Patent ID: 8727964
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for regulating functioning of a patient's organ or duct, comprising: an elongated member having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the elongated member having a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface, wherein the fluid bladder is an elongated cylindrical member with a high degree of flexibility allowing it to conform to a surface of tissue to which it is applied, a first longitudinal end of the elongated cylindrical member is closed and a second longitudinal end of the elongated cylindrical member is opened, the second longitudinal end of the elongated cylindrical member is provided with a housing in fluid communication with a filling tube that extends from the fluid bladder to a remote source of fluid allowing for controlled application of the fluid to the fluid bladder for filling thereof as desired by a medical practitioner deploying and installing the elongated member; a fastener disposed on the first longitudinal end of the elongated member, the fastener configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct; a tension element disposed for movement within the elongated member; and a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control tension applied by the elongated member against the patient's organ or duct.