Methods for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomic orifice or lumen
First Claim
1. A method for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomic orifice or lumen, comprising the steps of:
- introducing an adjustable implant device adjacent to an internal surface near said anatomic orifice or lumen, said implant device substantially defining a plane;
securing the adjustable implant device to tissue adjacent said anatomic orifice or lumen, wherein said adjustable implant device comprises a docking mechanism configured to operably engage an adjustment tool to adjust size or shape of said adjustable implant device; and
adjusting size or shape of said adjustable implant device using an adjustment tool operably engaged with said docking mechanism, wherein said adjustment tool has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and wherein, when operably engaged, at least the distal portion of said adjustment tool is disposed in a non-parallel orientation with respect to said plane defined by said implant device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for controlling the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural orifice or lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomic orifice or lumen, comprising the steps of:
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introducing an adjustable implant device adjacent to an internal surface near said anatomic orifice or lumen, said implant device substantially defining a plane; securing the adjustable implant device to tissue adjacent said anatomic orifice or lumen, wherein said adjustable implant device comprises a docking mechanism configured to operably engage an adjustment tool to adjust size or shape of said adjustable implant device; and adjusting size or shape of said adjustable implant device using an adjustment tool operably engaged with said docking mechanism, wherein said adjustment tool has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and wherein, when operably engaged, at least the distal portion of said adjustment tool is disposed in a non-parallel orientation with respect to said plane defined by said implant device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomic orifice or lumen within a body, comprising the steps of:
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introducing an adjustable implant device adjacent to the internal surface of said anatomic orifice or lumen, said implant device substantially defining a plane; securing the adjustable implant device to tissue adjacent said anatomic orifice or lumen, wherein said adjustable implant device comprises a docking mechanism configured to operably engage an adjustment tool to adjust size or shape of said adjustable implant device; inserting the adjustment tool axially along at least a portion of the anatomic orifice or lumen to operably engage said docking mechanism in a non-parallel orientation with respect to said plane defined by said implant device; and adjusting size or shape of said adjustable implant device using an adjustment tool operably engaged with said docking mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification