METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING AND POSITIONING SHEET-LIKE MATERIALS IN SURGERY

摘要

An implant delivery system for delivering a sheet-like implant is disclosed. The implant delivery system includes a distal guidewire port for receiving the proximal end of guidewire after the guidewire distal end has been affixed to a first point on bone or other tissue. The implant delivery system is tracked over the guidewire to a selected position defined by the guidewire attachment. The device includes an implant spreader assembly disposed proximate the distal end of a delivery shaft. The implant spreader assembly includes a first arm and a second arm. The arms are coupled to the delivery shaft such that the first arm and second arm are moveable between a closed position and an open position. When pivoting to the open position the distal end of each arm travels in a generally transverse direction to spread a sheet-like implant.

主权项

1. A method for delivering an implant to repair a tendon, the method comprising:
attaching a first marker proximate a lateral edge of a desired implant attachment site of a tendon; attaching a second marker proximate the lateral edge of the implant attachment site and displaced longitudinally from the first marker to define a line therebetween parallel to the lateral edge of the implant attachment site; identifying a point within the implant attachment site and displaced laterally from the line defined by the first marker and the second marker; advancing an implant repair system to the implant attachment site, the implant repair system including:
a delivery shaft; andan implant mounted on the delivery shaft in a compact configuration; unfurling the implant to a planar configuration; positioning the implant adjacent the implant attachment site; wherein an edge of the implant is parallel to the line defined by the first marker and the second marker; detaching the delivery shaft from the implant in vivo; removing the delivery shaft from the implant attachment site; and thereafter affixing the implant to the implant attachment site.