Patent ID: 7351198
Filing Date: 2008-04-01
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An implantable adjustable sphincter system for treatment of a medical condition of a patient comprising: (a) a band configured to encircle a portion of an anatomical passageway and to resiliently receive and hold fluid; (b) a manual pump responsive to manual palpation; (c) a reservoir in fluid communication with said manual pump; and (d) a valve assembly in fluid communication with said band and said manual pump, said valve assembly comprising: wherein said valve assembly is operable to be switched between said first configuration and said second configuration; wherein said manual pump is in fluid communication with said valve assembly and said reservoir, wherein said manual pump is manually operable to transfer fluid between said reservoir and said band in response to manual palpation when said valve assembly is in said second configuration; wherein said manual pump is adapted to be implanted within a patient's body against fascia that resists inward pressure; and wherein said valve assembly provides percutaneous tactile feedback indicating whether said valve assembly is in said first configuration or said second configuration; wherein said valve assembly further comprises a mechanism responsive to ultrasound, wherein said valve assembly is operable to be placed in the first configuration in response to a first ultrasound emission, and wherein said valve assembly is operable to be placed in the second configuration in response to a second ultrasound emission.