Inflatable multi-chambered devices and methods of treatment using the same

Abstract

Inflatable multi-chambered devices are provided for repairing or replacing spinal discs and distracting neighboring vertebral elements. Also included are cushioning devices that may be used in a joint replacement device cushioning system. Further included are kits and systems that include such devices, methods for making such devices, and methods of treating patients in need of such devices. Examples further include cosmetic augmentation and restoration devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a multi-chambered inflatable implant having a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration, the multi-chambered inflatable implant having a plurality of chambers and a single filling manifold having a plurality of holes and a rotatable valve, each of the plurality of holes being aligned with a corresponding opening in a respective one of the plurality of chambers; and   a pressure detector configured to detect pressure within at least one of the chambers.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is inflatable until a filling end point is reached based on a pressure reading from the pressure detector. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure detector transmits a signal to a remote device to indicate when the chambers have been filled to a desired amount. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the inflation stops automatically upon a pressure range reaching a pre-set level. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure detector is positioned within at least one of the chambers. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the chambers are sealed after inflation to prevent leakage of filling material out of the chambers. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the chambers are independent chambers in which filling material does not pass therebetween. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the chambers are interrelated chambers in which filling material passes therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the implant comprises three chambers arranged side-by-side. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the chambers are formed of a flexible polymer. 
     
     
         11 . A system for repairing or replacing spinal discs, the system comprising:
 a multi-chambered inflatable implant having a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration, the multi-chambered inflatable implant having a plurality of chambers; and   a pressure detector configured to detect pressure within at least one of the chambers.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the implant is inflatable until a filling end point is reached based on a pressure reading from the pressure detector. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the pressure detector transmits a signal to a remote device to indicate when the chambers have been filled to a desired amount. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the inflation stops automatically upon a pressure range reaching a pre-set level. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the pressure detector is positioned within at least one of the chambers. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the chambers are sealed after inflation to prevent leakage of filling material out of the chambers. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the chambers are independent chambers in which filling material does not pass therebetween. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the chambers are interrelated chambers in which filling material passes therebetween. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the implant comprises three chambers arranged side-by-side. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the implant includes a filling manifold having a rotating ball valve.