Tissue interface features for implantable sphincter assistance device
AssigneeCilag GmbH International
InventorsKevin M. Fiebig, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An implantable sphincter assistance device is configured to surround an exterior wall of an esophagus. The implantable sphincter assistance device includes a plurality of beads, at least one connector, and secondary material. Each of the beads has an exterior surface. The connector is configured to serially connect the beads to form a ring. The secondary material is configured to be disposed between the exterior surface of at least one of the beads and the exterior wall of the esophagus. The secondary material is configured to control remodeling of tissue surrounding the exterior wall of the esophagus.
Claims20
An implantable sphincter assistance device configured to surround an exterior wall of an esophagus, wherein the implantable sphincter assistance device comprises:
- (a) a plurality of beads, wherein each of the beads has an exterior surface;
- (b) at least one connector configured to serially connect the beads to form a ring;
- and
- (c) a secondary material including a bioabsorbable casing that is configured to be disposed between the exterior surface of at least one of the beads and the exterior wall of the esophagus, wherein the bioabsorbable casing includes a tapered lead in portion and a raised body portion surrounding a primary circumference of a majority of the beads, wherein the tapered lead in portion is configured to resist movement of the implantable sphincter assistance device, wherein the secondary material is configured to control remodeling of tissue surrounding the exterior wall of the esophagus.
A method of implanting a sphincter assistance device, comprising:
- (a) providing a sphincter assistance device comprising:
- (i) a plurality of beads, wherein each of the beads has an exterior surface,
- (ii) at least one connector configured to serially connect the beads to form a ring, and
- (iii) bioabsorbable secondary material coupled to the exterior surface of a majority of the beads;
- and
- (b) inserting the sphincter assistance device around an exterior wall of an esophagus so that the bioabsorbable secondary material contacts the exterior wall of the esophagus, wherein the bioabsorbable secondary material is absorbed by an exterior wall of an esophagus creating a tissue capsule having a greater volume than the sphincter assistance device, wherein the greater volume allows for movement of the majority of the beads.
A method of implanting a sphincter assistance device, comprising:
- (a) coupling a bioabsorbable reinforcement buttress around at least a portion of an exterior wall of an esophagus;
- (b) waiting a period of time for the exterior wall of the esophagus to bioabsorb the bioabsorbable reinforcement buttress producing scar tissue;
- and
- (c) inserting the sphincter assistance device around the exterior wall of the esophagus by coupling first and second clasp members of the sphincter assistance device together to serially connect a plurality of beads of the sphincter assistance device, wherein the scar tissue prevents the sphincter assistance device from causing tissue erosion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.