Patent ID: 8100864
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of maintaining an opening formed in a patient, comprising the steps of: inserting a first elongated structure and a second elongated structure through the opening in the patient, the second elongated structure being moveable within the first elongated structure; and moving the first elongated structure relative to the second elongated structure thereby causing an outside dimension of the second structure to increase in size; moving a plurality of cam follower surfaces between a first position and a second position, the cam follower surfaces forming a first interior opening dimension of the first elongated hollow structure when the cam follower surfaces are in the first position and a second and greater interior opening dimension when the cam follower surfaces are in the second position; and forming a first exterior dimension of a second elongated hollow structure with a plurality of cam surfaces, the first exterior dimension being greater than the first interior opening dimension of the first elongated hollow structure.