Methods and devices for treatment of bone fractures

• US 20020032444A1
• Filed: 12/08/2000
• Published: 03/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hans A. Mische
• Original Assignee: Hans A. Mische
• Inventors: Mische, Hans A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,007,498 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/63
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/68 Internal fixation devices , including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin bone staples A61B17/0642
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7258 with laterally expanding parts, e.g. for gripping the bone
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7275 with expanding cylindrical parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00557 inflatable A61B2017/22051 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00867 shape memory effect for prostheses A61F2210/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/2821 Bone stimulation by electromagnetic fields or electric current for enhancing ossification
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1068 having means for varying the length or diameter of the deployed balloon, this variations could be caused by excess pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/02 Bones
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/10 Balloon catheters A61M25/0125 takes precedence; embolectomy A61B17/22032; retractors A61B17/02; inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts A61F2/958 ; stomach balloons for treatment of obesity A61F5/0003; oesophagal tubes A61J15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/104 used for angioplasty

Abstract

A method and devices for facilitating fixating and joining of bone fractures utilizing expandable devices that are positioned within the bone and across the fracture site. The stress from the expanded may enhance and expedite bone healing.

Claims

1. A device system for treating bone fractures comprising:

an expandable device for occupying space within bones;

a means of expanding the device;

whereby the expanded device mechanically fixates the fracture.

2. The device system of claim 1 wherein the means of expanding the device is an inflatable catheter

3. The device system of claim 1 wherein the means of expanding the device is an axially compressed elastomeric grommet which expands radially when compressed

4. The device system of claim 1 wherein the means of expanding the device is the inherent spring force contained within the structure of the expandable device

5. The device system of claim 1 wherein the means of expansion is self-contained within the expandable device

6. The device system of claim 5, wherein the means of expansion is a relative movement of the opposing ends of the device

7. The device system of claim 1, wherein the expanded device is substantially tubular

8. The device system of claim 1, wherein the expanded device has a substantially cylindrical cross-section

9. The device system of claim 1, wherein the expanded device joins separated bone segments

10. A method for treating bone fractures comprising;

utilizing an expandable device for occupying space within a bone segment;

creating an access hole in bone;

disposing the structure upon a delivery device;

inserting the structure within the bone segment;

advancing the structure to the desired location within the bone segment;

activating a portion of the delivery device in order to cause expansion of the structure.

11. A method of claim 10, to further include deactivating the delivery device and removing from the bone segment

12. A method of claim 10, including the steps of utilizing a delivery device that has an expandable, inflatable portion whereon the expandable device is disposed;

and the expansion of the expandable device is accomplished by the inflation of the expandable, inflatable portion of the delivery device.

13. A method of claim 10, including the steps of utilizing a delivery device that has an expandable portion whereon the expandable device is disposed;

and the expansion of the expandable device is accomplished by the compression of the expandable portion of the delivery device.

14. A method of claim 10, wherein the expandable devices are generally tubular in structure and plastically deformed in order to maintain expanded diameter

15. A method of claim 10, wherein the expandable devices are generally tubular in structure and are mechanically deformed

17. The device as in claim 16 wherein said device is a tubular mesh.

18. The device as in claim 16 wherein said device has multiple splines.

19. The device as in claim 16 wherein said device is a coil.

20. The device as in claim 16 wherein said device is a slotted tube.

21. The device as in claim 16 wherein electrical energy is delivered

22. The device as in claim 16 wherein the device has a coating

24. A device as in claim 23, wherein the stress applied to the bone from the radially expanded device enhances healing of the fracture.

16. A device for treating bones comprising;

an expandable tubular device,

a delivery device;

said tubular device attached to delivery device;

whereby the delivery device expands the tubular device at treatment site, whereby the expanded tubular device joins bone segments.

23. A device for treating fractured bones comprising;

a self-expandable tubular device;

a delivery device;

tubular device within the delivery device;

said device combination advanced to desired location;

said tubular device released from delivery device at desired location;

whereby the tubular device expands at treatment site, whereby the expanded tubular device joins and fixates bone fracture.