US20030066536A1 - Controlled food intake restriction - Google Patents
Controlled food intake restriction Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030066536A1 US20030066536A1 US10/253,608 US25360802A US2003066536A1 US 20030066536 A1 US20030066536 A1 US 20030066536A1 US 25360802 A US25360802 A US 25360802A US 2003066536 A1 US2003066536 A1 US 2003066536A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- energy
- patient
- implanted
- restriction device
- restriction
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/0004—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse
- A61F2/0031—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra
- A61F2/0036—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra implantable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/0004—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse
- A61F2/0031—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra
- A61F2/0036—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra implantable
- A61F2/004—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra implantable inflatable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/0003—Apparatus for the treatment of obesity; Anti-eating devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels, umbilical cord
- A61B17/132—Tourniquets
- A61B17/135—Tourniquets inflatable
- A61B17/1355—Automated control means therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00535—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets pneumatically or hydraulically operated
- A61B2017/00539—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets pneumatically or hydraulically operated hydraulically
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/06—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/064—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2250/00—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2250/0001—Means for transferring electromagnetic energy to implants
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
- A61N1/378—Electrical supply
- A61N1/3787—Electrical supply from an external energy source
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a food intake restriction apparatus and method. More specifically, the invention relates to a food intake restriction apparatus and method for surgical application in the abdomen of a patient for forming an upper pouch and a stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus.
- patient includes an animal or a human being.
- the adjustment means typically comprises an inflatable cavity in the band and an injection port in fluid connection with the inflatable cavity for adding fluid to or withdrawing fluid from the latter.
- the band is made of silicone rubber which is a material approved for implantation and the fluid is a liquid such as an isotonic salt solution.
- the volume of the gastric pouch above the band increases in size up to ten times after operation. Therefore the pouch volume during surgery needs to be very small, approximately 7 ml.
- the stoma initially needs to be relatively large and later needs to be substantially reduced, as the pouch volume increases.
- the cavity in the band has to be relatively large and is defined by a thin flexible wall, normally made of silicone material.
- the size of the stoma opening has to be gradually reduced during the first year after surgery as the gastric pouch increases in size. As indicated above, the reduction of the stoma opening using the prior art devices is achieved by adding liquid to the cavity of the band via the injection port to expand the band radially inwardly.
- a great disadvantage of repeatedly injecting liquid via the injection port is the increased risk of the patient getting an infection in the body area surrounding the injection port. If such an infection occurs the injection port has to be surgically removed from the patient. Moreover, such an infection might be spread along the tube interconnecting the injection port and the band to the stomach, causing even more serious complications. Thus, the stomach might be infected where it is in contact with the band, which might result in the band migrating through the wall of the stomach. Also, it is uncomfortable for the patient when the necessary, often many, post-operation adjustments of the stoma opening are carried out using an injection needle penetrating the skin of the patient into the injection port.
- An object of the invention is to provide a food intake restriction apparatus for forming a stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus of a patient which permits regular post-operation adjustments that are comfortable for the patient.
- Another object of the present invention to provide a new food intake restriction which is easy to adjust and does not require the use of an injection needle for accomplishing post-operation adjustments of the stoma opening.
- a food intake restriction apparatus comprising an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus, a source of energy for energizing the restriction device, and a control device operable from outside the patient's body for releasing energy from the source of energy, wherein the released energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
- the apparatus of the invention provides a simple and effective control of the energy supplied to implanted components of the apparatus which ensures an extended and reliable functionality of the apparatus, possibly for the rest of the patient's natural life, and at lest many years.
- the restriction device preferably controls the size of the stoma opening. This may allow the patient to temporarily open up the stoma opening to remove food pieces stuck therein.
- the control device may also control the restriction device.
- the control device may comprise an internal control unit, preferably including a microprocessors implanted in the patient for controlling the restriction device.
- the control device may further comprise an external control unit outside the patient's body, wherein the internal control unit is programmable by the external control unit, for example for controlling the restriction device over time.
- the internal control unit may control the restriction device over time in accordance with an activity schedule program.
- the external control unit may load the internal control unit with data in accordance with a loading mode only authorized for a doctor.
- the external control unit may control the internal control unit in accordance with a doctor mode, only authorized for the doctor.
- the external control unit may control the internal control unit in accordance with a patient mode permitted for the patient.
- the apparatus further comprises an operation device implanted in the patient for operating the restriction device, wherein the control device controls the operation device to operate the restriction device.
- the control device may directly power the operation device with energy released from the source of energy and/or power other implanted energy consuming components of the apparatus.
- the term directly is used to mean, on one hand, that the operation device is powered with released energy while the latter is being released by the control device, on the other hand, that the released energy may be somewhat delayed, in the order of seconds, by for instance an energy stabilizer before powering the operation device.
- the advantage of directly using energy as it is released is that the apparatus can be of a very simple design and the few components involved makes the apparatus extremely reliable.
- the restriction device may be non-inflatable, i.e. with no hydraulic fluid involved for the adjustments of the restriction device. This eliminates problems with fluid leaking from the restriction.
- the operation device may comprise hydraulic means and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in the hydraulic means.
- the control device may suitably comprise a wireless remote control for controlling the valve.
- the restriction device may comprise hydraulic means and the operation device may comprise a reservoir forming a fluid chamber with a variable volume connected to the hydraulic means.
- the operation device may distribute fluid from the chamber to the hydraulic means by reduction of the volume of the chamber and withdraw fluid from the hydraulic means to the chamber by expansion of the volume of the chamber.
- the source of energy is external to the patient's body and the control device releases wireless energy from the source of energy.
- An energy storage device preferably an electric accumulator, may be implanted in the patient for storing the wireless energy released from the external source of energy.
- the electric accumulator may comprise at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery.
- a battery may be implanted in the patient for supplying electric energy to implanted electric energy consuming components of the apparatus, in addition to the supply of wireless energy.
- the control device comprises an implanted control unit the electronic circuit thereof and the restriction device may be directly powered with transformed wireless energy, or energy from either the implanted energy storage device or battery.
- the operation device comprises a motor, preferably an electric motor which may have electrically conductive parts made of plastics.
- the motor may include a rotary motor, wherein the control device is adapted to control the rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.
- the motor may include a linear motor, or a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, wherein the control device is adapted to control the fluid flow through the fluid motor.
- Motors currently available on the market are getting smaller and smaller.
- control methods and miniaturized control equipment available. For example, a number of revolutions of a rotary motor may be analyzed by a Hall-element just a few mm in size.
- control device is adapted to shift polarity of the released energy to reverse the operation device.
- the operation device may suitably comprise an electric motor and the released energy may comprise electric energy.
- the restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function and there is a reversing device implanted in the patient for reversing the function performed by the restriction device.
- a reversing function preferably involves enlarging and restricting the food passageway by the restriction device, suitably in a stepless manner.
- the control device suitably controls the reversing device, which may include a switch, to reverse the function performed by the restriction device.
- the reversing device may comprise hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in the hydraulic means.
- the reversing device may comprise a mechanical reversing device, such as a switch or a gear box.
- the control device suitably controls the operation of the switch by shifting polarity of released energy supplied to the switch.
- the switch may comprise an electric switch and the source of energy may supply electric energy for the operation of the switch.
- the switch mentioned above may comprise an electronic switch or, where applicable, a mechanical switch.
- the operation device preferably comprises a motor, wherein the reversing device reverses the motor.
- the restriction device comprises hydraulic means, for example including an expansible/contractible cavity for fluid.
- the operation device preferably comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in the hydraulic means, a motor for driving the pump, a valveless fluid conduit between the pump and the hydraulic means of the restriction device, and a reservoir for fluid, wherein the reservoir forms part of the conduit.
- All of the hydraulic components involved are preferably devoid of any non-return valve. This is of great advantage, because with valves involved there is always a risk of malfunction due to improperly working valves, especially when long time periods passes between valve operations.
- the reservoir may form a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and the pump may distribute fluid from the chamber to the hydraulic means of the restriction device by reduction of the volume of the chamber and withdraw fluid from the hydraulic means to the chamber by expansion of the volume of the chamber.
- the source of energy is implanted in the patient.
- the control device releases energy from the implanted source of energy from outside the patient's body.
- the source of energy thus implanted may comprise an accumulator, preferably an electric source of energy, such as a battery having a life-time of at least 10 years.
- the control device may control the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor.
- the sensor may comprise a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in the stomach.
- the expression “indirectly sensing the pressure in the food stomach” should be understood to encompass the cases where the sensor senses the pressure against the restriction device or human tissue of the patient.
- the pressure sensor may be any suitable known or conventional pressure sensor such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,731, 4,846,181, 4,738,267, 4,571,749, 4,407,296 or 3,939,823; or an NPC-102 Medical Angioplasty Sensor.
- control device comprises an internal control unit implanted in the patient
- the internal control unit may suitably directly control the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor.
- the internal control unit may send information thereon to outside the patient's body.
- the control unit may also automatically control the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor.
- control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient's body
- the external control unit may, suitably directly, control the restriction device in response to signals by the sensor.
- the external control unit may store information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor and may be manually operated to control the restriction device based on the stored information.
- there may be at least one implanted sender for sending information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor.
- An external data communicator may be provided outside the patient's body and an internal data communicator may be implanted in the patient for communicating with the external communicator.
- the implanted communicator may feed data related to the patient, or related to the implanted restriction device, back to the external communicator.
- the external communicator may feed data to the internal communicator.
- the implanted communicator may suitably feed data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.
- the apparatus of the invention may comprise a switch implanted in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the energy released from the source of energy.
- the restriction device may control the size of the stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus.
- the restriction device may be operable to open and close the stoma opening or may steplessly control the latter.
- a pressure sensor may be provided for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in the stomach.
- the control device may control the restriction device in response to signals from the pressure sensor.
- the restriction device may be non-inflatable, i.e. with no hydraulic fluid involved for the adjustments of the restriction device. This eliminates problems with fluid leaking from the restriction device.
- the apparatus may comprise an implanted energy transfer device, wherein the control device releases electric energy and the energy transfer device transfers the electric energy into kinetic energy for, preferably direct, operation of the restriction device.
- an implanted stabilizer such as a capacitor or a rechargeable accumulator, or the like, may be provided for stabilizing the electric energy released by the control device.
- the control device may release energy for a determined time period or in a determined number of energy pulses. All of the above embodiments are preferably remote controlled.
- the control device advantageously comprises a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling the restriction device. With such a remote control it will be possible to adapt the function of the apparatus to the patient's need over a period of time, which is beneficial with respect to the treatment of the patient
- the wireless remote control may be capable of obtaining information on the condition of the implanted restriction device and of controlling the restriction device in response to the information. Also, The remote control may be capable of sending information related to the restriction device from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof.
- the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter or transceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transceiver implanted in the patient. In another particular embodiment of the invention, the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal receiver or transceiver and at least one internal signal transmitter or transceiver implanted in the patient.
- the remote control may transmit a carrier signal for carrying the control signal, wherein the carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated and is digital, analog or digital and analog. Also the control signal used with the carrier signal may be frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.
- the control signal may comprise a wave signal, for example, a sound wave signal, such as an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal, such as an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, or a gamma radiation signal. Where applicable, two or more of the above signals may be combined.
- a sound wave signal such as an ultrasound wave signal
- an electromagnetic wave signal such as an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, or a gamma radiation signal.
- the control signal may be digital or analog, and may comprise an electric or magnetic field.
- the wireless remote control may transmit an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying the digital or analog control signal.
- use of an analog carrier wave signal carrying a digital control signal would give safe communication.
- the control signal may be transmitted in pulses by the wireless remote control.
- control device advantageously releases energy from the source of energy in a non-invasive, mechanical or non-mechanical manner.
- the control device may release magnetic, electromagnetic, kinetic or thermal energy, or non-magnetic, non-thermal, non-electromagnetic or non-kinetic energy.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide methods for treating morbid obesity.
- a method of treating morbid obesity comprising the steps of implanting an operable restriction device in a patientin engagement with the stomach or the esophagus to form a restricted stoma in the stomach or esophagus, providing a source of energy for energizing the restriction device, and controlling the source of energy to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
- the method may further comprise using energy released from the source of energy to operate the restrictiondevice to enlarge and reduce, respectively, the food pasageway.
- a method of treating morbid obesity comprising the steps of placing at least two laparascopical trocars in a patient's body, inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of the stomach or esophagus, placing an operable restriction device in the dissected area, so that the restriction device engages the stomach or the esophagus to form a restricted stoma in the stomach or esophagus, implanting a source of energy in the patient, and controlling the implanted source of energy from outside the patients body to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
- a method of treating morbid obesity comprising the steps of placing at least two laparascopical trocars in a patient's body, inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of the stomach or esophagus, implanting an operable restriction device in the dissected area in engagement with the stomach or esophagus to form a restricted stoma in the stomach or esophagus, implanting an energy transfer device in the patient, providing an external source of energy, controlling the external source of energy to release wireless energy, and transferring the wireless energy by the energy transfer device into energy suited for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
- FIGS. 1 to 4 are schematic block diagrams illustrating four embodiments, respectively, of the invention, in which wireless energyis released from an external source of energy;
- FIGS. 5 to 8 are schematic block diagrams illustrating four embodiments, respectively, of the invention, in which energy is released from an implanted source of energy;
- FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating conceivable combinations of implanted components for achieving various communication options
- FIG. 10 illustrates the apparatus in accordance with the invention implanted in a patient
- FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating remote control components of an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic view of exemplary circuitry used for the components of the block diagram of FIG. 11.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the food intake restriction apparatus of the invention having some parts implanted in a patient and other parts located outside the patient's body.
- FIG. 1 all parts placed to the right of the patient's skin 2 are implanted and all parts placed to the left of the skin 2 are located outside the patient's body.
- the apparatus of FIG. 1 comprises an implanted operable restriction device 4 , which engages the patient's stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach.
- the restriction device 4 is capable of performing a reversible function, i.e. to enlarge and reduce the size of the stoma opening.
- An implanted control unit 6 controls the restriction device 4 via a control line 8 to form an adequate size of the stoma opening.
- An external control unit 10 includes an external source of energy and a wireless remote control transmitting a control signal generated by the external source of energy.
- the control signal is received by a signal receiver incorporated in the implanted control unit 6 , whereby the control unit 6 controls the implanted restriction device 4 in response to the control signal.
- the implanted control unit also uses energy from the control signal for operating the restriction device 4 via a power supply line 12 .
- FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that a reversing device in the form of a switch 14 also is implanted in the patient for reversing the restriction device 4 .
- the control unit 6 uses the switch 14 to reverse the function performed by the restriction device 4 , i.e. enlarging and restricting the stoma opening. More precisely, the external control unit 10 releases energy carried by a wireless signal and the implanted control unit 6 transfers the wireless energy into a current for operating the switch 14 . When the control unit 6 shifts the polarity of the current the switch 14 reverses the function performed by the restriction device 4 .
- FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that an assembly 16 including a motor/pump unit 18 and a fluid reservoir 20 also is implanted in the patient.
- the restriction device 4 is hydraulically operated, i.e. hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 18 from the reservoir 20 through a conduit 22 to the restriction device 4 to reduce the size of the stoma opening, and hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 18 back from the restriction device 4 to the reservoir 20 to enlarge the size of the stoma opening.
- the external control unit 10 releases energy carried by a wireless signal and the implanted control unit 6 transfers the wireless energy into a current, for example a current, for powering the motor/pump unit 18 via an electric power supply line 24 .
- the implanted control unit 6 controls the motor/pump unit 16 and the restriction device 4 via control lines 26 and 27 .
- FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that an accumulator 28 also is implanted in the patient.
- the control unit 6 stores energy received from the external control unit 10 in the accumulator 28 .
- the implanted control unit 6 releases energy from the accumulator 28 via a power line 30 for the operation of the restriction device 4 .
- FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising the restriction device 4 , hydraulically operated, and the implanted control unit 6 , and further comprising a source of energy in the form of a battery 32 , a hydraulic fluid reservoir 34 , a motor/pump unit 36 and a reversing device in the form of a hydraulic valve shifting device 38 , all of which are implanted in the patient.
- the motor of the motor/pump unit 36 is an electric motor.
- An external control unit 40 includes a wireless remote control transmitting a control signal which is received by the signal receiver incorporated in the implanted control unit 6 .
- the implanted control unit 6 powers the motor/pump unit 36 with energy from the battery 32 , whereby the motor/pump unit 36 distributes hydraulic fluid between the reservoir 34 and the restriction device 4 .
- the control unit 6 controls the shifting device 38 to shift the hydraulic fluid flow direction between one direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 36 from the reservoir 34 to the restriction device 4 to reduce the size of the stoma opening, and another opposite direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 36 back from the restriction device 4 to the reservoir 34 to enlarge the size of the stoma opening.
- FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 4, except that a battery 42 is substituted for the accumulator 28 , the external control unit 40 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 is substituted for the external control unit 10 and an electric motor 44 is implanted in the patient for operating the restriction device 4 .
- the implanted control unit 6 powers the motor 44 with energy from the battery 42 , whereby the motor 44 operates the restriction device 4 .
- FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 6, except that the motor/pump unit 36 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 is substituted for the motor 44 and a fluid reservoir 46 also implanted in the patient and via fluid conduits 48 and 50 connected to the motor/pump unit 36 and the restriction device 4 , which in this case is hydraulically operated.
- the implanted control unit 6 powers the electric motor of the motor/pump unit 36 with energy from the battery 42 , whereby the motor/pump unit 36 distributes hydraulic fluid between the fluid reservoir 46 and the restriction device 4 .
- FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 6, except that a mechanical reversing device in the form of a gear box 52 also is implanted in the patient.
- the implanted control unit 6 controls the gear box 52 to reverse the function performed by the restriction device 4 (mechanically operated), i.e. enlarging and restricting the food passageway.
- FIG. 9 schematically shows conceivable combinations of implanted components of the apparatus for achieving various communication possibilities.
- the implanted restriction device 4 there are the implanted restriction device 4 , the implanted control unit 6 and the external control unit 10 including the external source of energy and the wireless remote control.
- the remote control transmits a control signal generated by the external source of energy, and the control signal is received by a signal receiver incorporated in the implanted control unit 6 , whereby the control unit 6 controls the implanted restriction device 4 in response to the control signal.
- a sensor 54 may be implanted in the patient for sensing a physical parameter of the patient, such as the pressure in the stomach.
- the control unit 6 or alternatively the external control unit 10 , may control the restriction device 4 in response to signals from the sensor 54 .
- a tranceiver may be combined with the sensor 54 for sending information on the sensed physical parameter to the external control unit 10 .
- the wireless remote control of the external control unit 10 may comprise a signal transmitter or transceiver and the implanted control unit 6 may comprise a signal receiver or transceiver.
- the wireless remote control of the external control unit 10 may comprise a signal receiver or transceiver and the implanted control unit 6 may comprise a signal transmitter or transceiver.
- the above transceivers, transmitters and receivers may be used for sending information or data related to the restriction device from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof.
- the motor 44 may be implanted for operating the restriction device 4 and also the battery 32 may be implanted for powering the motor 44 .
- the battery 32 may be equipped with a tranceiver for sending information on the charge condition of the battery.
- FIGS. 1 - 9 could be combined in many different ways.
- the energy operated switch 14 could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 , 4 , 6 - 8
- the hydraulic shifting device 38 could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 7
- the gear box 52 could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 1,4 and 6 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates how any of the above-described embodiments of the food intake restriction apparatus of the invention may be implanted in a patient.
- an assembly of the apparatusimplanted in the patient comprises a restriction device 56 engaging the stomach 58 ,, and an operation device 60 for operating the restriction device 56 .
- the restriction device 56 engages the stomach 58 and a portion of the stomach, thereby forming an upper pouch 61 of the stomach.
- an internal control unit 62 which includes a signal receiver, for controlling the operation device 60 .
- An external control unit 64 includes a signal transmitter for transmitting a control signal to the signal receiver of the implanted control unit 62 .
- the implanted control unit 62 is capable of transferring signal energy from the control signal into electric energy-or powering the operation device 60 and for energizing energy consuming implanted components of the apparatus.
- FIG. 11 shows the basic parts of a wireless remote control of the apparatus of the invention including an electric motor 128 for operating a restriction device, for example of the type illustrated in FIG. 10.
- the remote control is based on the transmission of electromagnetic wave signals, often of high frequencies in the order of 100 kHz-1 gHz, through the skin 130 of the patient.
