ARTIFICIAL SPHINCTER WITH PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR
First Claim
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1. An artificial sphincter comprising:
- a piezoelectric element attached to a housing;
a drive element movably coupled to the housing;
a driver attached to the piezoelectric element and configured to translate a piezoelectric oscillation of the piezoelectric element into movement of the drive element; and
a sphincter band attached to the housing and configured to be driven by the drive element.
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Abstract
A biologically implantable artificial sphincter system and methods of using the same is disclosed. The artificial sphincter system disclosed herein comprises a sphincter band and a piezoelectric element, both of which are adapted and configured for coordinated operation to open and/or close a body cavity. The artificial sphincter systems are useful in the treatment of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and reflux disorders. The implanted artificial sphincter can also provide a signal to the recipient to urinate or defecate.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An artificial sphincter comprising:
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a piezoelectric element attached to a housing; a drive element movably coupled to the housing; a driver attached to the piezoelectric element and configured to translate a piezoelectric oscillation of the piezoelectric element into movement of the drive element; and a sphincter band attached to the housing and configured to be driven by the drive element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of controlling passage of contents across a body cavity comprising:
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implanting a control device around a body cavity, said device comprising an piezoelectric actuator, a sphincter band, a drive element connected between the piezoelectric actuator and the sphincter band, and a power management device; controlling a flow of contents in said body cavity, said control being performed by constricting and unconstricting said body cavity by operating the piezoelectric actuator to decrease and increase the circumference of the sphincter band.
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12. A method of treating a disease using an artificial sphincter comprising:
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implanting a sphincter band around a body cavity, said sphincter band connected to a piezoelectric element; and closing said body cavity with the sphincter band by converting movement of the piezoelectric element to movement to decrease a diameter of the sphincter band.
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13. An artificial sphincter system comprising:
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a sphincter band configured to be implanted around a body lumen; a piezo motor coupled to the sphincter band such that the motor can cause the band to alternately constrict and release the body lumen; an internal communications system configured to be implanted subcutaneously in electrical communication with the piezo motor; and an external control system having a transmitter configured to send signals to the internal communications system for driving the piezo motor to constrict or release the sphincter band around the body lumen. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification