Publication number: 20110071646
Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 18, 2009
Publication date:
March 24, 2011
Inventors:
Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Thomas E. Adams, Randal T. Byrum, Sean P. Conlon, Rocco Crivelli, Dean L. Garner, Alec J. Ginggen, Wells D. Haberstich, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Donna L. Korvick, David T. Krumanaker, Timothy P. Lessek, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kyle P. Moore, Daniel J. Mumaw, Anil K. Nalagatla, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Patrick J. Swindon, Eric W. Thompson, Mark Tsonton, Lauren S. Weaner, Christopher W. Widenhouse, Scott A. Woodruff