Expandable support device and method of use

摘要

An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The device and method can be used to treat compression fractures. The compression fractures can be in the spine. The device can be deployed by compressing the device longitudinally resulting in radial expansion.

主权项

1. A method of performing surgery comprising:
accessing a bone structure; forming an opening into the bone structure; inserting an expandable implant having a body having a length, width and height defining a substantially hollow interior, the implant comprising sliding wedges, the implant further comprising at least one set of first struts defining one of said height or width, said first struts being substantially deformable under expansion force to alter a dimension of the implant, the first struts having a first, unexpanded configuration and a second expanded configuration, the implant increasing in dimension in the direction of expansion of said first struts; and expanding the implant to deform the first struts, thereby expanding the implant within bone, wherein expanding the implant comprises sliding the wedges relative to each other and sliding at least one wedge against the body, and wherein expanding the implant comprises exerting a longitudinal compression force on the wedges.