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Photodynamic articular joint implants and methods of use

  • US 9,144,442 B2
  • Filed: 07/19/2012
  • Issued: 09/29/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/19/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for restructuring or stabilizing a fractured or weakened head of a bone, the system comprising:

  • a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the delivery catheter having an inner void for passing at least one light sensitive liquid therethrough, and an inner lumen;

    an expandable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, the expandable member moving from a deflated state to an inflated state when the at least one light sensitive liquid is passed to the expandable member, wherein the expandable member is sufficiently designed to be at least partially placed into a space within the head of the bone, the expandable member being inflatable and deflatable to adjust a position, an angulation, an alignment or some combination thereof of the articular member;

    an articular member attached to the expandable member and having a bearing surface, wherein the expandable member is configured to receive the articular member; and

    a light conducting fiber sized to pass through the inner lumen of the delivery catheter and into the expandable member, wherein, when the light conducting fiber is in the expandable member, the light conducting fiber is able to disperse light energy to initiate hardening of the at least one light sensitive liquid within the expandable member to form a photodynamic implant.

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