Patent ID: 11944545
Assignee: CARTIVA, INC.
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. A tool configured to deliver a radially compressible hydrogel implant at a surgical site, the tool comprising:
an introducer tube having a proximal end, a distal end, a sloped portion between the proximal end and the distal end, and an interior opening that extends from the proximal end to the distal end through the sloped portion, wherein the interior opening has a circular cross-section throughout its length, wherein diameter of the interior opening decreases through the sloped portion so that the diameter of the interior opening is larger at the proximal end than at the distal end;
a plunger provided inside the introducer tube and configured to travel from the proximal end of the introducer tube toward the distal end of the introducer tube, wherein when the hydrogel implant is positioned inside the introducer tube between the plunger and the distal end of the introducer tube, the hydrogel implant can be urged through the sloped portion and exit through the distal end of the introducer tube, whereby when the hydrogel implant is being urged through the sloped portion, the hydrogel implant is radially compressed;
a handle connected to the introducer tube and extending transversely from the introducer tube; and
a clamp hingeably connected to the handle to be movable between an open position and a closed position and configured to engage the plunger, whereby when the clamp is moved from the open position toward the closed position, the clamp urges the plunger to travel within the introducer tube toward the distal end of the introducer tube and, in turn, urge the hydrogel implant through the sloped portion and exit through the distal end of the introducer tube.