Patent ID: 7625377
Filing Date: 2009-12-01
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for restoring a collapsed or damaged vertebral cavity, comprising: forming an opening into an interior region of said vertebral cavity; selecting an implantable device and attaching said implantable device to an auxiliary insertion element, wherein the implantable device is selected to comprise a first upper elongated contact element having a first contact surface; a beam element slidably connected to a bottom side of the upper contact element; a second lower elongated contact element having a second contact surface; parallel arms pivotally connected at upper ends to said beam shaped element and at lower ends to said lower contact element; and a mover configured to move said elements apart in a direction substantially transversely to their contact surfaces to an expanded position so as to open a space between said upper and lower contact elements; inserting said implantable device to distance bones of said vertebral cavity from each other, thereby forming a space within said interior region of said vertebral cavity; expanding said implantable device to restore said vertebral cavity to a substantially restored condition, thereby forming a space within said interior region of said vertebral cavity; fixating said implantable device to provide a structure that supports said vertebral cavity; and detaching said implantable device from said auxiliary insertion element so as to leave the implantable device within said interior region.