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Gastric band with asymmetrical member

  • US 8,632,455 B2
  • Filed: 11/12/2010
  • Issued: 01/21/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2010
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus, comprising:

  • (a) a strap comprising an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface, wherein the strap is sized and configured to wrap along a first plane to encompass an anatomical feature; and

    (b) a single inflatable bladder secured to the interior surface of the strap, wherein the inflatable bladder is shaped such that the inflatable bladder has a cross-sectional profile that is asymmetric about the first plane in both an inflated configuration and a non-inflated configuration, wherein the inflatable bladder is spaced away from and non-foldable about the exterior surface of the strap in both the inflated configuration and the non-inflated configuration, wherein a width of the inflatable bladder measured perpendicular to the first plane is greater than a width of the strap measured perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the inflatable bladder includes an expansion section comprising one or more structures selected from the group consisting of folds, pleats, and gussets, and wherein the expansion section is configured to allow the bladder to transition from a first state in which the bladder has a substantially flat cross-sectional configuration to a second state in which the bladder has a substantially tapered cross-sectional configuration.

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