Patent ID: 8535270
Filing Date: 2013-09-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An airbag cannula comprising: a cannula having a housing and an elongate tubular member extending distally from the housing; an expandable member positioned on the elongate tubular member proximal of a distal end of the elongate tubular member, the expandable member movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position; a sensor disposed within the housing and baying a sensor member extending therefrom, the sensor member being formed through the elongate tubular member and having an end portion disposed adjacent to the distal end of the elongate tubular member distal of the expandable member; and a trigger mechanism operatively associated with the sensor and the expandable member such that a change of condition sensed at the end portion of the sensor member operates to transition the expandable member from the collapsed to the expanded position; wherein the expandable member is an airbag positioned on the elongate tubular member, the elongate tubular member including an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the airbag, wherein the trigger mechanism includes a valve to inflate the airbag in response to a change in conditions detected by the sensor, wherein a distal end of the airbag is longitudinally movable along an outer surface of the elongate tubular member.