Patent ID: 8062304
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A vertebral distractor-inserter, comprising: (a) a pair of opposing arms; (b) a driving rod extending between the pair of opposing arms, wherein the driving rod comprises an axis and a surface with a plurality of angled ratchet teeth on at least a portion of the surface; and (c) a ratchet drive mechanism in mechanical communication with the driving rod; (d) wherein the ratchet drive mechanism is rotatable relative to the pair of opposing arms; further comprising a housing in mechanical communication with the pair of opposing arms, wherein the driving rod extends through at least a portion of the housing; wherein the ratchet drive mechanism comprises: (i) an activating lever mounted to the housing by an activating lever pivot; (ii) a first ratchet pawl coupled to the activating lever and adapted to engage the ratchet teeth and move the driving rod distally relative to the housing; and (iii) a second ratchet pawl adapted to engage the ratchet teeth and oppose proximal motion of the driving rod relative to the housing; wherein the surface of the driving rod comprises an area that is substantially free of ratchet teeth on a contiguous longitudinal surface of the driving rod, and wherein the driving rod is movable proximally relative to the housing upon rotation of the rod about its axis such that the ratchet pawls are in contact with the contiguous longitudinal surface that is free of ratchet teeth; and wherein the ratchet teeth disengage from the first and second ratchet pawls upon rotation of the driving rod about its axis.