Instruments and Methods for Delivering Multiple Implants in a Surgical Procedure

Abstract

Instruments and methods are provided for delivering multiple implants to locations for implantation in a patient without requiring a second implant to be loaded onto or engaged to the delivery instrument after delivery of a first implant.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . A method for delivering multiple implants in a surgical procedure, comprising:
 positioning a distal end of a delivery instrument at a first implantation location, the delivery instrument including a first distal-most implant and at least one second implant proximal the first implant positioned about and retained on the delivery instrument;   distally advancing the first implant along the delivery instrument for implantation at the implantation location while simultaneously retaining the at least one second implant on the delivery instrument with the delivery instrument;   positioning the distal end of the delivery instrument adjacent a second implantation location; and   distally advancing the at least one second implant along the delivery instrument for implantation at the second implantation location.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the implants are biased distally along the delivery instrument. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the delivery instrument includes a retaining mechanism comprising a distal retaining member and a proximal retaining member, wherein the retaining members have a first position wherein the distal retaining member projects outwardly from the delivery instrument and contacts the first implant and the proximal retaining member is recessed in the delivery instrument, the retaining members being moveable to a second position wherein the distal retaining member is recessed into the delivery instrument to permit the first implant to advance distally along the delivery instrument for implantation and the second retaining member projects outwardly from the delivery instrument to contact the at least one second implant to retain the at least one second implant on the delivery instrument. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the delivery instrument comprises:
 a mounting member having a proximal end member and an elongate mounting portion along which the implants are mounted;   an actuator axially movable in the mounting member, the actuator including a proximal engaging end manipulatable to effect axial movement of the actuator, the actuator including an elongate shaft extending from the proximal engaging end through the mounting member to a distal actuating end adjacent the mounting portion; and   the proximal and distal retaining members are positioned in the mounting member and are movable relative thereto between their respective recessed and outwardly projecting positions by contact with the actuating end of the actuator as the actuator is axially moved in said mounting member.   
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the delivery instrument includes:
 a housing having a proximal end secured to the proximal end member of the mounting member, the housing extending about the tubular portion of the mounting member to a distal end; and   a piston member within the housing and positioned about the tubular portion of the mounting member, the piston member being biased distally along the tubular portion to extend from the housing and into contact with a proximal-most implant along the mounting portion.   
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the actuator is rotatable about a longitudinal axis
 thereof in the mounting member to a loading orientation, wherein in the loading orientation the actuating end of the actuator is structured relative to the mounting portion and the proximal and distal retaining members to recess both the proximal and distal retaining members in the mounting member.   
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the implants are washers.