Dynamic and adjustable support devices
First Claim
1. A device for supporting a tissue, the device comprising:
- first and second flexible attachment members and at least one expandable member positioned therebetween, wherein the first and second attachment members each comprises a strip of flexible material, and wherein one or more of the attachment members comprises a mesh;
wherein the expandable member has an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration;
wherein the expandable member changes from its unexpanded configuration to its expanded configuration by application of a first force to one or more of the attachment members, and is configured to return to its unexpanded configuration upon removal of the first force; and
wherein the device is configured to apply a supporting force to the tissue when the expandable member is in its expanded configuration, and wherein the expandable member comprises a first hinged portion attached to a second hinged portion.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to dynamic and/or adjustable support devices, methods of providing dynamic and/or adjustable support to target tissues, and kits comprising these devices. These devices may have particular utility in providing support to the urethra. The dynamic support devices generally comprise at least one attachment member for attachment to bodily tissue, and at least one expandable member capable of assuming an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The adjustable support devices generally comprise at least one attachment member for attachment to bodily tissue, and at least one shape-changing portion that is capable of assuming first and second configurations, each with different shapes. Additionally, the dynamic support devices may comprise features of the adjustable support devices, and vice versa.
188 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A device for supporting a tissue, the device comprising:
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first and second flexible attachment members and at least one expandable member positioned therebetween, wherein the first and second attachment members each comprises a strip of flexible material, and wherein one or more of the attachment members comprises a mesh; wherein the expandable member has an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration; wherein the expandable member changes from its unexpanded configuration to its expanded configuration by application of a first force to one or more of the attachment members, and is configured to return to its unexpanded configuration upon removal of the first force; and wherein the device is configured to apply a supporting force to the tissue when the expandable member is in its expanded configuration, and wherein the expandable member comprises a first hinged portion attached to a second hinged portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A device for supporting a tissue, the device comprising:
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first and second flexible attachment members and at least one expandable member positioned therebetween, wherein the first and second attachment members each comprises a strip of flexible material; wherein the expandable member has an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration; wherein the expandable member changes from its unexpanded configuration to its expanded configuration by application of a first force to one or more of the attachment members; and wherein the device is configured to apply a supporting force to the tissue when the expandable member is in its expanded configuration, and wherein the expandable member comprises first and second hinged portions attached to a base portion, wherein the first and second hinged portions are each configured to rotate away from the base portion when the expandable member changes from its unexpanded configuration to its expanded configuration. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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24. A device for supporting a tissue, the device comprising:
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first and second flexible attachment members and at least one expandable member positioned therebetween, wherein the first and second attachment members each comprises a strip of flexible material; wherein the expandable member has an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration; wherein the expandable member changes from its unexpanded configuration to its expanded configuration by application of a first force to one or more of the attachment members; and wherein the device is configured to apply a supporting force to the tissue when the expandable member is in its expanded configuration, and wherein the expandable member comprises an expandable membrane, wherein the expandable membrane is stretched when the expandable member changes from its unexpanded configuration to its expanded configuration, and is configured to return the expandable member to its unexpanded configuration when the first force is removed.
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Specification