Patent ID: 8795365
Filing Date: 2014-08-05
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An expandable device for emplacing in a body part in a subject comprising: a plurality of segments each segment having upper and lower surfaces, at least two longitudinal surfaces disposed between the upper and lower surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other and two axial ends disposed between the upper and lower surfaces and between the longitudinal surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other, the axial ends being disposed in a transverse orientation to the at least two longitudinal surfaces, each segment including an aperture extending through the upper and lower surfaces, the plurality of segments being flexibly connected in series, the expandable device having a first configuration wherein the plurality of segments are substantially unfolded, and a second configuration wherein the plurality of segments are substantially folded, and a repositioning member for connecting the segments and positioning the segments between the first and second configurations, wherein the repositioning member extends through the apertures in the segments, wherein an attachment element coupled an end of the repositioning member is positioned in the aperture of one of the segments such that pulling the repositioning member toward the other segments pulls adjacent segments towards each other, wherein in the first configuration, the axial end of one segment engages the axial end of an adjacent segment, and in the second configuration the upper surface of one segment engages the upper surface of an adjacent segment.