Patent ID: 7862615

Claim:
An intervertebral implant that changes configuration between an insertion shape and an implantation shape, wherein, in the implantation shape, the implant includes a spacer having two opposed channels bordered by retaining wings, the channels intended to receive two spinous processes of two vertebrae, parts of the spacer forming the opposed channels are separated by a value (D) that ensures the separation of the spinous processes, and in the insertion shape, parts of the implant forming the opposed channels are separated by a value (d) which is less than the value (D) and which allows the spacer to be inserted between the spinous processes, the spacer in the insertion shape is deprived of a retaining wing on at least one of its sides, wherein the value corresponding to an anterior-posterior dimension of the spacer which is both (i) transverse to the axis of the two spinous processes and (ii) transverse to an insertion direction of the implant is the same for the insertion and implantation shapes, the spacer being made entirely from a shape-memory material so that the spacer is in the insertion shape at a first temperature and automatically changes from the insertion shape to the implantation shape when subjected to a second relatively higher temperature.