Dynamic reinforcement of the lower esophageal sphincter
First Claim
1. An implant configured to encompass, at least partially, a portion of a person'"'"'s gastrointestinal tract at or near the gastroesophageal junction thereof, the implant comprising:
- an implant body;
a sensor configured to detect a condition of the person'"'"'s esophagus; and
an actuator coupled to the implant body and in communication with the sensor;
wherein the implant is configured to change from a contracted configuration, in which the implant at least partially constricts the gastrointestinal tract at or near the gastroesophageal junction, to an open configuration, in which the implant does not substantially constrict the gastrointestinal tract; and
wherein the actuator is configured to apply force to the implant body in changing the implant from the open configuration to the contracted configuration, and/or from the contracted configuration to the open configuration, in response to the condition of the esophagus detected by the sensor.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Gastroesophageal implants are implantable at or near the gastroesophageal junction in order reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent gastric reflux. In a contracted configuration, the implants prevent or substantially restrict communication between the stomach and the esophagus. In an open configuration, the implants do not substantially restrict communication between the stomach and the esophagus. Certain embodiments of the implants are capable of detecting various conditions of the esophagus and/or stomach and moving between the contracted and open configurations in response to the detected condition(s).
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An implant configured to encompass, at least partially, a portion of a person'"'"'s gastrointestinal tract at or near the gastroesophageal junction thereof, the implant comprising:
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an implant body;
a sensor configured to detect a condition of the person'"'"'s esophagus; and
an actuator coupled to the implant body and in communication with the sensor;
wherein the implant is configured to change from a contracted configuration, in which the implant at least partially constricts the gastrointestinal tract at or near the gastroesophageal junction, to an open configuration, in which the implant does not substantially constrict the gastrointestinal tract; and
wherein the actuator is configured to apply force to the implant body in changing the implant from the open configuration to the contracted configuration, and/or from the contracted configuration to the open configuration, in response to the condition of the esophagus detected by the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An implant configured to encompass, at least partially, a portion of a human esophagus at or near a lower esophageal sphincter thereof, the implant comprising:
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an implant body; and
means for moving the body between a contracted configuration, in which the implant constricts the gastrointestinal tract at or near the gastroesophageal junction, and an open configuration, in which the implant does not substantially constrict the gastrointestinal tract. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method of reinforcing a lower esophageal sphincter of a patient'"'"'s esophagus, the method comprising the steps of:
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securing an implant at or near the lower esophageal sphincter, such that the implant at least partially encompasses a portion of the patient'"'"'s gastrointestinal tract at or near the gastroesophageal junction, and at least partially constricts the gastrointestinal tract;
allowing the implant to sense a condition of the esophagus; and
allowing the implant to open in response to the sensed condition such that the implant does not substantially constrict the gastrointestinal tract at or near the gastroesophageal junction. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification