Driver for the insertion and removal of flexible fastening devices

Abstract

A driver for inserting and removing flexible and non-flexible fastening devices. The driver has an attachment for interfacing with the proximal end of the device and a flexible driver rod for interfacing with the distal end of the device. Alternatively, the flexible driver rod can interface with both the distal and proximal ends of the fastening device. The driver further interfaces with a guide wire or other means that connect with the interior of the device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A driver for insertion and removal of a fastening device, said fastening device having a distal end, a length, and a proximal end, each of said distal end and proximal end having a cross-section configuration, said driver comprising:
 a. a flexible drive rod, said flexible drive rod having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cross-section configuration along a length;   b. a coupling mechanism having a proximal end and a rod receiving area;   c. a handle; and   d. an extension rod, said extension rod connecting said handle and said coupling mechanism   wherein said cross-section configuration of said flexible drive rod is configured to interact with said cross-section configuration of said at least one of said distal end and said proximal end of said fastening device to enable said fastening device to be inserted into or removed from at least one element.   
     
     
         2 . The driver of  claim 1  wherein said fastening device is flexible to enable connection of two of said at least one element having non-linear connection channels. 
     
     
         3 . The driver of  claim 1  wherein said fastening device has a channel along its length for receiving said flexible drive rod, wherein said flexible drive rod extends from said proximal end to said distal end of said fastening device to apply simultaneous rotation to said proximal end and said distal end of said fastening device. 
     
     
         4 . The driver of  claim 1  wherein said flexible drive rod is dimensioned to be received within and extend through said proximal end of said fastening device. 
     
     
         5 . The driver of  claim 1  wherein said coupling mechanism rod receiving area has a cross section complementary to said proximal end of said fastening device. 
     
     
         6 . The driver of  claim 3  wherein said fastening device is a bone screw. 
     
     
         7 . The driver of  claim 3  wherein said distal end of said fastening device and said proximal end of said fastening device have a cross section larger than said cross section of said flexible drive rod to create a gap for torque transmission. 
     
     
         8 . The driver of  claim 1  wherein said rod receiving area is configured to compliment said flexible drive rod cross-section configuration to prevent rotation of said flexible rod. 
     
     
         9 . The driver of  claim 1  wherein said rod receiving area is circular. 
     
     
         10 . The driver of  claim 1  wherein said extension rod further comprises a hollow channel and threaded locking screw receiving areas extending from an outer surface of said extension rod to said hollow channel, said hollow channel dimensioned to receive said flexible drive rod and said locking screw receiving areas dimensioned to receive locking screws to secure said guide rod within rod receiving area and said extension rod. 
     
     
         11 . The driver of  claim 10  wherein said hollow channel extends through said handle to an outer surface of said handle. 
     
     
         12 . The driver of  claim 10  wherein said rod receiving area is circular and said locking screws prevent rotation of said flexible rod. 
     
     
         13 . The driver of  claim 1  wherein said flexible drive rod is selected from the group consisting of Nitinol, spring steel, flexible polymers and flexible composites. 
     
     
         14 . The driver of  claim 1  wherein said extension rod is connected to said handle at right angles. 
     
     
         15 . A method of inserting and removing a flexible fastening device having a proximal end, a distal end and a channel along a length comprising the steps of:
 a. selecting a flexible drive rod having a cross-sectional configuration complimentary to a periphery of said proximal end and a periphery of said distal end of said flexible fastening device;   b. inserting said flexible drive rod into rod receiving area of a coupling mechanism extending from an extension rod affixed to a handle;   c. inserting said flexible drive rod into said flexible fastening device and engaging said distal end and said proximal end of said flexible rod;   d. turning said handle to rotate said flexible fastening device from both said distal end and said proximal end;   wherein rotating said flexible fastening device from said distal end and said proximal end prevents said flexible fastening device from twisting during insertion and removal.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of preventing said flexible drive rod from rotating within said rod receiving area by selecting a rod receiving area having a complimentary cross section with said flexible drive rod. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of selecting a flexible drive rod having a cross section less than said periphery of said distal end of said fastening device and said periphery of said proximal end of said fastening device, creating a gap for torque transmission. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of preventing said flexible drive rod from rotating within said rod receiving area by selecting a circular rod receiving area and securing said flexible drive rod with locking screws placed within said extension rod.