly comprising:

a) an elongate guide tool having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis an entire length of the guide tool, and an end configured for releaseable attachment to a spinal implant bone screw;

the guide tool having a slot;

b) an elongate installation tool having a sleeve with a rod pushing end, the installation tool attachable to the elongate guide tool in one of a first bone screw implantation orientation and a second rod pushing orientation, the first orientation with the sleeve being in a fixed, stationary position with respect to the guide tool and substantially surrounding the guide tool, the second rod pushing orientation wherein the rod pushing end is selectively advanced toward and away the elongate guide tool end;

c) a translation nut attached to the sleeve, the translation nut coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to the guide tool with rotation of the nut translating the rod pushing end with respect to the guide tool; and

d) a driver having a handle, a guide tool attachment portion and a stem, the stem having an end configured for rotatable engagement with a spinal implant, the driver in coaxial relationship with both the guide tool and the installation tool when the stem is disposed within the guide tool and the guide tool is attached to the installation tool, the attachment portion configured for rigid and releaseable attachment to the guide tool;

the driver having a pin projecting laterally from the stem; and

the pin slidable within the guide tool slot and preventing rotation of the guide tool with respect to the driver when the pin is disposed in the slot.

19. A spinal rod implantation tool assembly comprising:

a) an elongate guide tool having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis an entire length of the guide tool, and an end configured for releaseable attachment to a spinal implant bone screw;

the guide tool being an end guide tool having a body defining a first channel opening and a back wall defining first and second elongate and parallel slits with a back wall portion disposed between the first and second slits, the back wall portion disposed opposite the first channel opening;

b) an elongate installation tool having a translation nut and attached sleeve, the translation nut being coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to the guide tool, the sleeve partially extending around the guide tool and coaxial therewith when the nut and guide tool are attached;

the installation tool sleeve defining a second channel opening extending substantially along a length of the sleeve to an open end thereof opposite the translation nut, the installation tool being attachable to the end guide tool in one of first and second positions, the first position being wherein the first channel opening and the second channel opening are fixed in adjacent relationship, the second position being wherein the back wall and the second channel opening are fixed in adjacent relationship with the back wall portion being outwardly flexible at a lower end thereof through the second channel opening; and

c) a driver having a handle, a guide tool attachment portion and a stem, the stem having an end configured for rotatable engagement with a spinal implant, the driver in coaxial relationship with both the guide tool and the installation tool when the stem is disposed within the guide tool and the guide tool is attached to the installation tool, the attachment portion being configured for rigid attachment to the guide tool.

20. A spinal rod implantation tool assembly comprising:

a) an elongate guide tool having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis an entire length of the guide tool, and an end configured for releaseable attachment to a spinal implant bone screw;

the guide tool having an outer surface having a first guide and advancement structure thereon;

b) an elongate installation tool having a translation nut and attached sleeve, the translation nut being coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to the guide tool, the sleeve partially extending around the guide tool and coaxial therewith when the nut and guide tool are attached;

the translation nut having a first inner surface having a second guide and advancement structure thereon, mateable with the first guide and advancement structure; and

c) a driver having a handle, a guide tool attachment portion and a stem, the stem having an end configured for rotatable engagement with a spinal implant, the driver in coaxial relationship with both the guide tool and the installation tool when the stem is disposed within the guide tool and the guide tool is attached to the installation tool, the attachment portion being configured for rigid attachment to the guide tool;

the driver guide tool attachment portion having a second inner surface having a third guide and advancement structure mateable with the first guide and advancement structure.

21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the driver guide tool attachment portion is a nut attachment freely rotatable with respect to the driver handle.

22. A spinal rod implantation tool assembly comprising:

a) an elongate guide tool having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis an entire length of the guide tool, and an end configured for releaseable attachment to a spinal implant bone screw;

the guide tool defining a slot;

b) an elongate installation tool having a translation nut and attached sleeve, the translation nut being coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to the guide tool, the sleeve partially extending around the guide tool and coaxial therewith when the nut and guide tool are attached; and

c) a driver having a handle, a guide tool attachment portion and a stem, the stem having an end configured for rotatable engagement with a spinal implant, the driver in coaxial relationship with both the guide tool and the installation tool when the stem is disposed within the guide tool and the guide tool is attached to the installation tool, the attachment portion being configured for rigid attachment to the guide tool;

the driver further comprising a pin projecting laterally from the stem; and

the pin being slidable within the slot and prohibiting rotation of the guide tool with respect to the driver when the pin is disposed in the slot.