Patent ID: 7611514
Filing Date: 2009-11-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for preparing a space in the human spine to receive an implant between adjacent vertebral bodies, said apparatus comprising: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite said proximal end; a working end proximate said distal end of said shaft, said working end having a leading portion adapted for insertion into the spine a trailing portion opposite said leading portion, and mid-longitudinal axis therebetween, said working end having at least two cutters adapted to remove bone from each of the adjacent vertebral body endplates simultaneously as said working end is moved to create an implantation space; each of said cutters having a leading end and an opposite trailing end, said leading ends of said cutters defining a forward facing cutting area having a maximum height as measured along a line passing through said leading end of each of said cutters and transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis of said working end; a drive element having a leading portion and a trailing portion opposite said leading portion, said leading portion of said drive element being adjacent said trailing portion of said working end, said leading portion of said drive element connecting to said trailing ends of said cutters for moving said cutters of said working end, said drive element having an axis of rotation parallel to the mid-longitudinal axis of said working end, at least a portion of said distal end of said shaft and said leading portion of said drive element each having a maximum height transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis of said working end not greater than the maximum height of said forward facing cutting area of said cutters, said at least a portion of said distal end of said shaft and said leading portion of said drive element each being located within and not extending beyond the maximum height of said forward facing cutting area of said cutters; and a power source operably connected to said drive element.