WO2010017584A1

WO2010017584A1 - Capsule delivery instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2010017584A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/001027
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jerome A. Goldbert; William Robert Walsh; Declan Brazil
Original assignee: Athavle, Chris
Priority date: 2008-08-12
Filing date: 2009-08-12
Publication date: 2010-02-18

Abstract

A surgical implant device and method for depositing a capsule into bone of a patient. The device comprises a handle and an elongate tap body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the tab body is retainable by the handle, the distal end of the tap body extending from a threaded tap. The tap body having an axial bore extending from its distal end for receiving an elongate rod having a proximal end and a distal end. The rod is movable with respect to the tap body between a first position defined by the distal end of the rod being in substantial alignment with the distal end of the tap body, and a second position defined by the distal end of the rod being axially retracted with respect to the distal end of the tap body for receiving an implant into the bore.

Description

Capsule Delivery Instrument

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to surgical instruments, and in particular to an instrument for capsule (or pellet) delivery. The invention has been developed primarily as an instrument for delivering and implanting a capsule (or pellet) of demineralised bone matrix, other bioactive molecules, synthetic materials or allografts and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

Demineralised bone matrix is prepared by acid extraction of most of the mineralised component of bone, with retention of the collagen and non-collagenous proteins, including growth factors. Demineralised bone matrix ("DBM") is used to repair bone defects resulting from trauma, tumours, infection and surgical reconstructive procedures. DBM is used, for example, to encourage the body to grow new bone and to promote healing. Accordingly, DBM is implanted into bone during surgical procedures. The implantation of DBM pellets, capsules or gels introduces complexity into minimally invasive surgical procedures. Such surgery promotes healing and allows at least some patients to return to full activity at an earlier time. In a typical arthroscopic procedure, after the DBM implant site has been prepared, the drill that bores the DBM implant site must be withdrawn before the delivery instrument is re- inserted. In the alternative, an additional surgical incision may be used for the implant tool so that the drill does not have to be withdrawn from its incision. However, the extra incision detracts from the benefits to the patient and inconveniences the surgeon. Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a surgical instrument that can both create the implant site and deliver the DBM without requiring withdrawal of the instrument prior to DBM delivery.

It will be appreciated that the invention is disclosed as being particularly useful for the implantation of demineralised bone matrix, but that it has equal utility with other bioactive molecules, synthetic materials or allografts.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. It is an object of the invention in its preferred form to provide a DBM delivery method and apparatus that is adapted to both create an implant site and deliver the DBM without requiring withdrawal.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a surgical implant device for depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, the device comprising: a handle; an elongate tap body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the tab body retainable by the handle, the distal end of the tap body extending from a threaded tap, the tap body having an axial bore extending from its distal end; an elongate rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the rod being receivable by the axial bore; wherein the rod is movable with respect to the tap body between a first position defined by the distal end of the rod being in substantial alignment with the distal end of the tap body, and a second position defined by the distal end of the rod being axially retracted with respect to the distal end of the tap body for receiving an implant into the bore.

Preferably, from the second position, the rod is axially movable with respect to the tap body to a third position for moving the implant toward the distal end of the tap body. Preferably, the distal end of the rod forms a trocar tip adapted to cooperate with the threaded tap for enabling manually screwing of the device into bone to create a delivery site.

Preferably, the device comprises a spacing assembly for limiting relative axial movement of the rod toward the distal end of the tap body, thereby defining the third position for establishing a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body.

The handle preferably comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion adapted to axially retain the tap body, the second portion adapted to fixedly retain the rod. Preferably, relative axial movement between the first portion and a second portion defines the third position for establishing a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body. The first portion preferably includes a lock element for axially restraining the tap body with respect to the first portion, wherein releasing the lock element enables the tap body to axially slide with respect to the handle. Preferably, the first portion further includes one or more guide elements for prevent rotation of the tap body relative to the first portion of the handle as it axially slides with respect to the handle. More preferably, the first portion and second portion are threadedly coupled, such that the first portion can be rotated relative to the second portion for defining a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body. Most preferably, the device further comprises a depth lock for restricting relative axial movement between the first portion and second portion. The depth lock preferably restricts rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion.

Preferably, the rod is fixedly retained by the handle, and relative moment between the tap body and rod is achieved by axially moving the tap body with respect to the handle. Alternatively, the tap body is fixedly retained by the handle, and relative moment between the tap body and rod is achieved by axially moving the rod with respect to the handle.

Preferably, the device comprises a loading opening in a sidewall of the tap body for receiving the implant into the bore. More preferably, the device comprises a pilot depression surrounding the loading opening for assisting receiving the implant. Most preferably, the device comprises a cartridge for providing a plurality of implants, - A -

wherein the cartridge cooperates with the opening in a sidewall of the tap body for single releasing the implant. The cartridge is preferably a linear magazine having a having a linear chamber for retaining a plurality of implants. Alternatively, the cartridge is a cylindrical body comprising a number of radially arranged chambers for retaining a plurality of implants.

Preferably, the device is biased to move from the second position to the third position.

Preferably, a distal portion of the tap body is necked down with respect to the remainder of the longitudinal extent of the tap body.

Preferably, the device is adapted to be manually screwed into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site, then depositing the implant without withdrawal of the device.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a surgical implant device for depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, the device comprising: a handle including a first portion and a second portion; an elongate tap body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the tab body axially retainable by the first portion of the handle, the distal end of the tap body extending from a threaded tap, the tap body having an axial bore extending from its distal end; an elongate rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the rod being receivable by the axial bore and fixedly retainable by the second portion of the handle; wherein the rod is movable with respect to the tap body between a first position defined by the distal end of the rod being in substantial alignment with the distal end of the tap body, and a second position defined by the distal end of the rod being axially retracted with respect to the distal end of the tap body for receiving an implant into the bore; wherein from the second position the rod is axially movable with respect to the tap body to a third position for moving the implant toward the distal end of the tap body; wherein the first portion and second portion are threadedly coupled, such that the second portion can be rotated relative to the first portion for defining the third position that establishes a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body; wherein the device is adapted to be manually screwed into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site; wherein, from the third position, rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion enables the tap body to be withdrawn from the delivery site while simultaneously axially moving the rod toward the distal end of the tap body for depositing the implant.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, the method comprising the steps: providing a surgical implant device as herein described; screwing the threaded tap of the tab body into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site; retracting the rod relative to the tab body for loading an implant into the bore of the tap body; moving the rod, relative to the tab body, to the third position for positioning the implant at the distal end of the tap body; and withdrawing the tap body from the delivery site and simultaneously depositing the implant into the bone.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, the method comprising the steps: screwing a threaded tap at a distal end of a tab body into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site, the tab body having a bore for receiving an elongate rod, wherein rod forms a trocar tip adapted to cooperate with the threaded tap when creating the delivery site; retracting the rod relative to the tab body for loading an implant into the bore of the tap body; moving the rod, relative to the tab body, toward the third position for positioning the implant at the distal end of the tap body; withdrawing the tap body from the delivery site and simultaneously depositing the implant into the bone. Preferably, the method comprises the step of setting a limit of relative axial movement of the rod toward the distal end of the tap body, thereby establishing a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a surgical instrument comprising a canulated tap that is open at both ends. A trocar tipped core is adapted to protrude from the tap end of the instrument. Withdrawal of the rod allows the delivery of DBM through the canula. Preferably, the instrument further comprises a cartridge that is adapted to retain and dispense DBM pellets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. IA is a perspective view of an example DBM capsule delivery instrument;

FIG. IB is a cross sectional view of the device depicted in FIG. IA;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the device depicted in FIG. IA, shown preset to a particular delivery depth;

FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view of the device depicted in FIG. 2A; FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of the device depicted in FIG. IA, shown loaded with a capsule;

FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the device depicted in FIG. 3 A;

FIG. 4 A is a perspective view of the device depicted in FIG. IA, showing the handle pushed forward to insert a capsule into a delivery site; FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of the device depicted in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 A is a perspective view of the device depicted in FIG. IA, shown just prior to withdrawal of the tap;

FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of the device depicted in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 A is a perspective view of the device depicted in FIG. IA, shown as it would be with the tap withdrawn from the bone;

FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of the device depicted in FIG. 6 A;

FIG. 7A is a plan view of a alternative embodiment DBM delivery instrument;

FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of instrument depicted in FIG. 7 A; FIG. 7C is a plan view of the instrument depicted in FIG. 7 A, shown in a re-load position;

FIG. 7D is a cross sectional view of the instrument depicted in FIG. 7C; FIG. 8 A is a perspective view of a cylindrical cartridge; FIG. 8B is a side view of the cylindrical cartridge depicted in FIG. 8 A;

FIG. 8C is a cross section of the cartridge depicted in FIG. 8A; FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a cylindrical cartridge and pellet retainer;

FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the cylindrical cartridge and pellet retainer depicted in FIG. 9A; FIG. 9C is an enlarged partial sectional view of the cylindrical cartridge and pellet retainer depicted in FIG. 9 A;

FIG. 1OA is a plan view of an alternative embodiment DBM delivery instrument; FIG. 1OB is a side elevation of the instrument depicted in FIG. 1OA; FIG. 1 IA is a perspective view of a linear cartridge; FIG. 11 B is a side view of the linear cartridge depicted in FIG. 1 IA;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial side view of instrument depicted in FIG. 1OA, showing the tip; and

FIG. 13 is example flowchart for a method of using a capsule delivery instrument.

Best Mode and Other Embodiments Referring initially to FIG. IA through FIG. 6B, an embodiment, by way of example only, discloses surgical implant device (or instrument) 100 for depositing a capsule into bone of a patient. The device comprises an elongate tap body 110 having a distal end 112 and a proximal end 113, the proximal end of the tab body retainable by a handle 120, the distal end of the tap body extending from a threaded tap 112, the tap body having an axial bore extending from its distal end. An elongate rod 130 having a proximal end and a distal end, is receivable by the axial bore.

The rod is movable with respect to the tap body between a first position defined by the distal end of the rod being in substantial alignment with the distal end of the tap body (as shown in FIG. IA and FIG. IB), and a second position defined by the distal end of the rod being axially retracted with respect to the distal end of the tap body for receiving an implant into the bore (as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B).

From the second position the rod is axially movable with respect to the tap body to a third position for moving the implant toward the distal end of the tap body (as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B).

FIG. IA through FIG. 6B show an example DBM delivery instrument 100 comprising a canulated tap body 110 that is retained by a handle 120. The tap 110 is open at both ends and extends from a threaded tap 112 to an end 113, which extends to about the internal butt end 125 of the handle 120 (when the tap is fully inserted into the handle). A terminal section 114 of the tap body 110 is necked down with respect to the remainder of the longitudinal extent of the tap. The tap body 110 has an axial bore that receives a reciprocating rod 130. The rod 130 has a fixed end 131 that is retained by the handle 120. A working end 132 of the rod forms a trocar tip that cooperates with the tap 112 of the canulated tap 110. A loading opening or transverse bore 115 is formed through a sidewall of the canulated tap 110. The loading opening 115 is preferably surrounded by a pilot depression 116 that assists with the loading of the DBM capsules through the loading opening 115 into the axial bore of the tap body 110. The handle 120 comprises a forward portion 121 and a rear portion 122. The forward portion 121 further comprises a reciprocating lock 140 that allows it to engage with the tap body 110. The lock is shown as comprising a pair of sliding jaws 141, 142 that engage with flat portions 126, 127 formed on the tap body. When the jaws 141, 142 are engaged with the flat portions 126, 127, the canulated tap 110 is restrained axially with respect to the handle's forward portion 121. This is referred to as the tap body's "locked" orientation. When the reciprocating lock 140 is disengaged, the jaws 141, 142 no longer restrain the tap and thus, the tap can be withdrawn from the handle (see FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B). The forward portion 121 also comprises a pair of guides 128, 129 that serve to orient and guide the canulated tap and prevent it from rotating relative to the forward portion of the handle as it slides in and out of the handle. The forward portion 121 also comprises an axially sliding depth lock 150. The depth lock 150 resides within a shallow depression 151. hi its locked position (see FIG. IA and FIG. IB) the depth lock extends into a cooperating recess 152 formed into a surface of the rear portion 122 of the handle. In this "depth locked" orientation, the rear portion 122 cannot be rotated relative to the front portion 121. However, the front portion 121 and rear portion 122 are a coupled by internal threads so that when the depth lock 150 is unlocked, the rear portion 122 maybe rotated relative to the front portion 121. An exemplary implementation to this arrangement is depicted in FIG. IB. From this illustration it can be seen that the front portion 121 further comprises an internal and threaded hub and that the rear portion 122 further comprises an internal socket 123 with cooperating threads for receiving the threaded hub 124. It will be appreciated that vice-versa the threaded hub can be carried by the rear portion and that the internally threaded socket can be carried by the forward portion of the handle. In an embodiment, by way of example only, the pitch of the cooperating threads are substantially the same as the pitch of the a threaded tap 112.

The above described instrument is adapted to be manually screwed into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site, then depositing or delivering a DBM capsule prior to withdrawal of the instrument. That operation will now be described below with reference to the drawing figures. As suggested by the previous description and with reference to see FIG. IA and FIG. IB, the delivery of a DBM capsule begins with a device fully locked. That is, the tap body 110 is restrained with respect to the handle by the lock 140 and the front and rear portions of the handle are locked together with the depth lock 150. In this orientation, a surgeon rotates the instrument so that the trocar tip 132 and tap 112 create a threaded female opening or delivery site that extends through a surface of a bone.

Without unscrewing the tap body 110 from the delivery site, the depth lock 150 is advanced toward the tap 112 so that the rear portion 122 of the handle is free to rotate relative to the front portion 121. Once the front end rear portions are unlocked, the rear portion is rotated (for example) two or three turns counter clockwise relative to the front portion. The depth lock 150 is then returned to its locked position. This is the orientation of the device depicted in FIG. 2 A and FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, there is now a gap 220 between the forward portion 121 and rear portion 122 of the handle 120. This gap 220 represents the amount that the trocar tipped rod 130 has been retracted from the opening in the tap 112. This establishes a new depth relationship between the trocar tip 132 and the terminal end of the tap 112.

As suggested by FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B the tap lock 140 can now be reciprocated into the "load" position. This has the effect of disengaging the jaws 141, 142 from the cooperating flats 126, 127 formed on the tap body 110. FIG. 3A also illustrates one of the two elongated anti-rotation groves 310 that extend along the length of the canulated tap and that receive the tips of the guides 128, 129.

As shown in FIG 3B, because the rod 130 is retained by the rear portion 122 of the handle 120 retraction of the handle causes the rod's trocar tip to retract to a position behind the loading opening 115. This allows the insertion of the DBM pellet or capsule 320 into the internal bore of the canulated tap body 110. As suggested by FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the next step is the advancement of the handle 120 toward the tap 112. This has the effect of driving the capsule 320 toward the opening at the terminal end of the tap 112. Because of the pre-established gap 220 between the forward and rear portions of the handle 121, 122 the capsule 320 is positioned partially in and partially out of the canulated tap's axial bore. The rod 130 cannot be advanced any further owing to the spaced apart relationship between the forward and rear portions of the handle 121, 122.

As suggested by FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the next step is to operate or reciprocate the tap lock 140 so that the jaws 141, 142 reengage the flats on the canualted tap 110 thereby immobilising the canualted tap 110 with respect to the forward portion 121 of the handle 120 this portion of the procedure is completed by advancing the depth lock 150 so that the forward and rear portions 121, 122 of the handle 120 are free to rotate with respect to one another.

As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B the DBM pellet or capsule 320 is deposited by holding the rear portion 122 of the handle 120 in one hand while rotating the forward portion 121 with the other hand so as to close the gap between the forward and rear portions 121, 122. This has the effect of withdrawing the tap 112 from the opening it has created in the bone but independently of the rod 130. Thus, the rod 130 keeps the capsule 320 in position as the tap 112 is folly withdrawn. This allows the capsule 320 to be positioned close to the surface of the delivery site opening in the hone. It will be appreciated that the depth of the insertion or delivery of the DBM capsule can be adjusted over a range defined by the gap (or lack of gap) between the forward and rear portions of the handle as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 13, a method if using the device 100 can involve the steps:

Step 1310, locating the device 100 by screwing a threaded tap at a distal end of a tab body into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site; Step 1320, setting depth by setting a limit of relative axial movement of the rod toward the distal end of the tap body, thereby establishing a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body; Step 1330, retracting the rod relative to the tab body for loading an implant into the bore of the tap body; Step 1340, inserting the implant by moving the rod, relative to the tab body, toward the distal end of the tap body;

Step 1350, releasing the handle to enable the depth relationship to be reset; Step 1360, removing the device by withdrawing the tap body from the delivery site and simultaneously depositing the implant into the bone. In an embodiment, by way of example only, the device 100 can be screwed into the bone, with the rear handle screwed in and the depth lock set to the locked position and the lock/load button set to the locked position.

The depth lock can be unlocked and the rear handle screwed out three turns, before resetting the depth lock to the lock position. This establishes a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body.

The lock/load button can be set to the load position, enabling the rod to be retracted with respect to the distal end of the tap body for receiving an implant into the bore.

The handle is moved forward to move the implant toward the distal end of the tap body and insert the implant into bone. The lock/load button is reset back to load position and the depth lock set to the unlocked position. By holding the rear portion of the handle stationary and unscrewing the front portion of the handle, the driver shaft can be removed from the bone for and simultaneously depositing the implant into the bone - without prior withdrawal of the device.

Referring to FIG. 7A though FIG. 12, alternative embodiments of a capsule delivery instrument are disclosed.

An embodiment, by way of example only, discloses surgical implant device 700 for depositing a capsule into bone of a patient. The device comprises an elongate tap body 710 having a distal end 711 and a proximal end, the proximal end of the tab body retainable by a handle 730, the distal end of the tap body extending from a threaded tap 711, the tap body having an axial bore extending from its distal end. An elongate rod 740 having a proximal end and a distal end, is receivable by the axial bore.

The rod is movable with respect to the tap body between a first position defined by the distal end of the rod being in substantial alignment with the distal end of the tap body (as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B), and a second position defined by the distal end of the rod being axially retracted with respect to the distal end of the tap body for receiving an implant into the bore (as shown in FIG. 8 A and FIG. 8B).

From the second position the rod is axially movable with respect to the tap body to a third position for moving the implant toward the distal end of the tap body (as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B).

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show a DBM delivery instrument 700 comprising a canulated tap 710. The canulated tap is affixed to and retained by a hollow shaft 720. The shaft 720 may itself be retained by a handle or a suitable coupling 730 so that the instrument can be rotated or otherwise manipulated, as required. The use of a tap rather than a drill or reamer allows the implant site to be formed with female threads at the same time that the main opening is produced by the instrument. The female threads formed into the implant site serve to retain the tap as the DBM pellets are being inserted. Because insertion requires an axial force to deliver the pellet, the engagement of the tap with the female threads prevents inadvertent withdrawal of the instrument from the implant site. Further, the female threads provide additional surface area which maybe useful in both the retention of the pellet (or gel) as well as providing additional surface area for migration of the components of the DBM into the patient's bone.

The canulated tap 710 is open at both ends. The canula thus extends axially through the entirety of the tap providing an axial opening 711 at the tap end. A rod 740 with, for example, a style trocar tip 741 extends through the canulated tap and provides the tap, when in use, with an appropriately configured tip for entering bore. The rod 740 is retained at its other end by a loading trigger 750 that reciprocates along the length of the hollow shaft 720. As shown in FIG. 7A, the hollow shaft 720 may be formed with an elongated slot 721 that allows the trigger to be withdrawn against the bias of an internal compression spring 751. The travel of the loading trigger 750 is sufficiently long to allow the tip 741 of the rod 740 to be withdrawn past an entry aperture into the canula through which pellets or gel are loaded.

FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D show the cartridge 760 surrounds the distal end of the canulated tap 710 and is adapted to contain a number of radially arranged DBM pellets 770. As will be explained, the pellets 770 are retained in individual chambers, each by a retaining ringer 765. The cartridge maybe rotated into a position where a pellet 770 will drop through an entry aperture into the canula when the rod 740 is sufficiently withdrawn. The canula' s entry aperture 760a is radial and located through the sidewall of the canula. Accordingly, the instrument 700 can be used to create and tap an implant site. When the rod 740 is then withdrawn, a DBM pellet is urged into the canula 715 by the resilient retaining finger 765. The tap may then be partially (but not completely) withdrawn before the DBM is delivered. Advancing the rod 740 using the trigger 750 or its bias 751 delivers the pellet 770 through the canula 715 into the implant site through the axial opening 711 of the tap 710.

As shown in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C, the cartridge 760 comprises a cylindrical body 810 comprising a number of radially arranged chambers 820 arranged around a central opening 830. Each chamber 820, in this example, is associated with a resilient finger 840 that serves both to retain the pellet 850 from being expelled radially outwardly as well as serving to urge the pellet radially inward through the tap's entry opening and thus toward the canula 715. As shown in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C, inward movement of the pellets 850 through the respective discharge openings of each chamber (before the cartridge is mounted on the instrument 700) is accomplished by using a removable pellet retainer 900. The retainer comprises a cap 910 and a central core 920. The core 920 blocks the discharge openings of all of the chambers 820 until such time as it is removed. The cartridge 760 may also be provided with axial openings 930 for loading the pellets into the chambers 820 until such time as the cartridge is mounted on the instrument 700.

Referring to FIG. 1OA through FIG. 1 IB, in an alternative embodiment, a linear cartridge 1000 can be used.

As shown in FIG. 1 IA and FIG. 1 IB, the alternate linear cartridge 1000 comprises a body 1010 having a single linear chamber 1020. The cartridge 1000 terminates in a jaw-like coupling 1030 that allows it to be mounted onto the instrument 700 above the tap's entry opening. Thus, individual pellets 1040 are discharged through the discharge opening 1050 of the linear cartridge and into a canula (for example canula 715). The linear cartridge 1000 may be provided with a compression spring or other bias mechanism to urge the pellets 1040 toward and through the discharge opening 1050, as required.

As shown in FIG. 1OA and FIG. 1OB, jaws 1030 of the linear cartridge 1000 are shown straddling the entry opening of the canulated tap. The linear cartridge 1000 is shown as further comprising a view window 1060 through which the pellets 1040 can be seen.

FlG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the tap end 1200 of FIG. 1OB, is provided with a radial opening 1210 rather than an axial opening 711. This allows the tap to be provided with an integral trocar type tip 1220. The radial discharge opening 91 is large enough to allow a pellet 1040 to be ejected radially upon advancement of the internal rod 1230.

It will be appreciated that a gel may be delivered instead of a pellet. Gel would be loaded into the canula through the entry opening and delivered into the implant site by advancing the rod 740. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

It will be appreciated that the illustrated collapsible fence apparatus can be conveniently stored and transported, when not in use, or erected at any desired substantially flat site.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to particular details of construction, these should be understood as having been provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM

1. A surgical implant device for depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, the device comprising: a handle;

5 an elongate tap body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the tab body retainable by the handle, the distal end of the tap body extending from a threaded tap, the tap body having an axial bore extending from its distal end; an elongate rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the rod being o receivable by the axial bore; wherein the rod is movable with respect to the tap body between a first position defined by the distal end of the rod being in substantial alignment with the distal end of the tap body, and a second position defined by the distal end of the rod being axially retracted with respect to5 the distal end of the tap body for receiving an implant into the bore.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the rod forms a trocar tip adapted to cooperate with the threaded tap for enabling manually screwing of the device into bone to create a delivery site.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein from the second position the0 rod is axially movable with respect to the tap body to a third position for moving the implant toward the distal end of the tap body.

4. A device according to claim 3, the device comprising: a spacing assembly for limiting relative axial movement of the rod toward the distal end of the tap body, thereby defining the third position for5 establishing a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion adapted to axially retain the tap body, the second portion adapted to fixedly retain the rod.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein relative axial movement between the first portion and a second portion defines a third position for establishing a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body.

7. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the first portion includes a lock element for axially restraining the tap body with respect to the first handle portion, wherein releasing the lock element enables the tap body to axially slide with respect to the handle.

8. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first portion further includes one or more guide elements for prevent rotation of the tap body relative to the first portion of the handle as it axially slides with respect to the handle.

9. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first portion and second portion are threadedly coupled, such that the first portion can be rotated relative to the second portion for defining a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body.

10. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, the device further comprising: a depth lock for restricting relative axial movement between the first portion and second portion.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the depth lock restricts rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod is fixedly retained by the handle; and wherein relative moment between the tap body and rod is achieved by axially moving the tap body with respect to the handle.

13. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tap body is fixedly retained by the handle; and wherein relative moment between the tap body and rod is achieved by axially moving the rod with respect to the handle.

14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a loading opening in a sidewall of the tap body for receiving the implant into the bore.

15. A device according to claim 14, comprising a pilot depression surrounding the loading opening for assisting receiving the implant.

16. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 15, the device comprising: a cartridge for providing a plurality of implants; and wherein the cartridge cooperates with the opening in a sidewall of the tap body for single releasing the implant.

17. A device according claim 16, wherein the cartridge is a linear magazine having a having a linear chamber for retaining a plurality of implants.

18. A device according claim 16, wherein the cartridge is a cylindrical body comprising a number of radially arranged chambers for retaining a plurality of implants.

19. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is biased axially move the rod with respect to the tap body for moving the implant toward the distal end of the tap body.

20. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distal portion of the tap body is necked down with respect to the remainder of the longitudinal extent of the tap body.

21. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is adapted to be manually screwed into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site, then depositing the implant without withdrawal of the device.

22. A surgical implant device for depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, the device comprising: a handle including a first portion and a second portion; an elongate tap body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the tab body axially retainable by the first portion of the handle, the distal end of the tap body extending from, a threaded tap, the tap body having an axial bore extending from its distal end; an elongate rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the rod being receivable by the axial bore and fixedly retainable by the second portion of the handle; wherein the rod is movable with respect to the tap body between a first position defined by the distal end of the rod being in substantial alignment with the distal end of the tap body, and a second position defined by the distal end of the rod being axially retracted with respect to the distal end of the tap body for receiving an implant into the bore; wherein from the second position the rod is axially movable with respect to the tap body to a third position for moving the implant toward the distal end of the tap body; wherein the first portion and second portion are threadedly coupled, such that the second portion can be rotated relative to the first portion for defining the third position that establishes a depth relationship between the distal end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body; wherein the device is adapted to be manually screwed into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site; and wherein, from the third position, rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion enables the tap body to be withdrawn from the delivery site while simultaneously axially moving the rod toward the distal end of the tap body for depositing the implant.

23. A surgical implant device for depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, the method comprising the steps: a) providing a surgical implant device according to any one of the preceding claims; b) screwing the threaded tap of the tab body into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site; c) retracting the rod relative to the tab body for loading an implant into the bore of the tap body; d) moving the rod, relative to the tab body, for positioning the implant at the distal end of the tap body; and e) withdrawing the tap body from the delivery site and simultaneously depositing the implant into the bone.

25. A method of depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, the method comprising the steps: a) screwing a threaded tap at a distal end of a tab body into bone for the purpose of creating a delivery site, the tab body having a bore for receiving an elongate rod, wherein rod forms a trocar tip adapted to cooperate with the threaded tap when creating the delivery site; b) retracting the rod relative to the tab body for loading an implant into the bore of the tap body; c) moving the rod, relative to the tab body, for positioning the implant at the distal end of the tap body; and d) withdrawing the tap body from the delivery site and simultaneously depositing the implant into the bone.

26, A method according to claim 24 or claim 25, further comprising the step of: setting a limit of relative axial movement of the rod toward the distal end of the tap body, thereby establishing a depth relationship between one end of the rod and the distal end of the tap body.

27. A method of depositing a capsule into bone of a patient, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.