| 摘要 |
A staple constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from a first shape to any point up to and including a second shape. The staple includes a bridge having a first member and a second member, and allows the second member of the bridge to change elevation with respect to the first member, thereby creating compressive forces, offset forces, or distraction forces. Upon the application of energy, the second member moves upward or downward to deliver forces, dependent upon a desired effect. The staple further includes first and second legs for attaching to first and second bones. The offsetting forces may be utilized to offset the second bone relative to the first bone, or to align offset bones. The bridge may include a transition member or plurality of transition members in communication with the first and second members, whereby the transition member moves about the first member. |
| 主权项 |
1. A staple, comprising:
(a) a bridge comprising:
(i) a transition member comprised of shape memory material,(ii) a first member comprised of shape memory material, the first member coupled to the transition member, and(iii) a second member comprised of shape memory material, the second member coupled to the transition member, wherein,
(A) the first member is in a first plane,(B) the second member is in a second plane,(C) the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel to each other, and(D) the second plane is at a same elevation as the first plane; (b) a first leg comprised of shape memory material, wherein the first leg is coupled to the first member; (c) a second leg comprised of shape memory material, wherein the second leg is coupled to the second member, wherein
(i) the first leg is substantially parallel to the second leg, and(ii) the staple is configured such that when energy is applied to the staple the staple moves from a first shape to a second shape wherein
(A) the first leg and second leg are not parallel to one another,(B) the first plane and the second plane remain substantially parallel to each other, and(C) the second plane is at a different elevation as the first plane. |
