Patent ID: 6706069
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A grooved director apparatus to aid in the insertion of a balloon catheter into a vertebra comprising an elongated substantially rigid tubular member defining a longitudinal axis with an internal bore and a closed distal end, an inflatable balloon moveably mounted in said tubular member, said tubular member being cut away from a point along the longitudinal axis to said closed distal tip forming a balloon seat adjacent said internal bore allowing directed expansion of said balloon away from said longitudinal axis seat toward an area to which compression is to be applied allowing guidance and control of the force of expansion in the vertebra, anchor means mounted to said tubular member keeping said tubular member in a fixed position when said balloon is inflated while allowing selective circumferential rotation of said tubular member to a new position within said vertebra when said balloon is deflated to reposition said balloon within said vertebra and pump means fluidly connected to said rigid tubular member to apply selected fluid pressure to said balloon, said pump means including a pressure gauge connected thereto and a connector conduit means communicating with said internal bore to provide fluid communication with said balloon to inflate and deflate said balloon.