Patent ID: 6506194
Filing Date: 2003-01-14
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
Apparatus for plugging a channel within a bone to stop the flow of bone cement through said channel, wherein said apparatus comprises: a bone plug insertable within said channel, wherein said bone plug includes an inflatable structure, a core attached to said inflatable structure, wherein said core includes a distal portion extending beyond a distal end of said inflatable structure, a shield extending from said distal portion of said core outwardly around and along said inflatable structure, and a valve admitting a fluid into said inflatable structure and preventing a flow of said fluid from said inflatable structure, wherein said core includes a core passageway for said fluid injected into said inflatable structure, and wherein said shield expands with inflation of said inflatable structure, and wherein said shield is substantially more resistant to damage from sharp objects than said inflatable structure; and an elongated insertion tool removably connected to said core, wherein said elongated insertion tool includes a tool passageway for said fluid injected into said core passageway.