- electromagnetic wave signals often of high frequencies in the order of 100 kHz-1 gHz
- FIG. 11 all parts placed to the left of the skin 130 are located outside the patient's body and all parts placed to the right of the skin 130 are implanted. Any suitable remote control system may be used.
- An external signal transmitting antenna 132 is to be positioned close to a signal receiving antenna 134 implanted close to the skin 130 .
- the receiving antenna 134 may be placed for example inside the abdomen of the patient.
- the receiving antenna 134 comprises a coil, approximately 1-100 mm, preferably 25 mm in diameter, wound with a very thin wire and tuned with a capacitor to a specific high frequency.
- a small coil is chosen if it is to be implanted under the skin of the patient and a large coil is chosen if it is to be implanted in the abdomen of the patient.
- the transmitting antenna 132 comprises a coil having about the same size as the coil of the receiving antenna 134 but wound with a thick wire that can handle the larger currents that is necessary.
- the coil of the transmitting antenna 132 is tuned to the same specific high frequency as the coil of the receiving antenna 134 .
- An external control unit 136 comprises a microprocessor, a high frequency electromagnetic wave signal generator and a power amplifier.
- the microprocessor of the control unit 136 is adapted to switch the generator on/off and to modulate signals generated by the generator to send digital information via the power amplifier and the antennas 132 , 134 to an implanted control unit 138 .
- digital signal codes are used.
- a conventional keypad placed on the external control unit 136 is connected to the microprocessor thereof. The keypad is used to order the microprocessor to send digital signals to either contract or enlarge the restriction device.
- the microprocessor starts a command by applying a high frequency signal on the antenna 132 .
- commands are sent to contract or enlarge the restriction device in predefined steps.
- the commands are sent as digital packets in the form illustrated below. Start pattern, 8 Command, 8 Count, 8 bits Checksum, 8 bits bits bits
- the commands are sent continuously during a rather long time period (e.g. about 30 seconds or more).
- a rather long time period e.g. about 30 seconds or more.
- the Count byte is increased by one to allow the implanted control unit 138 to decode and understand that another step is demanded by the external control unit 136 . If any part of the digital packet is erroneous, its content is simply ignored.
- an implanted energizer unit 126 draws energy from the high frequency electromagnetic wave signals received by the receiving antenna 134 .
- the energizer unit 126 stores the energy in a power supply, such as a large capacitor, powers the control unit 138 and powers the electric motor 128 via a line 142 .
- the control unit 138 comprises a demodulator and a microprocessor.
- the demodulator demodulates digital signals sent from the external control unit 136 .
- the microprocessor of the control unit 138 receives the digital packet, decodes it and, provided that the power supply of the energizer unit 126 has sufficient energy stored, sends a signal via a signal line 144 to the motor 128 to either contract or enlarge the restriction device depending on the received command code.
- the energy stored in the power supply of the energizer unit may only be used for powering a switch, and the energy for powering the motor 128 may be obtained from another implanted power source of relatively high capacity, for example a battery.
- the switch is adapted to connect said battery to the control unit 138 in an on mode when said switch is powered by said power supply and to keep said battery disconnected from the control unit in a standby mode when said switch is unpowered.
- the external control unit 136 comprises a microprocessor 146 , a signal generator 148 and a power amplifier 150 connected thereto.
- the microprocessor 146 is adapted to switch the signal generator 148 on/off and to modulate signals generated by the signal generator 148 with digital commands that are sent to implanted components of the apparatus.
- the power amplifier 150 amplifies the signals and sends them to the external signal transmitting antenna 132 .
- the antenna 132 is connected in parallel with a capacitor 152 to form a resonant circuit tuned to the frequency generated by the signal generator 148 .
- the implanted signal receiving antenna coil 134 forms together with a capacitor 154 a resonant circuit that is tuned to the same frequency as the transmitting antenna 132 .
- the signal receiving antenna coil 134 induces a current from the received high frequency electromagnetic waves and a rectifying diode 160 rectifies the induced current, which charges a storage capacitor 158 .
- a coil 156 connected between the antenna coil 134 and the diode 160 prevents the capacitor 158 and the diode 160 from loading the circuit of the signal receiving antenna 134 at higher frequencies.
- the coil 156 makes it possible to charge the capacitor 158 and to transmit digital information using amplitude modulation.
- a capacitor 162 and a resistor 164 connected in parallel and a diode 166 forms a detector used to detect amplitude modulated digital information.
- a filter circuit is formed by a resistor 168 connected in series with a resistor 170 connected in series with a capacitor 172 connected in series with the resistor 168 via ground, and a capacitor 174 , one terminal of which is connected between the resistors 168 , 170 and the other terminal of which is connected between the diode 166 and the circuit formed by the capacitor 162 and resistor 164 .
- the filter circuit is used to filter out undesired low and high frequencies.
- the detected and filtered signals are fed to an implanted microprocessor 176 that decodes the digital information and controls the motor 128 via an H-bridge 178 comprising transistors 180 , 182 , 184 and 186 .
- the motor 128 can be driven in two opposite directions by the H-bridge 178 .
- the microprocessor 176 also monitors the amount of stored energy in the storage capacitor 158 . Before sending signals to activate the motor 128 , the microprocessor 176 checks whether the energy stored in the storage capacitor 158 is enough. If the stored energy is not enough to perform the requested operation, the microprocessor 176 waits for the received signals to charge the storage capacitor 158 before activating the motor 128 .
Abstract
A food intake restriction apparatus and method includes and uses an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the stomach or esophagus to form a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus. A source of energy for energizing the restriction device, and a control device for releasing energy from the source of energy from outside the patient's body are provided. The released energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device to vary the size of the stoma opening to allow or substantially prevent the passage of food therethrough.
Description
- This application is based upon provisional application serial No. 60/148,345 filed Aug. 12, 1999, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention relates to a food intake restriction apparatus and method. More specifically, the invention relates to a food intake restriction apparatus and method for surgical application in the abdomen of a patient for forming an upper pouch and a stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus. The term patient includes an animal or a human being.
- Food intake restriction apparatus in the form of a gastric banding device, in which a band encircles a portion of a patient's stomach to restrict the food intake of the patient, have been used in surgery for morbid obesity to form a small gastric pouch above the band and a reduced stoma opening in the stomach. Although such a band is applied around the stomach to obtain an optimal stoma opening during surgery, some prior gastric banding devices are provided with an adjustment means enabling a minor, post-operation adjustment of the size of the stoma opening. In all such prior art devices such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,339, European Patent No. 0611561 and International Patent Application WO 94/27504, the adjustment means typically comprises an inflatable cavity in the band and an injection port in fluid connection with the inflatable cavity for adding fluid to or withdrawing fluid from the latter. In practice, the band is made of silicone rubber which is a material approved for implantation and the fluid is a liquid such as an isotonic salt solution.
- It has also been found that the volume of the gastric pouch above the band increases in size up to ten times after operation. Therefore the pouch volume during surgery needs to be very small, approximately 7 ml. To enable the patient to feed the stomach with sufficient nutrition immediately after an operation considering such a small gastric pouch, the stoma initially needs to be relatively large and later needs to be substantially reduced, as the pouch volume increases. To be able to achieve a significant range of adjustment of the band, the cavity in the band has to be relatively large and is defined by a thin flexible wall, normally made of silicone material. Furthermore, the size of the stoma opening has to be gradually reduced during the first year after surgery as the gastric pouch increases in size. As indicated above, the reduction of the stoma opening using the prior art devices is achieved by adding liquid to the cavity of the band via the injection port to expand the band radially inwardly.
- A great disadvantage of repeatedly injecting liquid via the injection port is the increased risk of the patient getting an infection in the body area surrounding the injection port. If such an infection occurs the injection port has to be surgically removed from the patient. Moreover, such an infection might be spread along the tube interconnecting the injection port and the band to the stomach, causing even more serious complications. Thus, the stomach might be infected where it is in contact with the band, which might result in the band migrating through the wall of the stomach. Also, it is uncomfortable for the patient when the necessary, often many, post-operation adjustments of the stoma opening are carried out using an injection needle penetrating the skin of the patient into the injection port.
- It may happen that the patient swallows pieces of food too large to pass through the restricted stoma opening. If that occurs the patient has to visit a doctor who can remove the food pieces, if the band design so permits, by withdrawing some liquid from the band to enlarge the stoma opening to allow the food pieces to pass the stoma. Then, the doctor has to add liquid to the band in order to regain the restricted stoma opening. Again, these measures require the use of an injection needle penetrating the skin of the patient, which is uncomfortable for the patient.
- An object of the invention is to provide a food intake restriction apparatus for forming a stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus of a patient which permits regular post-operation adjustments that are comfortable for the patient.
- Another object of the present invention to provide a new food intake restriction which is easy to adjust and does not require the use of an injection needle for accomplishing post-operation adjustments of the stoma opening.
- Accordingly, there is provided a food intake restriction apparatus, comprising an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus, a source of energy for energizing the restriction device, and a control device operable from outside the patient's body for releasing energy from the source of energy, wherein the released energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
- As a result, the advantage is achieved that the implanted restriction device can be non-invasively operated, when the restriction device has to be adjusted. Furthermore, the apparatus of the invention provides a simple and effective control of the energy supplied to implanted components of the apparatus which ensures an extended and reliable functionality of the apparatus, possibly for the rest of the patient's natural life, and at lest many years.
- The restriction device preferably controls the size of the stoma opening. This may allow the patient to temporarily open up the stoma opening to remove food pieces stuck therein.
- The control device may also control the restriction device. The control device may comprise an internal control unit, preferably including a microprocessors implanted in the patient for controlling the restriction device. The control device may further comprise an external control unit outside the patient's body, wherein the internal control unit is programmable by the external control unit, for example for controlling the restriction device over time. Alternatively, the internal control unit may control the restriction device over time in accordance with an activity schedule program.
- which may be adapted to the patient's needs.
- Conveniently, the external control unit may load the internal control unit with data in accordance with a loading mode only authorized for a doctor. For specialized controls of the restriction device, the external control unit may control the internal control unit in accordance with a doctor mode, only authorized for the doctor. For simple controls of the restriction device, the external control unit may control the internal control unit in accordance with a patient mode permitted for the patient. Thus, by using the external control unit in accordance with different modes it is possible to have certain functions of the restriction device controlled by the patient and other more advanced functions controlled by the doctor resulting, which enables a flexible post-operation treatment of the patient.
- Generally, the apparatus further comprises an operation device implanted in the patient for operating the restriction device, wherein the control device controls the operation device to operate the restriction device. The control device may directly power the operation device with energy released from the source of energy and/or power other implanted energy consuming components of the apparatus. The term directly is used to mean, on one hand, that the operation device is powered with released energy while the latter is being released by the control device, on the other hand, that the released energy may be somewhat delayed, in the order of seconds, by for instance an energy stabilizer before powering the operation device. The advantage of directly using energy as it is released is that the apparatus can be of a very simple design and the few components involved makes the apparatus extremely reliable.
- The restriction device may be non-inflatable, i.e. with no hydraulic fluid involved for the adjustments of the restriction device. This eliminates problems with fluid leaking from the restriction.
- The operation device may comprise hydraulic means and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in the hydraulic means. The control device may suitably comprise a wireless remote control for controlling the valve. The restriction device may comprise hydraulic means and the operation device may comprise a reservoir forming a fluid chamber with a variable volume connected to the hydraulic means. The operation device may distribute fluid from the chamber to the hydraulic means by reduction of the volume of the chamber and withdraw fluid from the hydraulic means to the chamber by expansion of the volume of the chamber.
- In accordance with a first main aspect of the invention, the source of energy is external to the patient's body and the control device releases wireless energy from the source of energy. An energy storage device, preferably an electric accumulator, may be implanted in the patient for storing the wireless energy released from the external source of energy. The electric accumulator may comprise at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery. Alternatively, a battery may be implanted in the patient for supplying electric energy to implanted electric energy consuming components of the apparatus, in addition to the supply of wireless energy. Where the control device comprises an implanted control unit the electronic circuit thereof and the restriction device may be directly powered with transformed wireless energy, or energy from either the implanted energy storage device or battery.
- In a first particular embodiment in accordance with the first main aspect of the invention, the operation device comprises a motor, preferably an electric motor which may have electrically conductive parts made of plastics. The motor may include a rotary motor, wherein the control device is adapted to control the rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions. Alternatively, the motor may include a linear motor, or a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, wherein the control device is adapted to control the fluid flow through the fluid motor. Motors currently available on the market are getting smaller and smaller. Furthermore, there is a great variety of control methods and miniaturized control equipment available. For example, a number of revolutions of a rotary motor may be analyzed by a Hall-element just a few mm in size.
- In a second particular embodiment in accordance with the first main aspect of the invention, the control device is adapted to shift polarity of the released energy to reverse the operation device. The operation device may suitably comprise an electric motor and the released energy may comprise electric energy.
- In a third particular embodiment in accordance with the first main aspect of the invention, the restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function and there is a reversing device implanted in the patient for reversing the function performed by the restriction device. Such a reversing function preferably involves enlarging and restricting the food passageway by the restriction device, suitably in a stepless manner. In this connection, the control device suitably controls the reversing device, which may include a switch, to reverse the function performed by the restriction device. The reversing device may comprise hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in the hydraulic means. Alternatively, the reversing device may comprise a mechanical reversing device, such as a switch or a gear box.
- Where the reversing device comprises a switch the control device suitably controls the operation of the switch by shifting polarity of released energy supplied to the switch. The switch may comprise an electric switch and the source of energy may supply electric energy for the operation of the switch. The switch mentioned above may comprise an electronic switch or, where applicable, a mechanical switch.
- In accordance with the third particular embodiment, the operation device preferably comprises a motor, wherein the reversing device reverses the motor.
- In a fourth particular embodiment in accordance with the first main aspect of the invention, the restriction device comprises hydraulic means, for example including an expansible/contractible cavity for fluid. The operation device preferably comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in the hydraulic means, a motor for driving the pump, a valveless fluid conduit between the pump and the hydraulic means of the restriction device, and a reservoir for fluid, wherein the reservoir forms part of the conduit. All of the hydraulic components involved are preferably devoid of any non-return valve. This is of great advantage, because with valves involved there is always a risk of malfunction due to improperly working valves, especially when long time periods passes between valve operations. The reservoir may form a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and the pump may distribute fluid from the chamber to the hydraulic means of the restriction device by reduction of the volume of the chamber and withdraw fluid from the hydraulic means to the chamber by expansion of the volume of the chamber.
- In accordance with a second main aspect of the invention, the source of energy is implanted in the patient. Thus, the control device releases energy from the implanted source of energy from outside the patient's body. This solution is advantageous for embodiments of the apparatus that have a relatively high energy consumption which cannot be satisfied by direct supply of wireless energy.
- The source of energy thus implanted may comprise an accumulator, preferably an electric source of energy, such as a battery having a life-time of at least 10 years.
- The above first, second, third and fourth particular embodiments described in connection with the first main aspect of the invention are also applicable in accordance with the second main aspect of the invention, i.e. where the source of energy is implanted.
- All of the above embodiments may be combined with at least one implanted sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient, wherein the control device may control the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor. For example, the sensor may comprise a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in the stomach. The expression “indirectly sensing the pressure in the food stomach” should be understood to encompass the cases where the sensor senses the pressure against the restriction device or human tissue of the patient. The pressure sensor may be any suitable known or conventional pressure sensor such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,731, 4,846,181, 4,738,267, 4,571,749, 4,407,296 or 3,939,823; or an NPC-102 Medical Angioplasty Sensor. Where the control device comprises an internal control unit implanted in the patient, the internal control unit may suitably directly control the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor. In response to signals from the sensor, for example pressure, the patient's position or any other important physical parameter, the internal control unit may send information thereon to outside the patient's body. The control unit may also automatically control the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor.
- Where the control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient's body, the external control unit may, suitably directly, control the restriction device in response to signals by the sensor. The external control unit may store information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor and may be manually operated to control the restriction device based on the stored information. In addition, there may be at least one implanted sender for sending information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor.
- An external data communicator may be provided outside the patient's body and an internal data communicator may be implanted in the patient for communicating with the external communicator. The implanted communicator may feed data related to the patient, or related to the implanted restriction device, back to the external communicator. Alternatively or in combination, the external communicator may feed data to the internal communicator. The implanted communicator may suitably feed data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.
- Generally, the apparatus of the invention may comprise a switch implanted in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the energy released from the source of energy. The restriction device may control the size of the stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus. For example, the restriction device may be operable to open and close the stoma opening or may steplessly control the latter. A pressure sensor may be provided for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in the stomach. The control device may control the restriction device in response to signals from the pressure sensor.
- The restriction device may be non-inflatable, i.e. with no hydraulic fluid involved for the adjustments of the restriction device. This eliminates problems with fluid leaking from the restriction device.
- The apparatus may comprise an implanted energy transfer device, wherein the control device releases electric energy and the energy transfer device transfers the electric energy into kinetic energy for, preferably direct, operation of the restriction device. Suitably, an implanted stabilizer, such as a capacitor or a rechargeable accumulator, or the like, may be provided for stabilizing the electric energy released by the control device. In addition, the control device may release energy for a determined time period or in a determined number of energy pulses. All of the above embodiments are preferably remote controlled. Thus, the control device advantageously comprises a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling the restriction device. With such a remote control it will be possible to adapt the function of the apparatus to the patient's need over a period of time, which is beneficial with respect to the treatment of the patient
- The wireless remote control may be capable of obtaining information on the condition of the implanted restriction device and of controlling the restriction device in response to the information. Also, The remote control may be capable of sending information related to the restriction device from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof.
- In a particular embodiment of the invention, the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter or transceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transceiver implanted in the patient. In another particular embodiment of the invention, the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal receiver or transceiver and at least one internal signal transmitter or transceiver implanted in the patient.
- The remote control may transmit a carrier signal for carrying the control signal, wherein the carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated and is digital, analog or digital and analog. Also the control signal used with the carrier signal may be frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.
- The control signal may comprise a wave signal, for example, a sound wave signal, such as an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal, such as an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, or a gamma radiation signal. Where applicable, two or more of the above signals may be combined.
- The control signal may be digital or analog, and may comprise an electric or magnetic field. Suitably, the wireless remote control may transmit an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying the digital or analog control signal. For example, use of an analog carrier wave signal carrying a digital control signal would give safe communication. The control signal may be transmitted in pulses by the wireless remote control.
- In all of the above solutions, the control device advantageously releases energy from the source of energy in a non-invasive, mechanical or non-mechanical manner.
- The control device may release magnetic, electromagnetic, kinetic or thermal energy, or non-magnetic, non-thermal, non-electromagnetic or non-kinetic energy.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide methods for treating morbid obesity.
- Accordingly, in accordance with a first alternative there is provided a method of treating morbid obesity, comprising the steps of implanting an operable restriction device in a patientin engagement with the stomach or the esophagus to form a restricted stoma in the stomach or esophagus, providing a source of energy for energizing the restriction device, and controlling the source of energy to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device. The method may further comprise using energy released from the source of energy to operate the restrictiondevice to enlarge and reduce, respectively, the food pasageway.
- In accordance with a second alternative there is provided a method of treating morbid obesity, comprising the steps of placing at least two laparascopical trocars in a patient's body, inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of the stomach or esophagus, placing an operable restriction device in the dissected area, so that the restriction device engages the stomach or the esophagus to form a restricted stoma in the stomach or esophagus, implanting a source of energy in the patient, and controlling the implanted source of energy from outside the patients body to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
- In accordance with a third alternative there is provided a method of treating morbid obesity, comprising the steps of placing at least two laparascopical trocars in a patient's body, inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of the stomach or esophagus, implanting an operable restriction device in the dissected area in engagement with the stomach or esophagus to form a restricted stoma in the stomach or esophagus, implanting an energy transfer device in the patient, providing an external source of energy, controlling the external source of energy to release wireless energy, and transferring the wireless energy by the energy transfer device into energy suited for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
- FIGS.1 to 4 are schematic block diagrams illustrating four embodiments, respectively, of the invention, in which wireless energyis released from an external source of energy;
- FIGS.5 to 8 are schematic block diagrams illustrating four embodiments, respectively, of the invention, in which energy is released from an implanted source of energy;
- FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating conceivable combinations of implanted components for achieving various communication options;
- FIG. 10 illustrates the apparatus in accordance with the invention implanted in a patient;
- FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating remote control components of an embodiment of the invention; and
- FIG. 12 is a schematic view of exemplary circuitry used for the components of the block diagram of FIG. 11.
- Referring to the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the food intake restriction apparatus of the invention having some parts implanted in a patient and other parts located outside the patient's body. Thus, in FIG. 1 all parts placed to the right of the patient's
skin 2 are implanted and all parts placed to the left of theskin 2 are located outside the patient's body. - The apparatus of FIG. 1 comprises an implanted
operable restriction device 4, which engages the patient's stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach. Therestriction device 4 is capable of performing a reversible function, i.e. to enlarge and reduce the size of the stoma opening. An implantedcontrol unit 6 controls therestriction device 4 via acontrol line 8 to form an adequate size of the stoma opening. Anexternal control unit 10 includes an external source of energy and a wireless remote control transmitting a control signal generated by the external source of energy. The control signal is received by a signal receiver incorporated in the implantedcontrol unit 6, whereby thecontrol unit 6 controls the implantedrestriction device 4 in response to the control signal. The implanted control unit also uses energy from the control signal for operating therestriction device 4 via apower supply line 12. - FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that a reversing device in the form of a
switch 14 also is implanted in the patient for reversing therestriction device 4. Thecontrol unit 6 uses theswitch 14 to reverse the function performed by therestriction device 4, i.e. enlarging and restricting the stoma opening. More precisely, theexternal control unit 10 releases energy carried by a wireless signal and the implantedcontrol unit 6 transfers the wireless energy into a current for operating theswitch 14. When thecontrol unit 6 shifts the polarity of the current theswitch 14 reverses the function performed by therestriction device 4. - FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that an
assembly 16 including a motor/pump unit 18 and afluid reservoir 20 also is implanted in the patient. In this case therestriction device 4 is hydraulically operated, i.e. hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 18 from thereservoir 20 through aconduit 22 to therestriction device 4 to reduce the size of the stoma opening, and hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 18 back from therestriction device 4 to thereservoir 20 to enlarge the size of the stoma opening. Theexternal control unit 10 releases energy carried by a wireless signal and the implantedcontrol unit 6 transfers the wireless energy into a current, for example a current, for powering the motor/pump unit 18 via an electricpower supply line 24. The implantedcontrol unit 6 controls the motor/pump unit 16 and therestriction device 4 via control lines 26 and 27. - FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that an
accumulator 28 also is implanted in the patient. Thecontrol unit 6 stores energy received from theexternal control unit 10 in theaccumulator 28. In response to a control signal from theexternal control unit 10 the implantedcontrol unit 6 releases energy from theaccumulator 28 via apower line 30 for the operation of therestriction device 4. - FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising the
restriction device 4, hydraulically operated, and the implantedcontrol unit 6, and further comprising a source of energy in the form of abattery 32, ahydraulic fluid reservoir 34, a motor/pump unit 36 and a reversing device in the form of a hydraulicvalve shifting device 38, all of which are implanted in the patient. The motor of the motor/pump unit 36 is an electric motor. Anexternal control unit 40 includes a wireless remote control transmitting a control signal which is received by the signal receiver incorporated in the implantedcontrol unit 6. - In response to a control signal from the
external control unit 40 the implantedcontrol unit 6 powers the motor/pump unit 36 with energy from thebattery 32, whereby the motor/pump unit 36 distributes hydraulic fluid between thereservoir 34 and therestriction device 4. Thecontrol unit 6 controls the shiftingdevice 38 to shift the hydraulic fluid flow direction between one direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 36 from thereservoir 34 to therestriction device 4 to reduce the size of the stoma opening, and another opposite direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 36 back from therestriction device 4 to thereservoir 34 to enlarge the size of the stoma opening. - FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 4, except that a
battery 42 is substituted for theaccumulator 28, theexternal control unit 40 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 is substituted for theexternal control unit 10 and anelectric motor 44 is implanted in the patient for operating therestriction device 4. In response to a control signal from theexternal control unit 40 the implantedcontrol unit 6 powers themotor 44 with energy from thebattery 42, whereby themotor 44 operates therestriction device 4. - FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 6, except that the motor/
pump unit 36 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 is substituted for themotor 44 and afluid reservoir 46 also implanted in the patient and viafluid conduits pump unit 36 and therestriction device 4, which in this case is hydraulically operated. In response to a control signal from theexternal control unit 40 the implantedcontrol unit 6 powers the electric motor of the motor/pump unit 36 with energy from thebattery 42, whereby the motor/pump unit 36 distributes hydraulic fluid between thefluid reservoir 46 and therestriction device 4. - FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 6, except that a mechanical reversing device in the form of a
gear box 52 also is implanted in the patient. The implantedcontrol unit 6 controls thegear box 52 to reverse the function performed by the restriction device 4 (mechanically operated), i.e. enlarging and restricting the food passageway. - FIG. 9 schematically shows conceivable combinations of implanted components of the apparatus for achieving various communication possibilities. Basically, there are the implanted
restriction device 4, the implantedcontrol unit 6 and theexternal control unit 10 including the external source of energy and the wireless remote control. As already described above the remote control transmits a control signal generated by the external source of energy, and the control signal is received by a signal receiver incorporated in the implantedcontrol unit 6, whereby thecontrol unit 6 controls the implantedrestriction device 4 in response to the control signal. - A
sensor 54 may be implanted in the patient for sensing a physical parameter of the patient, such as the pressure in the stomach. Thecontrol unit 6, or alternatively theexternal control unit 10, may control therestriction device 4 in response to signals from thesensor 54. A tranceiver may be combined with thesensor 54 for sending information on the sensed physical parameter to theexternal control unit 10. The wireless remote control of theexternal control unit 10 may comprise a signal transmitter or transceiver and the implantedcontrol unit 6 may comprise a signal receiver or transceiver. Alternatively, the wireless remote control of theexternal control unit 10 may comprise a signal receiver or transceiver and the implantedcontrol unit 6 may comprise a signal transmitter or transceiver. The above transceivers, transmitters and receivers may be used for sending information or data related to the restriction device from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof. - The
motor 44 may be implanted for operating therestriction device 4 and also thebattery 32 may be implanted for powering themotor 44. Thebattery 32 may be equipped with a tranceiver for sending information on the charge condition of the battery. - Those skilled in the art will realize that the above various embodiments according to FIGS.1-9 could be combined in many different ways. For example, the energy operated
switch 14 could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 3,4,6-8, thehydraulic shifting device 38 could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 7, and thegear box 52 could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 1,4 and 6. - FIG. 10 illustrates how any of the above-described embodiments of the food intake restriction apparatus of the invention may be implanted in a patient. Thus,an assembly of the apparatusimplanted in the patient comprises a
restriction device 56 engaging thestomach 58,, and anoperation device 60 for operating therestriction device 56.. Therestriction device 56 engages thestomach 58 and a portion of the stomach, thereby forming anupper pouch 61 of the stomach. And aninternal control unit 62, which includes a signal receiver, for controlling theoperation device 60. Anexternal control unit 64 includes a signal transmitter for transmitting a control signal to the signal receiver of the implantedcontrol unit 62. The implantedcontrol unit 62 is capable of transferring signal energy from the control signal into electric energy-or powering theoperation device 60 and for energizing energy consuming implanted components of the apparatus. - FIG. 11 shows the basic parts of a wireless remote control of the apparatus of the invention including an
electric motor 128 for operating a restriction device, for example of the type illustrated in FIG. 10. In this case, the remote control is based on the transmission of electromagnetic wave signals, often of high frequencies in the order of 100 kHz-1 gHz, through theskin 130 of the patient. In FIG. 11, all parts placed to the left of theskin 130 are located outside the patient's body and all parts placed to the right of theskin 130 are implanted. Any suitable remote control system may be used. - An external
signal transmitting antenna 132 is to be positioned close to asignal receiving antenna 134 implanted close to theskin 130. As an alternative, the receivingantenna 134 may be placed for example inside the abdomen of the patient. The receivingantenna 134 comprises a coil, approximately 1-100 mm, preferably 25 mm in diameter, wound with a very thin wire and tuned with a capacitor to a specific high frequency. A small coil is chosen if it is to be implanted under the skin of the patient and a large coil is chosen if it is to be implanted in the abdomen of the patient. The transmittingantenna 132 comprises a coil having about the same size as the coil of the receivingantenna 134 but wound with a thick wire that can handle the larger currents that is necessary. The coil of the transmittingantenna 132 is tuned to the same specific high frequency as the coil of the receivingantenna 134. - An
external control unit 136 comprises a microprocessor, a high frequency electromagnetic wave signal generator and a power amplifier. The microprocessor of thecontrol unit 136 is adapted to switch the generator on/off and to modulate signals generated by the generator to send digital information via the power amplifier and theantennas control unit 138. To avoid that accidental random high frequency fields trigger control commands, digital signal codes are used. A conventional keypad placed on theexternal control unit 136 is connected to the microprocessor thereof. The keypad is used to order the microprocessor to send digital signals to either contract or enlarge the restriction device. The microprocessor starts a command by applying a high frequency signal on theantenna 132. After a short time, when the signal has energized the implanted parts of the control system, commands are sent to contract or enlarge the restriction device in predefined steps. The commands are sent as digital packets in the form illustrated below.Start pattern, 8 Command, 8 Count, 8 bits Checksum, 8 bits bits bits - The commands are sent continuously during a rather long time period (e.g. about 30 seconds or more). When a new contract or enlarge step is desired the Count byte is increased by one to allow the implanted
control unit 138 to decode and understand that another step is demanded by theexternal control unit 136. If any part of the digital packet is erroneous, its content is simply ignored. - Through a line140, an implanted
energizer unit 126 draws energy from the high frequency electromagnetic wave signals received by the receivingantenna 134. Theenergizer unit 126 stores the energy in a power supply, such as a large capacitor, powers thecontrol unit 138 and powers theelectric motor 128 via a line 142. - The
control unit 138 comprises a demodulator and a microprocessor. The demodulator demodulates digital signals sent from theexternal control unit 136. The microprocessor of thecontrol unit 138 receives the digital packet, decodes it and, provided that the power supply of theenergizer unit 126 has sufficient energy stored, sends a signal via asignal line 144 to themotor 128 to either contract or enlarge the restriction device depending on the received command code. - Alternatively, the energy stored in the power supply of the energizer unit may only be used for powering a switch, and the energy for powering the
motor 128 may be obtained from another implanted power source of relatively high capacity, for example a battery. In this case the switch is adapted to connect said battery to thecontrol unit 138 in an on mode when said switch is powered by said power supply and to keep said battery disconnected from the control unit in a standby mode when said switch is unpowered. - With reference to FIG. 12, the remote control schematically described above will now be described in accordance with a more detailed embodiment. The
external control unit 136 comprises amicroprocessor 146, asignal generator 148 and apower amplifier 150 connected thereto. Themicroprocessor 146 is adapted to switch thesignal generator 148 on/off and to modulate signals generated by thesignal generator 148 with digital commands that are sent to implanted components of the apparatus. Thepower amplifier 150 amplifies the signals and sends them to the externalsignal transmitting antenna 132. Theantenna 132 is connected in parallel with acapacitor 152 to form a resonant circuit tuned to the frequency generated by thesignal generator 148. - The implanted signal receiving
antenna coil 134 forms together with a capacitor 154 a resonant circuit that is tuned to the same frequency as the transmittingantenna 132. The signal receivingantenna coil 134 induces a current from the received high frequency electromagnetic waves and a rectifyingdiode 160 rectifies the induced current, which charges astorage capacitor 158. Acoil 156 connected between theantenna coil 134 and thediode 160 prevents thecapacitor 158 and thediode 160 from loading the circuit of thesignal receiving antenna 134 at higher frequencies. Thus, thecoil 156 makes it possible to charge thecapacitor 158 and to transmit digital information using amplitude modulation. - A
capacitor 162 and aresistor 164 connected in parallel and adiode 166 forms a detector used to detect amplitude modulated digital information. A filter circuit is formed by aresistor 168 connected in series with aresistor 170 connected in series with acapacitor 172 connected in series with theresistor 168 via ground, and acapacitor 174, one terminal of which is connected between theresistors diode 166 and the circuit formed by thecapacitor 162 andresistor 164. The filter circuit is used to filter out undesired low and high frequencies. The detected and filtered signals are fed to an implantedmicroprocessor 176 that decodes the digital information and controls themotor 128 via an H-bridge 178 comprisingtransistors motor 128 can be driven in two opposite directions by the H-bridge 178. - The
microprocessor 176 also monitors the amount of stored energy in thestorage capacitor 158. Before sending signals to activate themotor 128, themicroprocessor 176 checks whether the energy stored in thestorage capacitor 158 is enough. If the stored energy is not enough to perform the requested operation, themicroprocessor 176 waits for the received signals to charge thestorage capacitor 158 before activating themotor 128.
Claims (128)
1. A food intake restriction apparatus, comprising:
an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch of the stomach and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus,
a source of energy for energizing said restriction device, and
a control device operable from outside the patient's body for releasing energy from said source of energy, said released energy being used in connection with the operation of said restriction device.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device controls said restriction device.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit implanted in the patient for controlling said operation device.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein said internal control unit is programmable.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient's body, said internal control unit being programmable by said external control unit.
6. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said internal control unit is programmable for controlling said restriction device over time.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein said internal control unit controls said restriction device over time in accordance with an activity schedule program.
8. The apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein said internal control unit comprises a microprocessor.
9. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein said external control unit loads said internal control unit with data in accordance with a loading mode only authorized for a doctor.
10. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein said external control unit controls said internal control unit in accordance with a doctor mode only authorized for a doctor.
11. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein said external control unit controls said internal control unit in accordance with a patient mode permitted for the patient.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an operation device implanted in the patient for operating said restriction device, wherein said control device controls said operation device to operate said restriction device.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said operation device comprises hydraulic means and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in said hydraulic means.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control for controlling said valve.
15. The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a reservoir forming a fluid chamber with a variable volume connected to said hydraulic means, and said operation device distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means by reduction of the volume of said chamber and withdraws fluid from said hydraulic means to said chamber by expansion of the volume of said chamber.
16. The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said source of energy is external to the patient's body and said control device releases wireless energy from said source of energy.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein said operation device comprises a motor.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein said motor comprises a rotary motor, and said control device controls said rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.
19. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein said motor comprises a linear motor.
20. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein said motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and said control device controls said fluid motor.
21. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein said motor comprises an electric motor having electrically conductive parts made of plastics.
22. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein said control device releases energy from said source of energy.
23. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein said control device shifts polarity of said released energy to reverse said operation device.
24. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein said operation device comprises an electric motor and said released energy comprises electric energy.
25. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein said restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function.
26. The apparatus according to claim 25 , further comprising a reversing device implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.
27. The apparatus according to claim 26 , wherein said control device controls said reversing device to reverse said function performed by said restriction device.
28. The apparatus according to claim 26 , wherein said reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in said hydraulic means.
29. The apparatus according to claim 26 , wherein said reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.
30. The apparatus according to claim 29 , wherein said mechanical reversing device comprises a switch.
31. The apparatus according to claim 29 , wherein said reversing device comprises a gear box.
32. The apparatus according to claim 27 , wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.
33. The apparatus according to claim 32 , wherein said switch is operable by said released energy.
34. The apparatus according to claim 33 , wherein said control device controls the operation of said switch by shifting polarity of said released energy supplied to said switch.
35. The apparatus according to claim 32 , wherein said switch comprises an electric switch and said source of energy supplies electric energy for the operation of said switch.
36. The apparatus according to claim 32 , wherein said operation device comprises a motor, and said reversing device reverses said motor.
37. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means.
38. The apparatus according to claim 37 , wherein said operation device comprises a motor for driving said pump.
39. The apparatus according to claim 38 , wherein said operation device comprises a fluid conduit between said pump and said hydraulic means of said restriction device, and a reservoir for fluid, said reservoir forming part of said conduit.
40. The apparatus according to claim 39 , wherein said hydraulic means, pump and conduit is devoid of any non-return valve.
41. The apparatus according to claim 40 , wherein said reservoir forms a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and said pump distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means of said restriction device by reduction of the volume of said chamber and withdraws fluid from said hydraulic means to said chamber by expansion of the volume of said chamber.
42. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said source of energy is implanted in the patient.
43. The apparatus according to claim 42 , wherein said implanted source of energy comprises at least one accumulator, at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery.
44. The apparatus according to claim 43 , wherein said implanted source of energy comprises an electric source of energy.
45. The apparatus according to claim 44 , wherein said electric source of energy comprises an accumulator, or a battery having a life-time of at least 10 years.
46. The apparatus according to claim 42 , wherein said control device controls said restriction device.
47. The apparatus according to claim 46 , further comprising an operation device implanted in the patient for operating said restriction device, wherein said control device controls said operation device to operate said restriction device.
48. The apparatus according to claim 47 , wherein said operation device comprises a motor.
49. The apparatus according to claim 48 , wherein said motor comprises a rotary motor, and said control device controls said rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.
50. The apparatus according to claim 48 , wherein said motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and said control device controls said fluid motor.
51. The apparatus according to claim 48 , wherein said motor comprises a casing of electrically conductive plastics.
52. The apparatus according to claim 46 , wherein said control device releases energy from said implanted source of energy.
53. The apparatus according to claim 46 , wherein said control device shifts polarity of said released energy to reverse said operation device.
54. The apparatus according to claim 46 , wherein said operation device comprises an electric motor and said released energy comprises electric energy.
55. The apparatus according to claim 53 , wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means, and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means and a motor for driving said pump.
56. The apparatus according to claim 42 , wherein said restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function.
57. The apparatus according to claim 56 , further comprising a reversing device implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.
58. The apparatus according to claim 57 , wherein said control device controls said reversing device to reverse said function performed by said restriction device.
59. The apparatus according to claim 57 , wherein said reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in said hydraulic means.
60. The apparatus according to claim 57 , wherein said reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.
61. The apparatus according to claim 60 , wherein said mechanical reversing device comprises a switch.
62. The apparatus according to claim 60 , wherein said mechanical reversing device comprises a gear box.
63. The apparatus according to claim 57 , wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.
64. The apparatus according to claim 63 , wherein said switch is operable by energy released from said source of energy.
65. The apparatus according to claim 63 , wherein said control device controls the operation of said switch by shifting polarity of said released energy supplied to said switch.
66. The apparatus according to claim 63 , wherein said switch comprises an electric switch and said source of energy supplies electric energy for the operation of said switch.
67. The apparatus according to claim 57 , wherein said operation device comprises a motor, and said reversing device reverses said motor.
68. The apparatus according to claim 42 , wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means, and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means and a motor for driving said pump.
69. The apparatus according to claim 68 , wherein said operation device comprises a fluid conduit between said pump and said hydraulic means of said restriction device, and a reservoir for fluid, said reservoir forming part of said conduit.
70. The apparatus according to claim 69 , wherein said hydraulic means, pump and conduit are devoid of any non-return valve.
71. The apparatus according to claim 69 , wherein said reservoir forms a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and said pump distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means of said restriction device by reducing the volume of said chamber and withdraws fluid from said hydraulic means to said chamber by expanding the volume of said chamber.
72. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one implanted sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.
73. The apparatus according to claim 72 , wherein said control device controls said restriction device in response to signals by said sensor.
74. The apparatus according to claim 73 , wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit implanted in the patient, said internal control unit directly controlling said restriction device in response to signals by said sensor.
75. The apparatus according to claim 73 , wherein said control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient's body, said external control unit controlling said restriction device in response to signals by said sensor.
76. The apparatus according to claim 75 , wherein said external control unit directly controls said restriction device in response to signals by said sensor.
77. The apparatus according to claim 75 , wherein said external control unit stores information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor and is manually operated to control said restriction device based on said stored information.
78. The apparatus according to claim 72 , further comprising at least one implanted sender for sending information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor.
79. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an external data communicator outside the patient's body and an internal data communicator implanted in the patient for communicating with said external communicator, wherein said implanted communicator feeds data related to the patient back to said external communicator or said external communicator feeds data to said internal communicator.
80. The apparatus according to claim 79 , wherein said implanted communicator feeds data related to said implanted restriction device.
81. The apparatus according to claim 79 , wherein said implanted communicator feeds data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.
82. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a switch implanted in the patient for directly or indirectly switching said energy released from said source of energy.
83. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said restriction device controls the cross-sectional area of said food passageway.
84. The apparatus according to claim 83 , wherein said restriction device is operable to open and close said food passageway.
85. The apparatus according to claim 83 , wherein said restriction device steplessly controls the cross-sectional area of said food passageway.
86. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in said food passageway.
87. The apparatus according to claim 86 , wherein said control device controls said restriction device in response to signals from said pressure sensor.
88. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an implanted energy transfer device, wherein said control device releases electric energy and said energy transfer device transfers said electric energy into kinetic energy for operation of said restriction device.
89. The apparatus according to claim 88 , wherein said restriction device is directly operated with said kinetic energy, as said energy transfer device transfers said electric energy into kinetic energy.
90. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said restriction device is non-inflatable.
91. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases energy for a determined time period.
92. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases energy in a determined number of energy pulses.
93. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling said restriction device.
94. The apparatus according to claim 93 , wherein said remote control is capable of obtaining information on the condition of said implanted restriction device and to control said restriction device in response to said information.
95. The apparatus according to claim 93 , wherein said wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter or tranceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transciever implanted in the patient.
96. The apparatus according to claim 93 , wherein said wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal reciever or transceiver and at least one internal signal transmitter or transceiver implanted in the patient.
97. The apparatus according to claim 93 , wherein said remote control is capable of sending information related to said restriction device from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof.
98. The apparatus according to claim 97 , wherein said remote control controls said restriction device in response to said information.
99. The apparatus according to claim 93 , wherein said remote control transmits a carrier signal for carrying said control signal.
100. The apparatus according to claim 99 , wherein said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.
101. The apparatus according to claim 99 , wherein said carrier signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.
102. The apparatus according to claim 99 , wherein said control signal used with said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.
103. The apparatus according to claim 93 , wherein said control signal comprises a wave signal comprising one of a sound wave signal including an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal including an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal and a laser light signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.
104. The apparatus according to claim 93 , wherein said control signal comprises an electric, magnetic or electric and magnetic field.
105. The apparatus according to claim 93 , wherein said control signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.
106. The apparatus according to claim 105 , wherein said remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying said digital or analog control signal.
107. The apparatus according to claim 93 , wherein said control signal is transmitted in pulses by said wireless remote control.
108. The apparatus according to claim 88 , further comprising an implanted capacitor for stabilizing said electric energy released by said control device.
109. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases energy from said source of energy in a non-invasive manner.
110. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases magnetic energy.
111. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases electromagnetic energy.
112. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases kinetic energy.
113. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases thermal energy.
114. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases energy from said source of energy in a mechanical manner.
115. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases non-magnetic energy.
116. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases non-electromagnetic energy.
117. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases non-kinetic energy.
118. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases or non-thermal energy.
119. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control device releases energy from said source of energy in a non-mechanical manner.
120. The apparatus according to claim 16 , further comprising an energy storage device implanted in the patient for storing said wireless energy released from said external source of energy.
121. The apparatus according to claim 120 , wherein said energy storage device comprises an accumulator.
122. The apparatus according to claim 121 , wherein said accumulator comprises an electric accumulator.
123. The apparatus according to claim 122 , wherein said electric accumulator comprises at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery
124. The apparatus according to claim 16 , further comprising a battery implanted in the patient for supplying electric energy to implanted electric energy consuming components of the apparatus.
125. A method of treating morbid obesity comprising:
implanting an operable restriction device in a patient in engagement with the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch of the stomach and a restricted stomaopening in the stomach or esophagus,
providing a source of energy for energizing the restriction device, and
controlling the source of energy to release energyfor use in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
126. A method according to claim 125 , further comprising using energy released from the source of energy to operate the restriction device to enlarge and reduce, respectively, the stoma opening.
127. A method of treating morbid obesity comprising:
placing at least two laparascopical trocars in an obese patient's body,
inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of the stomach or esophagus,
placing an operable restriction device in the dissected area in engagement with the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch of the stomach and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus,
implanting a source of energy in the patient, and
controlling the implanted source of energy from outside the patient's body to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
128. A method of treating morbid obesity, comprising:
placing at least two laparascopical trocars in an obese patient's body,
inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of the stomach or esophagus,
implanting an operable restriction device in the dissected area in engagement with the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus,
implanting an energy transfer device in the patient,
providing an external source of energy,
controlling the external source of energy to release wireless energy, and
transferring the wireless energy by the energy transfer device into energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/253,608 US20030066536A1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-09-25 | Controlled food intake restriction |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14834599P | 1999-08-12 | 1999-08-12 | |
US09/503,149 US6461293B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-11 | Controlled food intake restriction |
US10/253,608 US20030066536A1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-09-25 | Controlled food intake restriction |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/503,149 Continuation US6461293B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-11 | Controlled food intake restriction |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030066536A1 true US20030066536A1 (en) | 2003-04-10 |
Family
ID=27733664
Family Applications (6)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/501,235 Expired - Lifetime US6450173B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-10 | Heartburn and reflux disease treatment with controlled wireless energy supply |
US09/502,089 Expired - Fee Related US6503189B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-10 | Controlled anal incontinence disease treatment |
US09/502,092 Expired - Fee Related US6461292B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-10 | Anal incontinence treatment with wireless energy supply |
US09/503,149 Expired - Lifetime US6461293B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-11 | Controlled food intake restriction |
US10/253,608 Abandoned US20030066536A1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-09-25 | Controlled food intake restriction |
US10/270,719 Expired - Fee Related US8096938B2 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-10-16 | Controlled anal incontinence disease treatment |
Family Applications Before (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/501,235 Expired - Lifetime US6450173B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-10 | Heartburn and reflux disease treatment with controlled wireless energy supply |
US09/502,089 Expired - Fee Related US6503189B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-10 | Controlled anal incontinence disease treatment |
US09/502,092 Expired - Fee Related US6461292B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-10 | Anal incontinence treatment with wireless energy supply |
US09/503,149 Expired - Lifetime US6461293B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-11 | Controlled food intake restriction |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/270,719 Expired - Fee Related US8096938B2 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-10-16 | Controlled anal incontinence disease treatment |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (6) | US6450173B1 (en) |
ZA (4) | ZA200201143B (en) |
Cited By (141)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030125605A1 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2003-07-03 | Peter Forsell | Controlled impotence treatment |
US20040059393A1 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2004-03-25 | Shai Policker | Regulation of eating habits |
US20040147816A1 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2004-07-29 | Shai Policker | Analysis of eating habits |
EP1547549A2 (en) * | 2003-12-17 | 2005-06-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Mechanically adjustable gastric band |
US20060111791A1 (en) * | 2002-07-29 | 2006-05-25 | Peter Forsell | Durable implant |
US20060173238A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Starkebaum Warren L | Dynamically controlled gastric occlusion device |
US20060173472A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Starkebaum Warren L | Gastric banding device |
US20060190039A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2006-08-24 | Janel Birk | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US20060235445A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2006-10-19 | Janel Birk | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US20060235448A1 (en) * | 2005-04-13 | 2006-10-19 | Roslin Mitchell S | Artificial gastric valve |
US20060247768A1 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-11-02 | Medtronic, Inc. | Bulking of upper esophageal sphincter for treatment of obesity |
US20060244291A1 (en) * | 2005-04-29 | 2006-11-02 | Buell Motorcycle Company | Movable tailrack for a motorcycle |
US20070015955A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Mark Tsonton | Accordion-like gastric band |
US20070016230A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Jambor Kristin L | Gastric band |
US20070016231A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Jambor Kristin L | Precurved gastric band |
US20070015954A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Dlugos Daniel F | Gastric band with mating end profiles |
US20070016229A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Jambor Kristin L | Gastric band suture tab extender |
US20070015959A1 (en) * | 2000-02-14 | 2007-01-18 | Obtech Medical Ag | Male impotence prosthesis apparatus with wireless energy supply |
US20070173685A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-07-26 | Jambor Kristin L | Method of implating a medical device using a suture tab extender |
US20070173881A1 (en) * | 2004-03-18 | 2007-07-26 | Allergan, Inc. | Apparatus and method for volume adjustment of intragastric balloons |
US20070250086A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-10-25 | Wiley Jeffrey P | Gastric band composed of different hardness materials |
US20070255336A1 (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2007-11-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Gastric constriction device with selectable electrode combinations |
US20070255335A1 (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2007-11-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Controller for gastric constriction device with selectable electrode configurations |
US20080045783A1 (en) * | 2002-07-29 | 2008-02-21 | Peter Forsell | Multi-material incontinence treatment construction device |
US20080065168A1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2008-03-13 | Ophir Bitton | Ingestible Capsule For Appetite Regulation |
US20080097249A1 (en) * | 2006-10-20 | 2008-04-24 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | External sensing system for gastric restriction devices |
US20080200965A1 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2008-08-21 | Potencia Medical Ag | Electrically operable incontinence treatment apparatus |
US20080200753A1 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2008-08-21 | Potencia Medical Ag | Electrically operable incontinence treatment apparatus |
US7416528B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2008-08-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Latching device for gastric band |
US20080275478A1 (en) * | 2004-04-21 | 2008-11-06 | Europlak | Motor-Operated Gastric Banding Device Or Gastric Ring Comprising At Least One Misaligned Receiving Antenna For Power Supply, Remote Control And Data Transmission By Means Of Induction |
WO2008139463A2 (en) | 2007-05-09 | 2008-11-20 | Metacure Ltd. | Analysis and regulation of food intake |
US20090054725A1 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2009-02-26 | Obtech Medical Ag | Mechanical impotence treatment apparatus |
US7512442B2 (en) | 2000-12-11 | 2009-03-31 | Metacure N.V. | Acute and chronic electrical signal therapy for obesity |
US20090118797A1 (en) * | 2004-08-18 | 2009-05-07 | Metacure Ltd. | Monitoring, analysis, and regulation of eating habits |
US20090157113A1 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2009-06-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Wearable elements for implantable restriction systems |
US20090182356A1 (en) * | 2002-08-13 | 2009-07-16 | Coe Frederick L | Remotely adjustable gastric banding device |
US20090204063A1 (en) * | 2005-06-02 | 2009-08-13 | Metacure N.V. | GI Lead Implantation |
US20090240100A1 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2009-09-24 | Milux Holding S.A. Schneider, Luxembourg | Method for controlling flow of intestinal contents in a patient's intestines |
US20090312785A1 (en) * | 2008-06-11 | 2009-12-17 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable Pump System |
US7658196B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2010-02-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System and method for determining implanted device orientation |
US20100145139A1 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2010-06-10 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled urinary incontinence treatment |
US7775966B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2010-08-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Non-invasive pressure measurement in a fluid adjustable restrictive device |
US7775215B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2010-08-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System and method for determining implanted device positioning and obtaining pressure data |
US7811298B2 (en) | 2002-08-28 | 2010-10-12 | Allergan, Inc. | Fatigue-resistant gastric banding device |
US20100298741A1 (en) * | 2007-07-24 | 2010-11-25 | Betastim, Ltd. | Duodenal eating sensor |
US7844342B2 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2010-11-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Powering implantable restriction systems using light |
US20100312050A1 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2010-12-09 | Peter Forsell | Method and instrument for treating obesity |
US20100324644A1 (en) * | 2005-03-24 | 2010-12-23 | Tamir Levi | Electrode Assemblies, Tools, And Methods For Gastric Wall Implantation |
US20110040143A1 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2011-02-17 | Obtech Medical Ag | Impotence treatment apparatus with energy transforming means |
US20110087337A1 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2011-04-14 | Peter Forsell | Apparatus for controlling flow in a bodily organ |
US7927270B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2011-04-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | External mechanical pressure sensor for gastric band pressure measurements |
US7959552B2 (en) | 2002-03-08 | 2011-06-14 | Allergan Medical S. A. | Implantable device |
US20110201874A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | Allergan, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US20110201875A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | Allergan, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US20110208229A1 (en) * | 2010-02-24 | 2011-08-25 | Allergan, Inc. | Source reservoir with potential energy for remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
DE102010010418A1 (en) * | 2010-03-05 | 2011-09-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | implant |
US8016745B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2011-09-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Monitoring of a food intake restriction device |
US8016744B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2011-09-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | External pressure-based gastric band adjustment system and method |
US8034065B2 (en) | 2008-02-26 | 2011-10-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Controlling pressure in adjustable restriction devices |
US8057492B2 (en) | 2008-02-12 | 2011-11-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Automatically adjusting band system with MEMS pump |
US8066629B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2011-11-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Apparatus for adjustment and sensing of gastric band pressure |
US8096938B2 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2012-01-17 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled anal incontinence disease treatment |
US8096939B2 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2012-01-17 | Obtech Medical Ag | Urinary incontinence treatment with wireless energy supply |
US8100870B2 (en) | 2007-12-14 | 2012-01-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Adjustable height gastric restriction devices and methods |
US8114345B2 (en) | 2008-02-08 | 2012-02-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System and method of sterilizing an implantable medical device |
US8126558B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2012-02-28 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled penile prosthesis |
US8142452B2 (en) | 2007-12-27 | 2012-03-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Controlling pressure in adjustable restriction devices |
US8152710B2 (en) | 2006-04-06 | 2012-04-10 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Physiological parameter analysis for an implantable restriction device and a data logger |
US8187163B2 (en) | 2007-12-10 | 2012-05-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods for implanting a gastric restriction device |
US8187162B2 (en) | 2008-03-06 | 2012-05-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Reorientation port |
US8192350B2 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2012-06-05 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods and devices for measuring impedance in a gastric restriction system |
US8221439B2 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2012-07-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Powering implantable restriction systems using kinetic motion |
US8233995B2 (en) | 2008-03-06 | 2012-07-31 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System and method of aligning an implantable antenna |
US8308630B2 (en) | 2006-01-04 | 2012-11-13 | Allergan, Inc. | Hydraulic gastric band with collapsible reservoir |
US8313423B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2012-11-20 | Peter Forsell | Hydraulic anal incontinence treatment |
US8317677B2 (en) | 2008-10-06 | 2012-11-27 | Allergan, Inc. | Mechanical gastric band with cushions |
US8337389B2 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2012-12-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods and devices for diagnosing performance of a gastric restriction system |
US8372093B2 (en) * | 2008-11-04 | 2013-02-12 | Koletry Processing L.L.C. | Systems and processes for controlling gastric bands based on geographic location |
US8377079B2 (en) | 2007-12-27 | 2013-02-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Constant force mechanisms for regulating restriction devices |
US8377081B2 (en) | 2004-03-08 | 2013-02-19 | Allergan, Inc. | Closure system for tubular organs |
US8423130B2 (en) | 2008-05-09 | 2013-04-16 | Metacure Limited | Optimization of thresholds for eating detection |
US8442841B2 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2013-05-14 | Matacure N.V. | Patient selection method for assisting weight loss |
US8509894B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2013-08-13 | Milux Holding Sa | Heart help device, system, and method |
US8517915B2 (en) | 2010-06-10 | 2013-08-27 | Allergan, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
WO2013126363A1 (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | Elwha Llc | Devices, systems, and methods to control stomach volume |
US8545384B2 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2013-10-01 | Obtech Medical Ag | Anal incontinence disease treatment with controlled wireless energy supply |
RU2495646C2 (en) * | 2008-02-07 | 2013-10-20 | Этикон Эндо-Серджери, Инк. | Power supply of implanted systems of limitation with application of temperature |
US8591395B2 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2013-11-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric restriction device data handling devices and methods |
US8591532B2 (en) | 2008-02-12 | 2013-11-26 | Ethicon Endo-Sugery, Inc. | Automatically adjusting band system |
US8600510B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2013-12-03 | Milux Holding Sa | Apparatus, system and operation method for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction |
WO2014004774A1 (en) * | 2012-06-28 | 2014-01-03 | Rf Monolithics, Inc. | Digital frequency demodulator with low power consumption and related system and method |
US8666495B2 (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2014-03-04 | Metacure Limited | Gastrointestinal methods and apparatus for use in treating disorders and controlling blood sugar |
US8696745B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2014-04-15 | Kirk Promotion Ltd. | Heart help device, system, and method |
US8698373B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2014-04-15 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Pare piezo power with energy recovery |
US8734318B2 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2014-05-27 | Obtech Medical Ag | Mechanical anal incontinence |
US8764627B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2014-07-01 | Obtech Medical Ag | Penile prosthesis |
US8764624B2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2014-07-01 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Inductively powered remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US8792985B2 (en) | 2003-07-21 | 2014-07-29 | Metacure Limited | Gastrointestinal methods and apparatus for use in treating disorders and controlling blood sugar |
US8795153B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2014-08-05 | Peter Forsell | Method for treating female sexual dysfunction |
US8840541B2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2014-09-23 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Pressure sensing gastric banding system |
US8870742B2 (en) | 2006-04-06 | 2014-10-28 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | GUI for an implantable restriction device and a data logger |
US8874215B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2014-10-28 | Peter Forsell | System, an apparatus, and a method for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient |
US8876694B2 (en) | 2011-12-07 | 2014-11-04 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Tube connector with a guiding tip |
US8900117B2 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2014-12-02 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Releasably-securable one-piece adjustable gastric band |
US8900118B2 (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2014-12-02 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Dome and screw valves for remotely adjustable gastric banding systems |
US8905915B2 (en) | 2006-01-04 | 2014-12-09 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-regulating gastric band with pressure data processing |
US8934975B2 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2015-01-13 | Metacure Limited | Gastrointestinal electrical therapy |
US8961393B2 (en) | 2010-11-15 | 2015-02-24 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Gastric band devices and drive systems |
US8961448B2 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2015-02-24 | Peter Forsell | Implantable drainage device |
US8961394B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2015-02-24 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-sealing fluid joint for use with a gastric band |
US8992409B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2015-03-31 | Peter Forsell | Method for controlling flow in a bodily organ |
US9028394B2 (en) | 2010-04-29 | 2015-05-12 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-adjusting mechanical gastric band |
US9044298B2 (en) | 2010-04-29 | 2015-06-02 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-adjusting gastric band |
US9050165B2 (en) | 2010-09-07 | 2015-06-09 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US9101765B2 (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2015-08-11 | Metacure Limited | Non-immediate effects of therapy |
US9192501B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2015-11-24 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Remotely powered remotely adjustable gastric band system |
US9211207B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2015-12-15 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Power regulated implant |
US9226840B2 (en) | 2010-06-03 | 2016-01-05 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Magnetically coupled implantable pump system and method |
US9295573B2 (en) | 2010-04-29 | 2016-03-29 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-adjusting gastric band having various compliant components and/or a satiety booster |
US9821158B2 (en) | 2005-02-17 | 2017-11-21 | Metacure Limited | Non-immediate effects of therapy |
US9949812B2 (en) | 2009-07-17 | 2018-04-24 | Peter Forsell | Vaginal operation method for the treatment of anal incontinence in women |
US10219898B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2019-03-05 | Peter Forsell | Artificial valve |
US10349982B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2019-07-16 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable magnetic devices and methods of using same |
US10478232B2 (en) | 2009-04-29 | 2019-11-19 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Interspinous process device and method |
US10617453B2 (en) | 2015-10-16 | 2020-04-14 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable devices for treating arthritis of the knee |
US10646262B2 (en) | 2011-02-14 | 2020-05-12 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | System and method for altering rotational alignment of bone sections |
US10660675B2 (en) | 2010-06-30 | 2020-05-26 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | External adjustment device for distraction device |
US10729470B2 (en) | 2008-11-10 | 2020-08-04 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | External adjustment device for distraction device |
US10743794B2 (en) | 2011-10-04 | 2020-08-18 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Devices and methods for non-invasive implant length sensing |
US10751094B2 (en) | 2013-10-10 | 2020-08-25 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable spinal implant |
US10835290B2 (en) | 2015-12-10 | 2020-11-17 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | External adjustment device for distraction device |
US10918425B2 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2021-02-16 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | System and methods for bone transport |
US10952836B2 (en) | 2009-07-17 | 2021-03-23 | Peter Forsell | Vaginal operation method for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women |
US11123171B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2021-09-21 | Peter Forsell | Fastening means for implantable medical control assembly |
US11191579B2 (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2021-12-07 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable devices for treating arthritis of the knee |
US11202707B2 (en) | 2008-03-25 | 2021-12-21 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable implant system |
US11234849B2 (en) | 2006-10-20 | 2022-02-01 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable implant and method of use |
US11246694B2 (en) | 2014-04-28 | 2022-02-15 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | System for informational magnetic feedback in adjustable implants |
US11357549B2 (en) | 2004-07-02 | 2022-06-14 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Expandable rod system to treat scoliosis and method of using the same |
US11439449B2 (en) | 2014-12-26 | 2022-09-13 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Systems and methods for distraction |
US11612416B2 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2023-03-28 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Systems and methods for vertebral adjustment |
Families Citing this family (148)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050192629A1 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2005-09-01 | Usgi Medical Inc. | Methods and apparatus for creating and regulating a gastric stoma |
MXPA02001217A (en) * | 1999-08-12 | 2004-05-21 | Potencia Medical Ag | Stoma opening forming apparatus. |
US6454699B1 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2002-09-24 | Obtech Medical Ag | Food intake restriction with controlled wireless energy supply |
US7087088B2 (en) * | 2001-05-24 | 2006-08-08 | Torax Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for regulating the flow of matter through body tubing |
WO2003075256A1 (en) * | 2002-03-05 | 2003-09-12 | Nec Corporation | Image display and its control method |
US20050165440A1 (en) * | 2002-06-13 | 2005-07-28 | Richard Cancel | System for treating obesity and implant for a system of this type |
US7037343B2 (en) | 2002-12-23 | 2006-05-02 | Python, Inc. | Stomach prosthesis |
US7141071B2 (en) * | 2002-12-23 | 2006-11-28 | Python Medical, Inc. | Implantable digestive tract organ |
US7553298B2 (en) | 2003-12-19 | 2009-06-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Implantable medical device with cover and method |
US7862546B2 (en) * | 2003-06-16 | 2011-01-04 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Subcutaneous self attaching injection port with integral moveable retention members |
US8715243B2 (en) | 2003-06-16 | 2014-05-06 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Injection port applier with downward force actuation |
US7201757B2 (en) * | 2003-06-20 | 2007-04-10 | Enteromedics Inc. | Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment method and apparatus |
US20050002984A1 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2005-01-06 | Byrum Randal T. | Implantable band with attachment mechanism having dissimilar material properties |
US7500944B2 (en) | 2003-06-27 | 2009-03-10 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Implantable band with attachment mechanism |
US20040267291A1 (en) | 2003-06-27 | 2004-12-30 | Byrum Randal T. | Implantable band with non-mechanical attachment mechanism |
US20040267292A1 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2004-12-30 | Byrum Randal T. | Implantable band with transverse attachment mechanism |
US7951067B2 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2011-05-31 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Implantable band having improved attachment mechanism |
US20050070937A1 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2005-03-31 | Jambor Kristin L. | Segmented gastric band |
US8162897B2 (en) | 2003-12-19 | 2012-04-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Audible and tactile feedback |
US7311716B2 (en) * | 2004-02-20 | 2007-12-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgically implantable adjustable band having a flat profile when implanted |
US7594885B2 (en) * | 2004-02-20 | 2009-09-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Method for implanting an adjustable band |
DE102004018807B4 (en) * | 2004-04-15 | 2006-02-09 | Universitätsklinikum Freiburg | Implantable sphincter prosthesis system, in particular for use in the region of the anal canal |
US20050240155A1 (en) | 2004-04-27 | 2005-10-27 | Conlon Sean P | Surgically implantable injection port having a centered catheter connection tube |
US20050240156A1 (en) * | 2004-04-27 | 2005-10-27 | Conlon Sean P | Method of implanting a fluid injection port |
US7351240B2 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2008-04-01 | Ethicon Endo—Srugery, Inc. | Thermodynamically driven reversible infuser pump for use as a remotely controlled gastric band |
US7481763B2 (en) | 2004-05-28 | 2009-01-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Metal bellows position feedback for hydraulic control of an adjustable gastric band |
US20050277899A1 (en) * | 2004-06-01 | 2005-12-15 | Conlon Sean P | Method of implanting a fluid injection port |
US7351198B2 (en) | 2004-06-02 | 2008-04-01 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Implantable adjustable sphincter system |
US7803195B2 (en) | 2004-06-03 | 2010-09-28 | Mayo Foundation For Medical Education And Research | Obesity treatment and device |
US20050283172A1 (en) | 2004-06-16 | 2005-12-22 | Conlon Sean P | Method of assembling an adjustable band |
US7599744B2 (en) | 2004-06-24 | 2009-10-06 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Transcutaneous energy transfer primary coil with a high aspect ferrite core |
US20060020277A1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Gostout Christopher J | Gastric reshaping devices and methods |
US7776061B2 (en) * | 2004-09-28 | 2010-08-17 | Garner Dean L | Fluid adjustable band |
US7360544B2 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2008-04-22 | Levien David H | Inhibition action incontinence device and method |
JP4821947B2 (en) * | 2004-10-19 | 2011-11-24 | 朝日インテック株式会社 | Chemical injection device |
US20060085051A1 (en) * | 2004-10-19 | 2006-04-20 | Fritsch Michael H | Electrical implants |
AU2005301058A1 (en) * | 2004-11-05 | 2006-05-11 | Electronic Dietary Foods Inc. | Controlled degradation of expandable polymers in gastric volume reduction treatment |
US7601162B2 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2009-10-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Actuator for an implantable band |
US7879068B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2011-02-01 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Feedback sensing for a mechanical restrictive device |
JP2008537898A (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2008-10-02 | ミカーディア コーポレーション | Dynamically adjustable gastric implant and method for treating obesity using the same |
US7909754B2 (en) * | 2005-02-24 | 2011-03-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Non-invasive measurement of fluid pressure in an adjustable gastric band |
US20060276812A1 (en) * | 2005-04-04 | 2006-12-07 | Hill James W | Dynamic reinforcement of the lower esophageal sphincter |
US7899540B2 (en) * | 2005-04-29 | 2011-03-01 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Noninvasively adjustable gastric band |
US7835796B2 (en) * | 2005-04-29 | 2010-11-16 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Weight loss method and device |
US7727141B2 (en) * | 2005-05-04 | 2010-06-01 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safe remotely adjustable artifical sphincter |
US7691053B2 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2010-04-06 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Gastric restrictor assembly and method of use |
US7666180B2 (en) * | 2005-05-20 | 2010-02-23 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Gastric restrictor assembly and method of use |
US20060264982A1 (en) * | 2005-05-20 | 2006-11-23 | Viola Frank J | Gastric restrictor assembly and method of use |
US7651483B2 (en) | 2005-06-24 | 2010-01-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Injection port |
US7918844B2 (en) * | 2005-06-24 | 2011-04-05 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Applier for implantable medical device |
WO2007038336A2 (en) * | 2005-09-23 | 2007-04-05 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for adjusting body lumens |
BRPI0620954A2 (en) * | 2006-01-04 | 2011-11-29 | Allergan Inc | self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size and self-regulating gastric band system |
US20070265646A1 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-11-15 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | Dynamically adjustable gastric implants |
US7762999B2 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2010-07-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Injection port |
US20070185519A1 (en) | 2006-02-07 | 2007-08-09 | Hassler William L Jr | Articulating surgical instrument |
US7908700B2 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2011-03-22 | Dipippo Joe J | Self-cleaning hair brush |
US8389003B2 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2013-03-05 | Eatlittle Inc. | Ingestible implement for weight control |
US9579227B2 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2017-02-28 | Eat Little Inc. | Ingestible implement for weight control |
US20080249806A1 (en) | 2006-04-06 | 2008-10-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc | Data Analysis for an Implantable Restriction Device and a Data Logger |
US20080250341A1 (en) | 2006-04-06 | 2008-10-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gui With Trend Analysis for an Implantable Restriction Device and a Data Logger |
US7763039B2 (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2010-07-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Articulating blunt dissector/gastric band application device |
US7828715B2 (en) | 2006-06-29 | 2010-11-09 | Ams Research Corporation | Method of treating anal incontinence |
EP2076183A4 (en) * | 2006-10-04 | 2009-09-16 | Ndo Surgical Inc | Devices and methods for endoluminal gastric restriction tissue manipulation, and drug delivery |
US20080319435A1 (en) * | 2006-10-12 | 2008-12-25 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Shape-changing tissue constrictor and methods of use |
US8246533B2 (en) | 2006-10-20 | 2012-08-21 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | Implant system with resonant-driven actuator |
US20080146869A1 (en) | 2006-10-30 | 2008-06-19 | Hector Chow | Adjustable Gastric Band Having Anti-Microbial Coatings |
EP2121107B1 (en) * | 2006-12-18 | 2012-10-31 | Eatlittle Inc. | Device for delivery of a substance |
US20110082328A1 (en) * | 2007-01-03 | 2011-04-07 | Christian Gozzi | Methods for installing sling to treat fecal incontinence, and related devices |
US20080172072A1 (en) * | 2007-01-11 | 2008-07-17 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | Internal sensors for use with gastric restriction devices |
US8083665B2 (en) | 2007-03-06 | 2011-12-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Pressure sensors for gastric band and adjacent tissue |
US8920307B2 (en) * | 2007-03-06 | 2014-12-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric band system with esophageal sensor |
US7962214B2 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2011-06-14 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Non-surgical device and methods for trans-esophageal vagus nerve stimulation |
US7869884B2 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2011-01-11 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Non-surgical device and methods for trans-esophageal vagus nerve stimulation |
US7904175B2 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2011-03-08 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Trans-esophageal vagus nerve stimulation |
US8357080B2 (en) | 2007-05-14 | 2013-01-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Tissue contrasting gastric band |
US20080287976A1 (en) | 2007-05-14 | 2008-11-20 | Weaner Lauren S | Gastric band with engagement member |
US8317676B2 (en) | 2007-05-14 | 2012-11-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric band with contrasting supply tube |
US8485964B2 (en) | 2007-05-15 | 2013-07-16 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric band with supply tube check valve |
US8435203B2 (en) | 2007-06-20 | 2013-05-07 | Covidien Lp | Gastric restrictor assembly and method of use |
EP3485845B1 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2023-06-07 | Implantica Patent Ltd. | Implantable device for external urinary control |
AU2008311439A1 (en) * | 2007-10-12 | 2009-04-16 | Milux Holding Sa | An ostomy accessory |
US20090112263A1 (en) | 2007-10-30 | 2009-04-30 | Scott Pool | Skeletal manipulation system |
US20090156891A1 (en) * | 2007-12-12 | 2009-06-18 | Ams Research Corporation | Prolapse and Perineal Repair Concepts |
US20090171379A1 (en) | 2007-12-27 | 2009-07-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Fluid logic for regulating restriction devices |
US20090192541A1 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2009-07-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods and devices for predicting performance of a gastric restriction system |
US20090209995A1 (en) * | 2008-02-14 | 2009-08-20 | Byrum Randal T | Implantable adjustable sphincter system |
US20090222028A1 (en) | 2008-02-29 | 2009-09-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods and devices for fixing antenna orientation in a restriction system |
US20090228063A1 (en) | 2008-03-06 | 2009-09-10 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System and method of communicating with an implantable antenna |
WO2009120764A2 (en) | 2008-03-25 | 2009-10-01 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | Systems and methods for adjusting an annuloplasty ring with an integrated magnetic drive |
US9023063B2 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2015-05-05 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Implantable access port device having a safety cap |
CA2721309C (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2017-04-11 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable access port device and attachment system |
CA2720691C (en) * | 2008-04-28 | 2016-08-23 | Electronic Dietary Foods Inc. | Bezoar-forming units for weight control |
US20100114143A1 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2010-05-06 | Albrecht Thomas E | Wearable elements for intra-gastric satiety creations systems |
US20100114141A1 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2010-05-06 | Albrecht Thomas E | Optimizing the operation of an intra-gastric satiety creation device |
US20100114146A1 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2010-05-06 | Albrecht Thomas E | Methods and devices for predicting intra-gastric satiety and satiation creation device system performance |
US20100114144A1 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2010-05-06 | Albrecht Thomas E | Intra-gastric satiety creation device with data handling devices and methods |
US8197490B2 (en) | 2009-02-23 | 2012-06-12 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | Non-invasive adjustable distraction system |
US20110040313A1 (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2011-02-17 | Dlugos Jr Daniel F | Implantable restriction device with protective member |
US20110040309A1 (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2011-02-17 | Dlugos Jr Daniel F | Implantable restriction device with spacer |
US8715158B2 (en) | 2009-08-26 | 2014-05-06 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Implantable bottom exit port |
US8506532B2 (en) | 2009-08-26 | 2013-08-13 | Allergan, Inc. | System including access port and applicator tool |
US8708979B2 (en) | 2009-08-26 | 2014-04-29 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Implantable coupling device |
WO2011038353A2 (en) * | 2009-09-28 | 2011-03-31 | Ryan Timothy J | Charged grafts and methods for using them |
US8968344B2 (en) | 2009-10-29 | 2015-03-03 | Peter Forsell | Fastening device, implant device, locking method, and operation method |
US8202227B2 (en) | 2009-12-14 | 2012-06-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Pressure sensing adapter for gastric band system injector |
US8454494B2 (en) | 2009-12-14 | 2013-06-04 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Support apparatus for gastric band system injector |
US8968180B2 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2015-03-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Apparatus for completing implantation of gastric band |
US9060840B2 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2015-06-23 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Needle targeting apparatus for implanted device |
US20110144531A1 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-16 | Marcotte Amy L | Gastric Band System Injector with Accelerometer |
US8550981B2 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2013-10-08 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Implantable port with vibratory feedback |
US9443223B2 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2016-09-13 | Bimodal Llc | System and method for hosting a social networking website having a theme of achievement |
US8852118B2 (en) * | 2010-01-11 | 2014-10-07 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Telemetry device with software user input features |
US8882728B2 (en) | 2010-02-10 | 2014-11-11 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Implantable injection port |
US8608642B2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2013-12-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods and devices for treating morbid obesity using hydrogel |
US8939888B2 (en) | 2010-04-28 | 2015-01-27 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Method and system for determining the pressure of a fluid in a syringe, an access port, a catheter, and a gastric band |
US20110270021A1 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2011-11-03 | Allergan, Inc. | Electronically enhanced access port for a fluid filled implant |
US8594806B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2013-11-26 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Recharging and communication lead for an implantable device |
US8992415B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2015-03-31 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Implantable device to protect tubing from puncture |
WO2011150169A1 (en) | 2010-05-27 | 2011-12-01 | The Regents Of The University Of Michigan | Device system for gastric volume reduction to facilitate weight loss |
WO2012021378A2 (en) | 2010-08-09 | 2012-02-16 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | Maintenance feature in magnetic implant |
US20120041258A1 (en) | 2010-08-16 | 2012-02-16 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable access port system |
US20120065460A1 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2012-03-15 | Greg Nitka | Implantable access port system |
US8480560B2 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2013-07-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Implantable medical port with fluid conduit retention sleeve |
US8905914B2 (en) | 2010-11-03 | 2014-12-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric band device and method |
US9132264B2 (en) | 2010-11-03 | 2015-09-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Deployable and retractable member for injection port |
US8888677B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2014-11-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Pressure limiting device for gastric band adjustment |
US8632455B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2014-01-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric band with asymmetrical member |
US9022923B2 (en) | 2010-11-16 | 2015-05-05 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Implantable injection port with tissue in-growth promoter |
US8852217B2 (en) | 2010-11-16 | 2014-10-07 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Implantable injection port with tissue in-growth promoter |
