Patent US6524312B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6524312B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instrument and method for implanting an interbody fusion device
Assignee: Zimmer Spine Inc
•
Filing: 2001-01-05
•
Granted: 2003-02-25
•
Expires: 2021-01-05
Abstract
Abstract A holder is provided which couples to the spine. In an embodiment, the holder has two conduits into which sleeves may be inserted during a spinal fusion procedure. The holder may have a distractor extending from the bottom of the holder. The distractor secures the holder to the spine and maintains a proper separation distance between adjacent vertebrae. The sides of the distractor may be serrated to better secure the holder to the spine. The sleeves and conduits serve as alignment guides for instruments and implants used during the procedure. In an embodiment, the holder may include holes for fasteners that fixably secure the holder to vertebrae adjacent to a disc space. A flange may be placed around the holder to shield surrounding tissue and to provide a placement location for adjacent blood vessels during the spinal fusion procedure.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael E. Landry
- 👤 Erik J. Wagner
- 👤 Stephen H. Hochschuler
- 👤 David J. Krueger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/16; A61B17/17; A61B17/1739; A61B17/1757; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256; A61F2/44; A61F2/442; A61F2/4455; A61F2/446; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30604; A61F2002/448; A61F2002/4625; A61F2002/4627; A61F2002/4681; A61F2002/4687; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/006; A61F2250/0063
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 122
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A holder for use with a sleeve during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a slot in the body, the slot configured to engage an instrument; at least one protrusion extending from the body, the at least one protrusion configured to couple the body to a disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra; and a conduit through the body; wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the conduit during use, and wherein the sleeve is configured to allow tools or devices for implanting a spinal fusion device, or for preparing a patient to receive a spinal fusion device, to be inserted in the disc space through the sleeve and through the conduit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A holder for use with a sleeve during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a slot in the body, the slot configured to engage an instrument; at least one protrusion extending from the body, the at least one protrusion configured to couple the body to a disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra; and a conduit through the body; wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the conduit during use, and wherein the sleeve is configured to allow tools or devices for implanting a spinal fusion device, or for preparing a patient to receive a spinal fusion device, to be inserted in the disc space through the sleeve and through the conduit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a shoulder in the conduit, the shoulder configured to limit an insertion depth of the sleeve into the conduit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein the at least one protrusion establishes a separation distance between the first vertebra and the second vertebra during use.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein the at least one protrusion comprises sides and further comprising serrations on at least one side of the at least one protrusion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a projection extending from an inner surface of the body that defines the conduit, the projection configured to engage a keyway of the sleeve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The holder as defined in claim 5 , wherein rotation of the sleeve couples the sleeve to the body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The holder as defined in claim 5 , wherein the sleeve comprises a view-port, and wherein the keyway and the projection are configured to limit rotation of the sleeve in the conduit so that the view port is positioned in a set orientation when the sleeve is rotated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The holder as defined in claim 7 wherein the view-port faces a center of the disc space when rotation of the sleeve is inhibited by an end of the keyway contacting the protrusion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
54 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a flange, the flange having an inner edge, an outer edge, a lower surface and an upper surface, wherein the flange is positionable around the body, and wherein the flange is configured to protect tissue and vessels adjacent to the disc space during use.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The holder as defined in claim 9 , wherein the flange is made of a semi-rigid material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The holder as defined in claim 9 , wherein the lower surface of the flange curves during use to substantially match curvatures of surfaces of vertebrae adjacent to the holder.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
The holder as defined in claim 9 , further comprising a rim on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the rim is configured to engage the lower surface of the flange to support the flange during use.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The holder as defined in claim 9 , further comprising a groove on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the groove is configured to engage the inner edge of the flange to support the flange during use.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The holder as defined in claim 9 , wherein the flange further comprises an elastic collar configured to conform to the shape of the body during use to support the flange during use.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein a height of the body is less than about six inches.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein a height of the body is less than about four inches.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein a height of the body is less than about two inches.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , further comprising at least one tang that couples the body to a first vertebra.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The holder as defined in claim 18 , wherein the tang further comprises serrations on at least one side of the at least one tang.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a slot in a conduit wall, the slot configured to engage a distractor on an end of the sleeve during use.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein the sleeve further comprises a view-port to provide increased visibility of a surgical site during use.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein a bottom of the body is curved to substantially conform to curvatures of vertebrae adjacent to the holder during use.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein the instrument is an insertion instrument, the insertion instrument configured to releasably engage the slot.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 wherein the slot is an opening through the body.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein the instrument is a removal instrument, the removal instrument configured to releasably engage the slot.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , further comprising at least one tang, wherein the at least one tang is configured to engage the first vertebra to couple the body to the vertebra.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein the conduit comprises a non-circular perimeter, and wherein the conduit is configured to guide a non-cylindrical implant into the disc space.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
131 words
A holder for use with a sleeve during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; at least one protrusion extending from the body, the at least one protrusion configured to couple the body to a disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra; a conduit through the body; and a projection extending from an inner surface of the body that defines the conduit, the projection configured to engage a keyway of the sleeve; wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the conduit during use, and wherein the sleeve is configured to allow tools or devices for implanting a spinal fusion device, or for preparing a patient to receive a spinal fusion device, to be inserted in the disc space through the sleeve and through the conduit.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
131 words
A holder for use with a sleeve during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; at least one protrusion extending from the body, the at least one protrusion configured to couple the body to a disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra; a conduit through the body; and a projection extending from an inner surface of the body that defines the conduit, the projection configured to engage a keyway of the sleeve; wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the conduit during use, and wherein the sleeve is configured to allow tools or devices for implanting a spinal fusion device, or for preparing a patient to receive a spinal fusion device, to be inserted in the disc space through the sleeve and through the conduit.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , further comprising a shoulder in the conduit, the shoulder configured to limit an insertion depth of the sleeve into the conduit.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein the at least one protrusion establishes a separation distance between the first vertebra and the second vertebra during use.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
31 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein the at least one protrusion comprises sides and further comprising serrations on at least one side of the at least one protrusion.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein rotation of the sleeve couples the sleeve to the body.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
48 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein the sleeve comprises a view-port, and wherein the keyway and the projection are configured to limit rotation of the sleeve in the conduit so that the view port is positioned in a set orientation when the sleeve is rotated.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
The holder as defined in claim 33 wherein the view-port faces a center of the disc space when rotation of the sleeve is inhibited by an end of the keyway contacting the protrusion.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
54 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , further comprising a flange, the flange having an inner edge, an outer edge, a lower surface and an upper surface, wherein the flange is positionable around the body, and wherein the flange is configured to protect tissue and vessels adjacent to the disc space during use.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
The holder as defined in claim 35 , wherein the flange is made of a semi-rigid material.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
The holder as defined in claim 35 , wherein the lower surface of the flange curves during use to substantially match curvatures of surfaces of vertebrae adjacent to the holder.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
41 words
The holder as defined in claim 35 , further comprising a rim on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the rim is configured to engage the lower surface of the flange to support the flange during use.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
41 words
The holder as defined in claim 35 , further comprising a groove on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the groove is configured to engage the inner edge of the flange to support the flange during use.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
The holder as defined in claim 35 , wherein the flange further comprises an elastic collar configured to conform to the shape of the body during use to support the flange during use.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein a height of the body is less than about six inches.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein a height of the body is less than about four inches.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein a height of the body is less than about two inches.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , further comprising at least one tang that couples the body to a first vertebra.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The holder as defined in claim 44 , wherein the tang further comprises serrations on at least one side of the at least one tang.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
31 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , further comprising a slot in a conduit wall, the slot configured to engage a distractor on an end of the sleeve during use.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein the sleeve further comprises a view-port to provide increased visibility of a surgical site during use.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein a bottom of the body is curved to substantially conform to curvatures of vertebrae adjacent to the holder during use.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , further comprising a slot in the body and an insertion instrument, wherein the insertion instrument is configured to releasably engage the slot.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The holder as defined in claim 49 wherein the slot is an opening through the body.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
30 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , further comprising a slot in the body and a removal instrument, wherein the removal instrument is configured to releasably engage the slot.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , further comprising at least one tang, wherein the at least one tang is configured to engage the first vertebra to couple the body to the vertebra.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
The holder as defined in claim 28 , wherein the conduit comprises a non-circular perimeter, and wherein the conduit is configured to guide a non-cylindrical implant into the disc space.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
112 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra of a pair of vertebrae; a conduit through the body, wherein the conduit is configured to allow tools or devices for implanting a spinal fusion device, or for preparing a patient to receive a spinal fusion device, to be inserted into a disc space between the vertebrae; a sleeve, wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the conduit; and a slot in a conduit wall, the slot configured to engage a distractor on an end of the sleeve during use.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
112 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra of a pair of vertebrae; a conduit through the body, wherein the conduit is configured to allow tools or devices for implanting a spinal fusion device, or for preparing a patient to receive a spinal fusion device, to be inserted into a disc space between the vertebrae; a sleeve, wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the conduit; and a slot in a conduit wall, the slot configured to engage a distractor on an end of the sleeve during use.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
23 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , wherein the tang further comprises surface roughening on at least one side of the tang.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
The base as defined in claim 55 , wherein the surface roughening comprises serrations.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , further comprising a shoulder in the conduit, the shoulder configured to limit insertion depth of the sleeve into the conduit.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , wherein the sleeve further comprises a view-port to provide increased visibility of a surgical site during use.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
29 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , further comprising a projection extending from a wall of the conduit, the projection configured to engage a slot in the sleeve.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
28 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , further comprising a protrusion extending from the body, the protrusion configured to be positionable within the disc space during use.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
25 words
The base as defined in claim 60 , wherein the protrusion establishes a separation distance between the first vertebra and the second vertebra during use.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
26 words
The base as defined in claim 60 , wherein the protrusion comprises sides and further comprising surface roughening on at least one side of the protrusion.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The base as defined in claim 62 , wherein the surface roughening comprises serrations.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
31 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , further comprising an insertion tool, wherein the insertion tool is configured to releasably couple to a slot in a wall of the body.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
54 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , further comprising a flange, the flange having an inner edge, an outer edge, a lower surface and an upper surface, wherein the flange is positionable around the body, and wherein the flange is configured to protect tissue and vessels adjacent to the disc space during use.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
17 words
The base as defined in claim 65 , wherein the flange is made of a semi-rigid material.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
28 words
The base as defined in claim 65 , wherein the lower surface of the flange curves during use to substantially match curvatures of vertebrae adjacent to the base.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
38 words
The base as defined in claim 65 , further comprising a rim on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the rim engages the lower surface of the flange to support the flange during use.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
38 words
The base as defined in claim 65 , further comprising a groove on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the groove engages the inner edge of the flange to support the flange during use.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
35 words
The base as defined in claim 65 , wherein the flange further comprises an elastic collar which conforms to the shape of the body during use to support and secure the flange against the body.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , wherein a height of the body is less than about 15 centimeters.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , wherein a height of the body is less than about 10 centimeters.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , wherein a height of the body is less than about five centimeters.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
29 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , wherein the bottom of the body is curved to substantially conform to curvatures of vertebrae adjacent to the base during use.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
30 words
The base as defined in claim 54 , wherein the conduit comprises a non-circular perimeter, and wherein the conduit is configured to guide a non-cylindrical implant into the disc space.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
119 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a first conduit through the body; a second conduit through the body; and a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra during use; a sleeve, wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the first conduit or the second conduit during use; a slot on an inner surface of the first conduit, wherein the slot is configured to engage a distractor on an end of the sleeve during use; and wherein tools or devices inserted into the first conduit or the second conduit during use are positionable in a disc space adjacent to the first vertebra.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
