Expandable Vertebral Body Implants Including Shape-Memory Materials and Methods of Use

• Main Authors: PETERMAN MARC, WAUGH LINDSEY GARDNER, EDIE JASON A
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 15.05.2008
• Subjects: BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF,TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, E.G. STENTS; FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; FIRST-AID KITS; FOMENTATION; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; PROSTHESES; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS

A vertebral implant for insertion into a patient includes a tubular member extending along a longitudinal axis and includes a first region comprised of a shape-memory material. The first region includes a first longitudinal height when the implant is maintained at a temperature below a threshold temperature. The first region includes a second longitudinal height when the implant is maintained at a temperature at or above the threshold temperature. The tubular member further includes a second region with a third longitudinal height regardless of whether the implant is maintained above or below the threshold temperature. The second region may be constructed of the same shape-memory material. The second region may be disposed at an end of the tubular member. Bone-growth materials may be packed into the ends of the tubular member. End pieces may be coupled to the ends of the tubular member.