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US6712819B2 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Mating insertion instruments for spinal implants and methods of use

Assignee: Medtronic Europe SARL
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Filing: 2001-10-18
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Granted: 2004-03-30
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Expires: 2021-10-18
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Abstract

Abstract Insertion instruments and a main body assembly and a universal wing to be inserted are provided, along with methods of using these instruments for the insertion of the spinal implants in patients to relieve the symptoms of, for example, spinal stenosis, injuries, and degenerative diseases of the spine. The instruments are simply designed and can be disassembled, making cleaning and sterilization easy and convenient. The instruments are designed to engage with and disengage from spinal implants easily, and use of the instrument in spinal implant surgery can be carried out with minimal surgical intervention and does not require general anesthesia. The main body assembly and the universal wing are designed to conveniently be secured to the insertion instruments. In an alternative embodiment the instrument can be nested and at least one instrument can include a handle provided at an angle.

Inventors

  • 👤 James F. Zucherman
  • 👤 Ken Y. Hsu
  • 👤 Charles J. Winslow
  • 👤 John Flynn

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-23 13:26
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/7062; A61B17/7068; A61K; A61K31/00; A61K31/33; A61K31/335; A61K31/365; A61K31/366; A61K31/37; A61B17/60; A61B17/66; A61B17/7071; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 89
Claim 1
Independent Claim 66 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin; and a locking mechanism adapted to engage a main body assembly; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 66 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin; and a locking mechanism adapted to engage a main body assembly; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 13 words
The insertion device of claim 1 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a flange.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 13 words
The insertion device of claim 1 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 19 words
The insertion device of claim 1 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess than extends along the elongated body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 1 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess with a groove extending from the recess.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 76 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin that is perpendicular to said longitudinal body axis; and a locking mechanism adapted to engage a main body assembly; and wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 76 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin that is perpendicular to said longitudinal body axis; and a locking mechanism adapted to engage a main body assembly; and wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 6 wherein said offset handle is offset at about 45 degrees from the elongated body.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 78 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin; and a locking mechanism adapted to engage a main body assembly; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device; wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 78 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin; and a locking mechanism adapted to engage a main body assembly; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device; wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 80 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: two alignment pins that are perpendicular to said longitudinal body axis; and a spring loaded locking mechanism having first and second locking pins adapted to engage said main body assembly; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion tool.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 80 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: two alignment pins that are perpendicular to said longitudinal body axis; and a spring loaded locking mechanism having first and second locking pins adapted to engage said main body assembly; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion tool.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 13 words
The insertion device of claim 9 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a flange.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 13 words
The insertion device of claim 9 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 19 words
The insertion device of claim 9 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess than extends along the elongated body.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 9 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess with a groove extending from the recess.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 82 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: two alignment pins that are perpendicular to said longitudinal body axis; and a spring loaded locking mechanism having first and second locking pins adapted to engage said main body assembly; and wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 82 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a main body assembly in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: two alignment pins that are perpendicular to said longitudinal body axis; and a spring loaded locking mechanism having first and second locking pins adapted to engage said main body assembly; and wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 18 words
The insertion device of claim 14 further including an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 14 wherein said offset handle is offset at about 45 degrees from the elongated body.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 64 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin; and a rotatable engagement head; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion tool.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 64 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin; and a rotatable engagement head; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion tool.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 13 words
The insertion device of claim 17 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a flange.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 13 words
The insertion device of claim 17 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 19 words
The insertion device of claim 17 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess than extends along the elongated body.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 17 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess with a groove extending from the recess.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 74 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin that is perpendicular to said longitudinal body axis; and a rotatable engagement head; and wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 74 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin that is perpendicular to said longitudinal body axis; and a rotatable engagement head; and wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 22 wherein said offset handle is offset at about 45 degrees from the elongated body.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 76 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin; and a rotatable engagement head; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device; wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 76 words
An insertion device adapted for installing a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: at least one alignment pin; and a rotatable engagement head; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device; wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 84 words
An insertion device for installing awing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle and a turning knob; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: two alignment pins; and a spring loaded, rotatable engagement head operably coupled to said turning knob and adapted to engage a rotatable component of said main body assembly; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion tool.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 84 words
An insertion device for installing awing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle and a turning knob; and a distal end having an insertion tip comprising: two alignment pins; and a spring loaded, rotatable engagement head operably coupled to said turning knob and adapted to engage a rotatable component of said main body assembly; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion tool.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 13 words
The insertion device of claim 25 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a flange.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 13 words
The insertion device of claim 25 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 19 words
The insertion device of claim 25 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess than extends along the elongated body.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 25 wherein said alignment mechanism includes a recess with a groove extending from the recess.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 86 words
An insertion device for installing a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle and a turning knob; and distal end having an insertion tip comprising: two alignment pins; and a spring loaded, rotatable engagement head operably coupled to said turning knob and adapted to engage a rotatable component of said main body assembly; and wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 86 words
An insertion device for installing a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine, said device comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle and a turning knob; and distal end having an insertion tip comprising: two alignment pins; and a spring loaded, rotatable engagement head operably coupled to said turning knob and adapted to engage a rotatable component of said main body assembly; and wherein said handle is offset at an angle to the elongated body.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 18 words
The insertion device of claim 30 further including an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 30 wherein said offset handle is offset at about 45 degrees from the elongated body.
Claim 43
Independent Claim 151 words
A system with a device for insertion of a main body assembly in the spine of a patient and a main body assembly, comprising: (a) a main body assembly insertion device comprising: (1) at least one alignment pin; (2) a locking mechanism; and (3) an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion tool; (b) a main body assembly comprising: (1) a body portion having a longitudinal axis and a first end having a wing having at least one alignment hole; and (2) a spacer received over said longitudinal axis, said spacer being rotatable about said axis, said spacer having a second alignment hole; (c) wherein said at least one alignment pin of the insertion device is selecting engageable with at least one of said alignment holes on the wing of said body portion; and (d) wherein said locking mechanism is selectably engageable with the second alignment hole of said spacer.
Claim 44
Independent Claim 151 words
A system with a device for insertion of a main body assembly in the spine of a patient and a main body assembly, comprising: (a) a main body assembly insertion device comprising: (1) at least one alignment pin; (2) a locking mechanism; and (3) an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion tool; (b) a main body assembly comprising: (1) a body portion having a longitudinal axis and a first end having a wing having at least one alignment hole; and (2) a spacer received over said longitudinal axis, said spacer being rotatable about said axis, said spacer having a second alignment hole; (c) wherein said at least one alignment pin of the insertion device is selecting engageable with at least one of said alignment holes on the wing of said body portion; and (d) wherein said locking mechanism is selectably engageable with the second alignment hole of said spacer.
Claim 45
Independent Claim 149 words
A system with a device for insertion of a main body assembly in the spine of a patient and a main body assembly, comprising: (a) a main body assembly insertion device comprising: (1) at least one alignment pin; (2) a locking mechanism; and (3) a handle that is offset at an angle; (b) a main body assembly comprising: (1) a body portion having a longitudinal axis and a first end having a wing having at least one alignment hole; (2) a spacer received over said longitudinal axis, said spacer being rotatable about said axis, said spacer having a second alignment hole; and (c) wherein said at least one alignment pin of the insertion device is selecting engageable with at least one of said alignment holes on the wing of said body portion; and (d) wherein said locking mechanism is selectably engageable with the second alignment hole of said spacer.
Claim 46
Independent Claim 149 words
A system with a device for insertion of a main body assembly in the spine of a patient and a main body assembly, comprising: (a) a main body assembly insertion device comprising: (1) at least one alignment pin; (2) a locking mechanism; and (3) a handle that is offset at an angle; (b) a main body assembly comprising: (1) a body portion having a longitudinal axis and a first end having a wing having at least one alignment hole; (2) a spacer received over said longitudinal axis, said spacer being rotatable about said axis, said spacer having a second alignment hole; and (c) wherein said at least one alignment pin of the insertion device is selecting engageable with at least one of said alignment holes on the wing of said body portion; and (d) wherein said locking mechanism is selectably engageable with the second alignment hole of said spacer.
Claim 47
Independent Claim 165 words
A system with a device for inserting a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine of a patient, said device and wing comprising: (a) a wing insertion device having (1) at least one alignment pin; (2) a rotatable engagement head; and (3) an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device; (b) a wing having: (1) a wing plane and having at least one alignment hole; and (2) a wing implant locking mechanism having: (i) a first element adapted to receive said rotatable engagement head; (ii) a second element adapted to engage with a main body assembly, said locking mechanism aligned substantially parallel to said wing plane, said locking mechanism being rotatable with respect to said wing; (c) wherein said at least one alignment pin of said device is selectively engageable with said alignment hole of said wing; and (d) wherein said rotatable engagement head of said device is selectably engageable with the first element of said wing implant locking mechanism.
