Implantable restriction system with load monitor

Apparatus for regulating functioning of a patient's organ or duct, comprising:

• an elongated member having a first end and a second end;
• a fastener disposed on the first end of the elongated member, the fastener configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct;
• a tension element disposed for movement within the elongated member, the tension element including a free end and a fixed end;
• a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct;
• a load monitor ensuring that excessive pressure is not applied to the patient's body organ or duct;
• and
• a tension element release system, wherein the fixed end of the tension element is secured via a release mechanism allowing selective release of the fixed end of the tension element for release of the applied tension, wherein the release mechanism includes a jaw mechanism that selectively engages the fixed end of the tension element and the jaw mechanism includes a jaw drive element for controlled movement of the jaw mechanism, the jaw drive element being a shape memory alloy spring positioned between a first movable jaw member and a second movable jaw member.