Actuator for an implantable band

• US 20060161186A1
• Filed: 01/14/2005
• Published: 07/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Hassler, William L. Jr., Dlugos, Daniel F. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 7,601,162 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/153
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1322 comprising a flexible encircling member A61B17/135 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1327 Tensioning clamps
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00539 hydraulically
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0053 remotely adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0066 Closing devices for gastric bands

Abstract

An actuator having a variable internal volume is mechanically coupled to an adjustable implantable band so as to effect changes in the effective internal perimeter of the band. The actuator may be directly connected to the band, or be connected through a cable. Configurations of the actuator include a series of folds and ridges and bellows. A plurality of actuators may be used in combination with a single band. A clutch mechanism may be included to hold the band in place when not acted upon by the actuators. One end of the actuator may be connected directly to a bidirectional flow device.

Claims

1. An actuator in combination with an adjustable implantable band for treatment of a medical condition, said band having an effective inner perimeter, said actuator comprising:

(a) first and second ends;

(b) at least one sidewall extending between said first and second ends and defining an internal cavity having a variable internal volume, said at least one sidewall defining a reference axis;

(c) said first and second ends defining a length therebetween along said reference axis, said actuator configured to change said length in response to change in said internal volume;

(d) said first end being mechanically coupled to said band such that changes in said length effect changes in said effective inner perimeter.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said at least one sidewall comprises first and second complementarily shaped, spaced apart sidewalls.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said first and second sidewalls each comprise a series of folds and spaced apart ridges.

4. The combination of claim 1, wherein said first and second ends are in direct contact with said band at spaced apart locations.

5. The combination of claim 1, wherein said actuator is disposed at least partially within said band.

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said band defines an interior, said actuator being disposed at least partially within said interior.

7. The combination of claim 1, wherein said internal cavity is connectable to a source of fluid which is external to said actuator.

8. The combination of claim 1, wherein said internal cavity is completely sealed.

9. The combination of claim 8, comprising a thermal element disposed adjacent said at least one sidewall.

10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said thermal element comprises a Peltier thermoelectric device.

11. The combination of claim 9, wherein said thermal element comprises a thin film heater.

12. The combination of claim 1, comprising a clutch mechanism configured to hold said effective inner perimeter at a desired size.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein said clutch mechanism comprises a ratchet and pawl.

14. The combination of claim 1, wherein said at least one sidewall comprises bellows.

15. The combination of claim 14, wherein said first end is connected to said band by a cable.

16. The combination of claim 1, wherein said first end is connected to said band by a cable.

17. The combination of claim 1, wherein an increase in said length decreases said effective inner perimeter.

18. The combination of claim 1, wherein an increase in said length increases said effective inner perimeter.

19. The combination of claim 1, wherein said second end is connected to a bidirectional flow device.

20. The combination of claim 19, wherein said bidirectional flow device comprises a bellows accumulator having an internal accumulator volume, said accumulator and said actuator being configured such that a small change in the internal accumulator volume produces a large change in length.