Patent ID: 7879068

Claim:
An apparatus for forming a restriction, the apparatus comprising: (a) an implantable mechanically adjustable band having a first end and a second end and configured to form a restriction in a patient, wherein the mechanically adjustable band defines an inner diameter, wherein the mechanical adjustability of the mechanically adjustable band is configured to permit the inner diameter defined by the band to be selectively varied; (b) an attachment mechanism configured to join the first end and the second end; (c) a bladder connected to the band, wherein the bladder is configured to be flexible yet substantially non-tensile; (d) an adjustment mechanism in communication with the mechanically adjustable band, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a first actuation portion and a second actuation portion, wherein the first actuation portion and the second actuation portion are in communication with the bladder, wherein the adjustment mechanism further comprises a latch mechanism comprising a pair of rollers defining a gap between the rollers, wherein the first actuation portion is operable to move in first and second directions relative to the second actuation portion, wherein the second actuation portion is configured to remain in a substantially constant spatial position as the first actuation portion moves in first and second directions, wherein the gap is sized such that the rollers squeeze the bladder as the bladder passes through the gap to adjust the inner diameter defined by the band after the first end and the second end of the band have been joined; and (e) a sensor in communication with one or both of the mechanically adjustable band or the adjustment mechanism, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a physical parameter associated with operation of the mechanically adjustable band, wherein the physical parameter varies with the inner diameter defined by the mechanically adjustable band.