Patent ID: 8303630
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for placement of an orthopedic implant within a target inter-spinous space of a spinal column, comprising: visualizing the target inter-spinous space using an imaging modality; advancing at least a first extension member and a second extension member of an implant placement device towards the inter-spinous space, wherein each of the first extension member and the second extension member has an elongated segment that extends from a proximal aspect to a distal aspect, wherein the proximal aspect of each of the first and second extension members is connected to a distraction mechanism of the implant placement device and wherein the distraction mechanism is adapted to forcibly move the first extension member relative to the second extension member, and wherein a bore extends from a proximal opening to distal opening in between the first and second extension members and forms a guide channel for the advancement of the orthopedic implant; positioning at least a portion of the distal segment of each of the first and second extension members within the target inter-spinous space; actuating the distraction mechanism of the implant placement device and moving the first and second extension members away from one another, wherein actuation of the distraction mechanism produces at least some expansion of the target inter-spinous space; advancing the orthopedic implant at least partially through the guide channel that is in between the first and second extension members until at least a portion of the implant is positioned within the target inter-spinous space, wherein at least a first segment of the implant is positioned within the guide channel and at least a second segment of the implant is positioned outside of the guide channel during the implant's advancement within the target inter-spinous space; removing the extension members of the implant placement device from the inter-spinous space, wherein after extension member removal the orthopedic implant remains positioned within the inter-spinous space and maintains the spinous process of the first and second vertebral bones separated by a desired distance.