Patent ID: 8900271
Filing Date: 2014-12-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for stabilizing at least one spinal segment of a subject, the method comprising: moving a delivery instrument into the subject, wherein the delivery instrument is configured to drive an expandable device from an unexpanded configuration for delivery through at least a portion of the delivery istrument to an expanded configuration for stabilizing the at least one spinal segment, wherein the expandable device is configured to push apart superior spinous process of a superior vertebra and an inferior spinous process of an inferior vertebra a distance determined by operation of the delivery instrument; positioning the expandable device between the superior spinous process and the inferior spinous process, the expandable device including a pair of superior apex portions, a superior engagement portion between the superior apex portions, a pair of inferior apex portions, and an inferior engagement portion between the inferior apex portions; deploying the superior apex portions and the superior engagement portion such that the superior apex portions receive the superior spinous process and the superior engagement portion moves towards the superior spinous process; deploying the inferior apex portions and the inferior engagement portion such that the inferior apex portions receive the inferior spinous process and the inferior engagement portion moves towards the inferior spinous process; and separating the delivery instrument from the expandable device in the expanded configuration.