Patent ID: 6572627
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An implantable system to inhibit expansion of an anatomical object located within the system, comprising:an elongated body portion of a flexible, biocompatible material having longitudinally spaced apart ends and side edges extending between the ends thereof, a slot extending a length through part of the body portion substantially transverse to a long axis of the body portion that at least approximates a width of part of the body portion proximal one of the ends; and first and second elongated end portions, each extending longitudinally from a respective end of the body portion, each of the elongated end portions having a width that is less than the width of the part of the body portion from which it extends; whereby, upon insertion of one of the first and second ends into the slot and movement of the inserted end portion through the slot and securing the end portions relative to an intermediate portion of the system, a generally cylindrical member is formed that inhibits radial expansion of the system.