Body canal contacting means for body fluid flow control methods and devices

An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body comprising:

• a constricting member for allowing fluid flow within a body canal when in an open position and for reducing fluid flow within said body canal when in a closed position, said constricting member comprising an engaging element for substantially encircling a portion of said canal,
• said constricting member further comprising a fluid-operated structure which receives fluid to reduce fluid flow within said body canal and expels fluid to allow fluid flow within said body canal,
• wherein said fluid-operated structure comprises a bladder, said bladder being positioned in said constricting member such that expansion of said bladder upon receiving said fluid will cause said bladder to compress said canal against said engaging element and reduce fluid flow within said body canal;
• an actuating member for operating the constricting member between said open position and said closed position, said actuating member comprising a means for flowing fluid into and out of said fluid-operated structure;
• control means for operating said actuating member;
• and
• wherein said constricting member comprises at least one inner surface having at least two protrusions adapted to contact said body canal such that a force applied by the constricting member upon said body canal is differentially distributed upon said body canal by said protrusions.

A system for controlling fluid flow within a host body comprising:

• a plunging member having a distal terminus, where said distal terminus comprises a contact-surface adapted to apply pressure against a body canal within the host body;
• an actuating member comprising a means for pushing said distal terminus of said plunging member towards the body canal with an adjustable force such that the body canal is adjustably compressed by said contact-surface thereby reducing said fluid flow;
• a means for retracting said plunging member such that said body canal is adjustably decompressed thereby increasing said fluid flow;
• wherein said contact-surface comprises one or more protrusions adapted to contact said body canal such that said force whereby said body canal is compressed is differentially distributed upon said body canal.