Patent ID: 7938837
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An instrument for inserting an implant between vertebral bodies, comprising: a holder adapted to hold the implant during insertion of the implant between the vertebral bodies, the holder including a plurality of arms having distal ends; extensions connected to the distal ends of the plurality of arms; a plate projecting from each extension, each plate having a bottom surface, and the plates being configured to conform to the topology of the implant to hold the implant securely between the bottom surfaces of the plates; a micromachined top surface formed on each plate, the micro machined surfaces being extremely smooth so that the insertion can be accomplished with a minimum of force and a minimum of collateral damage to tissue against which the top surfaces slide; a retractor to retract the holder away from the implant after the insertion; and a guard adapted to prevent the implant from being removed from between the vertebral bodies during the retraction, wherein the retractor comprises a coupling adapted to couple the holder to the guard and by which relative movement between the holder and the guard is effectable during the retraction.