U.S. patent application number 16/265117 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-06 for spinal fusion implants and methods for deploying such implants.
The applicant listed for this patent is Benvenue Medical, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey L. Emery, Andrew Huffmaster, James Lee, Timothy McGrath, Ebrahim Mohammad Quddus, Laurent Schaller.
Application Number | 20190167440 16/265117 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51531315 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190167440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; James ; et al. |
June 6, 2019 |
Spinal Fusion Implants And Methods For Deploying Such Implants
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The
devices and methods may include insertion of first and second
elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an
augmenting elongated member inserted therebetween to form a
distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. The
distraction device defines a generally annular configuration, with
a locking member secured to one of the elongated members at a
plurality of locations to maintain the distraction device in the
generally annular configuration. The augmenting elongated member
may be shorter than the first and second elongated members such
that a window is defined between the proximal and distal ends of
the augmenting elongated member when the distraction device and the
first and second elongated members are in the generally annular
configuration. Bone graft material or bone filler may be introduced
into the interior of the distraction device through the window.
Inventors: |
Lee; James; (San Mateo,
CA) ; Emery; Jeffrey L.; (Emerald Hills, CA) ;
McGrath; Timothy; (Fremont, CA) ; Schaller;
Laurent; (Los Altos, CA) ; Huffmaster; Andrew;
(Newark, CA) ; Quddus; Ebrahim Mohammad; (Fremont,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Benvenue Medical, Inc. |
Santa Clara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51531315 |
Appl. No.: |
16/265117 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15276147 |
Sep 26, 2016 |
10231843 |
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16265117 |
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13803322 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
9480574 |
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15276147 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/30593
20130101; A61B 17/8852 20130101; A61F 2002/30507 20130101; A61F
2/4611 20130101; A61F 2002/30827 20130101; A61F 2/442 20130101;
A61F 2/446 20130101; A61F 2/4603 20130101; A61F 2002/3082 20130101;
A61F 2002/4415 20130101; A61F 2002/444 20130101; A61F 2002/30092
20130101; A61F 2002/3008 20130101; A61F 2002/30242 20130101; A61F
2002/30383 20130101; A61F 2220/0016 20130101; A61F 2/4455 20130101;
A61F 2/4601 20130101; A61F 2002/30462 20130101; A61B 2017/00867
20130101; A61F 2002/30014 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/44 20060101
A61F002/44; A61F 2/46 20060101 A61F002/46; A61B 17/88 20060101
A61B017/88 |
Claims
1-27. (canceled)
28. A tissue distraction device comprising a plurality of elongated
members insertable between adjacent tissue layers of a spine,
wherein one of the plurality of elongated members is configured to
engage an upper tissue layer, another one of the plurality of
elongated members is configured to engage a lower tissue layer, and
an elongated element is associated with at least one of the
plurality of elongated members, at least partially formed of a
material having shape memory properties, and configured to
automatically move said at least one of the plurality of elongated
members from a constrained, generally linear configuration to an
unconstrained, generally less linear configuration.
29. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein said
material comprises Nitinol.
30. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein said
material comprises a shape memory polymer.
31. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein the
elongated element is at least partially positioned within said at
least one of the plurality of elongated members.
32. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein the
elongated element is fully embedded within said at least one of the
plurality of elongated members.
33. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein the
elongated element is secured to an outer surface of said at least
one of the plurality of elongated members.
34. The tissue distraction device of claim 33, wherein the
elongated element is secured to a lateral side of said at least one
of the plurality of elongated members.
35. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein the
elongated element is configured as a wire.
36. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein the
elongated element is configured as a tube.
37. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein said at
least one of the plurality of elongated members comprises an
augmenting elongated member configured to be at least partially
positioned between said one of the plurality of elongated members
and said another one of the plurality of elongated members.
38. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein the
elongated element is associated with said one of the plurality of
elongated members or said another one of the plurality of elongated
members.
39. The tissue distraction of claim 28, further comprising a second
elongated element, wherein the elongated elements are associated
with different elongated members.
40. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein said
unconstrained, generally less linear configuration comprises an
arcuate configuration.
41. The tissue distraction device of claim 28, wherein said
unconstrained, generally less linear configuration comprises an
annular configuration.
42. A method of assembling a structure in vivo between two body
tissue layers comprising first and second elongated members and an
augmenting elongated member, the method comprising: delivering the
first and second elongated members between two body tissue layers
in a generally linear configuration to define at least a portion of
a structure having a dimensional aspect in a direction extending
generally from one of said body tissue layers to the other body
tissue layer; and inserting at least a portion of the augmenting
elongated member between and in contact with said first and second
elongated members to spread the first and second elongated members
apart to increase the dimensional aspect of at least a portion of
the structure, wherein an elongated element at least partially
formed of a material having shape memory properties is associated
with the augmenting elongated member, and said inserting said at
least a portion of the augmenting elongated member between and in
contact with said first and second elongated members includes the
elongated element causing said at least a portion of the augmenting
elongated member to automatically move from a constrained,
generally linear configuration to an unconstrained, generally less
linear configuration.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein said material comprises
Nitinol.
44. The method of claim 42, wherein the elongated element is fully
embedded within the augmenting elongated member.
45. The method of claim 42, wherein the elongated element is
configured as a wire.
46. The method of claim 42, wherein said unconstrained, generally
less linear configuration comprises an arcuate configuration.
47. The method of claim 42, wherein said unconstrained, generally
less linear configuration comprises an annular configuration.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/276,147, filed Sep. 26, 2016, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,322, filed
Mar. 14, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present invention generally relates to apparatus and
methods employed in minimally invasive surgical procedures and more
particularly to various aspects of apparatus and methods for
separating and/or supporting tissue layers, especially in the disc
space of the spine.
Description of Related Art
[0003] A variety of physical conditions involve two tissue surfaces
that, for diagnosis or treatment of the condition, need to be
separated or distracted or maintained in a separated condition from
one another and then supported in a spaced-apart relationship. Such
separation or distraction may be to gain exposure to selected
tissue structures, to apply a therapeutic pressure to selected
tissues, to return or reposition tissue structures to a more normal
or original anatomic position and form, to deliver a drug or growth
factor, to alter, influence or deter further growth of select
tissues or to carry out other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Depending on the condition being treated, the tissue surfaces may
be opposed or contiguous and may be bone, skin, soft tissue, or a
combination thereof.
[0004] One location of the body where tissue separation is useful
as a corrective treatment is in the spinal column. Developmental
irregularities, trauma, tumors, stress and degenerative wear can
cause defects in the spinal column for which surgical intervention
is necessary. Some of the more common defects of the spinal column
include vertebral compression fractures, degeneration or disruption
of an intervertebral disc and intervertebral disc herniation. These
and other pathologies of the spine are often treated with implants
that can restore vertebral column height, immobilize or fuse
adjacent vertebral bones, or function to provide flexibility and
restore natural movement of the spinal column. Accordingly,
different defects in the spinal column require different types of
treatment, and the location and anatomy of the spine that requires
corrective surgical procedures determines whether an immobilizing
implantable device or a flexible implantable device is used for
such treatment.
[0005] In a typical spinal corrective procedure involving
distraction of tissue layers, damaged spinal tissue is removed or
relocated prior to distraction. After the damaged tissue has been
removed or relocated, adjacent spinal tissue layers, such as
adjacent bone structures, are then distracted to separate and
restore the proper distance between the adjacent tissue layers.
Once the tissue layers have been separated by the proper distance,
an immobilizing or flexible device, depending on the desired
treatment, is implanted between the tissue layers. In the past, the
implantable treatment devices have been relatively large cage-like
devices that require invasive surgical techniques which require
relative large incisions into the human spine. Such invasive
surgical techniques often disrupt and disturb tissue surrounding
the surgical site to the detriment of the patient.
[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for implantable treatment
devices and methods that utilize minimally invasive procedures.
[0007] Such methods and devices may be particularly needed in the
area of intervertebral or disc treatment. The intervertebral disc
is divided into two distinct regions: the nucleus pulposus and the
annulus fibrosus. The nucleus lies at the center of the disc and is
surrounded and contained by the annulus. The annulus contains
collagen fibers that form concentric lamellae that surround the
nucleus and insert into the endplates of the adjacent vertebral
bodies to form a reinforced structure. Cartilaginous endplates are
located at the interface between the disc and the adjacent
vertebral bodies.
[0008] The intervertebral disc is the largest avascular structure
in the body. The cells of the disc receive nutrients and expel
waste by diffusion through the adjacent vascularized endplates. The
hygroscopic nature of the proteoglycan matrix secreted by cells of
the nucleus operates to generate high intra-nuclear pressure. As
the water content in the disc increases, the intra-nuclear pressure
increases and the nucleus swells to increase the height of the
disc. This swelling places the fibers of the annulus in tension. A
normal disc has a height of about 10-15 mm.
[0009] There are many causes of disruption or degeneration of the
intervertebral disc that can be generally categorized as
mechanical, genetic and biochemical. Mechanical damage includes
herniation in which a portion of the nucleus pulposus projects
through a fissure or tear in the annulus fibrosus. Genetic and
biochemical causes can result in changes in the extracellular
matrix pattern of the disc and a decrease in biosynthesis of
extracellular matrix components by the cells of the disc.
Degeneration is a progressive process that usually begins with a
decrease in the ability of the extracellular matrix in the central
nucleus pulposus to bind water due to reduced proteoglycan content.
With a loss of water content, the nucleus becomes desiccated
resulting in a decrease in internal disc hydraulic pressure, and
ultimately to a loss of disc height. This loss of disc height can
cause the annulus to buckle with non-tensile loading and the
annular lamellae to delaminate, resulting in annular fissures.
Herniation may then occur as rupture leads to protrusion of the
nucleus.
[0010] Proper disc height is necessary to ensure proper
functionality of the intervertebral disc and spinal column. The
disc serves several functions, although its primary function is to
facilitate mobility of the spine. In addition, the disc provides
for load bearing, load transfer and shock absorption between
vertebral levels. The weight of the person generates a compressive
load on the discs, but this load is not uniform during typical
bending movements. During forward flexion, the posterior annular
fibers are stretched while the anterior fibers are compressed. In
addition, a translocation of the nucleus occurs as the center of
gravity of the nucleus shifts away from the center and towards the
extended side.
[0011] Changes in disc height can have both local and global
effects. Decreased disc height results in increased pressure in the
nucleus, which can lead to a decrease in cell matrix synthesis and
an increase in cell necrosis and apoptosis. In addition, increases
in intra-discal pressure create an unfavorable environment for
fluid transfer into the disc, which can cause a further decrease in
disc height.
[0012] Decreased disc height also results in significant changes in
the global mechanical stability of the spine. With decreasing
height of the disc, the facet joints bear increasing loads and may
undergo hypertrophy and degeneration, and may even act as a source
of pain over time. Decreased stiffness of the spinal column and
increased range of motion resulting from loss of disc height can
lead to further instability of the spine, as well as back pain.
[0013] Radicular pain may result from a decrease in foraminal
volume caused by decreased disc height. Specifically, as disc
height decreases, the volume of the foraminal canal, through which
the spinal nerve roots pass, decreases. This decrease may lead to
spinal nerve impingement, with associated radiating pain and
dysfunction.
[0014] Finally, adjacent segment loading increases as the disc
height decreases at a given level. The discs that must bear
additional loading are now susceptible to accelerated degeneration
and compromise, which may eventually propagate along the
destabilized spinal column.
[0015] In spite of all of these detriments that accompany decreases
in disc height, where the change in disc height is gradual many of
the ill effects may be "tolerable" to the spine and patient and may
allow time for the spinal system to adapt to the gradual changes.
However, the sudden decrease in disc volume caused by the surgical
removal of the disc or disc nucleus may increase the local and
global problems noted above.
[0016] Many disc defects are treated through a surgical procedure,
such as a discectomy in which the nucleus pulposus material is
removed. During a total discectomy, a substantial amount (and
usually all) of the volume of the nucleus pulposus is removed and
immediate loss of disc height and volume can result. Even with a
partial discectomy, loss of disc height can ensue. Discectomy alone
is the most common spinal surgical treatment, frequently used to
treat radicular pain resulting from nerve impingement by disc bulge
or disc fragments contacting the spinal neural structures.
[0017] The discectomy may be followed by an implant procedure in
which a prosthesis is introduced into the cavity left in the disc
space when the nucleus material is removed. Thus far, the most
common prosthesis is a mechanical device or a "cage" that is sized
to restore the proper disc height and is configured for fixation
between adjacent vertebrae. These mechanical solutions take on a
variety of forms, including solid kidney-shaped implants, hollow
blocks filled with bone growth material, push-in implants and
threaded cylindrical cages.
[0018] A challenge in the use of a posterior procedure to install
spinal prosthesis devices is that a device large enough to contact
the end plates and expand the space between the end plates of the
same or adjacent vertebra must be inserted through a limited space.
In the case of procedures to increasing intervertebral spacing, the
difficulties are further increased by the presence of posterior
osteophytes, which may cause "fish mouthing" or concavity of the
posterior end plates and result in very limited access to the disc.
A further challenge in degenerative disc spaces is the tendency of
the disc space to assume a lenticular shape, which requires a
relatively larger implant than often is easily introduced without
causing trauma to the nerve roots. The size of rigid devices that
may safely be introduced into the disc space is thereby
limited.
[0019] While cages of the prior art have been generally successful
in promoting fusion and approximating proper disc height, typically
these cages have been inserted from the posterior approach, and are
therefore limited in size by the interval between the nerve roots.
Further, it is generally difficult to implant from the posterior
approach a cage that accounts for the natural lordotic curve of the
lumber spine.
[0020] It is desirable to reduce potential trauma to the nerve
roots and yet still allow restoration or maintenance of disc space
height in procedures involving vertebrae fusion devices and disc
replacement, containment of the nucleus of the disc or prevention
of herniation of the nucleus of the disc. In general minimally
invasive surgical techniques reduce surgical trauma, blood loss and
pain. However, despite the use of minimally invasive techniques,
the implantation of cage devices for treating the spine typically
involves nerve root retraction, an inherently high risk procedure.
It is therefore desirable to reduce the degree of invasiveness of
the surgical procedures required to implant the device, which may
also serve to permit reduction in the pain, trauma, and blood loss
as well as the avoidance and/or reduction of the nerve root
retraction.
[0021] In minimally invasive procedures, to monitor placement, it
is useful that implant devices inserted into spinal tissue be
detectable using fluoroscopic imaging systems. However if a device
is visible using X-ray technology, then the device can interfere
with the detection and monitoring of spinal tissues, such as bone
growing into the disc space after a vertebral fusion procedure.
Additional advances would also be useful in this area.
SUMMARY
[0022] There are several aspects of the present subject matter
which may be embodied separately or together in the devices and
systems described and claimed below. These aspects may be employed
alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter
described herein, and the description of these aspects together is
not intended to preclude the use of these aspects separately or the
claiming of such aspects separately or in different combinations as
set forth in the claims appended hereto.
[0023] In one aspect, a tissue distraction device includes first
and second elongated members. The first and second elongated
members are insertable between tissue layers and adapted to define
a structure in situ having a dimensional aspect in a direction
extending between the tissue layers. The tissue distraction device
also includes an augmenting elongated member insertable between and
in contact with the first and second elongated members to spread
the first and second elongated members apart to increase the
dimensional aspect of at least a portion of the structure in situ.
The augmenting, first, and second elongated members are
sufficiently flexible to change between a generally linear
configuration and a generally less linear configuration. A locking
member is configured to be secured to one of the elongated members
at a plurality of locations to lock the augmenting, first, and
second elongated members in the generally less linear
configuration.
[0024] In another aspect, a tissue distraction device includes
first and second elongated members defining a generally annular
configuration. An augmenting member is fully received between the
first and second elongated members and having a linear extent less
than the linear extents of the first and second elongated
members.
[0025] In yet another aspect, a method is provided for assembling a
structure in vivo between two body tissue layers comprising first
and second elongated members, an augmenting elongated member, and a
locking member secured to one of the elongated members at a first
location. The method includes delivering the first and second
elongated members toward a location between two body tissue layers
in a generally linear configuration to define at least a portion of
a structure having a dimensional aspect in a direction extending
generally from one of the body tissue layers to the other body
tissue layer. The configurations of the first and second elongated
members is changed to a generally less linear configuration. The
augmenting elongated member is inserted between and in contact with
the first and second elongated members to spread the first and
second elongated members apart to increase the dimensional aspect
of at least a portion of the structure. The locking member is
secured to one of the elongated members at a second location to
lock the first and second elongated members in the generally less
linear configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distraction device or
support structure according to the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of a distraction device
or support structure according to the present disclosure having a
non-uniform thickness;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the distraction device of
FIG. 1, deployed within a vertebral disc space;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the lower elongated member of
the distraction device of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an augmenting member of the
distraction device of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIGS. 5-7 are perspective views of a proximal end portion of
the upper elongated member of the distraction device of FIG. 1,
with an associated anchor member being shown in different
positions;
[0032] FIG. 8 is an end view of the two elongated members and the
augmenting member of the distraction device of FIG. 1, in a
disassembled condition;
[0033] FIG. 9 is an end view of the two elongated members and
augmenting member of FIG. 8, in an assembled condition;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a side view of proximal ends of the two elongated
members and augmenting member of FIG. 8, in a partially assembled
condition;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a side view of proximal ends of the two elongated
members and augmenting member of FIG. 8, in an assembled
condition;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the elongated members of the
distraction device of FIG. 1 at least partially positioned within a
deployment cannula;
[0037] FIG. 13 is an end view of the elongated members and cannula
of FIG. 12;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the augmenting
elongated member of the distraction device of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 15 is an end view of the distraction device of FIG. 1,
with a locking member thereof in an unlocked condition;
[0040] FIG. 16 is an end view of the distraction device of FIG. 1,
with a locking member thereof in a locked condition;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional top plan view of a proximal end
of the augmenting elongated member of the distraction device of
FIG. 1, with a locking member thereof in an initial condition;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional top plan view of a proximal end
of the augmenting elongated member of the distraction device of
FIG. 1, with a locking member thereof in a locked condition;
[0043] FIG. 19 is perspective view of a delivery device suitable
for delivering the distraction device of claim 1 to a work
space;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery device of
FIG. 19;
[0045] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a shearing assembly of the
delivery device of FIG. 19;
[0046] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a pusher device suitable
for use with the delivery device of FIG. 19;
[0047] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an extraction device
suitable for use with the delivery device of FIG. 19;
[0048] FIGS. 24 and 25 are perspective views of disc space sizing
devices for determining the proper distraction device to deploy to
a vertebral disc space;
[0049] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a funnel for use in
delivering a bone filler material to the open interior of the
distraction device of FIG. 1;
[0050] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a tamp for use in
combination with the funnel of FIG. 26;
[0051] FIGS. 28-33 are perspective views illustrating a method of
deploying the distraction device of FIG. 1 to a disc space;
[0052] FIG. 34 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of
an elongated member or distraction device according to the present
disclosure;
[0053] FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the elongated member or
distraction device of FIG. 34, with a fixture or fastener securing
the proximal and distal ends of the elongated member or distraction
device;
[0054] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a distraction device having
an elongated member with shape memory properties;
[0055] FIG. 37 is a top plan view of an elongated member or
distraction device configured to maintain a generally annular
configuration without a separate locking member or fastener or
fixture; and
[0056] FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the elongated member or
distraction device of FIG. 37, in a generally annular
configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] The embodiments disclosed herein are for the purpose of
providing a description of the present subject matter, and it is
understood that the subject matter may be embodied in various other
forms and combinations not shown in detail. Therefore, specific
embodiments and features disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting the subject matter as defined in the accompanying
claims.
[0058] The devices and methods of the present invention provide
multiple features of distraction devices, distraction device
support structures and deployment systems that can be used to
actively separate tissue layers by engaging them and forcing them
apart, or to support the separation of tissue layers separated by
the distraction device itself or by other devices or processes or a
combination of these.
[0059] As used herein, the terms "distraction device" and "support
structure" are intended to have a general meaning and is not
limited to devices that only actively separate tissue layers, only
support tissue layers or only both actively separate and support
tissue layers. For example, the distraction device and support
structure in general can be used to actively separate layers of
tissue and then be removed after such separation, or the
distraction device and the support structure could be used to
support layers of tissue that have been previously separated by a
different device. Alternatively, the distraction device and support
structure can be used to actively separate the layers of tissue and
remain in place to support the layers of tissue in order to
maintain such separation. Unless more specifically set forth in the
claims, as used herein, "distraction device" and "support
structure" encompass any and all of these. In addition, it should
be noted that the references to "first" and "second" members or
devices are for convenience in the written description. They may be
combined to provide a single distraction assembly or structure of
selected distraction height, and the assembly is not limited to any
particular number of "devices" or "members." In keeping with the
broader aspects of the present invention the specific number of
"devices" or "members" can be varied according to the intended
usage or design considerations.
[0060] It should also be understood that various embodiments of the
device, system and method of the present invention are illustrated
for purposes of explanation in vertebral fusion procedures and/or
replacement of removed discs. However, in its broader aspects, the
various features of the present invention are not limited to these
particular applications and may be used in connection with other
tissue layers, such as soft tissue layers, although it has
particular utility and benefit in treatment of vertebral conditions
within intervertebral discs or disc spaces.
[0061] One embodiment of a distraction device or support structure
or implant 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The distraction device 10
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is comprised of a first or lower elongated
member 12, a second or upper elongated member 14, an augmenting
elongated member 16, and a locking member 18. The augmenting
elongated member 16 cooperatively interacts with the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14 to increase a dimensional aspect
of the distraction device or support structure 10. The distraction
device 10 is preferably comprised of elongated members made of
biocompatible materials (including metals and polymers) that are
suitable for long term implantation into human tissue where
treatment is needed. The biocompatible materials may, for example,
be calcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite,
polyetheretherketone (PEEK), nylon, Nitinol (NiTi) or any other
suitable biocompatible material. Suitable biocompatible material
may also include PEEK with carbon fibers, polyethylenes of low,
medium and or high densities, as well as nylons and blends of
materials that contain nylons. It is also within the scope of the
present disclosure for the elongated members to be at least
partially comprised of one or more bioabsorbable materials, such as
polyglycolic acid (PGA) or poly-L lactic acid (PLLA), for example.
To the extent not contradicted by the present disclosure, elongated
members according to the present disclosure may be manufactured,
configured, and function generally according to the disclosure of
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0234687 to Schaller et
al., which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0062] Elongated members according to the present disclosure may be
manufactured using a number of techniques, including machining or
milling techniques. Milling can include cutting elongated members
from solid blocks or rods of PEEK or other suitable material.
Elongated members may also be manufactured using molding
techniques. Molding techniques include co-molding various materials
together to form an elongated member, as well as molding a second
material over a first material. Elongated members may also be
manufactured by injection molding or extrusion processes. In
addition, the elongated members of the present invention may be
manufactured with electrical discharge machining processes and by
rapid prototyping methods including fused deposition modeling (FDM)
and stereo lithography (SLA) techniques.
[0063] Preferably, the elongated members which form the distraction
device 10 have a generally linear configuration for insertion into
tissue or between tissue layers. FIG. 3 shows the first or lower
elongated member 12 in a generally linear configuration (with the
understanding that the second or upper elongated member 14 may be
substantially identical to or a mirror image of the first elongated
member 12) and FIG. 4 shows the augmenting elongated member 16 in a
generally linear configuration. The distal ends of the elongated
members can have chamfer or incline or wedge features to ease the
passage of the elongated member through tissue such as bone or
vertebral disc material. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a chamfer
or incline feature 20 visible on the upper surface 22 of the distal
end 24 of the second elongated element 14. It should be understood
that the lower surface 26 of the distal end 28 of the first
elongated element 12 may include a similar chamfer feature.
[0064] When deployed into or between tissue, the elongated members
change configuration, preferably by flexing or bending, to a
generally less linear configuration to define the distraction
device or support structure 10. In a preferred embodiment, which is
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the distraction device 10 is generally
annular, with the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 also
being generally annular and the augmenting elongated member 16
being generally arcuate, but non-annular, as will be described in
greater detail herein. The elongated members of the distraction
device 10 may include features that add flexibility to the
elongated member to assist in bending or changing the configuration
of the elongated member from a generally linear configuration to a
less linear configuration and vice versa. For example, the
elongated members may include lateral teeth 30 and intermediate
slots or indents 32 (FIGS. 3 and 4) that aid in relieving stress
and add flexibility to the elongated member. When the elongated
member is deployed in spinal tissue, the slots 32 may also provide
gaps for the introduction of bone graft materials, cements, or
pharmaceutical compounds to the spinal tissues.
[0065] In some embodiments, the elongated members may also be
designed with additional features that limit or control the nature
of the bending or shape change that the elongated members may
experience. For example, FIGS. 3 and 4 show a plurality of T-shaped
members 34 on one lateral side of the elongated member (i.e., the
lateral side opposite the aforementioned teeth 30 and slots 32, if
provided), with the T-shaped members 34 having longitudinal
extensions on their outer edge such that adjacent T-shaped members
34 almost touch each other, leaving a relatively narrow opening or
aperture 36 at a more central location between adjacent T-shaped
members 34. When the elongated member is bent toward the lateral
side having the T-shaped members 34, the longitudinal extensions on
adjacent T-shaped members 34 come into contact and provide
resistance to further bending, thereby acting as a stop to limit
further curvature. In contrast, the teeth 30 on the opposite
lateral side of the elongated member lack such longitudinal
projections and, therefore, the elongated member can be bent to a
much greater degree in this direction before the teeth 30 come into
contact with adjacent teeth 30 to limit further curvature. Also, it
should be noted that by providing the T-shaped members 34 and
intermediate opening or apertures 36, increased flexibility is
provided that allows the elongated member to bend toward the
opposite side (i.e., upwardly in the orientation of FIG. 3 or to
the right in the orientation of FIG. 4).
[0066] Additional features may be added to enhance or limit the
flexibility of the elongated members of the distraction devices,
including grooves, slots, channels, and pockets and teeth or other
extensions or members of various shapes. The slots, grooves,
channels, and pockets may be placed, for example, in a linear
pattern or spirally around the body of the elongated member.
Through holes or apertures may also assist in providing flexibility
as well as serve as lumens for various wires or filaments, as will
be discussed in greater detail. The placement of a greater number
of these features in one region of an elongated member can make
that region more or less flexible than other regions of the device
with fewer or different flexibility enhancing or limiting features.
In this manner, selected regions of the elongated member will be
easier or more difficult to bend or deflect to assist the shaping
of the distraction device 10 in a desired configuration, such as a
circular, rectangular, or oval shape. Alternatively, the
flexibility features can be located uniformly along a segment or
the whole of the elongated member to provide regions of uniform
flexibility.
[0067] Flexibility of the elongated members may also be achieved or
varied by fabricating the device from a combination of materials
with different degrees of flexibility. For instance, by located
more rigid material on one side of an elongated member, the
elongated member may be easier to bend or deflect toward that side.
Particularly, if the elongated member is preformed into a desired
in situ configuration (e.g., a curved configuration) and
temporarily straightened for insertion, the more rigid material may
tend to retain the desired configuration to a greater degree than
the other material and form the desired configuration when the
elongated member is introduced into the work space. Also, the
elongated member can have alternating or different sections along
its length that are made of different materials having different
rigidity.
[0068] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the elongated
members preferably have the ability to recover from temporary
deformation. As noted previously, the elongated member(s) may be
pre-set or pre-formed into a desired in situ shape and then
temporarily reshaped, such as by straightening, for insertion. In
this aspect, for instance, a pre-shaped elongated member may tend
to recover its shape more quickly or completely in body-temperature
spinal tissue after being in a less-curved condition during
shipping and storage inside of a deployment cannula. In other
embodiments, due to plastic creep or other material
characteristics, the elongated members may not recover their
original shape after extended deformation in the cannula, and an
external force may be used to shape the elongated member after it
is at least partially inserted into the work space.
[0069] In a specific example, elongated members manufactured from
polymeric materials such as PEEK may be pre-shaped by placing the
elongated member in a metal fixture or jig having a desired shape,
such as an annular or arcuate shape, and then heating the elongated
member to relieve the bending stress. For instance, the elongated
member can be treated for about 5 minutes at about 160.degree. C.
For many polymeric materials, such as PEEK, the pre-shaping process
biases the elongated member toward a desired shape yet still allows
the elongated member to be deformed either in the cannula or in
situ after the elongated member is inserted into a work space. In
some embodiments, such as where the elongated members are comprised
at least in part of PEEK, the elongated members do not have shape
memory material properties. Consequently, in some embodiments,
particularly when PEEK is used, the elongated member does not
return to its original shape without the additional application of
an external force to shape the member. Such external force may be
applied, for example, by a pull wire, as will be described in more
detail.
[0070] In some embodiments, the deformation of the elongated
members is constrained in a first axis and allowed in a plane at an
angle to the first axis to allow deflection in a different plane.
For instance, in FIG. 2, a generally annular distraction device 10
is shown in a vertebral disc. As used herein, the term "annular" is
not limited to substantially circular distraction devices and
elongated members, but may include other closed shapes, such as
ovals and rectangles, or substantially closed versions of such
shapes. The distraction device 10 is formed by the aforementioned
three elongated members 12, 14, and 16 and is relatively rigid in
the direction (e.g., a vertical direction when standing) extending
between two tissues layers, i.e. the adjacent vertebra. The
distraction device 10 is resistant to deflection in a direction
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spine due to the
relatively solid, continuous structure of the elongated members
along this axis. Consequently, due to the structure of the
elongated members forming the distraction device 10 of FIG. 2, no
deflection or only limited deflection is allowed in the direction
of distraction. In certain embodiments, the distraction device or
implant 10 does not substantially compress under vertical forces
that the human spine normally endures, such as, but not limited to,
up to about 1000 N. In contrast, the elongated members are
relatively more flexible in the plane perpendicular to the
direction of distraction to allow the elongated members to be
shaped as desired, such as curved or deflected to conform to the
shape of the space into which they are implanted.
[0071] Looking more particularly at the augmenting elongated member
16, it is configured to be inserted and slid between the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14 to increase the height of or
otherwise augment the distraction device 10. The degree of height
increase of the distraction device 10 is dependent upon the height
of the augmenting elongated member 16. For instance, a thicker
augmenting elongated member (i.e., an augmenting elongated member
having a relatively great height) will cause a greater increase in
the height of the distraction device than a thinner augmenting
elongated member (i.e., an augmenting elongated member having a
relatively small height). In embodiments inserted into the disc
space to distract adjacent vertebral bodies, the height of the
distraction device 10 (which is generally equal to the combined
heights of the bodies of the constituent elongated members) is
preferably sufficient to restore the disc to its normal height or
thereabout, which will depend on the size of the patient and the
disc's location in the spinal column. The height of the distraction
device 10 can be, for example, from about 5 mm to about 15 mm. More
particularly, the height can be from about 7.5 mm to about 13.5 mm,
or about 9 mm to about 12 mm and ranges therein. For relatively
short individuals or children, the disc size and, consequently, the
height of the support structure can be, for example, from about 5
mm to about 7 mm. For relatively tall individuals, the disc height
and, consequently, the height of the support structure can be, for
example, from about 9 mm to about 15 mm or greater potentially. In
other applications, the dimensions (including the heights) of the
individual elongated members and the resulting distraction device
may vary without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0072] In one embodiment, the thickness of the augmenting elongated
member can be different along its length to cause different amounts
of additional distraction along the length of the distraction
device. For instance, the proximal portion of the augmenting member
may be thicker (taller) than the distal portion of the augmenting
member, in which case the increase in the height of the proximal
portion of the distraction device will be greater than the
augmentation in the height of the distal portion of the device. The
ability to create a greater increase in height in one region of a
distraction device allows for adjustments in the curvature of the
spine of a patient. For instance, a collapsed disc in the lumbar
region of the spine can result in the loss of the normal lordosis
in the lumbar region of the spine. The insertion of an augmenting
elongated member of variable thickness/height between upper and
lower elongated members deployed in a collapsed lumbar disc can
restore the lumbar disc to the more normal morphology of a greater
height on its anterior region as compared to its posterior region.
In such a situation, the augmenting member may have a greater
height at its central region between the distal and proximal ends
than at either the proximal end or distal end. FIG. 1A illustrates
an exemplary distraction device 10A having a non-uniform
thickness.
[0073] Preferably, once augmented, the height of the distraction
device 10 is fixed and is not adjustable or variable, while the
augmenting member 16 is preferably fixed in position between the
first and second elongated members 12 and 14 and not removable. The
first and second elongated members 12 and 14 may have corresponding
contoured surfaces or features that mechanically or frictionally
co-operate or mate to assist in maintaining the positions of the
first and second elongated members 12 and 14 relative to each other
and within a work space to increase the stability of the
distraction device 10. For example, in one embodiment, the upper
surface 22 of the second elongated element 14 (as shown in greater
detail in FIGS. 5-7) and the lower surface 26 of the first
elongated element 12 include protrusions or ribs or teeth 38 or is
otherwise textured, which may be advantageous when the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14 are in their generally less
linear configuration to define the distraction device 10. In
particular, such textured surfaces may be advantageous in that
contact between the protrusions 38 and the tissue to be distracted
and/or supported may help to anchor the elongated member (and,
hence, the distraction device 10) in position. For example, when
the distraction device 10 contacts a vertebral body, the
protrusions 38 may dig into the vertebral body for improved
traction, thereby decreasing the risk of movement of the
distraction device 10 after implantation.
[0074] The top side or surface 40 of the first elongated member 12
may contain a contoured portion 42 (FIGS. 3, 8, and 9), while the
bottom side or surface 44 of the second elongated member 14 may
also include a contoured portion 46, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The
augmenting elongated member 16 also may include a bottom contoured
portion or surface 48 and a top contoured portion or surface 50, as
shown in FIGS. 4, 8, and 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the
contoured portions 48 and 50 of the augmenting elongated member 16
are protrusions or raised ribs that are configured to mate with the
contoured portions 42 and 46, respectively, of the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the
contoured portions 42 and 46 of the first and second elongated
members 12 and 14 are indentations or slots or grooves in the top
surface 40 of the first elongated member 12 and the bottom surface
44 of the second elongated member 14. Alternatively, the bottom and
top surfaces of the augmenting elongated member may include
indentations or slots or grooves that are configured to mate with a
protrusion or rib on the top surface of the first elongated member
and the bottom surface of the second elongated member,
respectively.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cooperation between the
raised ribs and grooves in the facing surfaces between of the
elongated members also can function as a guide or guide track that
directs the augmenting elongated member 16 between the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14. As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the
proximal ends 52 and 54 of the first and second elongated members
12 and 14 can also be ramped or widened to provide a larger
opening, thereby easing the entry of the augmenting elongated
member 16 (which may have a tapered or wedge-shaped distal end 56,
as noted above) between the first and second elongated members 12
and 14. Furthermore, any of the elongated members may have
additional mating or guiding surfaces which provide added stability
to the resulting distraction device or implant support structure
10.
[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the raised ribs 48 and 50 and
grooves 42 and 46 are configured to prevent vertical separation of
the elongated members. For example, the illustrated raised ribs 48
and 50 are generally T-shaped, while the grooves 42 and 46 have
relatively narrow necked-down portions 58. As the augmenting
elongated member 16 is inserted between the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14, the relatively wide heads 60 of the
raised ribs 48 and 50 are received by the grooves 42 and 46, with
the necked-down portions 58 positioned between the wide heads 60
and the body of the augmenting elongated member 16. By such a
configuration, the rib heads 60 and the necked-down portions 58 of
the grooves 42 and 46 prevent the elongated members from being
vertically separated after at least partial insertion of the
augmenting elongated member 16 between the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14. This locking mechanism may assist in
preventing the elongated members from slipping relative to one
another in response to the stresses a patient's normal movements
place on the implant 10.
[0077] FIGS. 10 and 11 also show another optional locking feature
for securing the elongated members together. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first and second elongated members 12 and 14
include recesses 62 into which locking protrusions 64 of the
augmenting member 16 can enter to lock the augmenting member 16
into a desired longitudinal orientation relative to the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14. When fully engaged, all three
elongated members are substantially locked against relative
movement. Preferably, the locking protrusions 64 enter into the
recesses 62 to lock the elongated members together when the
augmenting elongated member 16 has been fully inserted between the
other two elongated members 12 and 14, but it is also within the
scope of the present disclosure for the elongated members to lock
together prior to the augmenting elongated member 16 being fully
received between the other two elongated members 12 and 14. For
example, the elongated members may be configured such that the
augmenting elongated member 16 is not advanced fully into the space
between the other two elongated members 12 and 14, but is instead
locked in place with a portion (e.g., a proximal end) remaining
outside of the space between the other two elongated members 12 and
14.
