US5910141A — Rod introduction apparatus

Claim 1

Independent Claim 122 words

A multiple action insertion apparatus for engaging a longitudinal member and an implant, comprising: an implant holder including a first clamping branch and a second clamping branch cooperable with said first clamping branch to hold to an implant; a reduction mechanism interconnected with said implant holder, said reduction mechanism having a distal end for engaging the longitudinal member, wherein said reduction mechanism urges the longitudinal member into vertical alignment with the implant; and a lateral approximator mechanism interconnected with said implant holder, said lateral approximator mechanism having a distal end disposed adjacent said first and second clamping branches, said distal end adapted to engage the longitudinal member, wherein said lateral approximator mechanism urges the longitudinal member into lateral alignment with the implant.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 122 words

A multiple action insertion apparatus for engaging a longitudinal member and an implant, comprising: an implant holder including a first clamping branch and a second clamping branch cooperable with said first clamping branch to hold to an implant; a reduction mechanism interconnected with said implant holder, said reduction mechanism having a distal end for engaging the longitudinal member, wherein said reduction mechanism urges the longitudinal member into vertical alignment with the implant; and a lateral approximator mechanism interconnected with said implant holder, said lateral approximator mechanism having a distal end disposed adjacent said first and second clamping branches, said distal end adapted to engage the longitudinal member, wherein said lateral approximator mechanism urges the longitudinal member into lateral alignment with the implant.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 21 words

The insertion apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lateral approximator mechanism is a lever arm pivotally connected to said implant holder.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 160 words

The insertion apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant holder comprises a shaft having a gripping end with a portion, said gripping end defining a first clamping branch and a cooperable second clamping branch, said first and second clamping branches tending to assume an insertion position defining a first distance between said first and second clamping branches, and said first and second clamping branches compressible into a clamping position defining a second distance between said first and second clamping branches, said first distance greater than said second distance; and a sleeve defining an interior channel, said shaft slidably received within said interior channel, said shaft moveable between a first position with said portion extending from said sleeve and a second position with said portion drawn into said sleeve; wherein movement of said shaft within said tubular sleeve from said first position to said second position controls said first and second clamping branches from said insertion position to said clamping position.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 88 words

The introduction apparatus of claim 3, wherein said reduction apparatus comprises a series of external threads disposed on said shaft and an internally threaded nut rotatably mounted on said sleeve, said internally threaded nut cooperable with said external threads, said sleeve further defining a bearing surface adjacent said gripping end for engaging the longitudinal member, wherein rotation of said nut moves said shaft with respect to said sleeve and urges said bearing surface against the longitudinal member thereby reducing the distance between the longitudinal member and the implant.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 24 words

The introduction apparatus of claim 4, wherein the longitudinal member is a rod and said bearing surface is a recessed area on said sleeve.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 97 words

A multiple action insertion apparatus for engaging a longitudinal member and an implant, comprising: means for attaching to an implant; means for lateral approximation of a longitudinal member laterally offset from the implant, said means for lateral approximation interconnected with said means for attaching; and means for vertical reduction of the longitudinal member vertically offset from the implant, said means for vertical reduction interconnected with said means for attaching, wherein said means for lateral approximation laterally aligns the longitudinal member over the implant and said means for vertical reduction vertically aligns the longitudinal member with the implant.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 97 words

A multiple action insertion apparatus for engaging a longitudinal member and an implant, comprising: means for attaching to an implant; means for lateral approximation of a longitudinal member laterally offset from the implant, said means for lateral approximation interconnected with said means for attaching; and means for vertical reduction of the longitudinal member vertically offset from the implant, said means for vertical reduction interconnected with said means for attaching, wherein said means for lateral approximation laterally aligns the longitudinal member over the implant and said means for vertical reduction vertically aligns the longitudinal member with the implant.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 141 words

An implant holder for holding an implant adapted to receive a fastener, comprising: means for gripping the implant said means for gripping including a gripping end and a handle defining a longitudinal cannula having a distal end adjacent said gripping end, said cannula adapted to receive a fastener cooperable with said implant; wherein said means for gripping includes a first clamping branch and a second clamping branch defining said gripping end, said first and second clamping branches aligned in a spaced relationship and cooperable to engage the implant, and wherein said handle defines a series of threads opposite said gripping end, and further including a sleeve defining an internal channel adapted to receive at least a portion of said gripping end and said handle, and a nut rotatably mounted on said sleeve, said nut cooperable with said threads on said handle.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 141 words

An implant holder for holding an implant adapted to receive a fastener, comprising: means for gripping the implant said means for gripping including a gripping end and a handle defining a longitudinal cannula having a distal end adjacent said gripping end, said cannula adapted to receive a fastener cooperable with said implant; wherein said means for gripping includes a first clamping branch and a second clamping branch defining said gripping end, said first and second clamping branches aligned in a spaced relationship and cooperable to engage the implant, and wherein said handle defines a series of threads opposite said gripping end, and further including a sleeve defining an internal channel adapted to receive at least a portion of said gripping end and said handle, and a nut rotatably mounted on said sleeve, said nut cooperable with said threads on said handle.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 70 words

The implant holder of claim 7, wherein said sleeve has a distal end adjacent said gripping end and said sleeve defines a bearing surface adapted to bear against a longitudinal member, wherein rotation of said nut draws said handle into said sleeve and thereby reduces the distance between the implant engaged by said first and second clamping branches and the longitudinal member bearing against said bearing surface of said sleeve.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant holder of claim 8, further including a lateral approximating lever pivotally attached to said sleeve.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 157 words

An implant holder for gripping an implant, comprising: a shaft having a gripping end with a portion, said gripping end defining a first clamping branch and a cooperable second clamping branch, said first and second clamping branches tending to assume an insertion position defining a first distance between said first and second clamping branches, and said first and second clamping branches compressible into a clamping position defining a second distance between said first and second clamping branches, said first distance greater than said second distance; and a sleeve defining an interior channel, said shaft slidably received within said interior channel, said shaft moveable between a first position with said portion extending from said sleeve and a second position with said portion drawn into said sleeve; wherein movement of said shaft within said tubular sleeve from said first position to said second position controls said first and second clamping branches from said insertion position to said clamping position.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 157 words

An implant holder for gripping an implant, comprising: a shaft having a gripping end with a portion, said gripping end defining a first clamping branch and a cooperable second clamping branch, said first and second clamping branches tending to assume an insertion position defining a first distance between said first and second clamping branches, and said first and second clamping branches compressible into a clamping position defining a second distance between said first and second clamping branches, said first distance greater than said second distance; and a sleeve defining an interior channel, said shaft slidably received within said interior channel, said shaft moveable between a first position with said portion extending from said sleeve and a second position with said portion drawn into said sleeve; wherein movement of said shaft within said tubular sleeve from said first position to said second position controls said first and second clamping branches from said insertion position to said clamping position.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 54 words

The implant holder of claim 10, wherein said sleeve defines an engagement surface for engaging a longitudinal member to be interconnected with said implant, whereby positioning said shaft in said second position clamps the implant and further movement of said inner shaft into said sleeve urges the implant into alignment with the longitudinal member.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant holder of claim 11, further including means for controlling the position of said shaft within said sleeve.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 56 words

The implant holder of claim 12, wherein said means for controlling includes an external thread disposed on said inner shaft and a nut rotatably mounted on said tubular sleeve, said nut having an internal thread corresponding to said external thread, whereby said inner shaft may be drawn into said outer sleeve by rotation of said nut.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 49 words

The implant holder of claim 11, wherein said shaft includes a series of external threads and further including an internally threaded nut rotatably mounted on said sleeve, said internally threaded nut cooperable with said external threads, wherein rotation of said nut moves said shaft with respect to said sleeve.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 56 words

The implant holder of claim 14, further including a lateral approximator lever pivotally engaging said sleeve, said lateral approximator lever having a rod engaging end adapted to engage a laterally offset rod, wherein upon engaging a laterally offset rod, said lateral approximator lever may be pivoted toward said sleeve, thereby positioning the rod adjacent the implant.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 31 words

The implant holder of claim 15, wherein said first and second clamping branches each have a distal end and include at least one projection defined on each of said distal ends.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 26 words

The implant holder of claim 10, wherein said shaft includes a handle disposed opposite said gripping, said handle utilized to position said shaft within said sleeve.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant holder of claim 10, wherein said shaft is cannulated to slidingly receive a fastening member adapted to be engaged with the implant.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant holder of claim 10, wherein said attachment to said implant is a non-pivotal attachment.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 56 words

The implant holder of claim 10, further including a lateral approximator lever pivotally engaging said sleeve, said lateral approximator lever having a rod engaging end adapted to engage a laterally offset rod, wherein upon engaging a laterally offset rod, said lateral approximator lever may be pivoted toward said sleeve, the rod is positioned adjacent the implant.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant holder of claim 20, wherein said lateral approximator lever removably engages said sleeve, whereby said lever may be selectively removed.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 29 words

The implant holder of claim 10, wherein said first and second clamping branches each have a distal end and include at least one projection defined on said distal end.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 48 words

The implant holder of claim 10, wherein said shaft defines a cannula having a distal end adjacent said first and second clamping branches, said cannula adapted to slidingly receive a fastener, whereby said fastener is delivered through said cannula to said distal end for interengagement with the implant.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 88 words

An implant holder having a rod reduction mechanism for vertically aligning a longitudinal member and an implant, comprising: means for gripping the implant; a sleeve having an axis and a distal end adapted to engage the longitudinal member, said sleeve having an axial bore sized to receive said means for gripping, said means for gripping slidably received within said axial bore; and means for axially displacing said sleeve with respect to said means for gripping, whereby a vertical offset longitudinal member is urged into alignment with the implant.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 88 words

An implant holder having a rod reduction mechanism for vertically aligning a longitudinal member and an implant, comprising: means for gripping the implant; a sleeve having an axis and a distal end adapted to engage the longitudinal member, said sleeve having an axial bore sized to receive said means for gripping, said means for gripping slidably received within said axial bore; and means for axially displacing said sleeve with respect to said means for gripping, whereby a vertical offset longitudinal member is urged into alignment with the implant.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant holder of claim 24, wherein said means for gripping are articulating forceps.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 37 words

The implant holder of claim 24, wherein said means for axial displacement includes a series of threads disposed on said means for gripping and a nut rotatably mounted on said sleeve and threadedly engagable with said threads.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 34 words

The implant holder of claim 24, wherein said means for axial displacement includes a rack disposed on said means for gripping and a pinion pivotally mounted on said sleeve and interengagable with said rack.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 85 words

A method for interconnecting a longitudinal member and an implant adapted to engage the longitudinal member, comprising the steps of: providing an introduction apparatus having an attachment mechanism with a cannula and a vertical reduction mechanism; attaching the introduction apparatus to the implant; operating the vertical reduction mechanism to force the longitudinal member into alignment with the implant; inserting a fastener through the cannula; interconnecting the fastener and the implant, wherein the longitudinal member is securely attached to the implant; and removing the introduction apparatus.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 85 words

A method for interconnecting a longitudinal member and an implant adapted to engage the longitudinal member, comprising the steps of: providing an introduction apparatus having an attachment mechanism with a cannula and a vertical reduction mechanism; attaching the introduction apparatus to the implant; operating the vertical reduction mechanism to force the longitudinal member into alignment with the implant; inserting a fastener through the cannula; interconnecting the fastener and the implant, wherein the longitudinal member is securely attached to the implant; and removing the introduction apparatus.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 96 words

A method for interconnecting a longitudinal member and an implant adapted to engage the longitudinal member, comprising the steps of: providing an introduction apparatus having an attachment mechanism, a lateral approximation lever, and a vertical reduction mechanism; attaching the introduction apparatus to the implant; engaging a laterally offset longitudinal member with one end of the lateral approximator lever; rotating the lever to urge the longitudinal member into lateral alignment with the implant; operating the vertical reduction mechanism to force the longitudinal member into vertical alignment with the implant; and interconnecting the longitudinal member and the implant.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 96 words

A method for interconnecting a longitudinal member and an implant adapted to engage the longitudinal member, comprising the steps of: providing an introduction apparatus having an attachment mechanism, a lateral approximation lever, and a vertical reduction mechanism; attaching the introduction apparatus to the implant; engaging a laterally offset longitudinal member with one end of the lateral approximator lever; rotating the lever to urge the longitudinal member into lateral alignment with the implant; operating the vertical reduction mechanism to force the longitudinal member into vertical alignment with the implant; and interconnecting the longitudinal member and the implant.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of claim 29, wherein the providing step includes providing attachment mechanism having a cannula and further including the step of delivering a fastener through the cannula and to the implant prior to interconnecting the longitudinal member and the implant.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-06-07	2002-12-07	2003-06-08	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-06-07	2006-12-07	2007-06-08	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-06-07	2010-12-07	2011-06-08	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Rod introduction apparatus

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