Patent ID: 9101411
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for coupling a first superior vertebra of a cervical spine to a second inferior vertebra, the system comprising: a fixation device having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end configured to extend between the first superior vertebra and the second inferior vertebra; an elongated tubular device configured to apply the fixation device, the elongated tubular device having a first longitudinal axis and a handle extending along a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes forming an angle with respect to each other such that when the elongated tubular device is applied to the cervical spine from a direction above the cervical spine, the fixation device can be applied without interference from the head of the patient; and the elongated tubular device having a proximal opening extending from the proximal end of the elongated tubular device, the proximal opening configured to allow instruments to move toward a line transverse to the first longitudinal axis.