Implantable restriction system tension release mechanism

An apparatus for regulating the 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 and in engagement with the elongated member in a manner allowing for the tension element to be released from engagement with the elongated member;
• a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct;
• and
• a tension release mechanism associated with the tension element selectively releasing the tension element from engagement with the elongated member;
• and
• wherein the tension release mechanism includes a split nut associated with the drive element for selectively releasing the tension element from engagement with the drive element and the split nut allows a threaded fixed end of the tension element to slip past the drive element when necessary to allow the elongated member restriction to be increased.

An apparatus for regulating the 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 and in engagement with the elongated member in a manner allowing for the tension element to be released from engagement with the elongated member;
• a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct;
• and
• a tension release mechanism associated with the tension element selectively releasing the tension element from engagement with the elongated member;
• and
• wherein the tension release mechanism includes an elliptical nut that pivots on an axis perpendicular to an axis of a threaded fixed end of the tension element for engagement and disengagement of the threaded fixed end of the tension element.

An apparatus for regulating the 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 and in engagement with the elongated member in a manner allowing for the tension element to be released from engagement with the elongated member;
• a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct;
• and
• a tension release mechanism associated with the tension element selectively releasing the tension element from engagement with the elongated member;
• and
• wherein the tension release mechanism includes a two-bar linkage assembly secured to the free end of the tension element such that when the tension element is intended for utilization in constriction of the stomach, the two-bar linkage is folded and when the elongated member needs to be released in an emergency, the two-bar linkage is actuated so as to pull the two bar linkage from a folded configuration of the two bar linkage.

An apparatus for regulating the 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 and in engagement with the elongated member in a manner allowing for the tension element to be released from engagement with the elongated member;
• a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct;
• and
• a tension release mechanism associated with the tension element selectively releasing the tension element from engagement with the elongated member;
• and
• wherein the tension release mechanism includes a controller for moving opposed rollers of the compression drive assembly apart allowing for free movement of the tension element.