Patent ID: 8211149
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An expandable device to treat bony members comprising: an elongated member configured to attach to the bony members with a length measured along a longitudinal axis, the elongated member including first and second sections that are collinear, the first and second sections being configured so that both sections move either apart from one another, or toward one another; an intermediate section positioned between and collinear with the first and second sections, the intermediate section comprising a body having a length extending to each first and second section, and an actuator pivotally connected to the body along an axis; an expansion chamber positioned between the first and second sections; a reservoir positioned within an interior of the intermediate section and spaced apart from the expansion chamber, the reservoir configured to contain a fluid; a conduit that extends between the expansion chamber and the reservoir; a pump configured to move the fluid through the conduit from the reservoir and into the expansion chamber; a rotatable member attached to one of the first and second sections, the rotatable member being rotated by expansion of the expansion chamber a rotatable member attached to one of the first and second sections, the rotatable member being rotated by expansion of the expansion chamber and causing separation of the first and second sections; and causing separation of the first and second sections; the expansion chamber being expandable upon receiving the fluid to cause the actuator to pivot about the axis, thereby causing each of the first and second sections to move apart and increase the length of the elongated member.