Apparatus and methods for use of expandable members in surgical applications

摘要

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member, an expandable member coupled to the elongated member, and an outer sheath. The outer sheath, which can be constructed from a different material than the expandable member, is disposed about the expandable member such that an outer surface of the expandable member is in discontinuous contact with an inner surface of the outer sheath. The expandable member and the outer sheath are configured to cooperatively displace a bone structure when moving between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
coupling, to an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis, an expandable member configured to displace a first portion of a spine relative to a second portion of the spine when moving between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; disposing an outer sheath about the expandable member such that the outer sheath covers a distal end portion of the elongated member extending transverse to the longitudinal axis; and placing a clamp about a portion of the outer sheath to couple the outer sheath to the expandable member.