Claim 48
Independent Claim 165 words
A system with a device for inserting a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine of a patient, said device and wing comprising: (a) a wing insertion device having (1) at least one alignment pin; (2) a rotatable engagement head; and (3) an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device; (b) a wing having: (1) a wing plane and having at least one alignment hole; and (2) a wing implant locking mechanism having: (i) a first element adapted to receive said rotatable engagement head; (ii) a second element adapted to engage with a main body assembly, said locking mechanism aligned substantially parallel to said wing plane, said locking mechanism being rotatable with respect to said wing; (c) wherein said at least one alignment pin of said device is selectively engageable with said alignment hole of said wing; and (d) wherein said rotatable engagement head of said device is selectably engageable with the first element of said wing implant locking mechanism.
Claim 49
Independent Claim 163 words
A system with a device for inserting a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine of a patient, said device and wing comprising: (a) a wing insertion device having (1) at least one alignment pin; (2) a rotatable engagement head; and (3) a handle that is offset at an angle; (b) a wing having: (1) a wing plane and having at least one alignment hole; and (2) a wing implant locking mechanism having: (i) a first element adapted to receive said rotatable engagement head; (ii) a second element adapted to engage with a main body assembly, said locking mechanism aligned substantially parallel to said wing plane, said locking mechanism being rotatable with respect to said wing; (c) wherein said at least one alignment pin of said device is selectively engageable with said alignment hole of said wing; and (d) wherein said rotatable engagement head of said device is selectably engageable with the first element of said wing implant locking mechanism.
Claim 50
Independent Claim 163 words
A system with a device for inserting a wing on a main body assembly positioned in the spine of a patient, said device and wing comprising: (a) a wing insertion device having (1) at least one alignment pin; (2) a rotatable engagement head; and (3) a handle that is offset at an angle; (b) a wing having: (1) a wing plane and having at least one alignment hole; and (2) a wing implant locking mechanism having: (i) a first element adapted to receive said rotatable engagement head; (ii) a second element adapted to engage with a main body assembly, said locking mechanism aligned substantially parallel to said wing plane, said locking mechanism being rotatable with respect to said wing; (c) wherein said at least one alignment pin of said device is selectively engageable with said alignment hole of said wing; and (d) wherein said rotatable engagement head of said device is selectably engageable with the first element of said wing implant locking mechanism.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 33 words
An improved insertion tool for implanting an implant relative to the spine, the improvement comprising: an alignment pin; and a locking pin; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 33 words
An improved insertion tool for implanting an implant relative to the spine, the improvement comprising: an alignment pin; and a locking pin; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 38 words
An improved insertion tool for implanting an implant relative to the spine, the improvement comprising: an alignment pin; and an engagement head that is rotatable relative to said alignment pin; and including a handle offset at an angle.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 38 words
An improved insertion tool for implanting an implant relative to the spine, the improvement comprising: an alignment pin; and an engagement head that is rotatable relative to said alignment pin; and including a handle offset at an angle.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 45 words
An improved insertion tool for implanting an implant having a rotatable spacer relative to the spine, the improvement comprising: an alignment pin; a locking pin; and an engagement pin that is adapted to engage the rotatable spacer; and including a handle offset at an angle.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 45 words
An improved insertion tool for implanting an implant having a rotatable spacer relative to the spine, the improvement comprising: an alignment pin; a locking pin; and an engagement pin that is adapted to engage the rotatable spacer; and including a handle offset at an angle.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 34 words
An improved insertion tool for implanting an implant relative to the spine, the improvement comprising: an alignment pin; and a rotatable engagement head; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 34 words
An improved insertion tool for implanting an implant relative to the spine, the improvement comprising: an alignment pin; and a rotatable engagement head; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 59
Independent Claim 119 words
A method of inserting a two piece implant into a patient comprising the steps of: connecting a first insertion device to a first piece of the implant; connecting a second insertion device to a second piece of the implant; inserting the first piece into the patient with the first insertion device; inserting the second piece into the patient with the second insertion device and before or during the second piece inserting step mating the first and second insertion device together; using the second insertion device to connect the second piece of the implant to the first piece of the implant; and disengaging the first insertion device from the first piece and the second insertion device from the second piece.
