Inflatable device and method for reducing fractures in bone and in treating the spine

• US 6,632,235 B2
• Filed: 07/20/2001
• Issued: 10/14/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Synthes USA LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Synthes USA LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Paul, David C., Weikel, Stuart
• Primary Examiner(s): Milano, Michael J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Phanijphand, Gwen
• Application Number:
  US09/908,899
• Publication Number:
  US 20020177866A1
• Time in Patent Office: 816 Days
• Field of Search: 606/194, 606/192, 606/92, 606/198, 623/23.19, 623/23.2
• US Class Current: 606/192
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/025 Joint distractors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7097 Stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant, e.g. balloon; devices for inserting or filling such implants disc prostheses made of inflatable chambers or pockets filled with fluid A61F2/441; replacing the nucleus pulposus A61F2002/444
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7225 for bone compression
• 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 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable or resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00557 inflatable A61B2017/22051 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0084 low friction A61B2017/00853 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00858 high friction or non-slip
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00867 shape memory effect
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0077 Special surfaces of prostheses, e.g. for improving ingrowth A61F2/30767 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30767 Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30771 applied in original prostheses, e.g. holes or grooves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30965 Reinforcing the prosthesis by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4455 for the fusion of spinal bodies, e.g. intervertebral fusion of adjacent spinal bodies, e.g. fusion cages intervertebral discs A61F2/442
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/0081 directly machined on the prosthetic surface, e.g. holes, grooves A61F2/30771 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30062 (bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3008 radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30561 breakable or frangible
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30677 Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products, e.g. antibiotics, into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/444 : for replacing the nucleus pulposus
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0004 : bioabsorbable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0098 : radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00389 : The prosthesis being coated or covered with a particular material
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1002 : characterised by balloon shape A61M25/1006, A61M25/1009 take precedence

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an inflatable device for use in restoring the anatomy of diseased or fractured bone. The inflatable device may be a balloon of varied size or shape to conform to the bone to be treated and may be deployed in any type of bone where collapsed fractures of cortical bone may be treated by restoring the bone from its inner surface. Once the bone has been sufficiently restored the balloons may be deflated and removed, or may remain inside the bone. The balloon may have multiple layers to provide desired surface characteristics, resistance to puncture and tearing, or other beneficial properties, as appropriate for the particular application of the device.

Claims

1. A method for treating bone comprising:

creating a cavity in a bone treatment area;

deploying an inflatable device inside the bone, the inflatable device having first and second components and applying a sealant to the treatment area prior to deployment of the inflatable device,

wherein the first component is a barrier that forms a balloon wall and the second component comprises a thread for reinforcing the wall, and wherein the second component is molded onto the first component and the step of applying the sealant to the treatment area comprises spray coating.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second component is a woven braid.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the woven braid forms a predetermined shape.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying the sealant further comprises:

at least partially inflating the inflatable device within the treatment area;

using the inflatable device to spread the sealant onto the treatment area.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of using the inflatable device to spread the sealant comprises rotating the inflatable device.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of using the inflatable device to spread the sealant comprises moving the device along an axis in which the device is deployed into the treatment area.

7. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of gradually inflating the inflatable device while spreading the sealant onto the treatment area.

8. A method for treating bone comprising:

forming a cavity in a bone treatment area;

deploying an inflatable device in the cavity, the inflatable device comprising an outer wall and spray coating the treatment area with a sealant and a thread moldably coupled to the outer wall.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

at least partially inflating the inflatable device in the cavity; and

contacting the inflatable device with a wall of the cavity to spread the sealant thereon.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the inflatable device rotatably contacts the wall of the cavity.

11. A method for treating bone comprising:

creating a cavity in a bone, the cavity substantially bounded by bony walls;

spraying a sealant on the bony walls;

deploying a molded barrier having at least one thread against the bony walls;

shaping the barrier with the thread simultaneously with the deployment of the barrier; and

placing bone filler material against the barrier to fill the cavity.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising spreading the sealant on the bony walls.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising preventing the transport of foreign materials from the cavity.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising occluding openings in the bony walls, the openings comprising void in cancellous bone.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising occluding vascular passageway in the bony walls.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising occluding at least one crack in cortical bone, the crack extending at least partially into cortical bone.