Patent ID: 7695478
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An instrument for holding an intervertebral spacer, the instrument comprising: a shaft having a proximal end forming a handle, and a distal end forming a claw subassembly; said claw subassembly including a first pincer which is in a fixed position relative to said shaft at the distal end of the shaft and a second pincer which is pivotally coupled with said first pincer for rotating about a single point of rotation into and out of spacer holding association with said first pincer, wherein said second pincer is biased towards one of a spacer holding association position or out of a spacer holding association position; and an actuation mechanism for selectively rotating said second pincer, wherein said first and second pincers have opposing inner curved surfaces that extend to a distal-most end of said instrument, wherein said actuation mechanism comprises a sliding member mounted to said shaft which is selectively movable, by pushing, in at least a distal direction by a force sufficient to overcome the bias of said second pincer, and said second pincer includes a tapered surface which is contacted by a corresponding surface of the sliding member; said contacting causes said second pincer to pivot relative to said first pincer, wherein said second pincer is spring biased away from said first pincer.