Two-way adjustable implant
First Claim
1. An adjustable implant, configured to be implanted within or at least partially around an outer surface of a stomach or esophagus, comprising:
- a ratchet; and
an elongate band comprising a shape-memory material, wherein a first end and a second end of the elongate band are configured to couple to the ratchet, such that the band and the ratchet form an assembly having a loop configuration;
wherein activation of the shape-memory material adjusts the band from a first length to a second length as the ratchet permits movement in a first direction of the first end relative to the second end, changing a circumference of the loop configuration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An adjustable implant configured to be implanted within or at least partially around an outer surface of a stomach or esophagus is described. The adjustable implant includes a ratchet. The implant further includes an elongate band comprising a shape-memory material, wherein a first end and a second end of the elongate band are configured to couple to the ratchet, such that the band and the ratchet form an assembly having a loop configuration. Activation of the shape-memory material adjusts the band from a first length to a second length as the ratchet permits movement in a first direction of the first end relative to the second end, changing a circumference of the loop configuration.
96 Citations
29 Claims
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1. An adjustable implant, configured to be implanted within or at least partially around an outer surface of a stomach or esophagus, comprising:
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a ratchet; and
an elongate band comprising a shape-memory material, wherein a first end and a second end of the elongate band are configured to couple to the ratchet, such that the band and the ratchet form an assembly having a loop configuration;
wherein activation of the shape-memory material adjusts the band from a first length to a second length as the ratchet permits movement in a first direction of the first end relative to the second end, changing a circumference of the loop configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An adjustable implant configured to be implanted around an outer surface of a stomach or esophagus, comprising:
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encircling means for at least partially surrounding the stomach or esophagus, the encircling means comprising a shape-memory material; and
ratchet means for permitting movement in a first direction of a first end of the encircling means relative to a second end of the encircling means;
wherein activation of the shape-memory material adjusts the encircling means from a first length to a second length as the ratchet means permits the movement of the first end relative to the second end, changing a circumference of the encircling means. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A method, for treating obesity, the method comprising the steps of:
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placing an adjustable implant within or around a patient'"'"'s stomach or esophagus, the adjustable implant comprising;
a ratchet; and
an elongate band comprising a shape-memory material, wherein a first end and a second end of the elongate band are configured to couple to the ratchet, such that the band and the ratchet form an assembly having a loop configuration;
wherein activation of the shape-memory material adjusts the band from a first length to a second length as the ratchet permits movement in a first direction of the first end relative to the second end, changing a circumference of the loop configuration;
applying an activation energy to the shape-memory material; and
transforming the shape-memory material from a first configuration to a second configuration, thereby changing the circumference of the loop configuration. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification