Patent ID: 7575581
Filing Date: 2009-08-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for releasably holding a receiver element of a pedicle screw assembly, comprising: a first set of opposed blades, each blade of the first set of opposed blades having a proximal end and a distal end; a second set of opposed blades, each blade of the second set of opposed blades having a proximal end and a distal end; a body portion from which each blade of the first set of opposed blades and each blade of the second set of opposed blades extends, wherein each blade of the first set of opposed blades and each blade of the second set of opposed blades is connected to the body portion at the proximal end of the blade; at least one receiver element retaining pin disposed in each blade of the first set of opposed blades at a position adjacent the distal end each blade, wherein each receiver element retaining pin of the first set of opposed blades is configured to interface with a corresponding hole in the receiver element of the pedicle screw assembly to hold the receiver element of the pedicle screw assembly to the apparatus when the each of the blades of the first set of opposed blades is in a closed position relative to one another; at least one receiver element retaining pin disposed in each blade of the second set of opposed blades at a position adjacent the distal end each blade, wherein each receiver element retaining pin of the second set of opposed blades is configured to interface with a corresponding hole in the receiver element of the pedicle screw assembly to hold the receiver element of the pedicle screw assembly to the apparatus when the each of the blades of the second set of opposed blades is in a closed position relative to one another; a first sliding wedge disposed between each blade of the first set of opposed blades, wherein movement of the first sliding wedge from a first location relative to the first set of opposed blades to a second location relative to the first set of opposed blades causes the first sliding wedge to push each blade of the first set of opposed blades apart into an open position; and a second sliding wedge disposed between each blade of the second set of opposed blades, wherein movement of the second sliding wedge from a first location relative to the second set of opposed blades to a second location relative to the second set of opposed blades causes the second sliding wedge to push each blade of the second set of opposed blades apart into an open position.