Patent ID: 7951067
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An implantable band for treatment of a medical condition, the band comprising: (a) a strap configured to encircle an anatomical passageway, said strap defining a circumferential direction thereabout, said strap having an inner and outer surface; (b) first and second end portions disposed at either end of said strap, said first and second end portions configured to be attached to each other so as to secure said strap adjacent the anatomical passageway, said first and second end portions including respective inner and outer surfaces which correspond to said inner and outer surfaces of said strap, said second end portion comprising a barb head having a base and a tip, wherein base is wider than the tip; (c) said first end portion including opening defining portion, wherein the opening defining portion defines at least one first opening configured to receive part of said second end portion therein, said part of said second end portion being configured to be disposed in said at least one first opening, wherein the barb head is configured to pass through the first opening, wherein the opening defining portion terminates at a first longitudinal position along the first end portion and at a second longitudinal position along the first end portion; (d) said first end portion including a retaining part, said retaining part being configured to connect to said second end portion at an engagement point, wherein the engagement point is located at a third longitudinal position along the first end portion, wherein the third longitudinal position is longitudinally displaced from the first and second longitudinal positions, the retaining part being configured so as to resist withdrawal of said part of said second end portion from said at least one first opening, wherein said retaining part comprises a lateral member extending laterally from said first end portion, said lateral member being configured to engage the base of the barb head at the engagement point wherein the second end portion is secured to the first end portion, such that the base of the barb head is engaged with the lateral member at the engagement point and the part of said second end portion is disposed in said at least one first opening.