[0078] The guiding of the locking protrusions 64 into the recesses
62 may be assisted by locating them along the contoured surfaces of
the associated elongated member. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, for
example, the recess 62 and groove 42 in the upper surface 40 of the
first elongated member 12 are aligned, thereby allowing the groove
42 to act as a guide in which the locking protrusion 48 on the
bottom surface 66 of the augmenting elongated member 16 slides
distally to seat within the recess 62, as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 4
shows how the protrusion 64 and raised rib 50 of the upper surface
68 of the augmenting elongated member 16 are similarly aligned, as
may be the protrusion 64 and raised rib 48 of the lower surface 66
of the augmenting elongated member 16.
[0079] As illustrated, the locking protrusions 64 may be
cylindrically shaped, but it may be otherwise shaped without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. If provided as
a cylinder, the diameter of the locking protrusion 64 may be
greater than the width of the associated raised rib 48, 50 (FIG. 4)
and of the associated groove 42, 46 at the point 70 it meets the
recess 62 into which the protrusion 64 is to be seated (FIG. 3). By
such a configuration, the protrusion 64 may be pressed into the
recess 62, but will resist being retracted therefrom due to the
relatively narrow entry point 70. The portion 72 of the groove 42,
46 immediately distal the recess 62 may also be relatively narrow,
thereby preventing over-advancement of the protrusion 64 beyond the
recess 62.
[0080] The locking protrusions 64 may be any suitable size or
material, such as cylinders or pins made of a radiopaque material
(e.g., tantalum or gold or platinum) with a diameter ranging from
about 0.25 mm to about 2 mm. By providing the locking protrusions
64 as radiopaque members, they assist the surgeon in positioning
the elongated members in situ. For a similar effect, the
interlocking recesses 62 may be lined with tantalum or another
radiopaque material. In other embodiments, other portions of the
elongated members may be radiopaque to further assist in
determining the locations of the elongated members in situ. In one
exemplary embodiment, the elongated members are manufactured from
radiolucent materials, such as PEEK (which may be a preferred
material), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), nylon and ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylenes (UMPE). By providing discrete
radiopaque regions or markers in known locations within the
elongated members, the surgeon may determine the locations and
relative orientations of the elongated members in situ.
[0081] In addition to the foregoing features, the elongated members
may further include internal cavities or passages or lumen for
receiving various wires or filaments. For example, as described
above, the shape of the distraction device 10 may be assisted,
controlled, and/or adjusted as the elongated members are being
deployed between the tissues to be distracted. The forces required
to control the shape of the elongated members are preferably
compatible with typical hand-held delivery systems and tools. For
instance, the shape of an elongated member may be controlled with
pull wire systems deployed either inside the elongated member
and/or outside the elongated member. In the illustrated embodiment,
the shape of the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 is
controlled during insertion by applying a greater force to one side
of the elongated members than is applied to the other side using a
pull wire 74 (FIGS. 12 and 13). The application of unequal force
causes the elongated members 12 and 14 to curve in a particular
direction (i.e., to the left in the orientation of FIG. 12).
[0082] In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the pull wire 74
passes through both the first and second elongated members 12 and
14. The pull wire 74 may pass through a wire lumen 76, 78 of each
of the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 like those
shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 or, alternatively, through a wire channel or
slot that is not fully enclosed. As shown in FIG. 13, the pull wire
74 passes out of the distal end of one wire lumen, and then loops
back into the other wire lumen. The pull wire 74 may be a single
wire or filament or a braid or weave comprising multiple wires or
filaments and may be made of any flexible material that can be used
to exert a force along the length of the first and second elongated
members 12 and 14, such as steel, Nitinol, fiber (both synthetic
and natural), or the like. In the illustrated example shown in
FIGS. 8, 9, 12, and 13, the pull wire 74 is on the left side of the
first and second elongated members 12 and 14 (when considered from
the proximal ends of the elongated members) such that a proximally
directed force (e.g., pulling one or both of the ends of the wire
74, will cause the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 to
curve to the left. Alternatively, systems in which a push or a
distally directed force, applied through a rigid pusher or the like
could be provided to the first and second elongated members 12 and
14 to cause them to curve in a desired direction.
[0083] In systems such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13,
which include a pull wire 74 that passes through both the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14, the pull wire 74 also tends to
prevent the first and second members 12 and 14 from separating
during deployment into the work space. In particular, a pull wire
74 extending through both the first and second elongated members 12
and 14 may also allow pull force to be exerted to maintain the
position of the first and second elongated members 12 and 14
adjacent to the distal end 80 of a deployment cannula 82 while the
augmenting member 16, is being inserted between the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14. In particular, the insertion of
the augmenting elongated member 16 between the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14 can create a repulsive force that tends
to push the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 away from
both the cannula 82 and the augmenting member 16. The force exerted
by the pull wire 74 and the force of friction between the surfaces
of the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 and the
surrounding tissues, such as the endplates of the vertebrae above
and below a disc, can also serve to resist this repulsive
force.
[0084] In other embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment,
a separate mechanism may be provided to maintain the position of
the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 with respect to
the deployment cannula 82 while the augmenting elongated member 16
is inserted therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 12, an
anchoring or tethering system or wires 84 can be used to hold the
first and second elongated members 12 and 14 aligned with the
distal end 80 of the delivery cannula 82 while the augmenting
elongated member 16 is inserted between the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14. The illustrated tethering system
includes a pair of anchor wires or cables or filaments 84, each of
which attaches to the proximal end region 52, 54 of one of the
first and second elongated members 12 and 14. As best shown in
FIGS. 5-7, each anchor wire 84 may include an enlarged end 88
(e.g., a generally spherical or ball-shaped end piece) that is at
least partially received within a cavity 90 defined within the
proximal end 52, 54 of the associated elongated member (FIG. 5).
The thinner proximal or body portion of the anchor wire 84 extends
through a retaining hole 92 (FIGS. 6 and 7) communicating with the
cavity 90 while the enlarged end 88 is positioned within the cavity
90. The diameter of each retaining hole 92 is smaller than that of
the associated enlarged end 88 to resist removal of the enlarged
end 88 from the cavity 90 in a proximal direction.
[0085] The anchor wires 84 may provide little resistance to the
deployment of the first and second elongated members 12 and 14,
permitting the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 to exit
the distal end 80 of the deployment cannula 82. The length and
tension of the anchor wires 84 are adjustable to provide increased
tension after the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 have
exited the cannula 82. The anchor wires 84 keep the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14 in close proximity to the distal
end 80 of the cannula 82, thereby allowing the insertion of the
augmenting elongated member 16 between the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14 without having to increase the tension
on the pull wire 74. This may be advantageous, as applying
excessive tension to the pull wire 74 may move the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14 to an undesirable curved configuration
during insertion of the augmenting elongated member 16
therebetween.
[0086] After the implant 10 has been deployed and properly
positioned, the anchor wires 84 may be detached from the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14. In one embodiment, after the
pull wire 84 has been removed from the implant 10 (e.g., by cutting
it and applying a proximally directed force to both of its ends), a
distally directed force may be applied to the implant 10 (e.g.,
pushing the implant 10 approximately 2 mm further from its deployed
position) while the tension in the anchor wires 84 is maintained.
Doing so effectively increases the tension on the anchor wires 84,
which increased tension will cause the enlarged ends 88 of the
anchor wires 84 to enter (FIG. 6) and pull through (FIG. 7) the
smaller retaining holes 92 in the elongated members, thereby
detaching the anchor wires 84 from the implant 10. Alternatively, a
looped anchor wire (or wires) may be formed, such that a loop
passes through holes or slots or openings in both of the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14. The loop may then be cut by the
user or break automatically like a mechanical fuse at the
completion of insertion by the user cutting or otherwise severing
the loop. In another embodiment, the loop may be configured to pull
through or to cut through portions of the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14 to detach without the loop being cut or
severed.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 13, when the augmenting member 16 is
positioned within the cannula 82, the pull wire 74 and anchor wires
84 may extend proximally beyond the augmenting elongated member 16
by occupying the space between the corners of the augmenting
elongated member 16 and the corners of the cannula 82.
[0088] As noted above, the augmenting elongated member 16 may
include a locking feature or mechanism or member in the form of a
locking wire or cable or tether or filament 18, which is
illustrated in FIGS. 12-18. The locking member 18 extends between a
fixed end 94 (FIGS. 14, 17, and 18) and a free end 96. The fixed
end 94 (which may be an enlarged ball or sphere) is secured at or
adjacent to the proximal end 98 of the augmenting elongated member
16, positioned within an interior cavity or pocket 100 defined in
the augmenting elongated member 16 at or adjacent to its proximal
end 98. The interior cavity 100 may also receive a spacer or
backstop 102, which will be described in greater detail herein.
[0089] An interior passage or lumen or cavity 104 communicates with
the interior cavity 100, with the locking member 18 extending
distally from the fixed end 94 through the interior passage 104.
The interior passage 104 leads to the distal end 56 of the
augmenting elongated member 16, where the locking member 18 exits
the augmenting elongated member 16 and loops back toward the
proximal end 98 of the augmenting elongated member 16, as shown in
FIG. 12. The lateral side of the augmenting elongated member 16
includes a lateral groove 106 (best seen in FIG. 18) through which
the locking member 18 extends as it loops back toward the proximal
end 98 of the augmenting elongated member 16. The lateral groove
106 is located on the side of the augmenting elongated member 16
that will face radially inwardly when the distraction device 10 is
fully deployed, such that the lateral groove 106 and the portion of
the locking member 18 positioned therein communicate with the open
interior or resident volume 108 defined by the generally annular
distraction device 10.
[0090] At or adjacent to the proximal end 98 of the augmenting
elongated member 16, the locking member 18 reenters the interior of
the augmenting elongated member 16 from the lateral groove 106 via
a bore 110 extending from one lateral side of the augmenting
elongated member 16 toward the other lateral side, as shown in FIG.
17. As shown in FIG. 17, the bore 110 may extend all the way
between the two lateral sides of the augmenting elongated member
16, but it is also within the scope of the present disclosure for
the bore 110 to extend only partially through the width of the
augmenting elongated member 16.
[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the bore 110 causes the
locking member 18 to reenter the interior cavity 100 of the
augmenting elongated member 16 in a region directly adjacent to the
spacer 102, but separated from the fixed end 94 of the locking
member 18 by the spacer 102. This portion of the locking member 18
extends along the width of the spacer 102 until it reaches a
longitudinally extending bore 112 that communicates with the
laterally extending bore 110, as best shown in FIG. 18. The free
end 96 of the locking member 18 extends through the longitudinally
extending bore 112 and exits the proximal end 98 of the augmenting
elongated member 16 (FIG. 17), where it is accessible to apply
tension to the locking member 18. For example, FIG. 15 shows the
locking member 18 in an un-tensioned or moderately tensioned
condition, while FIG. 16 shows the locking member 18 in a tensioned
condition, with a pulling force applied to the portion of the free
end 96 of the locking member 18 extending proximally out of the
longitudinally extending bore 112. Applying tension to the free end
96 of the locking member 18 also causes the locking member 18 to
separate from the lateral groove 106 and move through the open
interior or resident volume 108 of the distraction device 10, as
can be understood by comparing FIG. 17 to FIGS. 14 and 18.
[0092] The proximal end 98 of the illustrated augmenting elongated
member 16 also includes a fastener 114 (e.g., a set screw)
positioned within a longitudinal fastener bore 116 in communication
with the spacer 102, with a portion of the free end 96 of the
locking member 18 positioned between the fastener 114 and the
spacer 102. The fastener 114 extends between an outer end 118 and
an inner end 120 (FIGS. 17 and 18). The outer end 118 is configured
to allow advancement of the fastener 114 in a distal direction into
the fastener bore 116 toward the spacer 102. In a preferred
embodiment, the outer perimeter of the fastener 114 and the surface
of the fastener bore 116 include matching threads, in which case
the outer end 118 of the fastener 114 is configured to accept a
torque delivery tool or driver that rotates the fastener 114 to
advance it distally into the fastener bore 116. In other
embodiments, the fastener 114 may be advanced into the fastener
bore 116 by non-rotational movement.
[0093] The inner end 120 of the fastener 114 is configured to have
a cutting or shearing surface that severs the locking member 18
when brought into contact therewith with sufficient force. In the
illustrated embodiment, the spacer 102 includes a retaining surface
122 and a cutting surface 124 facing the fastener 114 and separated
by a step, with the cutting surface 124 positioned adjacent to and
proximal of the retaining surface 122 (i.e., closer to the fastener
114), as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. When the fastener 114 is
sufficiently advanced into the fastener bore 116 (preferably, when
it has been fully advanced into the fastener bore 116, which may be
one full rotation when the fastener 114 is a threaded set screw),
the inner end 120 of the fastener 114 comes into contact with the
cutting surface 124 of the spacer 102, thereby severing the extra
slack of the locking member 18 therebetween (FIG. 18) while
maintaining the tension of the locking member 18. In contrast, the
inner end 120 of the fastener 114 remains spaced away from the
retaining surface 122 of the spacer 102, but sufficiently close so
as to press the locking member 18 against the retaining surface
122, thereby effectively securing the locking member 18 to the
spacer 102 of the augmenting elongated member 16 at that
location.
[0094] By so securing the locking member 18 to the augmenting
elongated member 16 at two locations (both of which are at or
adjacent to the proximal end 98 of the augmenting elongated member
16 in the illustrated embodiment), the locking member 18 prevents
the configuration of the augmenting elongated member 16 from
changing. Locking the augmenting elongated member 16 into a
particular configuration also effectively locks the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14 (as well as the distraction
device 10) into their current configuration, due to the locking
relationship between the various elongated members, as described
above. Preferably, the distraction device 10 is shaped into its
final configuration prior to the fastener 114 locking the locking
member 18 in place, thereby locking the distraction device 10 in
its final configuration for long-term residence within the work
space, as will be described in greater detail herein.
[0095] While the locking member 18 is described and illustrated as
being associated with and secured to the augmenting elongated
member 16, it should be understood that the locking member 18 may
be associated with one of the other elongated members 12 and 14 and
secured to multiple locations of either to lock the distraction
device 10 in a particular configuration. Furthermore, it is also
within the scope of the present disclosure for a plurality of
similarly or differently configured locking members to be provided
and associated with one or more of the elongated members.
Additionally, rather than the locking member 18 being secured at
multiple locations to an individual elongated member, it is also
within the scope of the present disclosure for the locking member
18 to be secured at one location of one of the elongated members
and at a second location of one of the other elongated members. For
example, the locking member 18 may be secured to the augmenting
elongated member 16 at a fixed end 94 and extend from the proximal
end 98 of the augmenting elongated member 16 to exit the distal end
56 of the augmenting elongated member 16, as described above. After
exiting the distal end 56 of the augmenting elongated member 16,
the free end 96 of the locking member 18 may be secured to one of
the other elongated members by any suitable means, rather than
being secured at a second location of the augmenting elongated
member 16. It should be understood that so securing the locking
member 18 at separate locations of different elongated members will
have a similar effect to securing the locking member 18 to separate
locations of the same elongated member, in that the resulting
distraction device 10 will be locked into a particular
configuration.
[0096] The wires or cables or filaments or tethers described herein
may consist of materials suitable for sterilization and compatible
for temporary contact with animal, including human tissue. Metal
wires may be made from stainless steel, Nitinol, or other suitable
metal wires, for example. Nonmetal wires may be made from natural
fibers and polymeric fibers including polyethylene, UHPE, Victrex,
PET, or similar medical-grade polymers.
[0097] Tensile forces may be applied to the wires or cables or
filaments or lines described herein by any suitable source. In a
preferred embodiment, the tensile forces are applied via a delivery
device 126 (FIGS. 19 and 20), of which the deployment cannula 82 is
the distal end. To the extent not contradicted by the present
disclosure, delivery devices according to the present disclosure
may be manufactured and configured generally according to the
disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0234687
to Schaller et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the free ends of the various
lines pass through the deployment cannula 82 to be attached to
various attachment points located within the delivery device 126.
The lines may be attached to the delivery device 126 by any of a
number of suitable means, including releasable mechanical features
such as screws, clamps, crimps, and ferrules and other like means.
The lines may also be attached by knotting, gluing or pinching them
to the delivery device 126.
[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the pull wire 74 is
associated with a slider 128 that is received within a central
opening or cavity 130 of the delivery device 126 that is
substantially coaxial with the deployment cannula 82. The slider
128 is movable along the longitudinal axis of the delivery device
126 within the central cavity 130 to adjust the tension in the pull
wire 74, thereby adjusting the curvature of the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14, as described above. In the illustrated
embodiment, the outer surface of the slider 128 is threaded to
engage threads of the central cavity 130, such that rotation of the
slider 128 about its central axis will advance it proximally and
distally through the central cavity 130. It is also within the
scope of the present disclosure for the slider 128 to move with
respect to the remainder of the delivery device 126 without
rotating (e.g., by translational movement). If the slider 128 is
configured to rotate while moving through the central cavity 130,
an insertion knob 132 may be associated with the slider 128 and
extend outside of the central cavity 130 to be rotated in order to
rotate and move the slider 128 through the central cavity 130.
[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor wires 84 are
associated with a capstan or spool or spindle 134, with the capstan
134 controlling the tension on the anchor wires 84. The capstan 134
may also limit the total amount of line released to hold the
deployed first and second elongated members 12 and 14 at the
desired location in close proximity to the distal end 80 of the
cannula 82. The tension in the anchor wires 84 may also be
controlled by other means such as springs, resilient means, sliding
mechanisms, rotating mechanisms, moving mechanisms, pulleys,
stretchable lines and the like.
[0101] The free end 96 of the locking member 18 may also be
adjustably secured to a rotary mechanism (similar to the pull wire
74 and the anchor wires 84) or to a non-rotational component of the
delivery device 126 or may extend through the delivery device 126
without being secured thereto.
[0102] As described above, after the distraction device 10 has been
deployed, the pull wire 74 may be severed and removed. In the
illustrated embodiment, the delivery device 126 includes a shearing
assembly 136 (FIG. 21) for severing or cutting the pull wire 74 (or
any of the other wires, as desired). The shearing assembly 136
includes a stationary member 138 that is fixedly secured to the
delivery device 126 and a movable member 140 that is rotatably
secured to the stationary member 138 (e.g., by a cap 142). The pull
wire 74 (or any other wire to be severed by the shearing assembly
136) extends through the stationary and movable members 138 and
140. When it is desirable to sever the pull wire 74 (or any of the
other wires or filaments described herein, such as the anchor wires
84), the movable member 140 is rotated with respect to the
stationary member 138 to cut or shear or otherwise sever the pull
wire 74. Another portion of the pull wire 74 may be secured at
another location of the delivery device 126, such that proximal
movement of the delivery device 126 (e.g., removing the delivery
device 126 from the work space) will cause the pull wire 74 to
withdraw from the first and second elongated member 12 and 14.
[0103] A tool kit may include a number of related components and
tools (illustrated in FIGS. 22-27) that may be used in connection
with the delivery device 126. For example, FIG. 22 shows a pusher
device or plunger 144 that may be used to push the augmenting
elongated member 16 out of the deployment cannula 82 and into place
between the first and second elongated members 12 and 14. The
insertion knob 132 and slider 128 (if provided) may have central
openings through which the pusher device 144 may extend to contact
the proximal end 98 of the augmenting elongated member 16. In one
embodiment, the distal end of the pusher device 144 is configured
to engage and rotate the fastener 114 of the augmenting elongated
member 16, as described above. In other embodiments, a separate
device may be employed to advance the fastener 114 to the point
that it severs and secures the free end 96 of the locking member
18.
[0104] FIG. 23 shows an extraction device 146 that may be used
independently or in combination with the delivery device 126 to
remove the distraction device 10 or an individual elongated member
from the work space, if necessary.
[0105] FIGS. 24 and 25 show disc space sizing devices or paddles
148 and 150 that may be used prior to introduction of the delivery
device 126 to the disc space. According to conventional usage, the
disc space sizing devices 148 and 150 are inserted into the disc
space to determine the minimum and proper heights of the disc
space. When the minimum and proper heights have been determined,
the appropriate delivery device may be selected from a kit that
includes a plurality of delivery devices of varying heights.
[0106] FIGS. 26 and 27 show a funnel 152 and tamp 154 that may be
used after the delivery device 126 has been removed from a work
space to deliver a bone filler material 156 (FIG. 2) into the open
interior or resident volume 108 of the distraction device 10, as
will be described in greater detail herein. As used herein,
"resident volume" refers generally to a structural characteristic
of the support structure. The resident volume is a volume that is
generally defined by the distraction device. The resident volume is
preferably, but not necessarily, a volume completely enclosed by
the distraction device, but can also be any volume generally
defined by the distraction device. This term does not necessarily
mean that the resident volume is an open or void volume or cavity
and does not preclude a situation in which the resident volume is,
at some point in time, filled with another material, such as bone
graft, cement, therapeutic drugs or the like. It also does not
preclude the resident volume from containing undisturbed human
tissue that is located or remains within the resident volume during
or after deployment of the distraction device. For example, if the
distraction device is employed to separate adjoining soft tissue
layers, such as subcutaneous fat and underlying muscle tissue, the
resident volume of the distraction device support structure may be
hollow or void of tissue after separation. On the other hand, if
inserted into a spinal disc space, the resident volume may contain
undisturbed disc tissue such as a portion of the nucleus pulposus
or bone graft material placed before or after installation.
[0107] FIGS. 28-33 illustrate an exemplary method of inserting the
distraction device 10 into a vertebral disc space, with FIG. 2
showing the fully installed distraction device 10. According to the
illustrated method, an access port is made through the annulus of a
vertebral disc using instruments and endoscopic or minimally
invasive procedures generally known to those skilled in the art.
The access port may be relatively small (e.g., no larger than the
size of the deployment cannula 82), such that the procedure may be
minimally invasive, with the resulting tissue distraction height
being greater than the height of the access port. The location of
the access port may vary without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure, but it is preferred for the location of the
access port be chosen so as to decrease the risk of nerve damage.
In one embodiment (which is illustrated in FIG. 28), the access
port is positioned so as to facilitate a transforaminal lumbar
interbody fusion ("TLIF") approach, but other approaches may also
be practiced without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, according to another approach, the access
port may be positioned so as to facilitate deployment of the
elongated members through Kambin's triangle, which is defined by
the exiting nerve root (the hypotenuse of the triangle), the
superior border of the inferior vertebra (the base of the
triangle), and the traversing nerve root (the height of the
triangle). While this approach results in an access port that is
positioned at a different location than in the illustrated TLIF
approach, it should be understood that the method of inserting the
elongated members so as to define the implant in situ (described
below in greater detail) may be substantially the same.
[0108] Optionally, all or a portion of the nucleus pulposus is
removed and the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae are scraped to
cause bleeding and promote the fusion of bone graft material to the
vertebral endplates. Sizing paddles 148, 150 (FIGS. 24 and 25) or
like apparatus, may be slipped through the access port to determine
the minimum disc height and the desired final disc height. Based on
the minimum and desired final disc height measurement from the
sizing paddles 148, 150, the physician chooses the deployment
cannula and distraction device sizes. The maximum outer dimension
of the deployment cannula 82 used to deliver the distraction device
10 is preferably similar or slightly smaller in height than the
minimum disc height measured. Accounting for the cannula wall
thickness and any gap between the cannula 82 and the top-to-bottom
height of the first and second elongated members 12 and 14, the
first and second elongated members 12 and 14 together are selected
so as to be slightly less in height, top to bottom, than the
minimum disc height.
[0109] When the appropriate deployment cannula 82 and distraction
device 10 have been selected, a distal end 80 of the deployment
cannula 82 is advanced through the access port and into the disc
space (FIG. 28). The deployment cannula 82 may be part of a
delivery device 126 of the type illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 and
described above or any other suitable delivery device. The first
and second elongated members 12 and 14 are pre-loaded at a distal
region of the deployment cannula 82 in a generally linear
configuration for simultaneous insertion into the disc space. The
augmenting elongated member 16 may be similarly pre-loaded in the
deployment cannula 82 in a generally linear configuration, but
positioned proximally of the first and second elongated members 12
and 14 for insertion after the first and second elongated members
12 and 14.
[0110] Because the first and second elongated members 12 and 14
together clear the minimum disc height, they can be pushed out of
the deployment cannula 82 and into the disc space easily using the
delivery device 126 or the like. For delivery, the physician begins
to push in the first and second elongated members 12 and 14
simultaneously out of the cannula 82 little by little, for example
by using a pusher or plunger or other suitable actuating means,
such as a rotary actuator. Between pushes, the physician may check
the curvature of the partially inserted first and second elongated
members 12 and 14 (FIG. 29) using X-ray or other visualization
techniques to observe the position of the elongated members via
radiopaque portions thereof (such as radiopaque markers embedded
within the elongated members). By tensioning the pull wire 74, as
described above, the physician adjusts the curvature of the first
and second elongated members 12 and 14 in real time to closely
follow the inner wall of the disc annulus.
[0111] By the time the first and second elongated members 12 and 14
are entirely out of the cannula 82 and within the disc space, the
distal or leading ends 28 and 24 of the first and second elongated
members 12 and 14 may be adjacent to and/or in contact with the
proximal ends 52 and 54 of the first and second elongated members
12 and 14. If not, additional tension may be applied to the pull
wire 74 until the distal or leading end 28 and 24 of the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14 are adjacent to and/or in
contact with the proximal ends 52 and 54 of the first and second
elongated member 12 and 14. As shown in FIG. 30, the fully inserted
first and second elongated members 12 and 14 define a generally
less linear or generally annular configuration prior to the
augmenting elongated member 16 being inserted therebetween.
[0112] With the first and second elongated members 12 and 14 fully
deployed from the cannula 82 and in the generally annular
configuration of FIG. 30, they are held to the leading or distal
end 80 of the cannula 82 by the tension in the pull wire 74 and/or
the anchor wires 84. The physician then advances the augmenting
elongated member 16 out of the cannula 82 (or, if the augmenting
elongated member 16 is not pre-loaded in the cannula 82, the
physician loads the augmenting elongated member 16 into the
delivery system and then advances it out of the cannula 82). The
augmenting elongated member 16 is received between the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14 and follows the path or
generally less linear shape defined by the first and second
elongated members 12 and 14 until it has been at least partially
(but most preferably fully) inserted therebetween. The locking
features described above, if provided, may assist the augmenting
elongated member 16 in following the path defined by the first and
second elongated member 12 and 14, while also preventing the first
and second elongated members 12 and 14 from disengaging with the
augmenting elongated member 16. While inserting the augmenting
elongated member 16, the physician should be careful to maintain
the cannula 82 in place, as the location of the cannula 82 effects
the placement of the first and second elongated members 12 and 14
and, hence, the resulting distraction device 10. The physician may
check the alignment of all of the elongated members during
insertion of the augmenting elongated member 16 using X-ray or
other visualization techniques.
[0113] When first advanced out of the cannula 82, the augmenting
elongated member 16 begins to wedge itself in between the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14. Depending on the thickness
(height) of the augmenting elongated member 16, some slack may need
to be given at this point to the pull wire 74 and/or the anchor
wires 84 to allow them to separate in a vertical direction (i.e.,
in a direction between the surfaces to be distracted or along the
axis of the spine or the direction of distraction) to allow further
advancement of the augmenting elongated member 16.
[0114] Once the physician confirms that the tip of the augmenting
elongated member 16 is wedged securely and the raised ribs 48 and
50 and associated grooves 42 and 46 (if provided) of the three
elongated members are engaged, the augmenting elongated member 16
is advanced slowly while checking for changes in the curvature of
the distraction device 10. As before, the curvature can be adjusted
in real time using the pull wire 74. In a preferred embodiment, the
curvature may be adjusted automatically by developing tension in
the pull wire 74 via a screw or rotational mechanism incorporated
into or associated with the slider 128. The augmenting elongated
member 16 is preferably pushed in all the way until its back face
is flush with the back faces of the first and second elongated
members 12 and 14 (FIG. 31), at which point the augmenting
elongated member 16 may be fully locked in place with respect to
the first and second elongated members 12 and 16.
[0115] The physician then makes a final check of the implant
placement and desired distraction. If satisfied, the physician
detaches the pull wire 74 and anchor wires 84 from the implant 10
(as described above) and may remove the cannula 82 and associated
delivery device 126. Even with the pull wire 74 detached from the
implant 10, the reaction force applied to the implant 10 by the
tissues being distracted should be sufficient to maintain the
implant 10 in the illustrated generally annular configuration.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 31, the augmenting elongated member 16 may
have a linear extent that is less than the linear extents of the
first and second elongated members 12 and 14 in the insertion or
longitudinal direction (i.e., in a dimension extending between the
proximal and distal ends of the elongated members). Thus, when the
augmenting elongated member 16 has been fully inserted between the
first and second elongated members 12 and 14 (such that their back
faces are substantially flush), the augmenting elongated member 16
will define a generally less linear configuration that extends over
a lesser arc than the generally complete circle defined by the
first and second elongated members 12 and 14. In particular, the
augmenting elongated member 16 defines a generally arcuate,
non-annular configuration when fully inserted, such that a window
158 is defined between the proximal and distal ends 98 and 56 of
the augmenting elongated member 16 (which define lateral sides of
the window 158) and the distal ends 28 and 24 of the first and
second elongated members 12 and 14 (which define lower and upper
sides of the window 158, respectively).
[0117] The locking member 18, as described above, may separate from
the lateral groove 106 in which it sits during (or after) insertion
of the augmenting elongated member 16 to extend through the open
interior or resident volume 108 defined by the implant 10. At this
point, it may be advantageous for the locking member 18 to not be
fully tensioned, otherwise it may obstruct the window 158, as shown
in FIG. 16. As described above, the reaction forces applied to the
fully expanded implant 10 by the opposing tissue surfaces should be
sufficient to maintain the shape of the implant 10 even without
shaping force being applied by the pull wire 74 or the locking
member 18. However, it may be preferred for some amount of tension
to be applied to the locking member 18 to remove it from the
resident volume 108 and position it in the window 158, but with
sufficient slackness that the locking member 18 does not extend
across the middle of the window 158. Instead, it may be preferred
for the locking member 18 to hang slack within the window 158, as
shown in FIGS. 15 and 31, to allow a funnel 152 (FIG. 32) to extend
through the window 158 and access the resident volume 108 without
contacting the locking member 18.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 32, if bone graft material or bone filler
material 156 is needed, it can be injected or otherwise introduced
into the open interior or resident volume 108 defined by the
implant 10 via the window 158 defined in the side wall of the
implant 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of a
funnel 152 is inserted through the window 158 and then bone graft
material or bone filler material 156 is advanced through the funnel
152 and into the resident volume 108 using a tamp 154 of the type
shown in FIG. 27 or the like. FIG. 32 shows the resident volume 108
being substantially entirely filled with bone graft material or
bone filler material 156, but it is also within the scope of the
present disclosure for the resident volume 108 to be only partially
filled with bone graft material or bone filler material 108. An
advantage of implants according to the present disclosure is that,
unlike most other expandable cages, bone graft material or bone
filler material it meant to be place through the window defined in
the side wall of the implant and make full contact on the two
tissue surfaces to be distracted. Some expandable cage-type
implants include bone graft material within the cage as it is
introduced into the disc space, and then expand the cage, which
tends to leave voids between the bone graft material and the tissue
surfaces to be distracted. Voids in bone graft are undesirable, as
they may inhibit fusion or the rate of fusion between vertebral
endplates.
[0119] When the desired amount of bone graft material or bone
filler material 156 has been introduced into the resident volume
108, the physician withdraws the funnel 152 and then applies a
proximally directed force to the free end 96 of the locking member
18 (FIG. 33). Tension is applied to the locking member 18 until it
is taut or tightly drawn across the middle of the window 158 (FIG.
16). Then, the fastener 114 of the augmenting elongated member 16
is advanced so as to sever the free end 96 of the locking member
18, while securing the locking member 18 to the augmenting
elongated member 16 at a second location, as described in greater
detail above. The fastener 114 may be advanced by a driver device
160 (FIG. 33) that pushes or rotates or otherwise actuates the
fastener 114 so as to move it distally with respect to the
augmenting elongated member 16 into contact with the locking member
18.
[0120] The free end 96 of the locking member 18 being secured and
severed, the severed portion may be removed from the disc space,
along with the driver device 160, leaving only the fully deployed
implant 10 in the disc space, as shown in FIG. 2. Thereafter, the
access port may be closed, along with any other access points
opened to reach the disc space.
[0121] It should be understood that the above-described elongated
members, distraction device, deployment tools, and methods are
merely exemplary. For example, FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate an
alternative embodiment of an elongated member or distraction device
162 employing a different locking mechanism or member 164 (FIG.
35). In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated member or
distraction device 162 is moved from a generally linear
configuration to a generally less linear configuration (e.g., as
described above using a pull wire or the like) with the elongated
member or distraction device 162 assuming an arcuate, but not
closed loop or annular, shape. The gap 166 between the proximal and
distal ends 168 and 170 of the elongated member or distraction
device 162 may be used to introduce bone graft material or the like
into the resident volume 172 defined by the elongated member or
distraction device 162. When the surgeon desires to close the gap
166, the proximal and distal ends 168 and 170 are drawn together
(e.g., using a closure tool 174 that engages the proximal and
distal ends 168 and 170 to bring them toward each other) and a
fastener or fixture 164 is secured to the ends 168 and 170 to
prevent them from separating. In one embodiment, the fastener or
fixture 164 comprises a staple with two prongs 176 and 178 that are
received within cavities 180 and 182 of the proximal and distal
ends 168 and 170 to close the gap 166 and maintain the elongated
member or distraction device 162 in a generally annular
configuration.
[0122] In other embodiments, a separate fastener or fixture is not
required to maintain the elongated member or distraction device in
a generally annular configuration. For example, FIG. 36 shows a
distraction device 184 in which one of the constituent elongated
members (shown as the augmenting elongated member 186) includes an
embedded wire or tube or elongated element 188 made of a material
having shape memory properties, such as Nitinol or a shape memory
polymer. The embedded element 188 preferably has a natural or
pre-set shape, for example, the illustrated arcuate or annular
configuration. When the augmenting elongated member 186 is present
in a deployment cannula, it is constrained to a generally linear
configuration, allowing for an easy and minimally invasive
deployment of the elongated members into the work space. Because of
the shape memory properties of the embedded element 188, the
augmenting elongated member 186 will return to its natural curved
or annular shape once the constraint is removed (i.e., once the
distal end of the augmenting elongated member 186 exits the distal
end portion of the cannula and enters the work space). Rather than
being embedded within the augmenting elongated member 186, the
shape memory material may instead be secured to an outer surface
(e.g., a lateral side) of the augmenting elongated member 186. In
other embodiments, one or both of the upper and lower elongated
members 190 and 191 includes shape memory properties in addition to
(or instead of) the augmenting elongated member 186 having shape
memory properties. By providing one or more of the elongated
members with shape memory properties, the need to use a locking
member or fastener or fixture to secure the resulting distraction
device in its generally less linear, deployed configuration is
avoided.
[0123] FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate another embodiment of an
elongated member or distraction device 192 that may maintain a
generally less linear, deployed configuration without the need for
a separate fixture or fastener or locking member. The illustrated
elongated member or distraction device 192 includes an integrally
formed locking projection or extension 194 at its distal end 196
and a similarly shaped cavity or pocket 198 along a lateral side
200 at or adjacent to its proximal end 202. The cavity 198 is
preferably associated with the lateral side 200 of the elongated
member or distraction device 192 toward which the elongated member
or distraction device 192 curves when deployed in a work space. In
the illustrated embodiment, the elongated member or distraction
device 192 may be moved from a generally linear configuration to a
generally less linear configuration (e.g., as described above using
a pull wire or the like) with the elongated member or distraction
device 192 assuming an arcuate, but not closed loop or annular,
shape with a gap between the proximal and distal ends 202 and 196.
The gap between the proximal and distal ends 202 and 196 of the
elongated member or distraction device 192 may be used to introduce
bone graft material or the like into the resident volume 204
defined by the elongated member or distraction device 192. When the
surgeon desires to close the gap, the locking projection 194 is
pressed into and retained by the cavity 198, as shown in FIG. 38.
In the illustrated embodiment, the locking projection 194 is
generally conical, which may promote retention of the projection
194 within the cavity 198, but other locking projection
configurations (e.g., an enlarged spherical shape) may also be
employed without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0124] It will be understood that the embodiments described above
are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of
the present subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the claimed subject matter, including those combinations
of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. For
these reasons, the scope hereof is not limited to the above
description but is as set forth in the following claims, and it is
understood that claims may be directed to the features hereof,
including as combinations of features that are individually
disclosed or claimed herein.
* * * * *