Claim 60
Independent Claim 119 words
A method of inserting a two piece implant into a patient comprising the steps of: connecting a first insertion device to a first piece of the implant; connecting a second insertion device to a second piece of the implant; inserting the first piece into the patient with the first insertion device; inserting the second piece into the patient with the second insertion device and before or during the second piece inserting step mating the first and second insertion device together; using the second insertion device to connect the second piece of the implant to the first piece of the implant; and disengaging the first insertion device from the first piece and the second insertion device from the second piece.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 63 words
An insertion system for inserting a two piece implant into the spine comprising: a main body insertion instrument adapted for engaging a main body; a wing insertion instrument adapted for engaging a wing that is to be affixed to the main body; wherein main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument can mate together in order to assemble the two piece implant.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 63 words
An insertion system for inserting a two piece implant into the spine comprising: a main body insertion instrument adapted for engaging a main body; a wing insertion instrument adapted for engaging a wing that is to be affixed to the main body; wherein main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument can mate together in order to assemble the two piece implant.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 44 words
The system of claim 42 wherein: one of said main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument has a recess for receiving the other of said main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument such that the instruments can be mated together.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 47 words
The system of claim 42 wherein: one of said main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument has a flange that can be received in the other of said main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument such that the instruments can be mated together.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 89 words
An insertion and two piece implant system for inserting the two piece implant into the spine comprising: a main body insertion instrument and a main body, and wherein the main body can be mounted to the main body insertion instrument; a wing insertion instrument and a wing that is to be affixed to the main body, and wherein the wing can be mounted to the wing insertion instrument; wherein main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument can mate together in order to assemble the two piece implant.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 89 words
An insertion and two piece implant system for inserting the two piece implant into the spine comprising: a main body insertion instrument and a main body, and wherein the main body can be mounted to the main body insertion instrument; a wing insertion instrument and a wing that is to be affixed to the main body, and wherein the wing can be mounted to the wing insertion instrument; wherein main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument can mate together in order to assemble the two piece implant.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 44 words
The system of claim 45 wherein: one of said main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument has a recess for receiving the other of said main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument such that the instruments can be mated together.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 47 words
The system of claim 45 wherein: one of said main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument has a flange that can be received in the other of said main body insertion instrument and the wing insertion instrument such that the instruments can be mated together.
Claim 69
Independent Claim 137 words
A method for insertion a two piece implant between adjacent spinous processes comprising the steps of: connecting a first insertion device to a first piece of the implant and connecting a second insertion device to a second piece of the implant; inserting the first piece of the implant into the patient with the first insertion device to a location between the adjacent spinous processes and inserting the second piece of the implant into the patient with the second insertion device to a location adjacent to the first implant and to the spinous processes, and before or during the second piece insertion step mating the first and the second insertion devices together; and using one or both of the insertion devices to secure the first and the second pieces of the implant together; and removing the insertion devices.
Claim 70
Independent Claim 137 words
A method for insertion a two piece implant between adjacent spinous processes comprising the steps of: connecting a first insertion device to a first piece of the implant and connecting a second insertion device to a second piece of the implant; inserting the first piece of the implant into the patient with the first insertion device to a location between the adjacent spinous processes and inserting the second piece of the implant into the patient with the second insertion device to a location adjacent to the first implant and to the spinous processes, and before or during the second piece insertion step mating the first and the second insertion devices together; and using one or both of the insertion devices to secure the first and the second pieces of the implant together; and removing the insertion devices.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 66 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant or part of an implant adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body; a proximal end having a handle; a distal end adapted to engage the implant or the part of the implant for insertion of the implant or part of the implant adjacent to spinous processes; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 66 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant or part of an implant adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body; a proximal end having a handle; a distal end adapted to engage the implant or the part of the implant for insertion of the implant or part of the implant adjacent to spinous processes; and an alignment mechanism adapted to mate with another insertion device.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 108 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant or part of an implant adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end adapted to engage the implant or part of the implant for insertion of the implant or part of the implant adjacent to spinous processes; said distal end including: at least one alignment pin fixed to and offset from the elongated body by an angle; and wherein said handle is offset from the elongated body by an angle in order to assist in the placement of the implant or part of the implant adjacent to the spinous processes.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 108 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant or part of an implant adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body; a proximal end having a handle; and a distal end adapted to engage the implant or part of the implant for insertion of the implant or part of the implant adjacent to spinous processes; said distal end including: at least one alignment pin fixed to and offset from the elongated body by an angle; and wherein said handle is offset from the elongated body by an angle in order to assist in the placement of the implant or part of the implant adjacent to the spinous processes.