Apparatus and methods for magnetic alteration of anatomical features
OwnerMichael Harrison, Richard Fechter +1inventors
InventorsMichael Harrison, Richard Fechter, Arthur Moran
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for incrementally manipulating a body member of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus has a magnetic implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, a form external to the patient, and a magnetic member coupled to the form, wherein the magnetic member generates a magnetic force between the implant and the form to incrementally manipulate the body member. The implant and external magnetic member are preferably rare earth magnets or an array of rare earth magnets, and are configured to generate an attractive or repulsive force between the implant and the platform to reposition, reorient, deform, or lengthen the body member.
Claims32
An apparatus for incrementally manipulating an internal lumen of a patient, comprising:
- a first magnetic member configured to be received at a first location on the lumen;
- a first catheter adapted to deliver the first magnetic member to the first location, and
- a second magnetic member adapted to be received at a second location of the lumen;
- wherein the first and second magnetic members are configured to generate a magnetic force to incrementally lengthen at least a portion of the lumen.
15-23. (canceled)
An apparatus for incrementally manipulating a body member of a patient, comprising:
- an implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, the implant responsive to a magnetic field;
- a form external to the patient;
- and
- a magnetic member coupled to the form;
- wherein the magnetic member is configured to generate a magnetic force between the implant and the form to incrementally manipulate the body member.
An apparatus as recited in claim 25, wherein the implant comprises a rare earth magnet.
An apparatus as recited in claim 26, wherein the magnetic member comprises a rare earth magnet.
34-43. (canceled)
A magnetic clasp for attaching an ornamental object to a body member, comprising:
- a housing configured to be positioned against a skin surface at a location on the body member adjacent to a magnetically responsive implant positioned under the skin surface of the body member;
- and
- a magnetic member coupled to the housing;
- wherein the magnetic member is configured to generate an attractive force between the implant and the housing to retain the housing at the location.
49-56. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.