Patent ID: 7776061
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A surgically implantable fluid adjustable solid device comprising: a. an elongated substantially flexible inflatable portion; and b. an elongated flexible and substantially inextensible band portion attached to said inflatable portion; and c. said device having two unrestrained shapes depending on a temperature of said device, a straight configuration to a curved configuration, and a temperature activated member which changes the shape of said device from said straight configuration to said curved configuration, while remaining solid, after its temperature is raised, said member comprising a strip of shape memory alloy disposed along the length of the device, said strip having a straight shape substantially along its entire length below body temperature, and a single curved shape at body temperature, wherein the strip has sufficient shape recovery force to curve said device into said single curved shape upon being implanted within a body without the application of an external heat source, and wherein said strip has an Af temperature of at least 37° C. and an As temperature greater than 18° C. and less than 37° C., said member being embedded within said elongated flexible and substantially inextensible band portion.