Patent ID: 7717921
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: A61B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An instrument for delivering multiple implants to at least one surgical location in a patient, comprising: a mounting member including an elongate tubular portion extending between a distal mounting portion for receiving multiple implants therealong and a proximal end member; a retaining mechanism housed in said mounting portion of said mounting member, said retaining mechanism being movable between a retaining position for retaining the implants along the mounting portion and a dispensing position allowing a distal-most implant on the mounting portion to move distally along the mounting portion for delivery to the at least one surgical location; an actuator coupled to said mounting member including a proximal engaging end adjacent said proximal end member of said mounting member, said actuator extending from said proximal engaging end through said tubular portion to an actuating end along said mounting portion, said actuator having a first axial position with said actuating end positioning said retaining mechanism in said retaining position, said actuator being movable in said mounting member to a second axial position with said actuating end positioning said retaining mechanism in said dispensing position; a housing having a proximal end mounted to said proximal end member of said mounting member, said housing extending about said tubular portion of said mounting member; and a piston member in said housing, said piston member being axially movable about said tubular portion and being biased distally into contact with a proximal most one of the multiple implants about said mounting portion.