Controlling pressure in adjustable restriction devices
First Claim
1. A method of forming a restriction in a patient, comprising:
- implanting a gastric restriction device around a stomach to form a restriction that corresponds to a volume of fluid in the restriction device, and the restriction device receiving fluid from and delivering fluid to a fluid source at a flow rate defined by a geometry of a flow control mechanism in fluid communication with and disposed between the restriction device and the fluid source;
adjusting the geometry of the flow control mechanism to adjust the flow rate;
wherein the flow control mechanism includes a flexible tube disposed within an internal cavity of a housing body having exterior walls that are flexible;
wherein adjusting a geometry of the flexible tube comprises modifying an amount of a second fluid within the internal cavity to deform the exterior walls of the housing body and to change a longitudinal length of the flexible tube.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive pressure control using a flow control mechanism. The flow control mechanism can be disposed between an implantable restriction device and a fluid source and include an adjustable, variably-sized fluid communication member in fluid communication with the restriction device and the fluid source. The geometry of the fluid communication member can control a rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source, thereby also regulating a rate at which a pressure of fluid within the restriction device changes. Alternatively, the fluid flow control mechanism can include a biasing mechanism that can control the rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of forming a restriction in a patient, comprising:
implanting a gastric restriction device around a stomach to form a restriction that corresponds to a volume of fluid in the restriction device, and the restriction device receiving fluid from and delivering fluid to a fluid source at a flow rate defined by a geometry of a flow control mechanism in fluid communication with and disposed between the restriction device and the fluid source;
adjusting the geometry of the flow control mechanism to adjust the flow rate;
wherein the flow control mechanism includes a flexible tube disposed within an internal cavity of a housing body having exterior walls that are flexible;
wherein adjusting a geometry of the flexible tube comprises modifying an amount of a second fluid within the internal cavity to deform the exterior walls of the housing body and to change a longitudinal length of the flexible tube.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Specification