Patent ID: 8147517
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling properties of a medical implant, comprising: locating the medical implant in an interspinous area between two spinal processes of a person, the medical implant including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and second portions each have an interior surface having first and second sections that face toward one another and an exterior surface having first and second sections that face away from one another, and wherein the interior surface of the second portion extends around the exterior surface of the first portion; coupling the second portion to a container via a conduit; flowing a fluid from an interior of the container to the second portion via the conduit such that the fluid is received in the second portion and outside of the first portion; wherein the first and second portions are fluidically isolated such that the fluid flowing to the second portion does not flow from the first portion into the second portion; coupling a pressure sensor to at least one of the interior of the container and an interior of the conduit; determining an internal pressure of at least one of the interior of the container and the interior of the conduit by the sensor; regulating the flow of the fluid to the second portion to regulate a volume of the second portion based on the internal pressure and a medical condition of the person.