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US006527780B1
(12) United States Patent ao) Patent No.: us 6,527,780 Bi
Wallace et al. (45) Date of Patent: Mar. 4,2003
(54) MEDICAL IMPLANT INSERTION SYSTEM
(75) Inventors: Raymond G. Wallace, Memphis, TN (US); Gary A. Tatge, Memphis, TN (US)
(73) Assignee: Odyssey Medical, Inc., Memphis, TN (US)
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 150 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 09/703,103
(22) Filed: Oct. 31, 2000
(51) Int. C I. A61F 11/00
(52) U.S. CI 606/108; 606/1
(58) Field of Search 606/1, 108, 109;
604/8, 294
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
3,888,258 A 6/1975 Akiyama 128/305
3,897,786 A 8/1975 Garnett et al 128/303 R
3,913,584 A 10/1975 Walchle et al 128/305
4,065,816 A * 1/1978 Sawyer 606/108
4,473,073 A 9/1984 Darnell 128/303
4,968,296 A * 11/1990 Ritch et al 604/8
5,053,040 A * 10/1991 Goldsmith, III 606/109
5,172,701 A 12/1992 Leigh 128/753
5,496,329 A * 3/1996 Reisinger 606/108
A medical implant insertion system comprising a medical implant cartridge including a medical implant, a head having a first end and a second end, and a pin slidably extending through the head, the pin having a first end and a second end, the first end ol the pin being located adjacent the first end ol the head and being removably attached to the medical implant; the second end ol the pin being positioned adjacent the second end ol the head; and a medical implant insertion instrument including a handle for removable attachment to the second end ol the head ol the medical implant cartridge, collet structure for attachment to the second end ol the pin ol the medical implant cartridge when the handle is attached to the second end ol the head ol the medical implant cartridge, and actuator structure;for causing the medical implant to detach from the pin ol the medical implant cartridge.
11 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
