Patent ID: 8579910
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A spinal implant insertion device, comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central longitudinal axis extending therebetween; an insertion blade assembly configured to be slidably mated to an outer portion of the elongate shaft, a distal portion of the insertion blade assembly forming a set of opposed blades, including a first blade positioned above the central longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft and a second blade positioned below the central longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft, the insertion blade assembly being configured to slide relative to the elongate shaft between a retracted position and an extended position; and a grasper element formed of first and second jaws, the grasper element being coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft and being configured to move between a first, open position and a second, closed position that is effective to grasp a spinal implant between the first and second jaws independent of the position of the insertion blade assembly; wherein the first and second blades of the insertion blade assembly are fixed relative to one another and at least one of the first and second insertion blades includes outer portions that extend distally farther than a central portion of the respective blade; wherein the elongate shaft includes a first locking mechanism and the insertion blade assembly includes a second locking mechanism, the first and second locking mechanisms being configured to interface to selectively lock the insertion blade assembly at a desired position.