Patent ID: 9101494
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of implanting an intervertebral implant comprising the steps of: inserting a distal end of an intervertebral implant insertion instrument between two vertebrae, the implant insertion instrument including: a first handle having a first end and a second end; a second handle located towards the first end and connected to the first handle; a pair of rails attached to the second end of the first handle; and a shaft engaging the first handle and having a third end and a fourth end; attaching a blocker to the fourth end of the shaft of the implant insertion instrument; attaching an intervertebral implant to the blocker, the intervertebral implant having a top surface and a bottom surface; adjusting the blocker along a proximal-distal axis of the implant insertion instrument to locate an end of the blocker at an offset distance from the two vertebrae; sliding the intervertebral implant between the two vertebrae along a guide path on the implant insertion instrument without either the top surface or the bottom surface of the intervertebral implant being contacted by the implant insertion; and moving the first handle toward the second handle to automatically disengage the implant insertion instrument from the intervertebral implant.