Patent ID: 8998920
Filing Date: 2015-04-07
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis within a spine of a mammal, comprising: a handle disposed at a proximal end of the tool and including a drive nut operating to produce rotational torque in response to user-input; a main drive gear rotatable about a central axis, and coupled to, and receiving the rotational torque from, the drive nut; a first drive shaft including proximal and distal ends; the proximal end including a first pickup gear in meshed communication with the main drive gear, receiving rotational torque therefrom, and imparting rotational torque to the first drive shaft about a first axis, which is laterally offset from the central axis; and the distal end of the first drive shaft including a first drive head; a chuck disposed at the distal end of the tool and being sized and shaped to engage the intervertebral prosthesis during implantation, wherein the first drive shaft extends through the chuck such that the first drive head operates to engage a first gear of the intervertebral prosthesis, such that rotation of the first gear causes rotation and deployment of a first anchoring element of the intervertebral prosthesis.