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Expandable support device and method of use

  • US 9,314,349 B2
  • Filed: 03/21/2007
  • Issued: 04/19/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/21/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An expandable implant device comprising:

  • a body having a length along a first axis, a width along a second axis, and a height along a third axis, and a substantially hollow interior;

    wherein the body includes a first plurality of panels connected by flexible joints between adjacent panels, and a second plurality of panels connected by flexible joints between adjacent panels, wherein the first and second plurality of panels connect to end panels of the body, the body assuming a first, unexpanded configuration having a first length along the first axis, the body assuming a second, expanded configuration having a second length along the first axis, the second length being shorter than the first length, such that when the body is in the second, expanded configuration, the body is compressed along the first axis and the first panels move away from each other along the second axis, and wherein when the body is in the first, unexpanded configuration a non-straight angle formed between adjacent panels of the first plurality of panels and wherein at least one of the first plurality of panels has a port extending through the at least one panel; and

    struts connecting said first plurality of panels to said second plurality of panels, wherein the struts are disposed within said substantially hollow interior;

    wherein the body has openings at the ends of the body along the first axis to engage a compression tool.

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