Insertion devices and method of use
First Claim
1. A method of directing the expansion of an expandable structure within a bone, comprising the steps of introducing an expandable structure into the bone;
- introducing a substantially rigid surface into the bone at a location adjacent the expandable structure;
expanding the expandable structure within the bone.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention relates to devices, such as cannulas or needles, which are used for inserting expandable structures, such as medical balloons, into interior regions of a human or animal body, as well as methods for their use. In various embodiments, insertion devices described herein are capable of flaring at their tip to ease insertion and removal of expandable structures and reduce the risk of damaging such expandable structures during their insertion, inflation and removal. In other embodiments, insertion devices described herein are capable of directionally guiding and/or inhibiting expansion of an expandable structure within an interior region of an animal or human body to create optimally placed cavities for repair, augmentation and/or treatment of fractured and/or diseased bone.
553 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of directing the expansion of an expandable structure within a bone, comprising the steps of
introducing an expandable structure into the bone; -
introducing a substantially rigid surface into the bone at a location adjacent the expandable structure;
expanding the expandable structure within the bone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21)
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15. A method of treating a weakened, fractured or diseased bone, the method comprising:
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introducing an insertion device through a cortical bone region and into a cancellous bone region of the bone;
positioning the insertion device such that a platform extending from a distal end of the insertion device is positioned between an expandable device and a portion of the cancellous bone region;
expanding the expandable device and creating a cavity within the bone.
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19. A device for directing the expansion of an expandable structure, the device comprising:
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a member having a proximal and a distal end and a lumen extending therethrough;
a platform extending adjacent the distal end.
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Specification