Patent ID: 8636746
Filing Date: 2014-01-28
Classification: A61B,A61F,B33Y

Abstract:
1. An introducer for implanting a distractible intervertebral body fusion device into an intervertebral disc space defined between adjacent vertebrae of a patient, comprising: an elongate sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle located adjacent the sleeve; a drive shaft extending through the sleeve, the drive shaft having a distal end adapted to be attached to a drive mechanism of a distractible intervertebral body fusion device such that rotation of the drive shaft causes the device to expand between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration that causes distraction of the adjacent vertebrae; and a securing shaft extending through the sleeve generally parallel to and non-coaxially with the drive shaft, the securing shaft adapted to be attached to the distractible intervertebral body fusion device at a fixed angular orientation to stabilize the device as the drive shaft is rotated to expand the device.