Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating fractured and/or diseased bone. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods for repairing, reinforcing and/or treating fractured and/or diseased bone using various devices, including cavity-forming devices.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A balloon catheter comprising: 
 a tube comprising a distal end and a proximal end;    a lumen within the tube;    an expandable material;    an opening formed in the tube, the opening communication with the lumen; wherein    at least a portion of the expandable material is located within the lumen.    
     
     
         2 . The balloon catheter of  claim 1  further comprising at least one opening in a wall of the tube near a distal end of the tube.  
     
     
         3 . The balloon catheter of  claim 2  wherein an inflation medium may be pumped into the expandable material, out of the expandable material, or both into and out of the expandable material, through the at least one opening near the distal end of the tube.  
     
     
         4 . The balloon catheter of  claim 1  wherein the expandable material is polyurethane.  
     
     
         5 . The balloon catheter of  claim 1  wherein the fitting is a Leur T-Fitting comprising two ports.