IP Library Granted Patent US 12,226,321
Granted Patent B2
US 12,226,321 · App. 18/499,174 · Granted Feb 18, 2025

Instruments for expandable interbody implants

Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr (Bloomingdale, NJ); Oliver Buchert (Franklin Lakes, NJ); M. Todd Miller (Franklin Lakes, NJ)
Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
A61F2/4601A61F2/4455A61F2/4611A61F2002/30556A61F2/447A61F2002/4625A61F2002/4631
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,226,321
App. No.
18/499,174
Granted
Feb 18, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system for implanting an expandable interbody implant into an intervertebral space includes an elongated tool, the distal end of which is removably securable to the implant. The proximal end of the tool has an attachment interface for detachable securement to a plurality of different modules, each of which is adapted to effectuate a different function of the delivery system. The different functions include: grasping the implant delivery tool, providing an impaction surface for driving the advancement of the implant, supplying a graft material into the implant, and actuating the expansion of the implant. One of the modules may include a fluid delivery system for supplying hydraulic fluid to expand the implant. A fluid reservoir of the fluid delivery system may be oriented transverse to the cannula that delivers the fluid to the implant. A grafting block can be used to help pre-pack the implant with graft material.

Claims (20)

1. A spinal implant system, comprising: a block for supporting an intervertebral implant while packing an interior cavity of the implant with graft material, comprising: a base; and a projection extending from the base, the projection being sized to be received through a first opening in the implant such that the projection is positioned at least partially within the interior cavity of the implant; and the intervertebral implant, wherein the implant includes a second opening on an opposite side of the implant from the first opening, and, wherein, when the implant is supported on the block with the projection received through the first opening in the implant, the second opening is oriented upwardly so as to receive a supply of graft material into the interior cavity through the second opening.

2. The spinal implant system of claim 1 , wherein the projection of the block is configured to closely fit within the interior cavity of the implant such that graft material positioned within the interior cavity is prevented from flowing downwardly past an upper surface of the projection into a portion of the interior cavity occupied by the projection.

3. A delivery system for implantation of an implant into an intervertebral space, comprising:

a block for supporting an intervertebral implant while packing an interior cavity of the implant with graft material, including a base and a projection extending from the base, the projection being sized to be received through a first opening in the implant such that the projection is positioned at least partially within the interior cavity of the implant; and

the intervertebral implant, wherein the implant includes a second opening on an opposite side of the implant from the first opening, and, wherein, when the implant is supported on the block with the projection received through the first opening in the implant, the second opening is oriented upwardly so as to receive a supply of graft material into the interior cavity through the second opening;

an elongated tool having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being removably securable to the implant, wherein the proximal end has an attachment interface for detachable securement to a plurality of different modules, each module being adapted to effectuate a different function of the delivery system during the implantation of the implant.

4. The delivery system of claim 3 , wherein a first one of the plurality of different modules is a handle.

5. The delivery system of claim 4 , wherein the first module includes a plunger advanceable in a distal direction to drive graft material distally through the tool and into the implant.

6. The delivery system of claim 5 , wherein the first module includes a pistol-grip handle having a trigger that is squeezable to drive the advancement of the plunger in the distal direction.

7. The delivery system of claim 3 , wherein a first one of the plurality of different modules defines a flat impaction surface at a proximal end of a handle for driving the advancement of the tool.

8. The delivery system of claim 7 , wherein the flat impaction surface is defined on a connect cap removably attachable to the handle.

9. The delivery system of claim 3 , wherein a first one of the plurality of different modules is a bone graft supply system.

10. The delivery system of claim 3 , wherein a first one of the plurality of different modules is an expander for actuating expansion of the implant.

11. The delivery system of claim 10 , wherein the first module is a fluid delivery system for supplying a hydraulic fluid into the implant to expand the implant.

12. The delivery system of claim 11 , further comprising a pressure gauge for displaying the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the implant.

13. The delivery system of claim 10 , wherein the first module includes a plunger advanceable within a fluid reservoir for driving the hydraulic fluid into the implant via a fluid delivery cannula.

14. The delivery system of claim 13 , wherein the fluid reservoir is oriented transverse to the fluid delivery cannula, such that the plunger is advanceable within the reservoir along a direction transverse to the fluid delivery cannula.

15. The delivery system of claim 13 , wherein the first module includes a selector mechanism for switching between two different modes of travel by the plunger.

16. The delivery system of claim 15 , wherein a first one of the two modes includes rotation of the plunger about its longitudinal axis such that the plunger travels along a threaded connection, and wherein a second one of the two modes includes sliding the plunger linearly along its longitudinal axis.

17. The delivery system of claim 3 , wherein each of the different modules is securable to and detachable from the proximal end of the tool by depressing a button on the respective module.

Assignments (4)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 8, 2025
From: K2M, INC.; VB SPINE US OPCO LLC
To: TEXAS CAPITAL BANK, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 072340/0397 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 16, 2025
From: K2M, INC.; VB SPINE US OPCO LLC; VB SPINE LLC
To: ANKURA TRUST COMPANY, LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 071682/0116 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 8, 2025
From: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
To: VB SPINE US OPCO LLC
Reel/Frame 071224/0768 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 31, 2023
From: SHARIFI-MEHR, AMIR ALI; BUCHERT, OLIVER; MILLER, M. TODD
To: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
Reel/Frame 065411/0323 →