Patent ID: 8454647
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for treating a living being for dilatation of a section of a body part having an interior region to relieve a compression fracture or blockage condition, said method comprising the sequential steps of: providing dilatation apparatus able to fit through one or more narrow diameter openings into the interior region, said dilatation apparatus comprising an inflatable balloon element in fluid communication with a hollow tube, and a slidable and rotatable rod running through the interior of the hollow tube to or into the inflatable balloon element, wherein said balloon element is initially uninflated and further wherein the rod is not attached to the balloon element but is still capable of engaging the balloon element to apply rotational force; inserting the dilatation apparatus through at least a first of said openings into the interior region of a body part to be dilated using a guidewire, that may be the same as or different from the rod, to position the balloon element in the interior region; inflating the balloon element through the hollow tube with a working fluid to a working pressure and/or volume and for a time period sufficient to dilate the interior region; deflating the balloon element by withdrawing the working fluid; during and/or subsequent to said deflating step, stretching and/or folding, pleating or wrapping the balloon element at least in part by means of the rod to reduce the profile of the balloon; and, withdrawing the dilatation apparatus including the previously-inflated balloon element from the treated region.