Spinal implant gripping device with audible locking mechanism and reversible clamp for secure surgical insertion
View Patent ↗A spinal implant gripping device comprising: a. a clip with living hinges configured to grip a spinal implant; b. a central threaded rod fixedly attached to the clip; c. a pusher that slides freely over the central threaded rod to actuate the clip's living hinges, causing the clip to securely grip the spinal implant; and d. an interchangeable nut and cap operable to extend or retract the gripping mechanism by rotating along the central threaded rod.
1 . A spinal implant gripping device comprising: a. a clip with living hinges configured to grip a spinal implant; b. a central threaded rod fixedly attached to the clip; c. a pusher that slides freely over the central threaded rod to actuate the clip's living hinges, causing the clip to securely grip the spinal implant; and d. an interchangeable nut operable to extend or retract the gripping mechanism by rotating along the central threaded rod, wherein a distal end ( 110 ) of the pusher is received in grooves ( 109 ) positioned on the clip such that pressure applied to the grooves is configured to push arms of the clip outward.
2 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the clip is configured with an audible mechanism that produces an audible sound when the gripping mechanism is fully engaged, indicating to the surgeon that the device is securely locked.
3 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the nut is reversible, allowing the device to transition between engaging and releasing the gripping mechanism.
4 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the clip includes contact surfaces made from non-damaging materials designed to protect fragile implant materials from wear or damage during the gripping process.
5 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the living hinges of the clip provide a progressive clamping force, gradually increasing until the clip is fully engaged, minimizing sudden or uneven pressure on the spinal implant.
6 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the central threaded rod includes an interface at its top for precise rotation and adjustment using standard surgical tools.
7 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the pusher exerts a controlled force on the living hinges of the clip to ensure even clamping pressure, reducing the risk of implant deformation or fracture.
8 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to support itself in a locked position, allowing the surgeon to tap the implant into place using secondary tools without destabilizing the device or damaging the implant.
9 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the clip is designed to distribute clamping forces evenly across the spinal implant, ensuring secure engagement without compromising the structural integrity of the implant.
10 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the interchangeable nut can be used to adjust the position of the pusher for incremental adjustments of the gripping force applied by the pusher according to the degree of pressure applied to the grooves configured to push the arms of the clip outward.
11 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the device is constructed from materials selected for durability and compatibility with sterilization processes, ensuring repeated surgical use without degradation in performance.
12 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 1 , wherein the pusher is configured to slide smoothly over the central threaded rod, reducing operational friction and enabling precise control during implant manipulation.
13 . The spinal implant gripping device of claim 2 , wherein the audible mechanism provides both tactile and auditory confirmation to the surgeon, enhancing operational reliability during surgical procedures.