Implantable devices for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomic orifice or lumen
First Claim
1. An implantable device for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomic orifice or lumen, comprising:
- an annular ring;
means by which said annular ring can be fastened to the tissue around an anatomic orifice or lumen;
means associated with said annular ring for permitting adjustment of the circumference of said annular ring from a first circumference to a second circumference; and
means associated with said annular ring for maintaining said ring in said first circumference and, upon said annular ring being adjusted to said second circumference, for maintaining said annular ring in said second circumference;
whereby the circumference of said anatomic orifice or lumen can be adjusted by adjusting the circumference of said annular ring from said first circumference to said second circumference.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable device for controlling the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An implantable device for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomic orifice or lumen, comprising:
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an annular ring;
means by which said annular ring can be fastened to the tissue around an anatomic orifice or lumen;
means associated with said annular ring for permitting adjustment of the circumference of said annular ring from a first circumference to a second circumference; and
means associated with said annular ring for maintaining said ring in said first circumference and, upon said annular ring being adjusted to said second circumference, for maintaining said annular ring in said second circumference;
whereby the circumference of said anatomic orifice or lumen can be adjusted by adjusting the circumference of said annular ring from said first circumference to said second circumference. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification