Abstract:
An expandable drug delivery device that can be implanted or otherwise delivered in and/or adjacent to a bone and/or soft tissue (e.g., connective tissue) for orthopedic applications is disclosed. Devices and methods are described herein for delivering agents for orthopedic and other uses. In particular such devices and methods can be useful for delivering agents to heal damaged tissue or prior to more invasive and traumatic orthopedic procedures.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/US2006/062337, filed Dec. 19, 2006 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/751,882, filed Dec. 19, 2005, which are both incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to devices and methods for delivering agents for orthopedic and other uses. In particular such devices and methods are useful in delivering agents to heal damaged tissue or prior to more invasive and traumatic orthopedic procedures. The invention includes use of a drug delivery device that is implanted or otherwise delivered in and/or adjacent to a bone and/or other soft tissue or connective tissue. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The invention includes methods and devices for providing a expandable delivery device that is implanted in bone and/or soft tissue in a minimally invasive manner and allows for delivery of various bioactive agents. 
         [0004]    The expandable delivery device may comprise stents, anchors, or other support structures described herein. These expandable delivery devices can provide several functions such as: creating a support structure for damaged bone (fracture, tumor site. trauma, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, etc.) in such case a filler may not be required to maintain support; creating a space in which substantial or sufficient amounts of filler and/or bioactive agents can be delivered into with capacitance (such that the healing response is improved over a duration of time); and/or delivery of a drug containing polymer designed to create a healing response for bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and/or joint resurfacing. 
         [0005]    The term bioactive agent is meant to include any material that allows for an improvement in the rate of healing of damage tissue. For example, an agent may include cements and/or fillers includes bone chips, demineralized bone matrix (DBM), calcium sulfate, coralline hydroxyapatite, biocoral, tricalcium phosphate, calcium phosphate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), biodegradable ceramics, bioactive glasses, hyaluronic acid, lactoferrin, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) such as recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs), other materials described herein, or combinations thereof. Bioactive agents may also include any agent disclosed herein or combinations thereof, including radioactive materials; radiopaque materials; cytogenic agents; cytotoxic agents; cytostatic agents; thrombogenic agents, for example polyurethane, cellulose acetate polymer mixed with bismuth trioxide, and ethylene vinyl alcohol; lubricious, hydrophilic materials; phosphor cholene; anti-inflammatory agents, for example non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors (e.g., acetlsalicylic acid, for example ASPIRIN® from Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany; ibuprofen, for example ADVIL® from Wyeth, Collegeville, Pa.; indomethacin; mefenamic acid), COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., VIOXX® from Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J.; CELEBREX® from Pharmacia Corp., Peapack, N.J.; COX-1 inhibitors); immunosuppressive agents, for example Sirolimus (RAPAMUNE®, from Wyeth, Collegeville, Pa.), or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors (e.g., tetracycline and tetracycline derivatives) that act early within the pathways of an inflammatory response. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a variation of the expandable delivery device. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a variation of the expandable delivery device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a variation of the expandable delivery device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  illustrates a flattened pattern for a variation of the expandable delivery device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a variation of the expandable delivery device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a front view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a variation of the expandable delivery device. 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is a front view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a variation of the expandable delivery device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is top view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  is a front view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 1S . 
           [0024]      FIG. 19  illustrates a variation of section A-A of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 20  illustrates a variation of section B-B of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a variation of the expandable delivery device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 22  is top view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 23  is a front view of the variation of the expandable delivery device of  FIG. 1S . 
           [0029]      FIGS. 24 and 25  illustrate a variation of a method for using a delivery system for the expandable support element. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 26 through 28  illustrate a variation of a method for accessing a damage site in the vertebra. 
           [0031]      FIG. 29  illustrates various variations of methods for deploying the expandable delivery device to the vertebral column. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 30 through 32  illustrate a variation of a method for deploying the expandable delivery device into the damage site in the vertebra 
           [0033]      FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate a variation of a method for deploying the expandable delivery device into the damage site in the vertebra 
           [0034]      FIGS. 35 and 36  illustrate a variation of a method for deploying one or more expandable delivery devices into one or more damage sites in the vertebra. 
           [0035]      FIG. 37  illustrates a variation of a method for deploying the expandable delivery device into the damage site in the vertebra. 
           [0036]      FIG. 38  illustrate a variation of a method for deploying the expandable delivery device into the damage site in the vertebra. 
           [0037]      FIG. 39  illustrates variations of methods for deploying the expandable delivery device into the damage site in the vertebra. 
           [0038]      FIGS. 40 and 41  illustrate a variation of a method for deploying the expandable delivery device into the damage site in the vertebra. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 42 and 43  illustrate a variation of a method for deploying a locking pin into the expandable delivery device in the damage site in the vertebra. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 44 through 49  illustrate a variation of a method for deploying a locking pin into the expandable delivery device. 
           [0041]      FIG. 50  illustrates a variation of the buttress. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 51 through 53  illustrate various variations of section C-C of the buttress of  FIG. 50 . 
           [0043]      FIGS. 54 through 56  illustrate a variation of a method for deploying the buttress. 
           [0044]      FIG. 57  illustrates a variation of a method for deploying the buttress. 
           [0045]      FIGS. 58 through 60  illustrate a variation of a method for deploying the buttress 
           [0046]      FIG. 61  illustrates a variation of the buttress. 
           [0047]      FIG. 62  illustrates a variation of section D-D of the buttress of  FIG. 61 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 63  illustrates a variation of a method for deploying the buttress. 
           [0049]      FIGS. 64 through 67  illustrate a method for deploying the expandable delivery device of  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
           [0050]      FIGS. 68 through 70  illustrate a method for deploying the expandable delivery device of  FIGS. 15 through 18 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 71  illustrates the deployed expandable delivery device of  FIGS. 15 through 18  in use. 
           [0052]      FIGS. 72 and 73  illustrate a method for deploying the expandable delivery device of  FIGS. 19 and 20 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 74  illustrates a method of using the expandable deliver, device of  FIGS. 15 through 18  with the band. 
           [0054]      FIGS. 75 through 77  illustrate various variations of the locking pin. 
           [0055]      FIG. 78  illustrates a variation of a method of using the delivery device in a femur. 
           [0056]      FIG. 79   a  illustrates a variation of a method of using the delivery device to anchor soft tissue to hard tissue (e.g., tendon to bone). 
           [0057]      FIG. 79   b  illustrates a variation of cross-section E-E of  FIG. 79   a    
           [0058]      FIG. 80  illustrates a variation of a method of using the delivery device to anchor soft-tissue to soft tissue (e.g., a first ligament section to a second ligament section). 
           [0059]      FIG. 81  illustrates a variation of a method of using the delivery device to anchor soft tissue to hard tissue (e.g., ligament to bone). 
           [0060]      FIG. 82  illustrates a variation of a transverse cross-section of the delivery device of  FIG. 81 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0061]      FIGS. 1 through 4  illustrate an biocompatible implant that can be used for tissue repair, for example for repair bone fractures such as spinal compression fractures, and/or repairing soft tissue damage, such as herniated vertebral discs. The implant can be an expandable delivery device  2 , for example a stent. The expandable delivery device  2  can have a longitudinal axis  4 . The expandable delivery device  2  can have an elongated wall  6  around the longitudinal axis  4 . The expandable delivery device  2  can have a substantially and/or completely hollow longitudinal channel  8  along the longitudinal axis  4 . 
         [0062]    The wall  6  can have one or more first struts  10 . The first struts  10  can be configured to be deformable and/or expandable. The wall  6  can have can have one or more second struts  12 . The second struts  12  can be substantially undeformable and substantially inflexible. The first struts  10  can be flexibly (e.g., deformably rotatably) attached to the second struts  12 . 
         [0063]    The wall  6  can be configured to expand radially away from the longitudinal axis  4 , for example in two opposite radial directions. A first set of first struts  10  can be aligned parallel to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis  4 . A second set of first struts  10  can be aligned parallel to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis  4 . The second set of first struts  10  can be on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis  4  from the first set of first struts  10 . The second struts  12  can attached any or all sets of first struts  10  to other sets of first struts  10 . 
         [0064]    The second struts  12  can have one or more ingrowth ports. The ingrowth ports  14  can be configured to encourage biological tissue ingrowth therethrough during use. The ingrowth ports  14  can be configured to releasably and/or fixedly attach to a deployment tool or other tool. The ingrowth ports  14  can be configured to increase, and/or decrease, and/or focus pressure against the surrounding biological tissue during use. The ingrowth ports  14  can be configured to increase and/or decrease the stiffness of the second struts  12 . The ingrowth ports  14  can be configured to receive and/or attach to a buttress. 
         [0065]    The first struts  10  can be configured to have a “V” shape. The space between adjacent first struts  10  can be configured to receive and/or attach to a locking pin during use. 
         [0066]    The wall  6  can have a wall thickness  16 . The wall thickness  16  can be from about 0.25 mm (0.098 in.) to about 5 mm (0.2 in.), for example about 1 mm (0.04 in.). 
         [0067]    The wall  6  can have an inner diameter  18 . The inner diameter  18  can be from about 1 mm (0.04 in.) to about 30 mm (1.2 in.), for example about 6 mm (0.2 in.). The wall thickness  16  and/or the inner diameter  18  can vary with respect to the length along the longitudinal axis  4 . The wall thickness  16  and/or the inner diameter  18  can vary with respect to the angle formed with a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis  4 . 
         [0068]      FIGS. 5 through 7  illustrate an expandable delivery device  2  that can be configured to expand away from the longitudinal axis  4  in more than two opposite directions, for example in two sets of two opposite radial directions. The wall  6  can have four sets of first struts  10 . Each set of first struts  10  can be opposite to another set of first struts  10 , radially with respect to the longitudinal axis  4 . Each of four sets of second struts  12  can attach each set of first struts  10 . 
         [0069]    The first struts  10  on a first longitudinal half of the expandable delivery device can be oriented (e.g., the direction of the pointed end of the “V” shape) in the opposite direction as the first struts  10  on a second longitudinal half of the expandable delivery device  2 . 
         [0070]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate that the longitudinal channel  8  can have one or more lock grooves  20 . The lock grooves  20  can be configured to receive and/or slidably and fixedly or releasably attach to a locking pin. 
         [0071]      FIG. 10  illustrates a visually flattened pattern of the wall  6  for the expandable delivery device  2 . (The pattern of the wall  6  can be flattened for illustrative purposes only, or the wall  6  can be flattened during the manufacturing process.) The pattern can have multiple configurations for the first and/or second struts  10  and/or  12 . For example, first struts  10   a  can have a first configuration (e.g., a “V” shape) and first struts  10   b  can have a second configuration (e.g., a “U” shape). 
         [0072]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate that the expandable delivery device  2  can have a square, rectangular, circular (shown elsewhere), oval (not shown) configuration or combinations thereof (e.g., longitudinal changes in shape). 