119 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a first conduit through the body; a second conduit through the body; and a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra during use; a sleeve, wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the first conduit or the second conduit during use; a slot on an inner surface of the first conduit, wherein the slot is configured to engage a distractor on an end of the sleeve during use; and wherein tools or devices inserted into the first conduit or the second conduit during use are positionable in a disc space adjacent to the first vertebra.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein the sleeve further comprises a view-port to provide increased visibility of a surgical site during use.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
32 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , further comprising a projection extending from the body into the first conduit, wherein the projection is configured to engage a slot within the sleeve.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
27 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein the sleeve further comprises a groove to engage a pin in the wall of the conduit during use.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
29 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , further comprising a shoulder in the first conduit, wherein the shoulder limits insertion depth of the sleeve into the first conduit.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
29 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein the bottom of the body is curved to substantially conform to curvatures of vertebrae adjacent to the base during use.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
33 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , further comprising an aperture located on the top portion of the base, wherein the aperture is configured to engage the insertion tool in the base.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
38 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , further comprising a flange, wherein the flange is positionable around the body, and wherein the flange is configured to protect tissue and vessels adjacent to the disc space during use.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
17 words
The base as defined in claim 83 , wherein the flange is made of a semi-rigid material.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
30 words
The base as defined in claim 83 , wherein a lower surface of the flange curves during use to substantially match curvatures of surfaces of vertebrae adjacent to the body.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
The base as defined in claim 83 , wherein the flange further comprises an elastic collar configured to conform to the shape of the body to support the flange.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
37 words
The base as defined in claim 83 , further comprising a rim on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the rim is configured to engage the lower surface of the flange during use.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
37 words
The base as defined in claim 83 , further comprising a groove on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the groove is configured to engage the inner edge of the flange during use.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
17 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein the first and second conduits are substantially parallel.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein the conduits are angled relative to each other.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
47 words
The base as defined in claim 90 , wherein a distance between a centerline of the first conduit and a centerline of the second conduit at a top of the body is greater than a distance between centerlines of the conduits at the bottom of the body.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
23 words
The base as defined in claim 91 , wherein an angle between the centerlines of the conduits is less than about 30 degrees.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
23 words
The base as defined in claim 91 , wherein an angle between the centerlines of the conduits is less than about 20 degrees.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
26 words
The base as defined in claim 91 , wherein an angle between the centerlines of the conduits is between about 2 degrees and about 10 degrees.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
40 words
The base as defined in claim 91 , wherein the body further comprises two sides, and wherein the sides flare such that a largest width of the body measured from side to side is proximate the bottom of the body.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
30 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein the first hole and the second hole are obliquely angled through the body relative to a vertical axis of the body.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein a height of the body is less than about 15 centimeters.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein a height of the body is less than about 10 centimeters.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein a height of the body is less than about five centimeters.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
22 words
The base as defined in claim 76 , wherein a portion of the first conduit overlaps a portion of the second conduit.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
121 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra of a pair of vertebrae; a conduit through the body, wherein the conduit is configured to allow tools or devices for implanting a spinal fusion device, or for preparing a patient to receive a spinal fusion device, to be inserted into a disc space between the vertebrae; and a flange, the flange comprising an inner edge, an outer edge, a lower surface and an upper surface, wherein the flange is positionable around the body, and wherein the flange is configured to protect tissue and vessels adjacent to the disc space during use.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
121 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra of a pair of vertebrae; a conduit through the body, wherein the conduit is configured to allow tools or devices for implanting a spinal fusion device, or for preparing a patient to receive a spinal fusion device, to be inserted into a disc space between the vertebrae; and a flange, the flange comprising an inner edge, an outer edge, a lower surface and an upper surface, wherein the flange is positionable around the body, and wherein the flange is configured to protect tissue and vessels adjacent to the disc space during use.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
28 words
The base as defined in claim 101 , wherein the lower surface of the flange curves during use to substantially match curvatures of vertebrae adjacent to the base.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
35 words
The base as defined in claim 101 , wherein the flange further comprises an elastic collar which conforms to the shape of the body during use to support and secure the flange against the body.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
113 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a first conduit through the body; a second conduit through the body; a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra during use; a sleeve, wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the first conduit or the second conduit during use; a projection extending from the body into the first conduit, wherein the projection is configured to engage a slot within the sleeve; and wherein tools or devices inserted into the first conduit or the second conduit during use are positionable in a disc space adjacent to the first vertebra.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
113 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a first conduit through the body; a second conduit through the body; a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra during use; a sleeve, wherein an end of the sleeve is removably positionable in the first conduit or the second conduit during use; a projection extending from the body into the first conduit, wherein the projection is configured to engage a slot within the sleeve; and wherein tools or devices inserted into the first conduit or the second conduit during use are positionable in a disc space adjacent to the first vertebra.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
99 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a first conduit through the body; a second conduit through the body; and a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra during use; a flange, wherein the flange is positionable around the body, and wherein the flange is configured to protect tissue and vessels adjacent to the disc space during use; and wherein tools or devices inserted into the first conduit or the second conduit during use are positionable in a disc space adjacent to the first vertebra.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
99 words
A base for use during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: a body; a first conduit through the body; a second conduit through the body; and a tang extending from the body, the tang configured to couple the body to a first vertebra during use; a flange, wherein the flange is positionable around the body, and wherein the flange is configured to protect tissue and vessels adjacent to the disc space during use; and wherein tools or devices inserted into the first conduit or the second conduit during use are positionable in a disc space adjacent to the first vertebra.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
37 words
The base as defined in claim 105 , further comprising a rim on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the rim is configured to engage the lower surface of the flange during use.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
37 words
The base as defined in claim 105 , further comprising a groove on a portion of an outer surface of the body, wherein the groove is configured to engage the inner edge of the flange during use.
Claim 115
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of inserting an implant during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: inserting a holder in a disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, wherein a portion of the disc space is beneath a first conduit, and wherein the first conduit extends through the holder from a top to a bottom of the holder; securing the holder to the first vertebra and the second vertebra; placing a sleeve into the first conduit of the holder; rotating the sleeve to secure the first conduit of the holder; preparing the disc space beneath the first conduit to receive a first implant with instruments inserted through the sleeve and through the first conduit; and inserting an implant into the disc space through the first conduit.
Claim 116
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of inserting an implant during a spinal fusion procedure, comprising: inserting a holder in a disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, wherein a portion of the disc space is beneath a first conduit, and wherein the first conduit extends through the holder from a top to a bottom of the holder; securing the holder to the first vertebra and the second vertebra; placing a sleeve into the first conduit of the holder; rotating the sleeve to secure the first conduit of the holder; preparing the disc space beneath the first conduit to receive a first implant with instruments inserted through the sleeve and through the first conduit; and inserting an implant into the disc space through the first conduit.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method as defined in claim 108 , further comprising: removing the sleeve from the first conduit of the holder; placing a sleeve in a second conduit of the holder, the second conduit extending through the holder from the top to the bottom; preparing the disc space beneath the second conduit to receive an implant with instruments inserted into the disc space through the sleeve and holder; and inserting a second implant into the disc space through second conduit.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 109 , further comprising rotating the sleeve in the second conduit to secure the sleeve to the holder.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as defined in claim 108 , further comprising placing a flange about an outer surface of the holder after the holder is inserted into the disc space to shield surrounding tissue and vessels during use.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method as defined in claim 108 , wherein the holder comprises at least one distractor, and wherein inserting the holder in a disc space comprises coupling a first end of a holder insertion device to the holder and hammering on a second end of the holder insertion device to drive the distractor into the disc space between the second vertebra and the first vertebra.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as defined in claim 108 , further comprising driving a tang of the holder into a vertebra.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as defined in claim 113 , wherein the holder comprises a distractor extending from the bottom and positionable between the vertebrae to maintain a separation distance between the vertebrae.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-02-24 | 2006-08-26 | 2007-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-02-24 | 2010-08-26 | 2011-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-02-24 | 2014-08-26 | 2015-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |