Patent ID: 8348961
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A surgical introducer for an implant, comprising: a shaft portion extending longitudinally with proximal and distal sides, the shaft portion defining a guide bore extending longitudinally through the shaft portion for guidedly receiving and sliding over an elongated guide member, the guide bore having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft portion has a distal end in the distal side, the bore having an a distal opening defined in the distal end along the longitudinal axis through which the bore extends longitudinally with respect to the shaft portion; and an implant-mounting member having an implant-accommodating surface disposed on the distal side and configured for retaining the implant in a loaded position exposed on the shaft portion and introducing the implant in the loaded position across an incision to an implantation site; wherein the distal side comprises a forward portion disposed distally from the implant-accommodating surface, the forward portion being elevated with respect to the implant-accommodating surface and including a tapered portion that is radially tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis from a low radial cross-section at the distal end of the shaft portion to a taller radial cross-section disposed towards the implant-mounting member such that the forward portion is configured for spreading tissue thereabout when the introducer is pushed therethrough.