Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member, an expandable member coupled to the elongated member, and an outer sheath. The outer sheath, which can be constructed from a different material than the expandable member, is disposed about the expandable member such that an outer surface of the expandable member is in discontinuous contact with an inner surface of the outer sheath. The expandable member and the outer sheath are configured to cooperatively displace a bone structure when moving between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member, an expandable member coupled to the elongated member, and an outer sheath. The outer sheath, which can be constructed from a different material than the expandable member, is disposed about the expandable member such that an outer surface of the expandable member is in discontinuous contact with an inner surface of the outer sheath. The expandable member and the outer sheath are configured to cooperatively displace a bone structure when moving between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an expandable member and an elongate assembly. The expandable member is configured to displace a first portion of a bone structure relative to a second portion of the bone structure when moved from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The elongate assembly includes a shaft and an elongated member disposed with a lumen defined by the shaft. A proximal end portion of the expandable member is coupled to a distal end portion of the shaft such that the proximal end portion of the expandable member does not rotate relative to the distal end portion of the shaft when at least a portion of the expandable member is twisted about the elongated member through at least four revolutions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for radioscopic visualization of the positioning of an expandable body in an interior body region are described. One such system includes a radiopaque marking pattern in communication with the expandable body. The radiopaque marking pattern can be configured to allow for visualizing radioscopically the orientation and movement of the expandable body in unexpanded and expanded states in an interior body region. Such a device is useful for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, including, for example, providing cavities in interior body regions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an expandable member and an elongate assembly. The expandable member is configured to displace a first portion of a bone structure relative to a second portion of the bone structure when moved from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The elongate assembly includes a shaft and an elongated member disposed with a lumen defined by the shaft. A proximal end portion of the expandable member is coupled to a distal end portion of the shaft such that the proximal end portion of the expandable member does not rotate relative to the distal end portion of the shaft when at least a portion of the expandable member is twisted about the elongated member through at least four revolutions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member, an expandable member coupled to the elongated member, and an outer sheath. The outer sheath, which can be constructed from a different material than the expandable member, is disposed about the expandable member such that an outer surface of the expandable member is in discontinuous contact with an inner surface of the outer sheath. The expandable member and the outer sheath are configured to cooperatively displace a bone structure when moving between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for radioscopic visualization of the positioning of an expandable body in an interior body region are described. One such system includes a radiopaque marking pattern in communication with the expandable body. The radiopaque marking pattern can be configured to allow for visualizing radioscopically the orientation and movement of the expandable body in unexpanded and expanded states in an interior body region. Such a device is useful for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, including, for example, providing cavities in interior body regions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directionally controlling expansion of an expandable device are described. One such device includes an expandable body comprising a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The first wall portion comprises a high elasticity material. The second wall portion comprises a material having an elasticity lower than the elasticity of the first wall portion. When the body is expanded, expansion of the second wall portion is constrained more than expansion of the first wall portion. Expansion of the body is directed outwardly from the high elasticity first wall portion. Such a device is useful for providing cavities in interior body regions.