Expandable device for insertion between anatomical structures and a procedure utilizing same
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A surgical implantation procedure comprising:
- applying at least one retaining member to an expandable member to retain the expandable member in a non-expanded condition;
inserting the expandable member between two anatomical structures;
expanding the expandable member;
releasing the retaining member from the expandable member so that the expandable member expands into engagement with the structures; and
terminating the step of expanding when the expandable member is in engagement with the structures.
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Abstract
A surgical implantation procedure and device according to which an expandable member is inserted between anatomical structures, and is expanded into engagement with the structures. The expansion is terminated when the member is in engagement with the structures.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A surgical implantation procedure comprising:
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applying at least one retaining member to an expandable member to retain the expandable member in a non-expanded condition;
inserting the expandable member between two anatomical structures;
expanding the expandable member;
releasing the retaining member from the expandable member so that the expandable member expands into engagement with the structures; and
terminating the step of expanding when the expandable member is in engagement with the structures. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A surgical implantation device comprising:
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an expandable member;
a retaining member adapted to retain the expandable member in its collapsed condition when the expandable member is inserted between two anatomical structures;
the retaining member adapted to be released from the expandable member; and
means for expanding the expandable member after the retaining member has been released to cause expansion of the expandable member into engagement with the structures. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification