Patent ID: 7189229
Filing Date: 2007-03-13
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. Apparatus comprising: (a) a balloon having proximal and distal ends and a lengthwise direction between said ends, said balloon having an inflated condition and a deflated condition, said balloon having a deflated length between said ends in the deflated condition and an inflated length in the inflated condition, said inflated length being less than said deflated length, and (b) a plurality of engagement elements disposed at least partially within said balloon and movable with respect to one another in the lengthwise direction, said balloon urging said engagement elements into engagement with one another upon inflation of the balloon, said engagement elements being movable away from one another in the lengthwise direction upon deflation of the balloon, and wherein said plurality of engagement elements includes a first engagement element and a second engagement element, said second engagement element at least partially telescopically encompassing said first engagement element when said balloon is in said inflated condition.