Retractable inflatable bone tamp

Abstract

An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an outer shaft defining an internal lumen, an inflatable structure coupled to the outer shaft, and an inner shaft movably disposed within the internal lumen and coupled to a distal end region of the inflatable structure. The internal lumen is sized to receive the inflatable structure, such that by moving the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft, the inflatable structure can be retracted into the internal lumen (and likewise can be extended from within the internal lumen for deployment in bone). This retraction capability can beneficially protect the inflatable structure during positioning/removal, and can also enhance recovery from radial tears of the inflatable structure.

1 . A device for performing a surgical procedure, the device comprising:
 an elongate shaft defining an interior lumen;   an inflatable structure coupled to the elongate shaft; and   an inner shaft at least partially disposed within the interior lumen, wherein the inner shaft is movable with respect to the elongate shaft to retract the inflatable structure into the interior lumen.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a retraction controller for securing a relative position between the inner shaft and the elongate shaft. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein retraction controller comprises at least one of a ratchet, a clamp, and a latch for securing the relative position between the inner shaft and the elongate shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the retraction controller comprises a pull roller. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the retraction controller comprises at least one of a spur gear, a helical gear, a worm wheel gear, and a rack gear. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the inner shaft comprises a series of features for interfacing with the at least one of the spur gear, the helical gear, the worm wheel gear, and the rack gear. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the inner shaft comprises a stop feature, and
 wherein the retraction controller defines a passageway for the inner shaft, the passageway being sized to prevent passage of the stop feature.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a proximal end region of the inflatable structure is coupled to a distal end region of the elongate shaft, and
 wherein a distal end region of the inflatable structure is coupled to a distal end region of the inner shaft.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the inner shaft comprises an increased-diameter feature distal to the distal end region of the inflatable structure. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a connector coupled to the elongate shaft defining a delivery path for inflation fluid to be delivered through the interior lumen to the inflatable structure; and   a sealing element for sealing around the inner shaft to prevent leakage of the inflation fluid from around the inner shaft.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the sealing element comprises a Tuohy-Borst connector. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate shaft comprises at least one of polyurethane, polyethylene, and nylon. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner shaft comprises at least one of nitinol, stainless steel, nylon, polyurethane, and polyethylene. 
     
     
         14 . A system for performing a surgical procedure, the system comprising:
 a cannula defining an access lumen; and   an inflatable bone tamp, the inflatable bone tamp comprising an elongate shaft defining an interior lumen, an inflatable structure coupled to the elongate shaft, and an inner shaft at least partially disposed within the interior lumen,   wherein the inner shaft is movable with respect to the elongate shaft to retract the inflatable structure into the interior lumen, and   wherein the elongate shaft is sized to fit through the access lumen.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the inflatable bone tamp further comprises a retraction controller for securing a relative position between the inner shaft and the elongate shaft. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein retraction controller comprises at least one of a ratchet, a clamp, and a latch for securing the relative position between the inner shaft and the elongate shaft. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the inner shaft comprises a stop feature, and
 wherein the retraction controller defines a passageway for the inner shaft, the passageway being sized to prevent passage of the stop feature.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein a proximal end region of the inflatable structure is coupled to a distal end region of the elongate shaft, and
 wherein a distal end region of the inflatable structure is coupled to a distal end region of the inner shaft.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising instructions for performing a surgical procedure using the cannula and the inflatable bone tamp. 
     
     
         20 . A method comprising:
 establishing an access path to a bone;   driving an inflatable structure through the access path using an elongate shaft;   inflating the inflatable structure to manipulate the bone;   deflating the inflatable structure;   retracting the inflatable structure into the elongate shaft; and   withdrawing the elongate shaft from the access path.