Abstract: A device for accessing and distending a joint comprises a distraction structure having a generally tapered distal portion adapted to penetrate a tissue region and create an access space within a joint. The distraction structure also includes a lumen extending from a proximal surface to a distal portion. The device further includes a distention structure deployable through the lumen and adapted to exert a force between a first joint surface and a second joint surface and create a working space. The distention structure may, in some embodiments, include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongate member, a first expandable region deployable from a first substantially collapsed position to a second substantially expanded position, the first expandable region adapted to exert a force between the first joint surface from the second joint surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating tissue within a body, including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, in which the tubular member comprises a first lumen and a second lumen, separately formed therein, a balloon secured to a region of the tubular member, in which a region of the tubular member is engagable with an injection mechanism, in which the engaged injection mechanism is engagable to be in communication with the first lumen of the tubular member, and in which the first lumen of the tubular member provides a path to an interior of the balloon.

Abstract: A device for accessing and distending a joint comprises a distraction structure having a generally tapered distal portion adapted to penetrate a tissue region and create an access space within a joint. The distraction structure also includes a lumen extending from a proximal surface to a distal portion. The device further includes a distention structure deployable through the lumen and adapted to exert a force between a first joint surface and a second joint surface and create a working space. The distention structure may, in some embodiments, include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongate member, a first expandable region deployable from a first substantially collapsed position to a second substantially expanded position, the first expandable region adapted to exert a force between the first joint surface from the second joint surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating tissue within a body, including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, in which the tubular member comprises a first lumen and a second lumen, separately formed therein, a balloon secured to a region of the tubular member, in which a region of the tubular member is engagable with an injection mechanism, in which the engaged injection mechanism is engagable to be in communication with the first lumen of the tubular member, and in which the first lumen of the tubular member provides a path to an interior of the balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating tissue within a body, including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, in which the tubular member comprises a first lumen and a second lumen, separately formed therein, a balloon secured to a region of the tubular member, in which a region of the tubular member is engagable with an injection mechanism, in which the engaged injection mechanism is engagable to be in communication with the first lumen of the tubular member, and in which the first lumen of the tubular member provides a path to an interior of the balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating tissue within a body, including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, in which the tubular member comprises a first lumen and a second lumen, separately formed therein, a balloon secured to a region of the tubular member, in which a region of the tubular member is engagable with an injection mechanism, in which the engaged injection mechanism is engagable to be in communication with the first lumen of the tubular member, and in which the first lumen of the tubular member provides a path to an interior of the balloon.