Patent ID: 8641735

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: an implantable elongated member having a first section, a second section and a third section each extending along a longitudinal axis; said first section having a first end and an oppositely positioned second end and including at least a portion extending from said first end to said second end that is substantially cylindrical with a first outer diameter; said second section having a first and second end, said first end of said second section and said second end of said first section defining a first transition portion thereby connecting said first end of said second section with said second end of said first section, said second section having at least a portion that is substantially cylindrical with a second outer diameter; said third section having a first and second end, said first end of said third section and said second end of said second section defining a second transition portion thereby connecting said first end of said third section with said second end of said second section, said third section having at least a portion that is substantially cylindrical with a third outer diameter; wherein the second outer diameter of said second section is unequal to at least one of said first outer diameter of said first section and said third outer diameter of said third section; and wherein said first section is an end of said elongated member and includes a plate section between said first and second ends of said first section, said plate section having opposite first and second flat surfaces and at least one opening extending from said first flat surface to said second flat surface; and wherein said first and second flat surfaces of said plate section are axially connected directly to said first end of said second section by said first transition portion.