AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING BAND SYSTEM WITH MEMS PUMP

• US 20090204131A1
• Filed: 02/12/2008
• Published: 08/13/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Ortiz, Mark S., Harris, Jason L., Dlugos, Daniel F. JR., Plescia, David N., Zeiner, Mark S., Yates, David C.
• Granted Patent: US 8,057,492 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/157
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/005 Gastric bands
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 19/006 Micropumps F04B43/043 and F04B43/095 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/043 Micropumps

Abstract

Devices and methods for forming a restriction in a patient are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided including an implantable restriction device, an implantable port in fluid communication with the implantable restriction device, and an implantable pump in fluid communication with the restriction device. In general, the implantable restriction device is adjustable and configured to form a restriction in a patient, and the implantable port is configured to receive fluid from a fluid source external to the patient. The implantable pump is a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump.

Claims

1. A restriction system for forming a restriction in a patient, comprising:

an implantable restriction device that is adjustable and configured to form a restriction in a patient; and

an implantable micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) pump in fluid communication with the restriction device.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an implantable port configured to receive fluid from a fluid source external to the patient wherein the implantable port is in fluid communication with the implantable restriction device and the pump.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising an implantable sensor in communication with the restriction device.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the implantable sensor is configured to measure at least a pressure within the restriction device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the MEMS pump comprises:

a pump housing;

a fluid chamber disposed within the pump housing and having an inlet valve disposed between the fluid chamber and an inlet chamber, and an outlet valve disposed between the fluid chamber and an outlet chamber;

a pumping membrane in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; and

an electrode adjacent the pumping membrane,

wherein the pumping membrane is configured to deflect in response to a voltage applied to the electrode creating a pressure differential between the fluid chamber and the inlet and outlet chambers to control flow of a fluid through the pump.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the inlet and outlet valves are configured to open and close in response to pressure changes in the fluid chamber.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein fluid moves in a direction from the MEMS pump to the restriction device.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein fluid moves in a direction from the restriction device to the MEMS pump.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the implantable pump effects a pressure change within the restriction device in accordance with at least one of a detected event and a programmed schedule.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the MEMS pump.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the fluid reservoir is configured to hold in the range of approximately 0.1 to 20 ml of fluid.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump serves as a valve that is able to selectively control the passage of fluid by permitting, preventing, or limiting the passage of fluid.

13. A method of adjusting pressure in an implantable restriction device, comprising:

sensing a clinically relevant parameter;

adjusting a pressure within the restriction device in response to the sensed clinically relevant parameter by activating a pump in fluid communication with the restriction device, the pump being a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein sensing a clinically relevant parameter is effected using an implantable sensor.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the clinically relevant parameter is a pressure in the implantable restriction device.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the pump is automatically activated.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein adjusting the pressure provides feedback to a patient.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising comparing the sensed pressure to a desired pressure range and adjusting the pressure within the restriction device to be within the desired pressure range if the sensed pressure is not within the desired pressure range.

19. An implantable medical device, comprising:

an implantable micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) pump in fluid communication with a fluid source and fluid target, the MEMS pump being configured to selectively convey a fluid between the fluid source and the fluid target.