Devices and methods for restructure and stabilization of a fractured or weakened head of a bone are disclosed herein. A device includes a delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner void for passing at least one light sensitive liquid, and an inner lumen; an expandable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter; and a light conducting fiber sized to pass through the inner lumen of the delivery catheter and into the expandable member. The expandable member moves from a deflated state to an inflated state when the light sensitive liquid is passed to the expandable member. When the light conducting fiber is in the expandable member, the light conducting fiber is able to disperse the light energy to initiate hardening of the light sensitive liquid within the expandable member to form a photodynamic implant.

A perforated sheath is anchored in a tissue opening with the aid of a tool, wherein the anchorage is achieved with the aid of mechanical vibration and a material which is liquefiable by the vibration. The tool includes a vibrating element and a counter element. Distal portions of both elements are introduced into the sheath to be in contact with each other at an interface. The vibrating element is connected to a vibration source and the vibrating element and the counter element are held against each other for effecting liquefaction of the liquefiable material at the interface. Under the effect of the force applied to the vibrating and counter element for holding them against each other, the liquefied material flows from the interface through the sheath perforation and penetrates the tissue.

An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

Internal bone fixation devices and methods for using the devices for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A device for use in repairing a fractured bone includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of at least one reinforcing material and an inner lumen for passage of a light source; a conformable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the conformable member moves from a deflated state to an inflated state when the at least one reinforcing material is delivered to the conformable member; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light source and the at least one reinforcing material.

The invention primarily relates to fastening and stabilizing tissues, implants, and/or bondable materials, such as the fastening of a tissue and/or implant to a bondable material, the fastening of an implant to tissue, and/or the fastening of an implant to another implant. This may involve using an energy source to bond and/or mechanically to stabilize a tissue, an implant, a bondable material, and/or other biocompatible material. The invention may also relate to the use of an energy source to remove and/or install an implant and/or bondable material or to facilitate solidification and/or polymerization of bondable material.

Photodynamic devices for replacement of an articular head of a bone are provided. In an embodiment, a photodynamic device includes a photodynamic support member and an articular member attachable, either fixedly or removably, to the photodynamic support member and having a bearing surface. In an embodiment, the articular member includes a recess designed to receive the photodynamic support member. In an embodiment, the photodynamic support member includes an opening into which a shaft of the articular member can be inserted to attach the articular member to the photodynamic support member.

An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

The invention primarily relates to fastening and stabilizing tissues, implants, and/or bondable materials, such as the fastening of a tissue and/or implant to a bondable material, the fastening of an implant to tissue, and/or the fastening of an implant to another implant. This may involve using an energy source to bond and/or mechanically to stabilize a tissue, an implant, a bondable material, and/or other biocompatible material. The invention may also relate to the use of an energy source to remove and/or install an implant and/or bondable material or to facilitate solidification and/or polymerization of bondable material.

Photodynamic devices for replacement of an articular head of a bone are provided. In an embodiment, a photodynamic device includes a photodynamic support member and an articular member attachable, either fixedly or removably, to the photodynamic support member and having a bearing surface. In an embodiment, the articular member includes a recess designed to receive the photodynamic support member. In an embodiment, the photodynamic support member includes an opening into which a shaft of the articular member can be inserted to attach the articular member to the photodynamic support member.

Systems and methods for restructure and stabilization of bones that provide an anti-microbial effect are disclosed herein. A device includes a delivery catheter having an inner void for passing at least one light sensitive liquid, and an inner lumen; an expandable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter; at least one channel positioned in the expandable member; and a light conducting fiber sized to pass through the inner lumen of the delivery catheter and into the expandable member, wherein, when the light conducting fiber is in the at least one channel, the light conducting fiber is able to disperse light energy to provide an anti-microbial effect. When the light conducting fiber is in the expandable member, the light conducting fiber is able to disperse the light energy to initiate hardening of the light sensitive liquid within the expandable member to form a photodynamic implant.