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 161 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant having a rotatable spacer or part of an implant having a rotatable spacer adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body; a bore within said elongated body; a proximal end of said elongated body having a handle; a distal end of said elongated body being adapted to engage the implant or part of the implant for insertion of the implant or part of the implant adjacent to spinous processes, said distal end including: a flat surface forming a plane approximately parallel to an axis of the bore; and two alignment pins protruding from said flat surface; and a retractable insertion rod within said bore adapted to be extended from said distal end for further engaging the implant or part of the implant, said retractable insertion rod including a first end that has a locking pin and a spacer engagement pin adapted to limit the rotation of said spacer relative to said alignment pins.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim 161 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant having a rotatable spacer or part of an implant having a rotatable spacer adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body; a bore within said elongated body; a proximal end of said elongated body having a handle; a distal end of said elongated body being adapted to engage the implant or part of the implant for insertion of the implant or part of the implant adjacent to spinous processes, said distal end including: a flat surface forming a plane approximately parallel to an axis of the bore; and two alignment pins protruding from said flat surface; and a retractable insertion rod within said bore adapted to be extended from said distal end for further engaging the implant or part of the implant, said retractable insertion rod including a first end that has a locking pin and a spacer engagement pin adapted to limit the rotation of said spacer relative to said alignment pins.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim 39 words
The insertion device of claim 51 , wherein said handle is offset from the elongated body by an angle in order to assist in the placement of the implant or part of the implant adjacent to the spinous processes.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim 21 words
The insertion device of claim 51 , further comprising a switch adapted to selectably extend or retract said retractable insertion rod.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim 36 words
The insertion device of claim 53 , further comprising a spring attached to a second end of said insertion rod, said spring biasing said insertion rod such that said insertion rod extends from said distal end.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim 156 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant having a rotatable spacer adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end of the elongated body being adapted to be used as a handle; a distal end of the elongated body being adapted to engage the implant for insertion of the implant adjacent to spinous processes, the distal end including: a flat surface forming a plane approximately parallel to the longitudinal body axis; and two alignment pins protruding from the flat surface; a bore within the elongated body having an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal body axis; and a retractable insertion rod within the bore adapted to be extended from the distal end for further engaging the implant, the retractable insertion rod including a first end that has a locking pin and a spacer engagement pin adapted to limit the rotation of the spacer relative to the alignment pins.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim 156 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant having a rotatable spacer adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end of the elongated body being adapted to be used as a handle; a distal end of the elongated body being adapted to engage the implant for insertion of the implant adjacent to spinous processes, the distal end including: a flat surface forming a plane approximately parallel to the longitudinal body axis; and two alignment pins protruding from the flat surface; a bore within the elongated body having an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal body axis; and a retractable insertion rod within the bore adapted to be extended from the distal end for further engaging the implant, the retractable insertion rod including a first end that has a locking pin and a spacer engagement pin adapted to limit the rotation of the spacer relative to the alignment pins.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim 34 words
The insertion device of claim 55 , wherein the handle is offset from the elongated body by an angle in order to assist in the placement of the implant adjacent to the spinous processes.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 55 , further comprising a switch for selectably extending or retracting the retractable insertion rod.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim 32 words
The insertion device of claim 57 , further comprising a spring attached to a second end of the insertion rod such that the spring biases the insertion rod toward the distal end.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim 114 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant having a rotatable spacer adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; a distal end having an insertion tip including at least one alignment pin; a bore within the elongated body having an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal body axis; and a retractable insertion rod within the bore adapted to be selectably extended from the distal end for locking the implant into place, the retractable insertion rod including a first end that has a locking pin and a spacer engagement pin adapted to limit the rotation of said spacer relative to said alignment pin.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim 114 words
An insertion device adapted for installing an implant having a rotatable spacer adjacent to spinous processes comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal body axis; a proximal end having a handle; a distal end having an insertion tip including at least one alignment pin; a bore within the elongated body having an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal body axis; and a retractable insertion rod within the bore adapted to be selectably extended from the distal end for locking the implant into place, the retractable insertion rod including a first end that has a locking pin and a spacer engagement pin adapted to limit the rotation of said spacer relative to said alignment pin.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim 34 words
The insertion device of claim 59 , wherein said handle is offset from the elongated body by an angle in order to assist in the placement of the implant adjacent to the spinous processes.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim 20 words
The insertion device of claim 59 , further comprising a switch for selectably extending or retracting said retractable insertion rod.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim 32 words
The insertion device of claim 61 , further comprising a spring attached to a second end of said insertion rod such that said spring biases the insertion rod toward the distal end.

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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) 2007-03-30 2007-09-29 2008-03-30 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2011-03-30 2011-09-29 2012-03-30 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2015-03-30 2015-09-29 2016-03-30 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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