Systems and methods using expandable bodies to push apart adjacent vertebral bodies
Systems and methods insert an expandable body in a collapsed configuration into a space defined between adjacent vertebral bodies. The systems and methods cause expansion of the expandable body within the space, thereby pushing apart adjacent vertebral bodies as part of a therapeutic procedure.
1 . A system comprising
an expandable body sized and configured for insertion into a space defined between adjacent vertebral bodies, the expandable body capable of being expanded in response to interior fluid pressure,
a passage communicating with the expandable body and with a source of fluid to convey fluid to cause expansion of the expandable body within the space, thereby pushing apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, and
a prosthetic device sized and configured for placement in the space.
2 . A system according to claim 1
and further including a catheter tube having a distal end, and
wherein the expandable body is carried by the distal end of the catheter tube.
3 . A system according to claim 2
wherein the passage comprises a lumen in the catheter tube.
4 . A system according to claim 2
and further including a percutaneous cannula to guide the catheter tube toward the space.
5 . A system according to claim 1
wherein the body includes an essentially non-elastic material.
6 . A system according to claim 1
wherein the body includes an essentially semi-elastic material.
7 . A system according to claim 1
wherein the body includes an essentially elastic material.
8 . A system according to claim 1
wherein the body include including material that limits expansion of the body.
9 . A system according to claim 1 and further including
a second expandable body sized- and configured for insertion into the space with the first defined expandable body, the second expandable body also being capable of expansion in response to interior fluid pressure, and
a passage communicating with the second expandable body and with a source of fluid to convey fluid to cause expansion of the second expandable body within the space, whereby the first and second expandable bodies push apart the adjacent vertebral bodies.
10 . A method comprising
inserting an expandable body in a collapsed condition into an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebral bodies,
expanding the expandable body within the intervertebral space to push apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, and
placing a prosthetic device in the space.
11 . A method according to claim 10
and further including the step of inserting a second expandable body in a collapsed condition into the intervertebral space, and
expanding the first and second expandable bodies within the intervertebral space to push apart the adjacent vertebral bodies.
12 . A method according to claim 10
further including limiting expansion of the expandable body during the expanding.
13 . A system comprising
an expandable body sized and configured for insertion into a space defined between adjacent vertebral bodies, the expandable body capable of being expanded in response to interior fluid pressure,
a passage communicating with the expandable body and with a source of fluid to convey fluid to cause expansion of the expandable body within the space, thereby pushing apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, and
medication for placement in the space.
14 . A system according to claim 13
and further including a catheter tube having a distal end, and
wherein the expandable body is carried by the distal end of the catheter tube.
15 . A system according to claim 14
wherein the passage comprises a lumen in the catheter tube.
16 . A system according to claim 14
and further including a percutaneous cannula to guide the catheter tube toward the space.
17 . A system according to claim 13
wherein the body includes an essentially non-elastic material.
18 . A system according to claim 13
wherein the body includes an essentially semi-elastic material.
19 . A system according to claim 13
wherein the body includes an essentially elastic material.
20 . A system according to claim 13
wherein the body include including material that limits expansion of the body.
21 . A system according to claim 13 and further including
a second expandable body sized and configured for insertion into the space with the first defined expandable body, the second expandable body also being capable of expansion in response to interior fluid pressure, and
a passage communicating with the second expandable body and with a source of fluid to convey fluid to cause expansion of the second expandable body within the space, whereby the first and second expandable bodies push apart the adjacent vertebral bodies.
22 . A method comprising
inserting an expandable body in a collapsed condition into an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebral bodies,
expanding the expandable body within the intervertebral space to push apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, and
placing medication in the space.
23 . A method according to claim 22
and further including the step of inserting a second expandable body in a collapsed condition into the intervertebral space, and
expanding the first and second expandable bodies within the intervertebral space to push apart the adjacent vertebral bodies.
24 . A method according to claim 22
further including limiting expansion of the expandable body during the expanding.
25 . A method comprising
inserting an expandable body in a collapsed condition into an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebral bodies,
expanding the expandable body within the intervertebral space to push apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, and
applying fixation apparatus to allow fusion to occur without deformity.