Patent ID: 8845732
Filing Date: 2014-09-30
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A system for intervertebral fusion comprising: a dilator having a proximal end and a tapered distal end for penetrating soft tissue; a cannula having a proximal end and a distal end; and an intervertebral implant sized for insertion into an intervertebral space through the cannula, wherein the intervertebral implant comprises a first endplate, a second endplate, and a central ramp disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate, wherein the central ramp is configured to move in a first direction and cause the first and second endplates to move outwardly and away from one another, a driving ramp disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate at an opposite end of the intervertebral implant from the central ramp, wherein the driving ramp has a longitudinal through bore, wherein the driving ramp is configured to engage ramped surfaces of the first endplate and ramped surfaces of the second endplate; and an actuation member comprising a head portion and an actuation member extension that extends through an unthreaded opening in a longitudinal through bore of the driving ramp to be received within an opening in the central ramp extension, wherein rotational movement of the actuation member in the first direction pulls the central ramp towards the driving ramp; wherein when the actuation member is rotated, the driving ramp is fixed with respect to the actuation member and the central ramp is moved in either the first direction or a second direction.