INFLATABLE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REDUCING FRACTURES IN BONE AND IN TREATING THE SPINE

摘要

The present invention is directed to an inflatable device for use in restoring he anatomy of diseased or fractured bone. The inflatable device may be a balloon of varied size or shape to conform to the bone to be treated and may be deployed in any type of bone where collapsed fractures of cortical bone may be treated by restoring the bone from its inner surface. Once the bone has been sufficiently restored the balloons may be deflated and removed, or may remain inside the bone. The balloon may have multiple layers to provide desired surface characteristics, resistance to puncture and tearing, or other beneficial properties, as appropriate for the particular application of the device. The balloon comprises first and second components, wherein the first component is a barrier that forms a balloon wall and a second component is a reinforcing component extending over the first component. Making the reinforcing component as a braid can improve shape control in balloons having a tapered end or unsymmetrical geometry.