Feedback Sensing for a Mechanical Restrictive Device
First Claim
1. An apparatus for forming a restriction, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) an implantable mechanically adjustable band configured to form a restriction in a patient, wherein the mechanically adjustable band defines an inner diameter, wherein the mechanical adjustability of the mechanically adjustable band is configured to permit the inner diameter defined by the band to be selectively varied;
(b) an adjustment mechanism in communication with the mechanically adjustable band, wherein the adjustment mechanism is operable to provide the mechanical adjustability of the mechanically adjustable band; and
(c) a sensor in communication with one or both of the mechanically adjustable band or the adjustment mechanism, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a physical parameter associated with operation of the mechanically adjustable band, wherein the physical parameter varies with the inner diameter defined by the mechanically adjustable band.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus comprises an implantable mechanically adjustable band configured to form a restriction in a patient. The band defines an inner diameter. The mechanical adjustability of the band is configured to permit the inner diameter defined by the band to be selectively varied. The apparatus further comprises an adjustment mechanism in communication with the band. The adjustment mechanism is operable to provide the mechanical adjustability of the band. The apparatus further comprises a sensor in communication with one or both of the mechanically adjustable band or the adjustment mechanism. The sensor is configured to sense a physical parameter associated with operation of the band. The physical parameter sensed by the sensor varies with the inner diameter defined by the band. The band may be used as a gastric band, among other potential uses.
165 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for forming a restriction, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) an implantable mechanically adjustable band configured to form a restriction in a patient, wherein the mechanically adjustable band defines an inner diameter, wherein the mechanical adjustability of the mechanically adjustable band is configured to permit the inner diameter defined by the band to be selectively varied;
(b) an adjustment mechanism in communication with the mechanically adjustable band, wherein the adjustment mechanism is operable to provide the mechanical adjustability of the mechanically adjustable band; and
(c) a sensor in communication with one or both of the mechanically adjustable band or the adjustment mechanism, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a physical parameter associated with operation of the mechanically adjustable band, wherein the physical parameter varies with the inner diameter defined by the mechanically adjustable band. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An apparatus for forming a restriction, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) an implantable mechanically adjustable band, wherein the band defines an inner diameter, wherein the band is configured to fit around an anatomical structure in a patient;
(b) a mechanical actuator operable to mechanically adjust the inner diameter defined by the band; and
(c) a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a parameter associated with operation of the band, wherein the sensed parameter varies with the inner diameter defined by the band. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. An apparatus for forming a restriction, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) an implantable mechanically adjustable band, wherein the band defines an inner diameter, wherein the band is configured to fit around an anatomical structure in a patient;
(b) an adjustment mechanism, wherein the adjustment mechanism is operable to permit selective adjustment of the inner diameter defined by the band, wherein the adjustment mechanism is further configured to maintain a selected inner diameter defined by the band;
(c) a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a parameter associated with operation of the band, wherein the sensed parameter varies with the inner diameter defined by the band. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification