Patent ID: 8430885
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for distracting body tissue, comprising the steps of: providing an inserter including a track configured to advance a plurality of elements into said tissue to be distracted, a first element being releasably connected to said track at a distal end thereof by a release mechanism operably supported by said inserter, said release mechanism including a slidable component separate from and supported by the inserter between said track and said first element that is configured to be retractable from outside the body tissue; introducing said distal end with said first element into said body tissue; delivering by said inserter a plurality of additional elements, each configured to be consecutively received one after the other to distract said tissue in a desired direction, the release mechanism holding the first element in place while said additional elements are inserted; and operating said release mechanism by retracting said component from outside the body to release said first element from said track thereby allowing removal of said inserter from said tissue while said first element and said additional elements remain in said tissue.