Patent ID: 9439705
Filing Date: 2016-09-13
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. A method of elevating tissue within a body, comprising: providing a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, the tubular member comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, separately formed therein, the first lumen having a distal opening at its distal end, the distal end of the first lumen located at the distal end of the tubular member, the second lumen comprising a distal stop formed on a first region of the tubular member proximate the distal end, wherein a balloon having an interior and a single opening to the interior is secured to a second region of the tubular member, the second region of the tubular member at or near the distal end of the tubular member, the distal end of the tubular member located within the interior of the balloon, wherein an injection mechanism is engaged to a third region of the tubular member and configured to inflate the balloon, wherein the first lumen provides a path for communication between the injection mechanism and the interior of the balloon wherein a guide wire is configured to engage with the tubular member, wherein the guide wire is configured to manipulate the tubular member from within the second lumen; inserting a guide wire into the second lumen from the proximal end to the distal stop; inserting the distal end of the tubular member into a joint, wherein the balloon is disposed, at least partially, within the joint; and inflating the balloon within the joint, causing a tissue to elevate relative to a position of the tissue prior to inserting the balloon into the joint.