Device for expanding and supporting body tissue

摘要

An expandable device for expanding and supporting body tissue comprises an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface and a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body tissue surface. The inferior endplate and the superior endplate are movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for independent movement along the direction of expansion. In the first direction the elevator is moved toward said superior endplate to lift the superior endplate and expand the device. In the second direction the elevator moves away from said superior endplate toward said inferior endplate to create a space for insertion of an insert into the expanded device.

主权项

1. An expandable device for implantation between two opposing tissue surfaces of a body, comprising:
an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface; a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body tissue surface, said inferior endplate and said superior endplate being movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion; and an elevator inseparably disposed in said device between said inferior endplate and said superior endplate, said elevator being captively retained prior to expansion of the device for independent movement in a first direction toward said superior endplate during expansion and in a second direction away from said superior endplate after expansion to create a space between said superior endplate and said elevator.