         [0073]      FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate that the expandable delivery device  2  can have protruding tissue engagement elements, such as tissue hooks, and/or barbs, and/or cleats  22 . The cleats  22  can be integral with and/or fixedly or removably attached to the first and/or second struts  12 . The cleats  22  can be on substantially opposite sides of the expandable delivery device  2 . 
         [0074]      FIGS. 15 through 18  illustrate that the expandable delivery device  2  can have panels attached to other panels at flexible joints. The expandable delivery device  2  can have first panels  24  attached to and/or integral with second panels  26  at first joints The second panels  26  can be attached to and/or integral with third panels  30  at second joints  32 . The expandable delivery device  2  can have one or more tool engagement ports  34 , for example on the first panels  24 . The expandable delivery device  2  can have one or more ingrowth ports  14 , for example, on the third panels  30 . The outside of the first panel  24  can be concave. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate that the expandable delivery device  2  can have first and/or second struts  10  and/or  12  and panels. The first and/or second struts  10  and/or  12  can be internal to the panels. The first struts  10  can be attached to the third panels  30 . 
         [0076]      FIGS. 21 through 23  illustrate the expandable delivery device  2  that can have a radius of curvature  36  along the longitudinal axis  4 . The radius of curvature  36  can be from about 1 mm (0.04 in.) to about 250 mm (10 in.), for example about 50 mm (2 in.). (The wall  6  is shown sans panels or struts for illustrative purposes.) The expandable delivery device  2  can have at least one flat side, for example two flat sides. The two flat sides can be on opposite sides of the expandable delivery device  2  from each other. 
         [0077]    Variations of the expandable delivery devices (including those labeled as expandable support devices) and methods of use, and tools for deployment are disclosed in the following applications, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties: PCT application No. PCT/US05/034115, filed 21 Sep. 14, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/675,512, filed Apr. 27, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/699,577, filed Jul. 14, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/699,576, filed Jul. 14, 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/675,543, filed 27 Apr. 2005; PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/034742, filed 26 Sep. 18, 2005; PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/034728, filed 26 Sep. 2005; PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/037126, filed 12 Oct. 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/723,309, filed 4 Oct. 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/675,512, filed 27 Apr. 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/699,577, filed 14 Jul. 2005. 
         [0078]      FIG. 24  illustrates that the expandable delivery device  2  can be loaded in a collapsed (i.e., contracted) configuration onto a deployment tool  38 . The deployment tool  38  can have an expandable balloon catheter as known to those having an ordinary level of skill in the art. The deployment tool  38  can have a catheter  40 . The catheter  40  can have a fluid conduit  42 . The fluid conduit  42  can be in fluid communication with a balloon  44 . The balloon  44  and the deployment tool  38  can be the balloon  44  and deployment tool  38 , for example, as described by PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/033965, filed 21 Sep. 2005; PCT Application No. PCT/US2006/061438, filed 30 Nov. 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/611,972; filed 21 Sep. 2004; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/740,792, filed 30 Nov. 2005, which are all herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. The balloon  44  can be configured to receive a fluid pressure of at least about 5,000 kPa (50 atm), more narrowly at least about 10,000 kPa (100 atm), for example at least about 14,000 kPa (140 atm). 
         [0079]    The deployment tool  38  can be a pair of wedges, an expandable jack, other expansion tools, or combinations thereof. 
         [0080]      FIG. 25  illustrates that the fluid pressure in the fluid conduit  42  and balloon can increase, thereby inflating the balloon  44 , as shown by arrows. The expandable delivery device  2  can expand, for example, due to pressure from the balloon  44 . 
         [0081]      FIGS. 26  (side view) and  27  (top view) illustrates a vertebral column  46  that can have one or more vertebra  48  separated from the other vertebra  48  by discs  50 . The vertebra  48  can have a damage site  52 , for example a compression fracture. 
         [0082]    An access tool  54  can be used to gain access to the damage site  52  and or increase the size of the damage site  52  to allow deployment of the expandable delivery device  2 . The access tool  54  can be a rotating or vibrating drill  56  that can have a handle  58 . The drill  56  can be operating, as shown by arrows  60 . The drill  56  can then be translated, as shown by arrow  62 , toward and into the vertebra  48  so as to pass into the damage site  52 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 28  illustrates that the access tool  54  can be translated, as shown by arrow, to remove tissue at the damage site  52 . The access tool  54  can create an access port  64  at the surface of the vertebra  48 . The access port  64  can open to the damage site  52 . The access tool  54  can then be removed from the vertebra  48 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 29  illustrates that a first deployment system  38   a  can enter through the subject&#39;s back. The first deployment system  38   a  can enter through a first incision  66   a  in skin  68  on the posterior side of the subject near the vertebral column  46 . The first deployment system  38   a  can be translated, as shown by arrow  70 , to position a first expandable delivery device  2   a  into a first damage site  52   a . The first access port  64   a  can be on the posterior side of the vertebra  48 . 
         [0085]    A second deployment system  38   b  can enter through a second incision  66   b  (as shown) in the skin  68  on the posterior or the first incision  66   a . The second deployment tool  38   b  can be translated through muscle (not shown), around nerves  72 , and anterior of the vertebral column  46 . The second deployment system  38   b  can be steerable. The second deployment system  38   b  can be steered, as shown by arrow  74 , to align the distal tip of the second expandable delivery device  2   b  with a second access port  64   b  on a second damage site  52   b . The second access port  64   b  can face anteriorly. The second deployment system  38   b  can translate, as shown by arrow  76 , to position the second expandable delivery device  2  in the second damage site  52   b.    
         [0086]    The vertebra  48  can have multiple damage sites  52  and expandable delivery devices  2  deployed therein. The expandable delivery devices  2  can be deployed from the anterior, posterior, both lateral, superior, inferior, any angle, or combinations of the directions thereof. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 30 and 31  illustrate translating, as shown by arrow, the deployment tool  38  loaded with the expandable delivery device  2  through the access port  64 .  FIG. 32  illustrates locating the expandable delivery device  2  on the deployment tool in the damage site  52 . 
         [0088]      FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate that the deployment tool  38  can be deployed from the posterior side of the vertebral column  46 . The deployment tool  38  can be deployed off-center, for example, when approaching the posterior side of the vertebral column  46 . 
         [0089]      FIGS. 35 and 36  illustrate that first and second deployment tools  38   a  and  38   b  can position and deploy first and second expandable delivery devices  2   a  and  2   b  simultaneously, and/or in the same vertebra  48  and into the same or different damage sites  52   a  and  52   b.    
         [0090]      FIG. 37  illustrates that the fluid pressure in the fluid conduit  42  and the balloon  44  can increase, thereby inflating the balloon  44 , as shown by arrows. The expandable delivery device  2  can expand, for example, due to pressure from the balloon  44 . The balloon  44  can be expanded until the expandable delivery device  2  is substantially fixed to the vertebra  48 . The balloon  44  and/or the expandable delivery device  2  can reshape the vertebral column  46  to a more natural configuration during expansion of the balloon  44 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 38  illustrates that the access port  64  can be made close to the disc  50 , for example when the damage site  52  is close to the disc  50 . The deployment tool  38  can be inserted through the access port  64  and the expandable delivery device  2  can be deployed as described supra 
         [0092]      FIG. 39 , a front view of the vertebral column, illustrates that more than one expandable delivery device  2  can be deployed into a single vertebra  48 . For example, a first expandable delivery device (not shown) can be inserted through a first access port  64   a  and deployed in a first damage site  52   a , and a second expandable delivery device (not shown) can be inserted through a first access port  64   a  and deployed in a second damage site  52   b.    
         [0093]    The first access port  64   a  can be substantially centered with respect to the first damage site  52   a . The first expandable delivery device (not shown) can expand, as shown by arrows  78 , substantially equidirectionally, aligned with the center of the first access port  64   a  The second access port  64   b  can be substantially not centered with respect to the second damage site  52   b . The second expandable delivery device (not shown) can substantially anchor to a side of the damage site  52  and/or the surface of the disc  50 , and then expand, as shown by arrows  80 , substantially directionally away from the disc  50 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 40  illustrates that the fluid pressure can be released from the balloon  44 , and the balloon  44  can return to a pre-deployment configuration, leaving the expandable support element substantially fixed to the vertebra  48  at the damage site  52 . 
         [0095]    The access port  64  can have an access port diameter  82 . The access port diameter  82  can be from about 1.5 mm (0.060 in.) to about 40 mm (2 in.), for example about 8 mm (0.3 in.). The access port diameter  82  can be a result of the size of the access tool  54 . After the expandable delivery device  2  is deployed, the damage site can have a deployed diameter  84 . The deployed diameter  84  can be from about 1.5 mm (0.060 in.) to about 120 mm (4.7 in.), for example about 20 mm (0.8 in.). The deployed diameter  84  can be greater than, equal to, or less than the access port diameter  82 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 41  illustrates that the deployment tool  38  can be removed, as shown by arrow, from the vertebra  48  after the expandable delivery device  2  is deployed. 
         [0097]      FIGS. 42 and 43  illustrate that a locking pin  86  can be inserted, as shown by arrow, into the deployed expandable delivery device  2 , for example, after the expandable delivery device  2  is deployed in the vertebra  48 . The locking pin  86  can prevent the expandable delivery device  2  from collapsing after the expandable delivery device  2  is deployed in the vertebra  48 . The locking pin  86  can form an interference fit with the expandable delivery device  2 . 
         [0098]    The locking pin  86  can be parallel with the longitudinal axis  4 , as shown in  FIG. 42 , for example when the locking pin  86  is slidably received by and/or attached to the lock grooves  20 . The locking pin  86  can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  4 , as shown in  FIG. 43 , for example when the locking pin  86  is slidably received by and/or attached to ports formed between adjacent first struts  10  after the expandable delivery device  2  is expanded. 
         [0099]      FIGS. 44 through 49  illustrate a method for deploying the locking pin  86  into the expandable delivery device  2 . As shown in  FIGS. 44 and 45 , the locking pin  86  can be translated, as shown by arrow, into the expandable delivery device  2 . As shown in  FIG. 46 , a first end of the locking pin  86  can be translated, as shown by arrow, into a first port formed between adjacent first struts  10 . As shown by  FIG. 47 , a second end of the locking pin  86  can be rotated, as shown by arrow. As shown by  FIG. 48 , the second end of the locking pin  86  can be translated, as shown by arrow, into a second port formed between adjacent first struts  10 .  FIG. 49  shows the locking pin  86  deployed into, and forming an interference fit with, the expandable delivery device  2 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 50  illustrates a buttress  88 . The buttress  88  can have a longitudinal axis  4 . The buttress  88  can have a tensioner  90 . A first end of the tensioner  90  can be fixedly or removably attached a first end of the buttress  88 . A second end of the tensioner  90  can be fixedly or removably attached a second end of the buttress  88 . The tensioner  90  can be in a relaxed configuration when the buttress  88  is in a relaxed configuration. The tensioner  90  can create a tensile force between the first end of the buttress  88  and the second end of the buttress  88  when the buttress  88  is in a stressed configuration. The tensioner  90  can be, for example, a resilient wire, a coil spring, an elastic member, or combinations thereof. 
         [0101]    The buttress  88  can have a coil  92 . The coil  92  can have turns  94  of a wire, ribbon, or other coiled element.  FIGS. 51 through 53  illustrate that the coil can be made from a wire, ribbon, or other coiled element having a circular, square, or oval cross-section, respectively. 
         [0102]    The buttress  88  can be a series of connected hoops. 
         [0103]      FIG. 54  illustrates that the buttress  88  can be loaded into a hollow deployment tool  38  in a smear (i.e., partially shear stressed) configuration. The buttress  88  in the smear configuration can have a relaxed first end  96 , a stressed smear section  98 , and a relaxed second end  100 . The longitudinal axis  4  can be not straight (i.e., non-linear) through the smear section  98 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 55  illustrates that part of the buttress  88  can be forced, as shown by arrow, out of the deployment tool  38 . The second end  100  can exit the deployment tool  38  before the remainder of the buttress  88 . The smear section  98  can then partially relax. The second end  100  can be positioned to a final location before the remainder of the buttress  88  is deployed from the deployment tool  38 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 56  illustrates that the remainder of the buttress  88  can be forced, as shown by arrow, out of the deployment tool  38 . The smear section  98  can substantially relax. The longitudinal axis  4  can return to a substantially relaxed and/or straight (i.e., linear) configuration. 
         [0106]      FIG. 57  illustrates that the buttress  88  can be deployed in the expandable delivery device  2 , for example with the longitudinal axis  4  of the buttress  88  or the strongest orientation of the buttress  88  aligned substantially parallel with the primary load bearing direction (e.g., along the axis of the spine) of the expandable delivery device  2 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 58  illustrates that the buttress  88  can be loaded into the hollow deployment tool  38  with the longitudinal axis  4  of the buttress  88  substantially parallel with the hollow length of the deployment tool  38 . The entire length of the buttress  88  can be under shear stress. 
         [0108]      FIG. 59  illustrates that part of the buttress  88  can be forced, as shown by arrow, out of the deployment tool  38 . The second end of the buttress  88  can exit the deployment tool  38  before the remainder of the buttress  88 . The tensioner  90  can apply a tensile stress between the ends of the buttress  88 , for example, forcing the deployed second end of the buttress  88  to “stand up straight”. The second end of the buttress  88  can be positioned to a final location before the remainder of the buttress is deployed from the deployment tool  38 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 60  illustrates that the remainder of the buttress  88  can be forced, as shown by arrow, out of the deployment tool  38 . The buttress  88  can substantially relax. 
         [0110]      FIG. 61  illustrates that the buttress can have a first wedge  102  and a second wedge  104 . The first wedge  102  can contact the second wedge  104  at a directionally locking interface  106 . The directionally locking interface  106  can have directional teeth  108 . 
         [0111]      FIG. 62  illustrates that the first wedge  102  can be slidably attached to the second wedge  104 . The first wedge  102  can have a tongue  110 . The second wedge  104  can have a groove  112 . The tongue  110  can be slidably attached to the groove  112 . 
         [0112]    A gap  114  can be between the tongue  110  and the groove  112 . The gap  114  can be wider than the height of the teeth  108 . The gap  114  can be configured to allow the first wedge  102  to be sufficiently distanced from the second wedge  104  so the teeth  108  on the first wedge  102  can be disengaged from the teeth  108  on the second wedge  104 . 
         [0113]    The buttress  88  in a compact configuration can be placed inside of the longitudinal channel  8  of the deployed expandable delivery device  2 .  FIG. 63  illustrates that the first wedge  102  can then be translated, as shown by arrows, relative to the second wedge  104  along the directionally locking interface  106 . The first wedge  102  can abut a first side of the inside of the deployed expandable delivery device  2 . The second wedge  104  can abut a second side of the inside of the deployed expandable delivery device  2 . The directionally interference fitting teeth  108  can prevent disengagement of the buttress  88 . A stop  116  can limit the relative translation of the first wedge  102  and the second wedge  104 . 
         [0114]      FIGS. 64 through 67  illustrate the expandable delivery device  2  of  FIGS. 1 through 4  that can be in a deployed configuration. The first struts  10  can be expanded, as shown by arrows  118 . The expandable delivery device  2  can passively narrow, as shown by arrows  120 . The expandable delivery device  2  can be deployed in a configuration where the second struts  12  can be placed against the load bearing surfaces of the deployment site. 
         [0115]    The expandable delivery device  2  can have a minimum inner diameter  122  and a maximum inner diameter  124 . The minimum inner diameter  122  can be less than the pre-deployed inner diameter. The minimum inner diameter  122  can be from about 0.2 mm (0.01 in.) to about 120 mm (4.7 in.), for example about 2 mm (0.08 in.) be from about 1.5 mm (0.060 in.) to about 40 mm (2 in.), for example about 8 mm (0.3 in.). The maximum inner diameter  124  can be more than the pre-deployed inner diameter. The maximum inner diameter  124  can be from about 1.5 mm (0.060 in.) to about 120 mm (4.7 in.), for example about 18 mm (0.71 in.). 
         [0116]      FIGS. 68 through 70  illustrate the expandable delivery device  2  of  FIGS. 15 through 18  that can be in a deployed configuration. A tool (not shown) can releasably attach to the tool engagement port  34 . The tool can be used to position the expandable delivery device  2 . The tool can be used to expand the expandable delivery device  2 , for example, by forcing the first panels  24  toward each other. 
         [0117]    The second joints  32  can form angles less than about 90°. As shown in  FIG. 71 , a compressive force, as shown by arrows  126 , causes additional inward deflection, as shown by arrows  128 , of the first panels  24 , and will not substantially compress the expandable delivery device  2 . 
         [0118]      FIG. 72  illustrates a deployed configuration of the expandable delivery device  2  of  FIGS. 19 and 20 . The first struts  10  can expand to the size of the expandable delivery device  2 .  FIG. 73  illustrates that the first struts  10  can touch each other, for example if the expandable delivery device  2  is sufficiently expanded. In the case of extreme compressive loads applied to the expandable delivery device  2 , the first struts  10  can buckle into each other, thereby providing additional resistance to compressive loads. 
         [0119]      FIG. 74  illustrates the expandable delivery device  2  that can have one or more bands  130 . The bands  130  can be attached to other bands  130  and/or attached to the expandable delivery device  2  with band connectors  132 . The bands  130  can be attached to the expandable delivery device  2  before, during, or after deployment. The bands  130  can increase the compressive strength of the expandable delivery device  2 . 
         [0120]      FIG. 75  illustrates the locking pin  86  that can be configured to fit into the longitudinal port  8 , for example, of the expanded expandable delivery device  2  of  FIGS. 64 through 67 .  FIG. 76  illustrates the locking pin  86  that can be configured to fit into the longitudinal port  8 , for example, of the expanded expandable delivery device  2  of  FIGS. 68 through 71 .  FIG. 77  illustrates the locking pin  86  that can be configured to fit into the longitudinal port  8 , for example, of the expanded expandable delivery device  2  of  FIGS. 8 and 9  and/or  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0121]    Once the expandable delivery device  2  is deployed, the longitudinal channel  8  and the remaining void volume in the damage site  52  can be filled with, for example, biocompatible coils, bone cement, morselized bone, osteogenic powder, beads of bone, polymerizing fluid, paste, a matrix (e.g., containing an osteogenic agent and/or an anti-inflammatory agent, and/or any other agent disclosed supra), Orthofix, cyanoacrylate, or combinations thereof. 
         [0122]    The expandable delivery device  2  can be implanted in the place of all or part of a vertebral disc  50 . For example, if the disc  50  has herniated, the expandable delivery device  2  can be implanted into the hernia in the disc annulus, and/or the expandable delivery device  2  can be implanted into the disc nucleus. 
         [0123]    As discussed above, the expandable delivery devices may act as expandable delivery devices that are implanted in bone and/or soft tissue in a minimally invasive manner and allows for delivery of various bioactive agents. It is noted that in any of the above examples, the expandable delivery device may be combined with bioactive agents or fillers to improve the healing response of the damaged tissue. 
         [0124]    Once the device is expanded it creates instant support. In addition, the device can it will deliver a bioactive agent via a coating on the device or by creating a space ideal for packing the device with non hardening fillers such as bioactive agents and/or bone chips, ceramics, polymers, as described herein. 
         [0125]    In order to create the ideal healing condition, the expandable member/expandable delivery device forms a structure upon deployment that results in fixation within the tissue. The device may be fabricated as discussed herein and may be either self expanding, balloon expanded, or mechanically expanded. The bioactive agents provide the biochemical accelerators used to promote healing, increase bone density, etc. The bioactive agents can be designed to release slowly over long periods in order to produce the needed healing effects for each particular application. 
         [0126]    The expandable delivery device  2  can be inserted into a bone experiencing osteoporosis (e.g., that has lost normal density and as a result is fragile). 
         [0127]      FIG. 78  illustrates that the expandable delivery device  2  may be placed in a femur, for example at the hip. This can be before or after the need for a hip replacement is diagnosed and/or performed. For example, the expandable support device  2  can be used as a femoral stem or anchor for a total hip replacement prosthesis, or as a collar for a femoral stem of a total hip replacement prosthesis. The delivery device can be implanted in any long bone, for agent delivery and/or mechanical stabilization. 
         [0128]    The device  2  can be implanted in a bone, such as the femur  202   a , as shown. The device  2  can be implanted closer to the hip joint  204  or, for example, in any location where delivery of a bioactive agent is desired. The device  2  can be coated with the agent. The device  2  can be loaded with one or more additional bioactive agents. 
         [0129]      FIGS. 79   a  and  79   b  illustrate that the delivery device  2  can be used to fixably or removably anchor tendon to bone, such as into the humerus  202   b  and the ulna and/or radius  202   c . One or more expandable delivery devices  2  can be inserted into a tendon  206 . The delivery device  2  can be a radially expanding or unexpanding anchor. The delivery device  2  can be a tether. The device  2  can be located entirely within a tendon and/or bone adjacent to the tendon and/or other surrounding tissue. The delivery device  2  can be initially positioned in the tendon and/or bone in a radially contracted configuration. The delivery device  2  can then be radially expanded, for example, fixing the tendon to the bone. The radial expansion of the delivery device  2  can expand the size of the longitudinal channel  8 . Before or after positioning and/or radially expanding the delivery device  2 , the longitudinal channel  8  can be left empty or filled with one or more agents, fillers, or any other material disclosed herein (e.g., BMP, bone chips, morselized bone, autograft, allograft, xenograft, combinations thereof). The longitudinal channel  8  can be in fluid communication with the surrounding tissue, such as the soft tissue (e.g., ligaments and/or tendons) and/or bones and/or body fluids (e.g., blood, synovial fluid). A deployment tool  210  can deliver agents, fillers or any other materials disclosed herein to the target site, such as in the longitudinal channel  8  and/or elsewhere in and/or around the delivery device  2 . 
         [0130]    The delivered agents, fillers, or any other materials disclosed herein can be either pre-loaded on or in the delivery device  2  or placed into the longitudinal channel after the delivery device has been radially expanded in vivo. The delivery device  2  can be a hollow screw or anchor (e.g., expandable or non-expandable). The agents, fillers, or any, other materials disclosed herein can elute or otherwise flow from the delivery device  2 , for example through the ingrowth ports  14 , to the surrounding tissue (e.g., tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage, tendon, body fluids, combinations thereof). 
         [0131]      FIG. 80  shows a delivery device  2  deployed at an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)  208 . The delivery device  2  can be deployed between two torn sections of the ACL  208 . A first end of the delivery device  2  can be anchored to a first section of a damaged ACL. A second end of the delivery device  2  can be anchored to a second section of a damaged ACL. For example, the frayed terminal ends of the damaged ACL sections can be packed within the longitudinal channel  8  or otherwise in the radial interior of the delivery device  2 . For example, the delivery device  2  can then be radially contracted (e.g., securely compressing and gripping the ACL in the longitudinal channel  8 ). 
         [0132]    Also for example, the terminal ends of the damaged ACL sections can be attached to the exterior of the radial exterior of the delivery device  2 , as shown. The delivery device  2  can fix the first section of the damaged ACL to the second section of the damaged ACL. The delivery device  2  can be located entirely within the damaged ACL  208  and/or located around an ACL graft (e.g., a patellar tendon autograft, allograft or xenograft). 
         [0133]      FIGS. 81 and 82  illustrate that the delivery device can have a sharpened tip The expandable support device can have one or more transverse or helical threads  214 . The threads  214  can be configured to facilitate screwing the delivery device  2  into a target site. The delivery device  2  can have a screwdriver or other tool port  216 . The tool port  216  can be configured to receive a rotation and/or translation tool (e.g., screwdriver). As shown in  FIG. 81 , the delivery device  2  can be used to anchor an ACL  208  in the tibia  202   d  (and any other ligament in any other bone). The delivery device  2  can be radially expanded after or during screwing or otherwise positioning the deliver) device adjacent to the ACL  208  in the tibia  202   d.    
         [0134]    The expandable delivery device  2  can be placed in the vertebral bodies, bones of the hand and/or finger, long bones, or combinations thereof. 
         [0135]    The expandable delivery devices  2  can be deployed into an existing bone tunnel or into a tunnel formed by a drill, tamp, reamer (e.g., to remove more bone), or combinations thereof. The expandable delivery devices  2  can act as a tool to position the expandable delivery devices  2  within the fracture, for example, and then expand the distal end of the expandable delivery devices  2  to stabilize. The expandable delivery devices  2  can be threaded into place (e.g., self-deployed without a pre-formed tunnel or with a completely or partially pre-formed tunnel). One or two ends of the device  2  can be threaded. The threads can be on the radial interior and/or exterior of the delivery device  2 . Multiple threads can be oriented in the same or different directions (e.g., to prevent backing-out of tissues on opposite sides of the delivery device). The expandable delivery devices  2  can be expanded at either end first (e.g., to align a fracture plane), in the center first, at both ends concurrently, or concurrently along the entire length. The expandable delivery devices  2  can self-anchor. The expandable delivery devices  2  can be anchored to surrounding tissue with a separate device (e.g., peg, brad, hook, thread, or combinations thereof. 
         [0136]    The expandable delivery devices  2  can be filled, for example in the longitudinal channel  8  and/or in the ingrowth ports  14 , with bone chips, cement, drugs, polymers, other metal structures, mixes of all theses and/or bioactive agents as described herein. The expandable delivery devices  2  can be filled before or after the expandable delivery device  2  is radially expanded at the target site, and/or before the expandable delivery device  2  is positioned at the target site. Any of the materials on or on the delivery device  2  can elute, leech, flow or otherwise exit the device  2  through the ingrowth ports  14 , the longitudinal channel  8 , or via micropores in the wall  6 , out of a coating (e.g., a polymer or cloth, or any other coating described herein) on the surface of the delivery device  2 , or combinations thereof. The expandable delivery devices  2  can be radiopaque. The expandable delivery devices  2  can provide a stabilizing force to the surrounding tissue. 
         [0137]    The expandable delivery devices  2  can be covered with a polymer and/or a vessel or chamber to hold one or more agents (e.g., drugs). The expandable delivery devices  2  can be removed from the target site (e.g., bone), for example, by radially contracting the expandable support device  2 . The expandable delivery device  2  can be radially contracted and repositioned at the target site, for example, if placement or sizing errors occur. The expandable delivery device  2  can be removed from the target site after a desired healing takes place. 
         [0138]    Any or all elements of the expandable delivery devices  2 , supports, or stents and/or other devices or apparatuses described herein can be made from, for example, a single or multiple stainless steel alloys, nickel titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), cobalt-chrome alloys (e.g., ELGILOY® from Elgin Specialty Metals, Elgin, Ill.; CONICHROME® from Carpenter Metals Corp., Wyomissing, Pa.), nickel-cobalt alloys (e.g., MP35N® from Magellan Industrial Trading Company, Inc., Westport, Conn.), molybdenum alloys (e.g., molybdenum TZM alloy, for example as disclosed in International Pub. No. WO 03/082363 A2, published 9 Oct. 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), tungsten-rhenium alloys, for example, as disclosed in International Pub. No. WO 03/082363, polymers such as polyethylene teraphathalate (PET), polyester (e.g., DACRON®. from E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del.), polypropylene, aromatic polyesters, such as liquid crystal polymers (e.g., Vectran, from Kuraray Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (i.e., extended chain, high-modulus or high-performance polyethylene) fiber and/or yarn (e.g., SPECTRA® Fiber and SPECTRA® Guard, from Honeywell International, Inc., Morris Township, N.J., or DYNEEMA® from Royal DSM N.V., Heerlen, the Netherlands), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded PTFE (ePTFE), polyether ketone (PEK), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), poly ether ketone ketone (PEKK) (also poly aryl ether ketone ketone), nylon, polyether-block co-polyamide polymers (e.g., PEBAX® from ATOFINA, Paris, France). aliphatic polyether polyurethanes (e.g., TECOFLEX® from Thermedics Polymer Products, Wilmington, Mass.), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, thermoplastic, fluorinated ethylene, propylene (FEP), absorbable or resorbable polymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly-L-glycolic acid (PLGA), polylactic acid (PLA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethyl acrylate (PEA), polydioxanone (PDS), and pseudo-polyamino tyrosine-based acids, extruded collagen, silicone, zinc, echogenic, radioactive, radiopaque materials, a biomaterial (e.g., cadaver tissue, collagen, allograft, autograft, xenograft, bone cement, morselized bone, osteogenic powder, beads of bone) any of the other materials listed herein or combinations thereof. Examples of radiopaque materials are barium sulfate, zinc oxide, titanium, stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloys, tantalum and gold. 
         [0139]    Any or all elements of the expandable delivery devices  2 , supports, or stents and/or other devices or apparatuses described herein, can be, have, and/or be completely or partially coated with agents and/or a matrix a matrix for cell ingrowth or used with a fabric, for example a covering (not shown) that acts as a matrix for cell ingrowth. The matrix and/or fabric can be, for example, polyester (e.g., DACRON® from E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del.), polypropylene, PTFE, ePTFE, nylon, extruded collagen, silicone or combinations thereof. 
         [0140]    Any of the expandable delivery devices  2 , supports, or stents and/or elements of the expandable delivery devices  2 , supports, or stents could be made from a biodegrading polymer as well. In such a case, the bioactive agents could be in the polymer, on the polymer, or on the bore of the vehicle. The bioactive agents and/or carrier would be designed to slowly elute from the vehicle. 
         [0141]    The expandable delivery devices  2 , supports, or stents and/or elements of the expandable delivery devices, supports, or stents and/or other devices or apparatuses described herein and/or the fabric can be filled, coated, layered and/or otherwise made with and/or from cements, fillers, glues, and/or an agent delivery matrix known to one having ordinary skill in the art and/or a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent. Any of these cements and/or fillers and/or glues can be osteogenic and osteoinductive growth factors. 
         [0142]    Examples of such cements and/or fillers includes bone chips, demineralized bone matrix (DBM), calcium sulfate, coralline hydroxyapatite, biocoral, tricalcium phosphate, calcium phosphate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), biodegradable ceramics, bioactive glasses, hyaluronic acid, lactoferrin, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) such as recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs), other materials described herein, or combinations thereof. 
         [0143]    The agents within these matrices can include any agent disclosed herein or combinations thereof, including radioactive materials; radiopaque materials; cytogenic agents; cytotoxic agents; cytostatic agents; thrombogenic agents, for example polyurethane, cellulose acetate polymer mixed with bismuth trioxide, and ethylene vinyl alcohol; lubricious, hydrophilic materials; phosphor cholene; anti-inflammatory agents, for example non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, for example ASPIRIN® from Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany; ibuprofen, for example ADVIL® from Wyeth, Collegeville, Pa.; indomethacin; mefenamic acid), COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., VIOXX® from Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J.; CELEBREX® from Pharmacia Corp., Peapack, N.J.; COX-1 inhibitors); immunosuppressive agents, for example Sirolimus (RAPAMUNE®, from Wyeth, Collegeville, Pa.), or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors (e.g., tetracycline and tetracycline derivatives) that act early within the pathways of an inflammatory response. Examples of other agents are provided in Walton et al, Inhibition of Prostoglandin E2 Synthesis in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, Circulation, Jul. 6, 1999, 48-54; Tambiah et al, Provocation of Experimental Aortic Inflammation Mediators and Chlamydia Pneumoniae, Brit. J. Surgery 88 (7), 935-940; Franklin et al, Uptake of Tetracycline by Aortic Aneurysm Wall and Its Effect on Inflammation and Proteolysis, Brit. J. Surgery 86 (6), 771-775; Xu et al, Sp1 Increases Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Hypoxic Vascular Endothelium, J. Biological Chemistry 275 (32) 24583-24589; and Pyo et al, Targeted Gene Disruption of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (Gelatinase B) Suppresses Development of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, J. Clinical Investigation 105 (11), 1641-1649 which are all incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
         [0144]    It is apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to this disclosure, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Elements shown with any variation are exemplary for the specific variation and can be used on or in combination with any other variation within this disclosure.