Method and devices for implantation of biologic constructs

1. A method of delivering a sheet-like implant through a cannula, the method comprising the steps:

creating an arthroscopic workspace around a patient's joint and inserting a cannula through the patient's skin proximate the arthroscopic workspace;

providing a sheet-like implant;

providing an implant holder assembly having a distal end, a proximal end and a plurality of legs each having a proximal and distal end, with the proximal ends of the plurality of legs secured to the distal end of the implant holder assembly and at least one slot in the implant holder assembly sized and dimensioned to engage a portion of the sheet-like implant;

wherein the plurality of legs have a closed position with the plurality of legs proximate each other, and an open position with the distal end of each leg translated in a generally transverse direction to form an open-ended implant holder;

wherein the sheet-like implant is releasably attached to the implant holder assembly;

moving the implant holder assembly such that the implant holder and sheet-like implant fit through the cannula in the closed position;

inserting the implant holder assembly and sheet-like implant, in the closed position, through the cannula and into the arthroscopic workspace;

moving at least two of the plurality of legs into the open position within the workspace such that the sheet-like implant has a generally planar configuration that is substantially parallel to the legs, and positioning the sheet-like implant proximate an intended site of implantation; and

releasing the sheet-like implant from the implant holder assembly.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps:

moving the plurality of legs to the closed position and removing the implant holder assembly from the workspace; and

securing the sheet to body tissue within the workspace.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of legs comprise a superelastic material biased to the open position, such that the plurality of legs may be forced in apposition to each other to fit into the cannula and thereafter superelastically open upon exit from the distal end of the cannula.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of legs comprise a resilient material biased to the open position, such that the plurality of legs may be forced in apposition to each other to fit into the cannula and thereafter resiliently open upon exit from a distal end of the cannula.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the implant holder assembly further comprises:

an elongate insertion portion having a proximal end and a distal end wherein the implant holder is positioned at the distal end of the elongate insertion portion.

6. A method of delivering a sheet-like implant to a treatment site within a patient's body, said method comprising the steps:

creating a workspace around the treatment site and inserting a cannula through the patient's skin proximate the workspace;

providing a sheet-like implant;

providing an implant delivery system comprising:

a delivery shaft having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis;

an implant retainer having at least one slot for engaging the sheet-like implant and a plurality of separable legs each having a proximal and distal end, with the proximal ends of the plurality of legs secured to the distal end of the delivery shaft;

wherein the plurality of legs have a closed position with the legs proximate each other and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the delivery shaft, and an open position with the distal end of each leg translated in a generally transverse direction to form an open-ended implant retainer;

moving the plurality of legs into a closed position with the sheet-like implant engaged such that the plurality of legs and the sheet-like implant fit, in the closed position, through the cannula;

inserting the plurality of legs and the sheet-like implant, in the closed position, through the cannula and into the workspace;

moving the plurality of legs and the sheet-like implant into the open position within the workspace, wherein in the open position, the sheet-like implant has a generally planar configuration that is substantially parallel to the legs, and positioning the sheet-like implant proximate an intended site of implantation; and

releasing the sheet-like implant from the implant retainer.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the plurality of legs comprise a superelastic material biased to the open position, such that the plurality of legs may be forced in apposition to each other to fit into the cannula and thereafter superelastically open upon exit from the distal end of the cannula.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein the plurality of legs comprise a resilient material biased to the open position, such that the plurality of legs may be forced in apposition to each other to fit into the cannula and thereafter resiliently open upon exit from a distal end of the cannula.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein the implant delivery system further comprises:

a tube having a proximal end and a distal end wherein the tube is sized to enclose the implant retainer and the sheet-like implant.