US9050446B2 (en) | 2010-11-16 | 2015-06-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Port with conduit wraparound feature |
US8725435B2 (en) | 2011-04-13 | 2014-05-13 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Syringe-based leak detection system |
US8821373B2 (en) | 2011-05-10 | 2014-09-02 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Directionless (orientation independent) needle injection port |
US8663255B2 (en) | 2011-08-09 | 2014-03-04 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric band with overmold |
US8936582B2 (en) | 2011-08-23 | 2015-01-20 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Implantable medical port with alignment feature |
US8801597B2 (en) | 2011-08-25 | 2014-08-12 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Implantable access port with mesh attachment rivets |
US9199069B2 (en) | 2011-10-20 | 2015-12-01 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Implantable injection port |
US8858421B2 (en) | 2011-11-15 | 2014-10-14 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Interior needle stick guard stems for tubes |
US9089395B2 (en) | 2011-11-16 | 2015-07-28 | Appolo Endosurgery, Inc. | Pre-loaded septum for use with an access port |
US9343923B2 (en) | 2012-08-23 | 2016-05-17 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Implantable medical device with backscatter signal based communication |
US9339636B1 (en) | 2012-09-06 | 2016-05-17 | Mubashir H Khan | Subcutaneous fluid pump |
US9935498B2 (en) | 2012-09-25 | 2018-04-03 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Communication efficiency with an implantable medical device using a circulator and a backscatter signal |
US10123896B2 (en) | 2014-03-06 | 2018-11-13 | Mayo Foundation For Medical Education And Research | Apparatus and methods of inducing weight loss using blood flow control |
JP2019514653A (en) | 2016-04-27 | 2019-06-06 | ラディアル メディカル, インク.Radial Medical, Inc. | Adaptive compression treatment system and method |
AT518714B1 (en) * | 2016-06-03 | 2018-09-15 | Ami Agency Medical Innovations Gmbh | Medical device for narrowing or shutting off a body canal |
AT518764B1 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2018-03-15 | Ami Agency Medical Innovations Gmbh | Medical device for shutting off a body canal |
AT518411B1 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2017-10-15 | Ami Agency Medical Innovations Gmbh | Medical device for shutting off a body canal |
CN111248964B (en) * | 2020-01-16 | 2020-11-13 | 张跃国 | Cardiovascular internal medicine intervention device |
US11690702B2 (en) | 2020-01-30 | 2023-07-04 | Rambam Medtech Ltd. | Urinary catheter prostheses |
Family Cites Families (301)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2060913A (en) | 1934-07-07 | 1936-11-17 | Western Electric Co | Electrical conductor |
US2795641A (en) | 1953-12-03 | 1957-06-11 | Rowell Ross Fredrick | Cord supporting coil |
GB885674A (en) | 1959-07-20 | 1961-12-28 | Interscience Res Corp | Improvements in or relating to mechanical hearts |
US3209081A (en) | 1961-10-02 | 1965-09-28 | Behrman A Ducote | Subcutaneously implanted electronic device |
GB1194358A (en) | 1967-11-22 | 1970-06-10 | Dana Christopher Mears | Fluid Flow Control Valve. |
US3598287A (en) | 1969-08-01 | 1971-08-10 | Heiko T De Man | Liquid dispenser with level control |
US3731681A (en) | 1970-05-18 | 1973-05-08 | Univ Minnesota | Implantable indusion pump |
US3731679A (en) | 1970-10-19 | 1973-05-08 | Sherwood Medical Ind Inc | Infusion system |
US3750194A (en) * | 1971-03-16 | 1973-08-07 | Fairchild Industries | Apparatus and method for reversibly closing a natural or implanted body passage |
US3692027A (en) | 1971-04-23 | 1972-09-19 | Everett H Ellinwood Jr | Implanted medication dispensing device and method |
FR2138333B1 (en) | 1971-05-24 | 1974-03-08 | Rhone Poulenc Sa | |
US3817237A (en) | 1972-08-24 | 1974-06-18 | Medtronic Inc | Regulatory apparatus |
US3875928A (en) * | 1973-08-16 | 1975-04-08 | Angelchik Jean P | Method for maintaining the reduction of a sliding esophageal hiatal hernia |
US4003379A (en) | 1974-04-23 | 1977-01-18 | Ellinwood Jr Everett H | Apparatus and method for implanted self-powered medication dispensing |
US3923060A (en) | 1974-04-23 | 1975-12-02 | Jr Everett H Ellinwood | Apparatus and method for implanted self-powered medication dispensing having timing and evaluator means |
US3954102A (en) | 1974-07-19 | 1976-05-04 | American Medical Systems, Inc. | Penile erection system and methods of implanting and using same |
US4026305A (en) * | 1975-06-26 | 1977-05-31 | Research Corporation | Low current telemetry system for cardiac pacers |
FR2347030A1 (en) | 1975-08-04 | 1977-11-04 | Guiset Jacques | PROTHETIC BLADDER |
US4009711A (en) | 1976-03-17 | 1977-03-01 | Uson Aurelio C | Penile prosthesis for the management of erectile impotence |
US4243306A (en) | 1978-05-30 | 1981-01-06 | Bononi Walter H | Pad device |
US4246893A (en) * | 1978-07-05 | 1981-01-27 | Daniel Berson | Inflatable gastric device for treating obesity |
US4221219A (en) | 1978-07-31 | 1980-09-09 | Metal Bellows Corporation | Implantable infusion apparatus and method |
SE412748B (en) | 1978-09-15 | 1980-03-17 | Engwall Sten | sheet winches |
US4201202A (en) | 1978-09-25 | 1980-05-06 | Medical Engineering Corp. | Penile implant |
US4235222A (en) | 1978-10-19 | 1980-11-25 | Istrate Ionescu | Heat-responsive alignment system and solar collection device |
US4265241A (en) | 1979-02-28 | 1981-05-05 | Andros Incorporated | Implantable infusion device |
US4304225A (en) | 1979-04-30 | 1981-12-08 | Lloyd And Associates | Control system for body organs |
US4271827A (en) | 1979-09-13 | 1981-06-09 | Angelchik Jean P | Method for prevention of gastro esophageal reflux |
US4274407A (en) | 1979-11-13 | 1981-06-23 | Med Pump, Inc. | Fluid injection system |
US4318396A (en) | 1980-05-15 | 1982-03-09 | Medical Engineering Corporation | Penile prosthesis |
US4342308A (en) | 1980-10-02 | 1982-08-03 | Medical Engineering Corporation | Penile erectile system |
US4400169A (en) | 1980-10-27 | 1983-08-23 | University Of Utah Research Foundation | Subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheter |
WO1982003176A1 (en) | 1981-03-18 | 1982-09-30 | Bramm Guenter Walter Otto | Megnetically suspended and rotated impellor pump apparatus and method |
US4412530A (en) | 1981-09-21 | 1983-11-01 | American Medical Systems, Inc. | Dual-mode valve pressure regulating system |
US4369771A (en) | 1981-09-24 | 1983-01-25 | Medical Engineering Corporation | Penile erectile system |
US4424807A (en) | 1981-10-20 | 1984-01-10 | Evans Sr Alvin S | Penile implant |
US4509947A (en) | 1982-08-02 | 1985-04-09 | Medtronic, Inc. | Self-cleaning drug delivery catheter and storage bladder |
US4628928A (en) | 1982-08-09 | 1986-12-16 | Medtronic, Inc. | Robotic implantable medical device and/or component restoration system |
CA1211795A (en) | 1982-08-09 | 1986-09-23 | Medtronic, Inc. | Robotic implantable medical device and/or component restoration system |
US4599081A (en) | 1982-09-30 | 1986-07-08 | Cohen Fred M | Artificial heart valve |
US4542753A (en) | 1982-12-22 | 1985-09-24 | Biosonics, Inc. | Apparatus and method for stimulating penile erectile tissue |
IL67773A (en) * | 1983-01-28 | 1985-02-28 | Antebi E | Tie for tying live tissue and an instrument for performing said tying operation |
US4505710A (en) | 1983-05-13 | 1985-03-19 | Collins Earl R | Implantable fluid dispensing system |
ATE38938T1 (en) | 1983-08-22 | 1988-12-15 | Univ Utah Res Found | PERITONEAL INJECTION CATHETER DEVICE. |
US4584994A (en) | 1983-09-30 | 1986-04-29 | Charles Bamberger | Electromagnetic implant |
US4550720A (en) | 1983-11-15 | 1985-11-05 | Medical Engineering Corporation | Capacitance device for medical implant |
FR2555056B1 (en) | 1983-11-18 | 1986-02-28 | Aerospatiale | TOTAL HEART PROSTHESIS COMPRISING TWO DECOUPLED PUMPS ASSOCIATED IN A FUNCTIONALLY INDEPENDENT UNIT, AND ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES FOR SUCH A PROSTHESIS |
US4563175A (en) | 1983-12-19 | 1986-01-07 | Lafond Margaret | Multiple syringe pump |
US4559939A (en) | 1984-02-13 | 1985-12-24 | Lockheed Corporation | Compatible smoke and oxygen masks for use on aircraft |
US4556050A (en) | 1984-05-02 | 1985-12-03 | Hodgson Darel E | Artificial sphincter including a shape memory member |
US4559930A (en) | 1984-05-07 | 1985-12-24 | Cobiski John F | Thoracic bench |
US4583523A (en) | 1984-07-02 | 1986-04-22 | Lloyd & Associates | Implantable heart assist device and method of implanting same |
US4828544A (en) | 1984-09-05 | 1989-05-09 | Quotidian No. 100 Pty Limited | Control of blood flow |
US4664100A (en) | 1984-11-19 | 1987-05-12 | Rudloff David A C | Penile implant |
US4756949A (en) | 1984-11-29 | 1988-07-12 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Method for producing pad structures with viscoelastic cores and article so made |
US4602621A (en) | 1984-12-18 | 1986-07-29 | Hakky Said I | Manually actuated, self contained penile implant |
JPS63501471A (en) | 1984-12-27 | 1988-06-09 | サントリー株式会社 | Method for purifying interferon |
US4677534A (en) | 1984-12-28 | 1987-06-30 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Stabilizing power source apparatus |
US4610658A (en) | 1985-02-21 | 1986-09-09 | Henry Buchwald | Automated peritoneovenous shunt |
EP0200286A3 (en) | 1985-02-28 | 1987-01-14 | Quotidian No. 100 Pty. Limited | Control of blood flow |
US4679560A (en) | 1985-04-02 | 1987-07-14 | Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Wide band inductive transdermal power and data link |
US4592339A (en) | 1985-06-12 | 1986-06-03 | Mentor Corporation | Gastric banding device |
US4696288A (en) * | 1985-08-14 | 1987-09-29 | Kuzmak Lubomyr I | Calibrating apparatus and method of using same for gastric banding surgery |
US4723538A (en) | 1986-10-16 | 1988-02-09 | Stewart Edward T | Penile constrictor ring |
US4711231A (en) | 1986-11-03 | 1987-12-08 | Aaron N. Finegold | Implantable prosthesis system |
US4771780A (en) | 1987-01-15 | 1988-09-20 | Siemens-Pacesetter, Inc. | Rate-responsive pacemaker having digital motion sensor |
US4925443A (en) | 1987-02-27 | 1990-05-15 | Heilman Marlin S | Biocompatible ventricular assist and arrhythmia control device |
US5098369A (en) | 1987-02-27 | 1992-03-24 | Vascor, Inc. | Biocompatible ventricular assist and arrhythmia control device including cardiac compression pad and compression assembly |
US4829990A (en) | 1987-06-25 | 1989-05-16 | Thueroff Joachim | Implantable hydraulic penile erector |
NL8701644A (en) | 1987-07-13 | 1989-02-01 | Cordis Europ | DEVICE FOR DOSING IN THE BODY OF A LIQUID MATERIAL. |
US4846794A (en) | 1987-08-13 | 1989-07-11 | The Cleveland Clinic Foundation | Coiled tubing for intravenous and intra-arterial applications |
US4942668A (en) | 1988-05-11 | 1990-07-24 | Zircon International, Inc. | Digital inclinometer |
US4979955A (en) | 1988-06-06 | 1990-12-25 | Smith Robert M | Power assisted prosthetic heart valve |
US4902279A (en) | 1988-10-05 | 1990-02-20 | Autoject Systems Inc. | Liquid medicament safety injector |
US5012822A (en) | 1988-10-11 | 1991-05-07 | Schwarz Gerald R | Method for controlling urinary incontinence |
US5123428A (en) | 1988-10-11 | 1992-06-23 | Schwarz Gerald R | Laparoscopically implanting bladder control apparatus |
US4982731A (en) | 1988-10-26 | 1991-01-08 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Implantable system and method for augmenting penile erection |
US5062416A (en) | 1988-12-01 | 1991-11-05 | Stucks Albert A | Penile erection system |
DE58903472D1 (en) | 1989-08-09 | 1993-03-18 | Siemens Ag | IMPLANTABLE INJECTION BODY. |
US4941461A (en) | 1989-09-05 | 1990-07-17 | Fischell Robert | Electrically actuated inflatable penile erection device |
US5042084A (en) | 1989-09-07 | 1991-08-20 | Cochlear Pty. Limited | Three wire system for Cochlear implant processor |
US5876425A (en) | 1989-09-22 | 1999-03-02 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Power control loop for implantable tissue stimulator |
US5048511A (en) | 1989-10-06 | 1991-09-17 | Advanced Surgical Intervention, Inc. | Method and apparatus for treating impotence |
US4958630A (en) | 1989-10-06 | 1990-09-25 | Advanced Surgical Intervention, Inc. | Method and apparatus for treating impotence |
US5057075A (en) | 1989-12-13 | 1991-10-15 | Moncrief Jack W | Method for implanting a catheter |
US5112202A (en) | 1990-01-31 | 1992-05-12 | Ntn Corporation | Turbo pump with magnetically supported impeller |
US5074868A (en) * | 1990-08-03 | 1991-12-24 | Inamed Development Company | Reversible stoma-adjustable gastric band |
US5006106A (en) * | 1990-10-09 | 1991-04-09 | Angelchik Jean P | Apparatus and method for laparoscopic implantation of anti-reflux prosthesis |
US5316543A (en) * | 1990-11-27 | 1994-05-31 | Cook Incorporated | Medical apparatus and methods for treating sliding hiatal hernias |
US5226429A (en) * | 1991-06-20 | 1993-07-13 | Inamed Development Co. | Laparoscopic gastric band and method |
US5358474A (en) | 1991-07-02 | 1994-10-25 | Intermed, Inc. | Subcutaneous drug delivery device |
US5250020A (en) | 1991-09-12 | 1993-10-05 | Mentor Corporation | Unitary inflatable penile prosthesis |
US5160338A (en) * | 1991-11-13 | 1992-11-03 | Inamed Development Co. | Device for removing implantable articles |
US5304206A (en) | 1991-11-18 | 1994-04-19 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Activation techniques for implantable medical device |
FR2688693A1 (en) | 1992-03-19 | 1993-09-24 | Ferriere Xavier | Artificial sphincter, especially urethral (urinary) sphincter |
FR2692777A1 (en) | 1992-06-26 | 1993-12-31 | Alfieri Patrick | Remote control unit for implant esp. artificial sphincter in human body - uses oscillator, amplifier, and transmitting antenna to send energy to tuned receiving antenna on implant |
AU4686993A (en) | 1992-07-30 | 1994-03-03 | Temple University - Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher Education | Direct manual cardiac compression device and method of use thereof |
US5297536A (en) | 1992-08-25 | 1994-03-29 | Wilk Peter J | Method for use in intra-abdominal surgery |
US20020095164A1 (en) | 1997-06-26 | 2002-07-18 | Andreas Bernard H. | Device and method for suturing tissue |
ATE173909T1 (en) | 1993-02-18 | 1998-12-15 | Lubomyr Ihor Kuzmak | LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BAND |
US5449368A (en) * | 1993-02-18 | 1995-09-12 | Kuzmak; Lubomyr I. | Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding device and method for implantation and removal thereof |
DE4317752C2 (en) | 1993-05-27 | 1997-10-16 | Peter Dr Feindt | Device for supporting cardiac function |
US5437605A (en) | 1993-05-27 | 1995-08-01 | Helmy; Ali M. | Remote controllable penile prosthetic system |
US5505733A (en) | 1993-10-22 | 1996-04-09 | Justin; Daniel F. | Intramedullary skeletal distractor and method |
US5997501A (en) | 1993-11-18 | 1999-12-07 | Elan Corporation, Plc | Intradermal drug delivery device |
US5518504A (en) | 1993-12-28 | 1996-05-21 | American Medical Systems, Inc. | Implantable sphincter system utilizing lifting means |
US5415660A (en) | 1994-01-07 | 1995-05-16 | Regents Of The University Of Minnesota | Implantable limb lengthening nail driven by a shape memory alloy |
US5501703A (en) | 1994-01-24 | 1996-03-26 | Medtronic, Inc. | Multichannel apparatus for epidural spinal cord stimulator |
US5454840A (en) | 1994-04-05 | 1995-10-03 | Krakovsky; Alexander A. | Potency package |
US5453079A (en) | 1994-06-15 | 1995-09-26 | Schwaninger; Claude L. | Blood flow valve for treatment of male sexual impotence |
CN1152257A (en) * | 1994-07-11 | 1997-06-18 | 蒂科姆德公司 | Vessel occlusive prosthesis |
US5509888A (en) * | 1994-07-26 | 1996-04-23 | Conceptek Corporation | Controller valve device and method |
US5569187A (en) | 1994-08-16 | 1996-10-29 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Method and apparatus for wireless chemical supplying |
US5540731A (en) | 1994-09-21 | 1996-07-30 | Medtronic, Inc. | Method and apparatus for pressure detecting and treating obstructive airway disorders |
US5571116A (en) | 1994-10-02 | 1996-11-05 | United States Surgical Corporation | Non-invasive treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease |
DE69530355D1 (en) | 1994-11-28 | 2003-05-22 | Ohio State University Columbus | Medical intervention device |
US5591217A (en) * | 1995-01-04 | 1997-01-07 | Plexus, Inc. | Implantable stimulator with replenishable, high value capacitive power source and method therefor |
DE19511998A1 (en) | 1995-03-31 | 1996-10-02 | Eska Medical Gmbh & Co | Controller for discharge of urine from urethra |
JPH08336069A (en) | 1995-04-13 | 1996-12-17 | Eastman Kodak Co | Electronic still camera |
US5665065A (en) | 1995-05-26 | 1997-09-09 | Minimed Inc. | Medication infusion device with blood glucose data input |
US5702431A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1997-12-30 | Sulzer Intermedics Inc. | Enhanced transcutaneous recharging system for battery powered implantable medical device |
KR100373772B1 (en) | 1995-07-31 | 2003-09-13 | 심영택 | Treatment apparatus for erectile disorder |
IE77523B1 (en) | 1995-09-11 | 1997-12-17 | Elan Med Tech | Medicament delivery device |
US5771903A (en) | 1995-09-22 | 1998-06-30 | Kirk Promotions Limited | Surgical method for reducing the food intake of a patient |
US6102922A (en) | 1995-09-22 | 2000-08-15 | Kirk Promotions Limited | Surgical method and device for reducing the food intake of patient |
US5578069A (en) | 1995-12-06 | 1996-11-26 | Vnetritex, Inc. | Electrode deployment mechanism and method using artificial muscle |
ZA9610374B (en) | 1995-12-11 | 1997-06-23 | Elan Med Tech | Cartridge-based drug delivery device |
WO1997027829A1 (en) | 1996-01-31 | 1997-08-07 | The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania | Remote control drug delivery device |
US6689085B1 (en) | 1996-07-11 | 2004-02-10 | Eunoe, Inc. | Method and apparatus for treating adult-onset dementia of the Alzheimer's type |
US6835207B2 (en) | 1996-07-22 | 2004-12-28 | Fred Zacouto | Skeletal implant |
EP0923353B1 (en) | 1996-08-09 | 2005-01-19 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Mechanical prosthetic valve with magnet |
US5902336A (en) | 1996-10-15 | 1999-05-11 | Mirimedical, Inc. | Implantable device and method for removing fluids from the blood of a patient method for implanting such a device and method for treating a patient experiencing renal failure |
DK0846474T3 (en) * | 1996-10-30 | 2003-09-22 | Nihon Kohden Corp | Urinary incontinence prevention device |
US5845646A (en) | 1996-11-05 | 1998-12-08 | Lemelson; Jerome | System and method for treating select tissue in a living being |
US5749909A (en) | 1996-11-07 | 1998-05-12 | Sulzer Intermedics Inc. | Transcutaneous energy coupling using piezoelectric device |
US5735887A (en) | 1996-12-10 | 1998-04-07 | Exonix Corporation | Closed-loop, RF-coupled implanted medical device |
US5827286A (en) | 1997-02-14 | 1998-10-27 | Incavo; Stephen J. | Incrementally adjustable tibial osteotomy fixation device and method |
EP1011792B1 (en) | 1997-02-26 | 2005-12-07 | Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research | Battery-powered patient implantable device |
US5938669A (en) | 1997-05-07 | 1999-08-17 | Klasamed S.A. | Adjustable gastric banding device for contracting a patient's stomach |
US6213979B1 (en) | 1997-05-29 | 2001-04-10 | Venetec International, Inc. | Medical line anchoring system |
US6003736A (en) | 1997-06-09 | 1999-12-21 | Novo Nordisk A/S | Device for controlled dispensing of a dose of a liquid contained in a cartridge |
US6135945A (en) | 1997-08-04 | 2000-10-24 | Sultan; Hashem | Anti-incontinence device |
US5971967A (en) | 1997-08-19 | 1999-10-26 | Abbeymoor Medical, Inc. | Urethral device with anchoring system |
US5938584A (en) | 1997-11-14 | 1999-08-17 | Cybernetic Medical Systems Corporation | Cavernous nerve stimulation device |
US5995874A (en) | 1998-02-09 | 1999-11-30 | Dew Engineering And Development Limited | Transcutaneous energy transfer device |
US7468060B2 (en) | 1998-02-19 | 2008-12-23 | Respiratory Diagnostic, Inc. | Systems and methods for treating obesity and other gastrointestinal conditions |
ES2149091B1 (en) | 1998-03-10 | 2001-05-16 | Gil Vernet Vila Jose Maria | DEVICE FOR FIXING AND ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT AT HEIGHT OF INTERNAL ANATOMICAL ORGANS. |
US6638303B1 (en) | 1998-03-13 | 2003-10-28 | Carbomedics, Inc. | Heart valve prosthesis |
US6319191B1 (en) | 1998-03-26 | 2001-11-20 | Precision Medical Devices, Inc. | Implantable body fluid flow control device |
US6095968A (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2000-08-01 | Cardio Technologies, Inc. | Reinforcement device |
US5910149A (en) * | 1998-04-29 | 1999-06-08 | Kuzmak; Lubomyr I. | Non-slipping gastric band |
US6936060B2 (en) | 1998-05-13 | 2005-08-30 | Arteria Medical Sciences, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for removing emboli during a surgical procedure |
US6074341A (en) * | 1998-06-09 | 2000-06-13 | Timm Medical Technologies, Inc. | Vessel occlusive apparatus and method |
US6113574A (en) | 1998-07-27 | 2000-09-05 | Spinello; Ronald P. | Anesthetic injection apparatus and methods |
US6102887A (en) | 1998-08-11 | 2000-08-15 | Biocardia, Inc. | Catheter drug delivery system and method for use |
US6210347B1 (en) | 1998-08-13 | 2001-04-03 | Peter Forsell | Remote control food intake restriction device |
US6067991A (en) | 1998-08-13 | 2000-05-30 | Forsell; Peter | Mechanical food intake restriction device |
US6460543B1 (en) | 1998-08-13 | 2002-10-08 | Obtech Medical Ag | Non-injection port food intake restriction device |
WO2000012152A1 (en) | 1998-08-28 | 2000-03-09 | Juan Hernandez Herrero | Apparatus aiding physiologic systolic and diastolic dynamics of cardiac cavities |
FR2783153B1 (en) | 1998-09-14 | 2000-12-01 | Jerome Dargent | GASTRIC CONSTRICTION DEVICE |
AU5909399A (en) | 1998-09-15 | 2000-04-03 | Infinite Biomedical Technologies, Incorporated | Intraurethral continent prothesis |
US6077215A (en) | 1998-10-08 | 2000-06-20 | Implex Gmbh Spezialhorgerate | Method for coupling an electromechanical transducer of an implantable hearing aid or tinnitus masker to a middle ear ossicle |
US6275737B1 (en) | 1998-10-14 | 2001-08-14 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Transcutaneous transmission pouch |
US6134470A (en) | 1998-11-09 | 2000-10-17 | Medtronic, Inc. | Method and apparatus for treating a tachyarrhythmic patient |
CA2701691C (en) | 1998-11-25 | 2011-09-13 | United States Surgical Corporation | Biopsy system |
US6097984A (en) | 1998-11-25 | 2000-08-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | System and method of stimulation for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease |
ES2150881B1 (en) | 1999-02-11 | 2002-02-16 | Univ Madrid Complutense | EXTERNAL MAGNETIC OPERATING VALVE FOR AN INTRAURETRAL ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPINTER. |
US6162238A (en) | 1999-02-24 | 2000-12-19 | Aaron V. Kaplan | Apparatus and methods for control of body lumens |
US6464655B1 (en) | 1999-03-17 | 2002-10-15 | Environmental Robots, Inc. | Electrically-controllable multi-fingered resilient heart compression devices |
EP1189552B1 (en) | 1999-04-30 | 2009-04-01 | Uromedica Inc. | Apparatus with an adjustable sling for treatment of urinary stress incontinence |
US6835200B2 (en) | 1999-06-22 | 2004-12-28 | Ndo Surgical. Inc. | Method and devices for tissue reconfiguration |
US7744613B2 (en) | 1999-06-25 | 2010-06-29 | Usgi Medical, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for forming and securing gastrointestinal tissue folds |
US6197055B1 (en) | 1999-07-06 | 2001-03-06 | Herbert L. Matthews | Single chamber mechanical heart |
US6516227B1 (en) | 1999-07-27 | 2003-02-04 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Rechargeable spinal cord stimulator system |
AUPQ202699A0 (en) | 1999-08-04 | 1999-08-26 | University Of Melbourne, The | Prosthetic device for incontinence |
FR2797181B1 (en) | 1999-08-05 | 2002-05-03 | Richard Cancel | REMOTE GASTRIC BAND DEVICE FOR FORMING A RESTRICTED STOMA OPENING IN THE ESTOMAC |
US20040102804A1 (en) | 1999-08-10 | 2004-05-27 | Chin Albert K. | Apparatus and methods for endoscopic surgical procedures |
US6450173B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-09-17 | Obtech Medical Ag | Heartburn and reflux disease treatment with controlled wireless energy supply |
US6482145B1 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2002-11-19 | Obtech Medical Ag | Hydraulic anal incontinence treatment |
US6453907B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-09-24 | Obtech Medical Ag | Food intake restriction with energy transfer device |
US6454701B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-09-24 | Obtech Medical Ag | Heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus with energy transfer device |
MXPA02001217A (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2004-05-21 | Potencia Medical Ag | Stoma opening forming apparatus. |
US6454698B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-09-24 | Obtech Medical Ag | Anal incontinence treatment with energy transfer device |
US6471635B1 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2002-10-29 | Obtech Medical Ag | Anal incontinence disease treatment with controlled wireless energy supply |
US6454699B1 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2002-09-24 | Obtech Medical Ag | Food intake restriction with controlled wireless energy supply |
US6464628B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2002-10-15 | Obtech Medical Ag | Mechanical anal incontinence |
FR2802798B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2002-02-01 | Promedon S A | PAD STRAP FOR THE TREATMENT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE |
US6764472B1 (en) | 2000-01-11 | 2004-07-20 | Bard Access Systems, Inc. | Implantable refillable infusion device |
US6447443B1 (en) | 2001-01-13 | 2002-09-10 | Medtronic, Inc. | Method for organ positioning and stabilization |
US6813519B2 (en) | 2000-01-21 | 2004-11-02 | Medtronic Minimed, Inc. | Ambulatory medical apparatus and method using a robust communication protocol |
US20030050591A1 (en) | 2000-02-08 | 2003-03-13 | Patrick Mchale Anthony | Loading system and method for using the same |
US6454700B1 (en) | 2000-02-09 | 2002-09-24 | Obtech Medical Ag | Heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus with wireless energy supply |
EP1582175B1 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2008-08-06 | Potencia Medical AG | Mechanical impotence treatment apparatus |
US6470892B1 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2002-10-29 | Obtech Medical Ag | Mechanical heartburn and reflux treatment |
EP1598030B1 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2008-06-25 | Potencia Medical AG | Controlled urinary incontinence treatment |
US6463935B1 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2002-10-15 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled heartburn and reflux disease treatment |
BR0108225B1 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2010-02-09 | apparatus for the treatment of urinary incontinence. | |
DE60113965T2 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2006-07-06 | Potencia Medical Ag | TREATMENT OF HARNINE CONTINENCE WITH WIRELESS ENERGY SUPPLY |
BR0108223B1 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2009-08-11 | mechanical apparatus for the treatment of impotence. | |
EP1284691B1 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2006-12-20 | Potencia Medical AG | Urinary incontinence treatment apparatus |
CN101138528B (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2015-02-25 | 波坦蒂卡股份公司 | Impotence treatment apparatus with energy transforming means |
DE60131726T2 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2008-11-06 | Potencia Medical Ag | CONTROLLED IMPOTENA TREATMENT |
US6450946B1 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2002-09-17 | Obtech Medical Ag | Food intake restriction with wireless energy transfer |
EP1759665B1 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2014-10-22 | Urologica AG | Urinary incontinence treatment apparatus |
AU778113B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2004-11-18 | Implantica Patent Ltd. | Male impotence prosthesis apparatus with wireless energy supply |
EP1263355B1 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2005-04-27 | Potencia Medical AG | Hydraulic urinary incontinence treatment apparatus |
US6475136B1 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2002-11-05 | Obtech Medical Ag | Hydraulic heartburn and reflux treatment |
DE60116599T2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2006-11-16 | Potencia Medical Ag | Device for the treatment of male sexual impotence |
US20030100929A1 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2003-05-29 | Peter Forsell | Controlled penile prosthesis |
DE60111019T2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2006-05-11 | Potencia Medical Ag | PROSTHESIS |
IL138632A (en) | 2000-09-21 | 2008-06-05 | Minelu Zonnenschein | Multiple view endoscopes |
US6456883B1 (en) | 2000-04-26 | 2002-09-24 | Medtronic, Inc. | Apparatus and method for allowing immediate retrieval for information and identification from an implantable medical device having a depleted power source |
US7530964B2 (en) | 2000-06-30 | 2009-05-12 | Elan Pharma International Limited | Needle device and method thereof |
US6589229B1 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2003-07-08 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Wearable, self-contained drug infusion device |
EP1332440B1 (en) | 2000-10-04 | 2012-04-11 | Insulet Corporation | Data collection assembly for patient infusion system |
TW458771B (en) | 2000-12-13 | 2001-10-11 | Jiang R Chung | Structure of blood-propelling cavity of artificial left ventricle |
US20050240229A1 (en) | 2001-04-26 | 2005-10-27 | Whitehurst Tood K | Methods and systems for stimulation as a therapy for erectile dysfunction |
US6535764B2 (en) | 2001-05-01 | 2003-03-18 | Intrapace, Inc. | Gastric treatment and diagnosis device and method |
US6623507B2 (en) | 2001-05-07 | 2003-09-23 | Fathy M.A. Saleh | Vascular filtration device |
US6678561B2 (en) | 2001-05-23 | 2004-01-13 | Surgical Development Ag | Heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus |
US6551235B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-04-22 | Potencia Medical Ag | Implantable pump |
SE0102313D0 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2001-06-28 | Obtech Medical Ag | Intestine dysfunction treatment apparatus |
US6796963B2 (en) | 2001-07-10 | 2004-09-28 | Myocardial Therapeutics, Inc. | Flexible tissue injection catheters with controlled depth penetration |
KR100407467B1 (en) | 2001-07-12 | 2003-11-28 | 최수봉 | Insulin pump operated by remote-controller |
US6901295B2 (en) | 2001-07-14 | 2005-05-31 | Virender K. Sharma | Method and apparatus for electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter |
US6627206B2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2003-09-30 | Greg A. Lloyd | Method and apparatus for treating obesity and for delivering time-released medicaments |
JP4883852B2 (en) | 2001-07-30 | 2012-02-22 | 日東電工株式会社 | Heat peeling method of chip cut piece from heat release type adhesive sheet |
US20030208247A1 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2003-11-06 | Michele Spinelli | Implantable stimulation lead with tissue in-growth anchor |
FR2830455B1 (en) | 2001-10-09 | 2004-06-25 | Saphir Medical | CATHETER WITH RETRACTABLE PERFORATING OR STITCHING TOOL |
US7429258B2 (en) | 2001-10-26 | 2008-09-30 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Microneedle transport device |
AU2003215342A1 (en) | 2002-02-21 | 2003-09-09 | Design Mentor, Inc. | Fluid pump |
US7311690B2 (en) | 2002-02-25 | 2007-12-25 | Novashunt Ag | Implantable fluid management system for the removal of excess fluid |
US7043295B2 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2006-05-09 | Medtronic, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for delivering a drug influencing appetite for treatment of eating disorders |
US6960233B1 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2005-11-01 | Torax Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for improving the function of biological passages |
US7998190B2 (en) | 2002-06-17 | 2011-08-16 | California Institute Of Technology | Intravascular miniature stent pump |
US20040024285A1 (en) | 2002-06-21 | 2004-02-05 | Helmut Muckter | Blood pump with impeller |
DK1523355T3 (en) | 2002-07-22 | 2019-04-23 | Becton Dickinson Co | PLASTER-LIKE INFUSION DEVICE |
US20040034275A1 (en) | 2002-07-29 | 2004-02-19 | Peter Forsell | Multi-material incontinence treatment constriction device |
MXPA05001229A (en) | 2002-08-02 | 2005-06-08 | Potencia Medical Ag | Apparatus for distributing liquid in a patient's body. |
US6772011B2 (en) | 2002-08-20 | 2004-08-03 | Thoratec Corporation | Transmission of information from an implanted medical device |
EP1403519A1 (en) | 2002-09-27 | 2004-03-31 | Novo Nordisk A/S | Membrane pump with stretchable pump membrane |
US20040064110A1 (en) | 2002-10-01 | 2004-04-01 | Peter Forsell | Injection port |
US7103418B2 (en) | 2002-10-02 | 2006-09-05 | Medtronic, Inc. | Active fluid delivery catheter |
US7037343B2 (en) | 2002-12-23 | 2006-05-02 | Python, Inc. | Stomach prosthesis |
US7141071B2 (en) | 2002-12-23 | 2006-11-28 | Python Medical, Inc. | Implantable digestive tract organ |
WO2004066881A1 (en) | 2003-01-31 | 2004-08-12 | Potencia Medical Ag | Impotence treatment apparatus with connection device |
DE60316034T2 (en) | 2003-01-31 | 2008-05-21 | Potencia Medical Ag | DEVICE FOR SAFE IMPOTENA TREATMENT |
ATE356595T1 (en) | 2003-01-31 | 2007-04-15 | Potencia Medical Ag | ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED DEVICE FOR IMPOTENCY TREATMENT |
ATE356598T1 (en) | 2003-01-31 | 2007-04-15 | Potencia Medical Ag | ELECTRICALLY OPERATED DEVICE FOR INCONTINENCE TREATMENT |
WO2004066886A1 (en) | 2003-01-31 | 2004-08-12 | Potencia Medical Ag | Careful incontinence treatment apparatus |
AU2003206302A1 (en) | 2003-01-31 | 2004-08-23 | Potencia Medical Ag | Incontinence treatment apparatus with connection device |
US7844338B2 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2010-11-30 | Enteromedics Inc. | High frequency obesity treatment |
US7118525B2 (en) | 2003-04-23 | 2006-10-10 | Coleman Edward J | Implantable cardiac assist device |
TW590007U (en) | 2003-06-06 | 2004-06-01 | Univ Tamkang | Tri-leaflet mechanical heart valve |
US7201757B2 (en) | 2003-06-20 | 2007-04-10 | Enteromedics Inc. | Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment method and apparatus |
WO2005018507A2 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2005-03-03 | Ev3 Santa Rosa, Inc. | Remotely activated mitral annuloplasty system and methods |
US8140168B2 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2012-03-20 | Medtronic, Inc. | External power source for an implantable medical device having an adjustable carrier frequency and system and method related therefore |
US20050161377A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2005-07-28 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Extraction system |
US7993397B2 (en) | 2004-04-05 | 2011-08-09 | Edwards Lifesciences Ag | Remotely adjustable coronary sinus implant |
US7717843B2 (en) | 2004-04-26 | 2010-05-18 | Barosense, Inc. | Restrictive and/or obstructive implant for inducing weight loss |
US20050245957A1 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2005-11-03 | Medtronic, Inc. | Biasing stretch receptors in stomach wall to treat obesity |
WO2005107641A2 (en) | 2004-05-03 | 2005-11-17 | Fulfillium, Inc. | Method and system for gastric volume control |
WO2005107650A2 (en) | 2004-05-05 | 2005-11-17 | Direct Flow Medical, Inc. | Unstented heart valve with formed in place support structure |
US7112186B2 (en) | 2004-05-26 | 2006-09-26 | Shah Tilak M | Gastro-occlusive device |
US20050266042A1 (en) | 2004-05-27 | 2005-12-01 | Medtronic Vascular, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for treatment of aneurysmal tissue |
WO2006049842A1 (en) | 2004-10-28 | 2006-05-11 | Pall Corporation | Valve |
US7601162B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2009-10-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Actuator for an implantable band |
US7963989B2 (en) | 2005-01-24 | 2011-06-21 | Technology Advancement Group, Inc. | Implantable prosthetic device for connection to a fluid flow pathway of a patient |
US7955344B2 (en) | 2005-04-01 | 2011-06-07 | Nexgen Medical Systems, Inc. | Thrombus removal system and process |
US7801602B2 (en) | 2005-04-08 | 2010-09-21 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Controlling stimulation parameters of implanted tissue stimulators |
US7984717B2 (en) | 2005-04-29 | 2011-07-26 | Medtronic, Inc. | Devices for augmentation of lumen walls |
US9233203B2 (en) | 2005-05-06 | 2016-01-12 | Medtronic Minimed, Inc. | Medical needles for damping motion |
US7988614B2 (en) | 2005-07-19 | 2011-08-02 | Zvi Ben Shalom | Organ assist system and method |
US20070038232A1 (en) | 2005-08-12 | 2007-02-15 | Kraemer Stefan J M | Apparatus and method for securing the stomach to the diaphragm for use, for example, in treating hiatal hernias and gastroesophageal reflux disease |
US7699769B2 (en) | 2005-09-01 | 2010-04-20 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Adjustable surgical sling |
US8118750B2 (en) | 2005-10-21 | 2012-02-21 | Medtronic, Inc. | Flow sensors for penile tumescence |
EP2926847B1 (en) | 2005-11-02 | 2022-05-25 | MedicalTree Patents Ltd. | Implantable infusion device with advanceable and retractable needle |
EP3967273A1 (en) | 2005-11-02 | 2022-03-16 | MedicalTree Patents Ltd. | Artificial valve for implantation |
US7720547B2 (en) | 2006-01-04 | 2010-05-18 | Kenergy, Inc. | Extracorporeal power supply with a wireless feedback system for an implanted medical device |
US20070193632A1 (en) | 2006-02-21 | 2007-08-23 | Jianchao Shu | Artificial heart valve and rotary pressure porting mechanisms |
US8070768B2 (en) | 2006-04-19 | 2011-12-06 | Vibrynt, Inc. | Devices and methods for treatment of obesity |
US20070265675A1 (en) | 2006-05-09 | 2007-11-15 | Ams Research Corporation | Testing Efficacy of Therapeutic Mechanical or Electrical Nerve or Muscle Stimulation |
US7828715B2 (en) | 2006-06-29 | 2010-11-09 | Ams Research Corporation | Method of treating anal incontinence |
US8075471B2 (en) | 2006-07-12 | 2011-12-13 | Allegheny-Singer Research Institute | Apical torsion device for cardiac assist |
US7789857B2 (en) | 2006-08-23 | 2010-09-07 | Medtronic Minimed, Inc. | Infusion medium delivery system, device and method with needle inserter and needle inserter device and method |
US7738961B2 (en) | 2006-10-09 | 2010-06-15 | Endostim, Inc. | Method and apparatus for treatment of the gastrointestinal tract |
US7749235B2 (en) | 2006-10-20 | 2010-07-06 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Stomach invagination method and apparatus |
US20080103544A1 (en) | 2006-10-28 | 2008-05-01 | Weiner Richard L | Method of treating female sexual dysfunction |
WO2008134064A1 (en) | 2007-04-28 | 2008-11-06 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Dynamic and adjustable support devices |
US9555241B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2017-01-31 | Peter Forsell | Method of obtaining male contraception |
US9949871B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2018-04-24 | Peter Forsell | Method for controlling flow of eggs in a uterine tube |
US10195325B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2019-02-05 | Peter Forsell | Method for controlling flow of sperms in a uterine tube |
US20090248033A1 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2009-10-01 | Milux Holding S.A. | Method for the treatment of gallstones |
US8795153B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2014-08-05 | Peter Forsell | Method for treating female sexual dysfunction |
US10307597B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2019-06-04 | Peter Forsell | Method for controlling flow of urine in a patient's urethra, ureter, renal pelvis or bladder |
US8696543B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2014-04-15 | Kirk Promotion Ltd. | Method for controlling flow of intestinal contents in a patient's intestines |
EP2244758A4 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2016-12-14 | Kirk Promotion Ltd | A drainage device comprising an active filter |
EP2244667B8 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2021-11-17 | Implantica Patent Ltd. | An implantable fluid movement device |
US9526649B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2016-12-27 | Peter Forsell | Method and instrument for treating obesity |
US10952836B2 (en) | 2009-07-17 | 2021-03-23 | Peter Forsell | Vaginal operation method for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women |
US9949812B2 (en) | 2009-07-17 | 2018-04-24 | Peter Forsell | Vaginal operation method for the treatment of anal incontinence in women |
-
2000
- 2000-02-10 US US09/501,235 patent/US6450173B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-02-10 US US09/502,089 patent/US6503189B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-02-10 US US09/502,092 patent/US6461292B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-02-11 US US09/503,149 patent/US6461293B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-02-11 ZA ZA200201143A patent/ZA200201143B/en unknown
- 2002-02-11 ZA ZA200201144A patent/ZA200201144B/en unknown
- 2002-02-11 ZA ZA200201140A patent/ZA200201140B/en unknown
- 2002-02-11 ZA ZA200201141A patent/ZA200201141B/en unknown
- 2002-09-25 US US10/253,608 patent/US20030066536A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-10-16 US US10/270,719 patent/US8096938B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (218)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8666495B2 (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2014-03-04 | Metacure Limited | Gastrointestinal methods and apparatus for use in treating disorders and controlling blood sugar |
US9101765B2 (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2015-08-11 | Metacure Limited | Non-immediate effects of therapy |
US8545384B2 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2013-10-01 | Obtech Medical Ag | Anal incontinence disease treatment with controlled wireless energy supply |
US8096938B2 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2012-01-17 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled anal incontinence disease treatment |
US8096939B2 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2012-01-17 | Obtech Medical Ag | Urinary incontinence treatment with wireless energy supply |
US8602966B2 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2013-12-10 | Obtech Medical, AG | Mechanical impotence treatment apparatus |
US20100145139A1 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2010-06-10 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled urinary incontinence treatment |
US8556796B2 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2013-10-15 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled urinary incontinence treatment |
US8287444B2 (en) | 2000-02-10 | 2012-10-16 | Obtech Medical Ag | Mechanical impotence treatment apparatus |
US20090054725A1 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2009-02-26 | Obtech Medical Ag | Mechanical impotence treatment apparatus |
US20110184230A1 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2011-07-28 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled impotence treatment |
US20110040143A1 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2011-02-17 | Obtech Medical Ag | Impotence treatment apparatus with energy transforming means |
US7931582B2 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2011-04-26 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled impotence treatment |
US8734318B2 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2014-05-27 | Obtech Medical Ag | Mechanical anal incontinence |
US20030125605A1 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2003-07-03 | Peter Forsell | Controlled impotence treatment |
US9655724B2 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2017-05-23 | Peter Forsell | Controlled impotence treatment |
US8290594B2 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2012-10-16 | Obtech Medical Ag | Impotence treatment apparatus with energy transforming means |
US8764627B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2014-07-01 | Obtech Medical Ag | Penile prosthesis |
US20070015959A1 (en) * | 2000-02-14 | 2007-01-18 | Obtech Medical Ag | Male impotence prosthesis apparatus with wireless energy supply |
US8313423B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2012-11-20 | Peter Forsell | Hydraulic anal incontinence treatment |
US8126558B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2012-02-28 | Obtech Medical Ag | Controlled penile prosthesis |
US8678997B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2014-03-25 | Obtech Medical Ag | Male impotence prosthesis apparatus with wireless energy supply |
US7512442B2 (en) | 2000-12-11 | 2009-03-31 | Metacure N.V. | Acute and chronic electrical signal therapy for obesity |
US20040059393A1 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2004-03-25 | Shai Policker | Regulation of eating habits |
US7330753B2 (en) | 2001-04-18 | 2008-02-12 | Metacure N.V. | Analysis of eating habits |
US20040147816A1 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2004-07-29 | Shai Policker | Analysis of eating habits |
US7959552B2 (en) | 2002-03-08 | 2011-06-14 | Allergan Medical S. A. | Implantable device |
US20080045783A1 (en) * | 2002-07-29 | 2008-02-21 | Peter Forsell | Multi-material incontinence treatment construction device |
US20060111791A1 (en) * | 2002-07-29 | 2006-05-25 | Peter Forsell | Durable implant |
US9427301B2 (en) | 2002-07-29 | 2016-08-30 | Peter Forsell | Durable implant |
US9278158B2 (en) | 2002-07-29 | 2016-03-08 | Peter Forsell | Multi-material incontinence treatment construction device |
US8845513B2 (en) | 2002-08-13 | 2014-09-30 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding device |
US20090182356A1 (en) * | 2002-08-13 | 2009-07-16 | Coe Frederick L | Remotely adjustable gastric banding device |
US7811298B2 (en) | 2002-08-28 | 2010-10-12 | Allergan, Inc. | Fatigue-resistant gastric banding device |
US8382780B2 (en) | 2002-08-28 | 2013-02-26 | Allergan, Inc. | Fatigue-resistant gastric banding device |
US20080200753A1 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2008-08-21 | Potencia Medical Ag | Electrically operable incontinence treatment apparatus |
US20080200965A1 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2008-08-21 | Potencia Medical Ag | Electrically operable incontinence treatment apparatus |
US8792985B2 (en) | 2003-07-21 | 2014-07-29 | Metacure Limited | Gastrointestinal methods and apparatus for use in treating disorders and controlling blood sugar |
US20100042052A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2010-02-18 | Allergan, Inc. | Methods of operating an implantable injection port system |
US8007465B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2011-08-30 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US8409203B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2013-04-02 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable medical implants having fasteners |
US20100049214A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2010-02-25 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable medical implants having fasteners and methods of fastening |
US20090254052A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2009-10-08 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US20090259190A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2009-10-15 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable injection port and protective cap |
US20090259231A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2009-10-15 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US20090264827A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2009-10-22 | Allergan, Inc. | Methods of implanting an injection port |
US8317761B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2012-11-27 | Allergan, Inc. | Methods of deploying an implantable injection port |
US8079989B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2011-12-20 | Allergan, Inc. | Methods of operating an implantable injection port system |
US8007479B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2011-08-30 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable injection port |
US7947011B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2011-05-24 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US7901381B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2011-03-08 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US7892200B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2011-02-22 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US7811275B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2010-10-12 | Allergan, Inc. | Methods of implanting an injection port |
US20100286649A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2010-11-11 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable device fastening system |
US7762998B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2010-07-27 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US7972315B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2011-07-05 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable injection port and protective cap |
US20060235445A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2006-10-19 | Janel Birk | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US20060190039A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2006-08-24 | Janel Birk | Implantable device fastening system and methods of use |
US8496614B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2013-07-30 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable device fastening system |
EP1547549A2 (en) * | 2003-12-17 | 2005-06-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Mechanically adjustable gastric band |
EP1547549A3 (en) * | 2003-12-17 | 2005-08-31 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Mechanically adjustable gastric band |
US8900117B2 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2014-12-02 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Releasably-securable one-piece adjustable gastric band |
US8377081B2 (en) | 2004-03-08 | 2013-02-19 | Allergan, Inc. | Closure system for tubular organs |
US8236023B2 (en) | 2004-03-18 | 2012-08-07 | Allergan, Inc. | Apparatus and method for volume adjustment of intragastric balloons |
US20070173881A1 (en) * | 2004-03-18 | 2007-07-26 | Allergan, Inc. | Apparatus and method for volume adjustment of intragastric balloons |
US8096989B2 (en) * | 2004-04-21 | 2012-01-17 | Accessurg | Motor-operated gastric banding device or gastric ring comprising at least one misaligned receiving antenna for power supply, remote control and data transmission by means of induction |
US20080275478A1 (en) * | 2004-04-21 | 2008-11-06 | Europlak | Motor-Operated Gastric Banding Device Or Gastric Ring Comprising At Least One Misaligned Receiving Antenna For Power Supply, Remote Control And Data Transmission By Means Of Induction |
US11357549B2 (en) | 2004-07-02 | 2022-06-14 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Expandable rod system to treat scoliosis and method of using the same |
US20090118797A1 (en) * | 2004-08-18 | 2009-05-07 | Metacure Ltd. | Monitoring, analysis, and regulation of eating habits |
US8612016B2 (en) | 2004-08-18 | 2013-12-17 | Metacure Limited | Monitoring, analysis, and regulation of eating habits |
US20060173238A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Starkebaum Warren L | Dynamically controlled gastric occlusion device |
US20060173472A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Starkebaum Warren L | Gastric banding device |
US9821158B2 (en) | 2005-02-17 | 2017-11-21 | Metacure Limited | Non-immediate effects of therapy |
US7775966B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2010-08-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Non-invasive pressure measurement in a fluid adjustable restrictive device |
US7658196B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2010-02-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System and method for determining implanted device orientation |
US7775215B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2010-08-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System and method for determining implanted device positioning and obtaining pressure data |
US8066629B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2011-11-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Apparatus for adjustment and sensing of gastric band pressure |
US7927270B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2011-04-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | External mechanical pressure sensor for gastric band pressure measurements |
US8016744B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2011-09-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | External pressure-based gastric band adjustment system and method |
US8016745B2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2011-09-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Monitoring of a food intake restriction device |
US8463404B2 (en) | 2005-03-24 | 2013-06-11 | Metacure Limited | Electrode assemblies, tools, and methods for gastric wall implantation |
US20100324644A1 (en) * | 2005-03-24 | 2010-12-23 | Tamir Levi | Electrode Assemblies, Tools, And Methods For Gastric Wall Implantation |
US8623042B2 (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2014-01-07 | Mitchell Roslin | Artificial gastric valve |
US8251888B2 (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2012-08-28 | Mitchell Steven Roslin | Artificial gastric valve |
US20100274274A1 (en) * | 2005-04-13 | 2010-10-28 | Allergan, Inc. | Artificial gastric valve |
US20060235448A1 (en) * | 2005-04-13 | 2006-10-19 | Roslin Mitchell S | Artificial gastric valve |
US20060247768A1 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-11-02 | Medtronic, Inc. | Bulking of upper esophageal sphincter for treatment of obesity |
US7736392B2 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2010-06-15 | Medtronic, Inc. | Bulking of upper esophageal sphincter for treatment of obesity |
US20100228349A1 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2010-09-09 | Medtronic, Inc. | Bulking of upper esophageal sphincter for treatment of obesity |
US20060244291A1 (en) * | 2005-04-29 | 2006-11-02 | Buell Motorcycle Company | Movable tailrack for a motorcycle |
US8301256B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2012-10-30 | Metacure Limited | GI lead implantation |
US20090204063A1 (en) * | 2005-06-02 | 2009-08-13 | Metacure N.V. | GI Lead Implantation |
US8182411B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2012-05-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric band with mating end profiles |
US7618365B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2009-11-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Method of implating a medical device using a suture tab extender |
US7416528B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2008-08-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Latching device for gastric band |
US20070016229A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Jambor Kristin L | Gastric band suture tab extender |
US7367937B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2008-05-06 | Ethicon Endo-Surgey, Inc. | Gastric band |
US20070173685A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-07-26 | Jambor Kristin L | Method of implating a medical device using a suture tab extender |
US7364542B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2008-04-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric band suture tab extender |
US7615001B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2009-11-10 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Precurved gastric band |
US20070250086A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-10-25 | Wiley Jeffrey P | Gastric band composed of different hardness materials |
US8298133B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2012-10-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric band composed of different hardness materials |
US20070015954A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Dlugos Daniel F | Gastric band with mating end profiles |
US20070015955A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Mark Tsonton | Accordion-like gastric band |
US20070016230A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Jambor Kristin L | Gastric band |
US20070016231A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Jambor Kristin L | Precurved gastric band |
US8442841B2 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2013-05-14 | Matacure N.V. | Patient selection method for assisting weight loss |
US20080065168A1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2008-03-13 | Ophir Bitton | Ingestible Capsule For Appetite Regulation |
US8295932B2 (en) | 2005-12-05 | 2012-10-23 | Metacure Limited | Ingestible capsule for appetite regulation |
US8308630B2 (en) | 2006-01-04 | 2012-11-13 | Allergan, Inc. | Hydraulic gastric band with collapsible reservoir |
US8905915B2 (en) | 2006-01-04 | 2014-12-09 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-regulating gastric band with pressure data processing |
US8323180B2 (en) | 2006-01-04 | 2012-12-04 | Allergan, Inc. | Hydraulic gastric band with collapsible reservoir |
US8870742B2 (en) | 2006-04-06 | 2014-10-28 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | GUI for an implantable restriction device and a data logger |
US8152710B2 (en) | 2006-04-06 | 2012-04-10 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Physiological parameter analysis for an implantable restriction device and a data logger |
US20070255336A1 (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2007-11-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Gastric constriction device with selectable electrode combinations |
US20070255335A1 (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2007-11-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Controller for gastric constriction device with selectable electrode configurations |
US20080097249A1 (en) * | 2006-10-20 | 2008-04-24 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | External sensing system for gastric restriction devices |
US11234849B2 (en) | 2006-10-20 | 2022-02-01 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable implant and method of use |
US11672684B2 (en) | 2006-10-20 | 2023-06-13 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable implant and method of use |
US8417329B2 (en) | 2007-05-09 | 2013-04-09 | Metacure Ltd. | Analysis and regulation of food intake |
WO2008139463A2 (en) | 2007-05-09 | 2008-11-20 | Metacure Ltd. | Analysis and regulation of food intake |
US20100305468A1 (en) * | 2007-05-09 | 2010-12-02 | Metacurt Ltd. | Analysis and regulation of food intake |
US20100298741A1 (en) * | 2007-07-24 | 2010-11-25 | Betastim, Ltd. | Duodenal eating sensor |
US8855770B2 (en) | 2007-07-24 | 2014-10-07 | Betastim, Ltd. | Duodenal eating sensor |
US8696543B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2014-04-15 | Kirk Promotion Ltd. | Method for controlling flow of intestinal contents in a patient's intestines |
US20090240100A1 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2009-09-24 | Milux Holding S.A. Schneider, Luxembourg | Method for controlling flow of intestinal contents in a patient's intestines |
US9662117B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2017-05-30 | Peter Forsell | Apparatus for controlling flow in a bodily organ |
US20110087337A1 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2011-04-14 | Peter Forsell | Apparatus for controlling flow in a bodily organ |
US8795153B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2014-08-05 | Peter Forsell | Method for treating female sexual dysfunction |
US8992409B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2015-03-31 | Peter Forsell | Method for controlling flow in a bodily organ |
US8187163B2 (en) | 2007-12-10 | 2012-05-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods for implanting a gastric restriction device |
US8100870B2 (en) | 2007-12-14 | 2012-01-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Adjustable height gastric restriction devices and methods |
US20090157113A1 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2009-06-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Wearable elements for implantable restriction systems |
US8377079B2 (en) | 2007-12-27 | 2013-02-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Constant force mechanisms for regulating restriction devices |
US8142452B2 (en) | 2007-12-27 | 2012-03-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Controlling pressure in adjustable restriction devices |
US8961448B2 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2015-02-24 | Peter Forsell | Implantable drainage device |
US8591395B2 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2013-11-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Gastric restriction device data handling devices and methods |
US8337389B2 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2012-12-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods and devices for diagnosing performance of a gastric restriction system |
US8192350B2 (en) | 2008-01-28 | 2012-06-05 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods and devices for measuring impedance in a gastric restriction system |
US8636809B2 (en) | 2008-01-29 | 2014-01-28 | Milux Holding Sa | Device for treating obesity |
US9060771B2 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2015-06-23 | Peter Forsell | Method and instrument for treating obesity |
US20100312356A1 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2010-12-09 | Peter Forsell | Methods and instruments for treating gerd and haital hernia |
US20160022462A1 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2016-01-28 | Peter Mats Forsell | Method and instrument for treating obesity |
US9687335B2 (en) | 2008-01-29 | 2017-06-27 | Milux Holding Sa | Method and instruments for treating GERD |
US20100331615A1 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2010-12-30 | Peter Forsell | Method and instruments for treating gerd |
US8567409B2 (en) | 2008-01-29 | 2013-10-29 | Milux Holding Sa | Method and instruments for treating GERD |
US8992629B2 (en) | 2008-01-29 | 2015-03-31 | Peter Forsell | Methods and instruments for treating GERD and hiatal hernia |
US20100312050A1 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2010-12-09 | Peter Forsell | Method and instrument for treating obesity |
US8221439B2 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2012-07-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Powering implantable restriction systems using kinetic motion |
US7844342B2 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2010-11-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Powering implantable restriction systems using light |
RU2495646C2 (en) * | 2008-02-07 | 2013-10-20 | Этикон Эндо-Серджери, Инк. | Power supply of implanted systems of limitation with application of temperature |
US8114345B2 (en) | 2008-02-08 | 2012-02-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System and method of sterilizing an implantable medical device |
US8057492B2 (en) | 2008-02-12 | 2011-11-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Automatically adjusting band system with MEMS pump |
US8591532B2 (en) | 2008-02-12 | 2013-11-26 | Ethicon Endo-Sugery, Inc. | Automatically adjusting band system |
US8034065B2 (en) | 2008-02-26 | 2011-10-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Controlling pressure in adjustable restriction devices |
US8233995B2 (en) | 2008-03-06 | 2012-07-31 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System and method of aligning an implantable antenna |
US8187162B2 (en) | 2008-03-06 | 2012-05-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Reorientation port |
US11202707B2 (en) | 2008-03-25 | 2021-12-21 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable implant system |
US8423130B2 (en) | 2008-05-09 | 2013-04-16 | Metacure Limited | Optimization of thresholds for eating detection |
US8292800B2 (en) | 2008-06-11 | 2012-10-23 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable pump system |
US20090312785A1 (en) * | 2008-06-11 | 2009-12-17 | Allergan, Inc. | Implantable Pump System |
US8317677B2 (en) | 2008-10-06 | 2012-11-27 | Allergan, Inc. | Mechanical gastric band with cushions |
US8696745B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2014-04-15 | Kirk Promotion Ltd. | Heart help device, system, and method |
US8600510B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2013-12-03 | Milux Holding Sa | Apparatus, system and operation method for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction |
US10219898B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2019-03-05 | Peter Forsell | Artificial valve |
US8874215B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2014-10-28 | Peter Forsell | System, an apparatus, and a method for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient |
US9072907B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2015-07-07 | Peter Forsell | Heart help device, system, and method |
US10583234B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2020-03-10 | Peter Forsell | Heart help device, system and method |
US8509894B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2013-08-13 | Milux Holding Sa | Heart help device, system, and method |
US9526649B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2016-12-27 | Peter Forsell | Method and instrument for treating obesity |
US9370656B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2016-06-21 | Peter Forsell | System, an apparatus, and a method for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient |
US11123171B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2021-09-21 | Peter Forsell | Fastening means for implantable medical control assembly |
US8900118B2 (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2014-12-02 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Dome and screw valves for remotely adjustable gastric banding systems |
US8372093B2 (en) * | 2008-11-04 | 2013-02-12 | Koletry Processing L.L.C. | Systems and processes for controlling gastric bands based on geographic location |
US10729470B2 (en) | 2008-11-10 | 2020-08-04 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | External adjustment device for distraction device |
US10478232B2 (en) | 2009-04-29 | 2019-11-19 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Interspinous process device and method |
US9949812B2 (en) | 2009-07-17 | 2018-04-24 | Peter Forsell | Vaginal operation method for the treatment of anal incontinence in women |
US10952836B2 (en) | 2009-07-17 | 2021-03-23 | Peter Forsell | Vaginal operation method for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women |
US8934975B2 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2015-01-13 | Metacure Limited | Gastrointestinal electrical therapy |
US8678993B2 (en) | 2010-02-12 | 2014-03-25 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US20110201874A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | Allergan, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US20110201875A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | Allergan, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US20110208229A1 (en) * | 2010-02-24 | 2011-08-25 | Allergan, Inc. | Source reservoir with potential energy for remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US8758221B2 (en) | 2010-02-24 | 2014-06-24 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Source reservoir with potential energy for remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US8764624B2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2014-07-01 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Inductively powered remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US8840541B2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2014-09-23 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Pressure sensing gastric banding system |
DE102010010418A1 (en) * | 2010-03-05 | 2011-09-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | implant |
US9044298B2 (en) | 2010-04-29 | 2015-06-02 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-adjusting gastric band |
US9028394B2 (en) | 2010-04-29 | 2015-05-12 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-adjusting mechanical gastric band |
US9295573B2 (en) | 2010-04-29 | 2016-03-29 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-adjusting gastric band having various compliant components and/or a satiety booster |
US9192501B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2015-11-24 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Remotely powered remotely adjustable gastric band system |
US9226840B2 (en) | 2010-06-03 | 2016-01-05 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Magnetically coupled implantable pump system and method |
US8517915B2 (en) | 2010-06-10 | 2013-08-27 | Allergan, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US10660675B2 (en) | 2010-06-30 | 2020-05-26 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | External adjustment device for distraction device |
US9211207B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2015-12-15 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Power regulated implant |
US8698373B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2014-04-15 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Pare piezo power with energy recovery |
US9050165B2 (en) | 2010-09-07 | 2015-06-09 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Remotely adjustable gastric banding system |
US8961393B2 (en) | 2010-11-15 | 2015-02-24 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Gastric band devices and drive systems |
US10646262B2 (en) | 2011-02-14 | 2020-05-12 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | System and method for altering rotational alignment of bone sections |
US10743794B2 (en) | 2011-10-04 | 2020-08-18 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Devices and methods for non-invasive implant length sensing |
US11123107B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2021-09-21 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable magnetic devices and methods of using same |
US10349982B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2019-07-16 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable magnetic devices and methods of using same |
US8876694B2 (en) | 2011-12-07 | 2014-11-04 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Tube connector with a guiding tip |
US8961394B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2015-02-24 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Self-sealing fluid joint for use with a gastric band |
US8986337B2 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2015-03-24 | Elwha Llc | Devices, systems, and methods to control stomach volume |
US8979885B2 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2015-03-17 | Elwha Llc | Devices, systems, and methods to control stomach volume |
US8979887B2 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2015-03-17 | Elwha Llc | Devices, systems, and methods to control stomach volume |
WO2013126363A1 (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | Elwha Llc | Devices, systems, and methods to control stomach volume |
WO2014004774A1 (en) * | 2012-06-28 | 2014-01-03 | Rf Monolithics, Inc. | Digital frequency demodulator with low power consumption and related system and method |
US11213330B2 (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2022-01-04 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable devices for treating arthritis of the knee |
US11191579B2 (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2021-12-07 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable devices for treating arthritis of the knee |
US10751094B2 (en) | 2013-10-10 | 2020-08-25 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable spinal implant |
US11246694B2 (en) | 2014-04-28 | 2022-02-15 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | System for informational magnetic feedback in adjustable implants |
US11439449B2 (en) | 2014-12-26 | 2022-09-13 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Systems and methods for distraction |
US11612416B2 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2023-03-28 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Systems and methods for vertebral adjustment |
US10617453B2 (en) | 2015-10-16 | 2020-04-14 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | Adjustable devices for treating arthritis of the knee |
US10835290B2 (en) | 2015-12-10 | 2020-11-17 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | External adjustment device for distraction device |
US10918425B2 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2021-02-16 | Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. | System and methods for bone transport |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ZA200201141B (en) | 2002-10-24 |
US6461293B1 (en) | 2002-10-08 |
ZA200201140B (en) | 2003-03-12 |
US8096938B2 (en) | 2012-01-17 |
US6450173B1 (en) | 2002-09-17 |
ZA200201143B (en) | 2002-09-20 |
ZA200201144B (en) | 2002-09-20 |
US20030088148A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 |
US6503189B1 (en) | 2003-01-07 |
US6461292B1 (en) | 2002-10-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6461293B1 (en) | Controlled food intake restriction | |
US6454699B1 (en) | Food intake restriction with controlled wireless energy supply | |
AU775540B2 (en) | Food intake restriction apparatus with controlled wireless energy supply | |
US10667894B2 (en) | Anal incontinence disease treatment with controlled wireless energy supply | |
US6463935B1 (en) | Controlled heartburn and reflux disease treatment | |
AU767248B2 (en) | Food intake restriction apparatus with wireless energy supply | |
EP1253881B1 (en) | Anal incontinence treatment with controlled wireless energy supply | |
EP1299055B1 (en) | Controlled heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus | |
CA2396224C (en) | Controlled impotence treatment | |
EP1253880B1 (en) | Controlled urinary incontinence treatment | |
AU2004202000B2 (en) | Food intake restriction apparatus with controlled wireless energy supply | |
AU2004202001B2 (en) | Controlled heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |