Appeal 2007-1432
Application 09/141,186
Patent 5,549,673
16. (Reissue claim) A system of phonosurgery implantation for
insertion by a surgeon through an opening formed in a patient's
thyroid cartilage to medialize a vocal cord therein, the system
comprising:
(a) a series of implant bodies of different sizes, the implant
bodies each having a holding portion and a series of engaging means
for holding the implant bodies relative to the vocal cord by engaging
the holding portion of the bodies in different positions in the opening
formed in the thyroid cartilage;
(b) a series of sizing instruments, each having an elongated
handle with a handle axis, proximal and distal end portions, the distal
end portion having a sizing portion corresponding respectively in size
and shape to one of the implant bodies for enabling a surgeon to
determine the correct size and shape implant body to use;
(c) each of the sizing portions having a sloped surface that
forms an obtuse angle with the handle axis, the sloped surface being
positioned to engage the patient’s vocal cord to be medalized;
(d) an inserter instrument for engaging the selected implant
body so that the surgeon can insert and move the selected implant
body in the opening in the thyroid cartilage;
(e) wherein the holding portions on the implant bodies are
shaped in cross section to connect with the inserter instrument.
17. (Reissue claim) A system of phonosurgery implantation for
insertion by a surgeon through an opening formed in a patient's
thyroid cartilage to medialize a vocal cord therein, the system
comprising:
(a) a plurality of implant bodies of different sizes;
(b) a plurality of sizing instruments of different sizes for
enabling a surgeon to determine the implant body to use, each sizing
instrument having an elongated handle with a handle axis, and
proximal and distal end portions, and the distal end portion having a
- 3 -
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013