Patent ID: 7648506
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A medical implant inserter tool, comprising: an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; a pivoting element coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft and movable between a first position, in which the pivoting element is longitudinally aligned with the shaft, and a second position, in which the pivoting element is substantially transverse to the shaft, wherein the pivoting element includes a threaded engagement mechanism rotatably disposed therein and adapted to releasably engage a medical implant; an actuator mechanism coupled to the proximal end of the elongate shaft and effective to move the pivoting element between the first and second positions; and a driver shaft coupled to the elongate shaft and including a distal end that is effective to rotate the threaded engagement mechanism in the pivoting element, wherein the driver shaft is separated from the threaded engagement mechanism when the pivoting element is in the second position, and the driver shaft is coupled to and effective to rotate the threaded engagement mechanism when the pivoting element is in the first position.