Patent ID: 8012162

Claim:
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct, comprising: an elongated member having a first end and a second end; 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 forming a free portion and a fixed portion; and an actuator disposed on the second end of the elongated member, the actuator engaging the free portion of the flexible element; wherein operation of the actuator draws the free portion of the flexible element therethrough, and the flexible element constricts the loop; wherein the actuator comprises a nut; and wherein the nut engages the helical screw thread, operation of the actuator causing the nut to draw the helical screw thread through the actuator.