Methods and devices for delivering and affixing tissue scaffolds
First Claim
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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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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
21 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. A method for loading a tissue scaffold onto a delivery shaft, comprising:
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positioning a tissue scaffold on a surface of a loading block such that the tissue scaffold is disposed over at least one opening formed in the surface; and advancing at least one prong extending from a distal end of a delivery shaft along at least one channel formed in a guide member on the loading block, the at least one channel guiding the at least one prong through the tissue scaffold and into the at least one opening. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for delivering a tissue scaffold, comprising:
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positioning a distal end of a delivery guide on a tissue scaffold and against a surface of bone to hold a tissue scaffold at a fixed position relative to the surface of the bone; and advancing a fastener-applying tool through the delivery guide to insert a fastener through the tissue scaffold and into the bone thereby fastening the tissue scaffold to the bone at the fixed position. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification