Medical device with selective rigidity

摘要

A device for obtaining selective rigidity with respect to a patient is provided. The device includes a scaffold that is arranged to be flexible when in a first relaxed configuration, wherein the scaffold is configured to become substantially more rigid when a suction force is applied thereto. The scaffold comprises first and second opposing outer flexible layers that are sealed together to form a plurality of elongate pockets therein, and an expanded structure disposed within the plurality of elongate pockets and in communication with a vacuum port that receives the suction force.

主权项

1. A device for obtaining selective rigidity with respect to a patient, comprising: a scaffold having a relaxed configuration and a rigid configuration, the scaffold comprising
first and second opposing outer flexible layers that are sealed together to form a plurality of elongate pockets therein; a structure comprising an expandable foam or a plurality of particles disposed within the plurality of elongate pockets, and a vacuum port in fluid communication with the plurality of elongated pockets, wherein the structure further comprises a fluid-filled volume in the relaxed configuration and a reduced fluid-filled volume in the rigid configuration.