The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 13, 2007
Filed:
Sep. 27, 2002
Peter Newton, San Diego, CA (US);
Mark Gracia, Rochester, MA (US);
Michael S. Varieur, Portsmouth, RI (US);
Carrie A. Breech, Wrentham, MA (US);
Peter Newton, San Diego, CA (US);
Mark Gracia, Rochester, MA (US);
Michael S. Varieur, Portsmouth, RI (US);
Carrie A. Breech, Wrentham, MA (US);
DePuy Spine, Inc., Raynham, MA (US);
Abstract
A compressor tool for use in minimally invasive surgery is provided having first and second elongate elements where each elongate element is connected to the other at a pivot point within a pivot region of each element for rotating articulation in an articulation plane with respect to each other. The first and second elongate elements are configured to provide a tool pivot region including the pivot point, a tool handle proximal to the tool pivot region, and a tool working portion distal to the too pivot region so that pressure applied to the tool handle portion results in a compressive force being applied by the tool working portion. The tool has a first closed position for insertion of the tool through an incision or portal so that the pivot region is located within the incision or portal, and a second working position where the tool working portion is arranged to provide a compressive force to spaced apart elements within a patient's body. Articulation of the tool between the first closed position and the second working position results in no increase in dimension of the tool in the pivot region.