Patent ID: 7238191

Claim:
Apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct, comprising: an elongated member having first end and second ends, the elongated member having a substantially smooth, atraumatic ventral surface; a clip disposed on the first end of the elongated member, the clip configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct; a flexible element slidably disposed within the elongated member, the flexible element defining a helical screw thread; and a telemetrically-controlled actuator disposed on the second end of the elongated member, the actuator having a nut that engages the helical screw thread, operation of the actuator causing the nut to draw the helical screw thread therethrough, whereby the flexible element constricts the loop against the patient's body organ or duct.