Patent attributes
An ultrasonically assisted clamping system and method for extending a spinal support rod system to additional vertebrae of the spine. A clamp assembly and a receptacle assembly securely couple an additional extension rod to an existing spinal support rod. Various embodiments further include an ultrasonic assist for cutting through tissue that may be present in the vicinity of the existing spinal support rods. In some embodiments, the clamp assembly is configured to augment the ultrasonic aspect of the system. The system cuts through and locally removes tissue from and proximate to the spinal support rods where the clamp assembly is to be mounted, without the need for a separate surgical procedure for removing the tissue prior to implantation, thereby providing a secure clamping of the newly implanted extension rod to the existing base spinal support rod.
