Gastric band system with esophageal sensor
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- (a) an implantable restriction device configured to be secured around a portion of an anatomical structure, wherein the implantable restriction device is operable to constrict the anatomical structure to form a restriction in the anatomical structure;
(b) a controller in communication with the implantable restriction device, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the degree of restriction formed in the anatomical structure by the implantable restriction device;
(c) a sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the presence of movement or strain in an anatomical structure, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the restriction device to increase the degree of restriction formed by the implantable restriction device in response to sensor detecting the presence of movement or strain in an anatomical structure; and
(d) a wire mesh, wherein the wire mesh is configured to join the implantable restriction device and the sensor, wherein the wire mesh is configured to provide electrical contact between the implantable restriction device and the sensor, wherein the wire mesh is configured to fit about the esophagus of a patient.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for providing a restriction and sensing a parameter associated with an anatomical structure comprises a restriction device and a sensing device. The restriction device is secured around a portion of anatomical structure and is operable to form a restriction within anatomical structure. The restriction may be formed or adjusted in response to a bolus located within anatomical structure. The restriction may be formed in response to bolus such that the restriction is formed before bolus reaches restriction device. Once the bolus passes and no more boluses are present, the restriction relaxes and loosens anatomical structure. The restriction device may comprise a gastric band, among other things, and the sensing device may comprise a strain gauge that is configured to detect a bolus passing down an esophagus.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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(a) an implantable restriction device configured to be secured around a portion of an anatomical structure, wherein the implantable restriction device is operable to constrict the anatomical structure to form a restriction in the anatomical structure; (b) a controller in communication with the implantable restriction device, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the degree of restriction formed in the anatomical structure by the implantable restriction device; (c) a sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the presence of movement or strain in an anatomical structure, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the restriction device to increase the degree of restriction formed by the implantable restriction device in response to sensor detecting the presence of movement or strain in an anatomical structure; and (d) a wire mesh, wherein the wire mesh is configured to join the implantable restriction device and the sensor, wherein the wire mesh is configured to provide electrical contact between the implantable restriction device and the sensor, wherein the wire mesh is configured to fit about the esophagus of a patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for creating a restriction with an implantable restriction device secured around a portion of an anatomical structure and a sensor located upstream in relation to the implantable restriction device, the method comprising:
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(a) detecting movement or strain caused by a bolus moving through the anatomical structure when the bolus is located near the sensor; (b) translating the movement or strain into a measured value; (c) determining a plurality of predetermined threshold values related to the size or frequency of the bolus; (d) comparing the measured value against the predetermined threshold values; and (e) creating a restriction in the anatomical structure with the implantable restriction device when the measured value exceeds the predetermined threshold values. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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Specification