Patent ID: 6319191
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow through a canal within a host body without having to sever the canal (i) to implant said implantable apparatus inside the host body or (ii) to operate said implantable apparatus following implantation thereof, said implantable apparatus comprising:a hollow housing for positioning around a selected area of a canal within the host body;an electrically operated piston comprising a slidable shaft connected to a plunger positioned within said hollow housing for driving the plunger to an extended position and for retracting the plunger to a retracted position; anda control device for selectively moving said electrically operated piston between the extended position to constrict a portion of the selected area of the canal to reduce or stop fluid flow through the canal and the retracted positioned to open the constricted portion of the selected area of the canal to permit fluid flow through the canal to control fluid flow through the canal.