MXPA06008070A - Method of implating a medical device using a suture tab extender - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of implanting a surgically implantable band, the method comprising the steps of providing a band with an elongated body member having a first end with a first latching member positioned thereon, and a second end with a second latching member positioned thereon. The first latching member has a suture tab extender extending therefrom. The suture tab extender has a suture attached thereto. The second end has a gripping section positioned thereon shaped and dimensioned to facilitate gripping as the gastric band extender is passed through the second latching member. The method further includes the step of positioning the band around an anatomical structure and latching the band around the structure by placing the suture tab extender through the second latching member and thereafter coupling the first and second latching members. The method further involves the step of removing the suture tab extender from the band.

Description

RETENTION DEVICE FOR GASTRIC BAND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a gastric band. More particularly, the invention relates to a gastric band with a retention assembly that allows the selection of locking and unlocking of the gastric band.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Morbid obesity is a serious medical condition. In fact, morbid obesity has become highly dominant in the United States, as well as in other countries, and the trend seems to be heading in a negative direction. Complications associated with morbid obesity include hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, multiple orthopedic problems, and pulmonary insufficiency with a marked decrease in life expectancy. With this in mind, and according to those skilled in the art, you will certainly appreciate that the monetary and physical costs associated with morbid obesity are substantial. In fact, it is estimated that the costs related to obesity are over 100 trillion dollars in the United States alone. A variety of surgical procedures have been developed to treat obesity. The most commonly performed procedure is the Roux Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This procedure is highly complex and is commonly used to treat people who exhibit morbid obesity. Other forms of bariatric surgery include biliopancreatic diversion of Fobi's pouch and "stomach stapling" or gastroplastic. In addition, implantable devices are known to limit the passage of food through the stomach and affect satiety. In view of the highly invasive nature of many of these procedures, efforts have been made to develop less traumatic and less invasive procedures. The placement of plastic bands is a type of gastric reduction surgery that attempts to limit the intake of food by reducing the size of the stomach. In contrast to RYBG and other stomach reduction procedures, the placement of gastric banding does not require alteration of the anatomy of the digestive tract in the duodenum or jejunum. Since the early 1980s, gastric banding has provided an effective alternative to gastric bypass and other irreversible surgical weight loss treatments for the morbidly obese. Several alternative procedures were performed under the heading of gastric banding, some techniques for band placement employ gastric rings, others use a band, some use stomach staples and still other procedures use a combination of rings, bands, and staples. The most commonly performed procedures include folded band, vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), silastic ring gastroplasty (SRG), and the placement of adjustable silastic gastric banding (AGB). In general, the gastric band wraps around the upper portion of the patient's stomach, forming a stoma that is smaller than the normal inside diameter of the stomach. This restricts the passage of food from the upper portion to the lower digestive portion of the stomach. When the stoma is of an appropriate size, food held in the upper portion of the stomach provides a feeling of satiety that discourages overfeeding. Despite the many advantages associated with gastric banding procedures, it is sometimes desirable to unlock a previously secured gastric band. However, currently available gastric bands are not easily unblocked and it is usy necessary to destroy the gastric band in order to remove and / or adjust the previously applied band. That is, there is currently a need for an improved gastric band that allows selective blocking and unlocking thereof. The present invention provides said gastric band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gastric band with a retainer assembly. The gastric band includes a band body having a first end and a second end. The band body includes a latching mechanism composed of a shell member at the first end of the band body and a collar member at the second end of the band body. The shell member and the collar member have the shape and dimension to selectively lock and unlock in a way that creates a loop of the gastric band to be placed around the stomach wall. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the cuirass member is generally composed of a hollow crescent-shaped shell. It is another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the shell member further includes a flange for clamping and attracting through the collar member. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gastric band that includes an aperture formed in the flange. It is also another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the shell is elastic and compresses when it passes through the collar member. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the collar member defines an opening in a semicircular shape configured and dimensioned for the passage of the shell member therethrough. It is also another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the collar member includes a tongue extending toward the tip of the second end. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the shell includes a broad, open end within which the tongue passes after the shell member passes through the opening in a semicircular shape. It is also another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the shell member is formed with a substantially M-shaped profile along the broad end thereof. It is also another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the tongue is oriented downwardly so that it slides within the broad end of the shell member in a convenient and reliable manner. It is another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band that includes a low relief portion formed on the first end of the body of the band, the low relief portion having a shape and dimension for receiving the collar member when the shell member has passed through this one. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the collar member includes a forward-facing clamping member configured and sized to receive and center the shell member as it passes through the collar member and provide a surface for the fastening of the collar member. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the tongue is clearly colored to provide the user with an indication that the retention mechanism is properly secured. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a gastric band wherein the retention mechanism includes at least one clamping member configured and sized to allow dual directional access to lock and unlock the retention mechanism. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gastric band that includes a band body having a first end and a second end. The band body includes a retention mechanism composed of a first retention member at the first end of the band body and a second retention member at the second end of the band body. The first retention member functions as both a male component and a female component during the operation of the retention mechanism and the second retention member functions as both a male component and a female component during the operation of the retention mechanism. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which establish certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the gastric band present wrapped around the stomach. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the first end of the gastric band shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the first closed embodiment according to the present invention. Figures 5 and 6 are detailed perspective views of a retention mechanism according to a second embodiment. Figures 7 and 8 are detailed perspective views of a retention mechanism according to a third embodiment. Figures 9, 9a, 10 and 11 show a retention mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The detailed embodiments of the present invention are described herein. It should be understood, however, that the embodiments described are merely illustrative of the invention, which can be exemplified in various forms. Accordingly, the details described herein will not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as the basis for teaching a person skilled in the art how to make and / or use the invention. With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, a first embodiment of a gastric band 10 according to the present invention is described. Gastric band 10 includes a band body 12 having a first end 14 and second end 16. According to a preferred embodiment, the band body 12 is made of silicone, although other similar materials can be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the retention mechanism of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a variety of band structures, including, for example, balloon type gastric banding such as those described in the application publication. U.S. Patent No. 2005/0070937, entitled "SEGMENTED GASTRIC BAND", 2005/0002984, Entitled "IMPLANTABLE BAND WITH ATTACHMENT MECHANISM HAVING DISSIMALR MATERIAL PRORPERTIES", 2004/0267291, entitled "IMPLANTABLE BAND WITH NON-MECHANICAL ATTACHMENT MECHANISM ", 2004/0267292, entitled" IMPLANTABLE BAND WITH TRANSVERSE ATTACHMENT MECHANISM ", 2004/0267288, entitled" IMPLANTABLE BAND HAVING IMPROVED ATTACHMENT MECHANISM ", 2004/0267293, entitled" IMPLANTABLE BAND WITH ATTACHMENT MECHANISM ", 2004/0254536, entitled" SUBCUTANEOUS SELF ATTACHING INJECTION PORT WITH INTEGRAL FASTENERS ", and 2004/0254537, titled" SUBCUTANEOUS SELF ATTAC HING INJECTION PORT WITH INTEGRAL MOVEABLE RETENTION MEMBERS ", which are incorporated here by reference. Referring to Figure 1, the gastric band 10 is configured and dimensioned to circumscribe the stomach 18 at a predetermined location by reducing the size of the stomach 18. The gastric band 10 is wrapped around the upper portion of the stomach 18 and held in place. its place through fixing the first and second ends 14, 16 of the band body 12 and extending a portion of the stomach 18 over the adjustable gastric band 10 through the suture (not shown) of a portion of the stomach 18. First and second ends 14, 16 of the band body 12 are grouped together to create a loop that selectively is placed around the wall of the stomach to reduce the volume thereof in a manner known to one skilled in the art. Briefly, the gastric band 10 of the present invention employs a flexible retention mechanism 20 capable of being locked and unlocked without the destruction of the retention mechanism 20 or a significant reduction in retention capabilities after re-blocking. The first and second ends 14, 16 respectively act as both male and female members depending on the direction of movement and the attempt to lock or unlock the retaining mechanism 20 of the gastric band 10 present. Usually, the first end 14 includes a shell member, or a first retaining member, 22 generally composed of a crescent-shaped, hollow (or semicircular) shell with a flange 24 for clamping and attracting through the collar member or a second retaining member 26 composed of a semicircular opening 30 at the second end 16. The crescent shell of the shell member 22 collapses as it is drawn through the collar member 26 through a pickup. The collar member 26 includes a tongue 28 such that the shell member 22 slides through the semicircular opening 30 and below the tongue 28 during retention. Once the cuirass member 22 passes the tab 28, the roles change. The first end 14 functions as a female component when the shell member 22 expands back to its normally expanded condition and is allowed to slide back to the second end 16 (now the male component) and over the tongue 28. As such , the shell member 22 functions both as a male component and a female component during the operation of the retaining mechanism 20 and the collar member 26 functions as both a male component and a female component during the operation of the retaining mechanism.; that is, the shell member 22 functions as a male component during insertion through the collar member 26 and as a female component thereafter when the tongue 28 sits in place. The unlocking is achieved through the use of sensors to press the shell member 22 while attracting the shell member 22 back after the tongue 28 of the collar member 26. While keeping the shell member 22 pressed, the member of shell 22 collapses, becoming the male component and sliding again under the tongue 28 and through the opening of the collar 30 of the second end 16 for unlocking. To re-block, the same blocking procedure is used. More particularly, and with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the cuirass member 22 at the first end 14 of the gastric band 10 is generally in the form of a crescent-shaped shell with a broad, open end. which thins to a narrow end 34 adjacent to the tip 36 of the first end 14. The shell member 22 is substantially hollow and is formed of a material, eg, silicone, which permits compression and expansion thereof. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, and as shown with respect to the other embodiments described below, the exact shape of the shell member may vary to suit the specific application and control requirements. An opening 38 is formed within the flange 24 adjacent the tip 36 of the first end 14 and the narrow end 34 of the shell member 22. The opening 38 is configured and sized to receive a suture, extension member, or commonly used sensor in the installation of the gastric bands. Also at the first end 14, but on the opposite side of the shell member 22 from the opening 38 and adjacent the broad end 32 of the shell member 22, is a low relief portion 40 configured and sized to receive the limb member. collar 26 when the shell member 22 has passed through it and is interconnected with the tongue 28 of the collar member 26. The low relief portion 40 includes a limited wide section 42 with splices defined by the broad end 32 of the collar member. armor 22 at one end of the low relief portion 40 and the conical splice members 43 at the other end of the low relief portion 40. The splice members 43 are tapered to extend as they extend toward the first end 14 of the body of band 12 in a form creating a surface on which the collar member 26 can slide during retention of the first end 14 towards the second end 16. The narrowing also cre to opposing splice surfaces 44 which maintain collar member 26 within the low relief portion 40 when the first end 14 is completely closed with the second end 16. As with the second end 16 of the band body 12, it generally includes a collar member 26 configured and sized for the passage of the shell member 22 through them in a shape that selectively locks the first and second ends 14, 16 together. With this in mind, the collar member 26 generally defines a semicircular opening 30 dimensioned for the passage of the shell member 22 therethrough. The secure attachment of the shell member 22 to the collar member 26 is achieved by making sure that after the shell member 22 is compressed as it passes through the collar member 26, the shell member 22 returns to its original shape and the wide end 32 of the shell member 22 is connected to the first edge 46 of the collar member 26. The secure attachment of the shell member 22 to the collar member 26 is furthermore achieved through the provision of a portion in low relief 40 wherein the collar member 26 sits when the first and second ends 14, 16 of the gastric band 16 are closed. When in the low relief portion 40, the first edge 46 of the collar member 26 is connected to the broad end 32 of the shell member 22 and the second edge 48 of the collar member 26 is joined to the splice surfaces 44 of the ends of the collar member 26. splice members 43. As mentioned above, the retention is further enhanced through the provision of the collar member 26 with a tongue 28 extending from the collar member 26 away from the tip 50 of the second end 16. The tongue 28 is configured and sized to settle within the broad end 32 of the shell member 22 after the shell member 22 has passed through the collar member 26 and the gastric band 10 is tensioned according to the first and second ends 14, 16 are grouped with each other with the shell member 22 stretched to move back through the collar member 26 to an unlocked position. With this in mind, the tongue 28 is oriented downwardly so that it slides into the broad end 32 of the shell member 22 in a convenient and reliable manner. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tongue 28 can be painted black, or some other color that distinguishes it. By coloring the tongue 28 in this manner, an indication is provided as to whether the locking mechanism 20 is properly locked. Particularly, if when the shell member 22 and the collar member 26 are secured in such a way that the black part of the tongue 28 is not shown, the practitioner will know that the latching mechanism 20 is completely and appropriately interconnected. If a portion of the black tab 28 is shown, the physician will know that complete interconnection has not been achieved and that the shell member 22 and the collar member 26 must be secured again. The guide of the shell member 22 through the collar member 26 is further facilitated through the provision of the portion of the second end 16 opposite the tip 50 thereof and the collar member 26 with the low relief guide portion. 52 configured to resemble the lower part of the shell member 22. As explained briefly above, the gastric band 10 is closed in the following manner. The gastric band 10 is first placed at the desired location along the exterior of the stomach 18 and the first end 14 is attracted around the stomach 18 to an adjacent position of the second end 16 of the gastric band 10. From this, the The first end 14 is attracted through the collar member 26 with the help of a pickup, which interconnects the flange 24 adjacent the tip 36 of the first end 14. When the first shield member 22 at the first end 14 is attracted through the collar member 26, shell member 22 collapses moving through collar member 26 and below tongue 28. Once shell member 22 passes tongue 28, the paper changes. The shell member 22 on the first end 14 functions as the female component when the shell member 22 becomes expanded to its normally expanded condition and is allowed to slide backward on the second end 16 (now the male component) and on the tongue 28 within the splice with the first edge 46 of the collar member 26. At this point, the placement of the tongue 28 within the shell member 22 and the splice of the broad end 32 of the shell member 22 with the first edge 46 of the collar member 26 prevent inadvertent unlocking of the first and second ends 14, 16 of the gastric band 10. The first and second ends 14, 16 are unlocked through the use of the sensors to press the shell member 22 while the armor member 22 is drawn back past the tongue 28 of the collar member 26. While keeping the shell member 22 pressed, the shell member 22 collapses, becomes ndose on the male component, and slides back under the tab 28 and through the opening of the collar 30 of the second end 16 for unlocking. To re-close it, the same locking procedure is used. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. One such embodiment is described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The shell member 122 at the first end 114 of the gastric band 110 is generally in the form of a half shell with a broad end 132 tapering towards one end. narrow 134 adjacent to the tip 136 of the first end 114. The shell member 122 is substantially hollow and is formed of a material that allows compression thereof. A flange 138 is formed adjacent the tip 136 of the first end 114 and the narrow end 34 of the shell member 122. The flange 138 is configured and sized to be held by a sensor. Since the second end 116 of the band body 112 generally includes a collar, or a ring, the member 126 configured and dimensioned for the passage of the shell member 122 therethrough in a manner that selectively closes the first and second ends. 114, 1 16 together. With this in mind, the collar member 126 generally defines a semicircular opening 130 dimensioned for the passage of the shell member 122 therethrough. The retention is further improved through provision to the collar member 126 with a tongue 128 extending from the collet member 126 away from the tip 150 of the second end 116. The tongue 128 is configured and sized to settle within the end broad 132 of cuirass member 122 after cuirass member 122 has passed through collar member 126 and gastric band 110 is tensioned according to first and second ends 114, 116 are grouped with one another with member of shell 122 is stretched to move back through collar member 126 to a non-closed position.

With this in mind the tab 128 is oriented downwardly so that it slides inside the shell member 122 in a convenient and reliable manner. As with the above embodiment, the tab 128 may be colored differently to provide an indication of whether the retention mechanism is properly closed. The guide of the shell member 122 through the collar member 126 and the collar member fastener 126 is further facilitated through the provision to the collar member 126 with a forward facing clamping member 152. The clamping member 152 it functions as a flange that can be held by a sensor to facilitate the locking and unlocking of the gastric band 110. The holding member 152 is also configured and sized to receive and center the shell member 122 as it passes through the collar member 126. The clamping member 152 also aids in compression of the shell member 122 as it passes through the collar member. Blocking and unlocking this mode are substantially similar to the methodology explained above. Another embodiment is described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. This embodiment is substantially identical to the embodiment described with reference to Figures 5 and 6, however, shell member 222 is formed with a substantially M shape when viewed from the wide end 232 thereof. It is contemplated that the intuition of the shape M at the wide end 232 of the shell member 222 allows unlocking to be facilitated since it will be easier and more controllable to one that compresses the shell member. When this mode is used, shell member 222 slides through collar member 226 as explained above. From here the center 254 of the broad end in the form of M 232 is pushed upward to fit over the tongue 228. When the gastric band 210 according to this embodiment is unlocked, the shell member 222 is pulled forward away from the collar member 226 and M-shaped shield member 222 elastically returns to its original shape allowing it to move under tongue 228 and through collar member 226. As with the previous embodiment, tongue 228 may be colored differently to provide an indication of whether the retention mechanism is properly locked. The preformed configuration of the shell member 22 not only acts as a guiding feature for the tongue 228 to slide over the shell member 222 during unlocking, but also allows the shell member 222 to slide more easily back into the shell. through opening 230 of collar member 226. Still in a further embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Figures 9, 9a, 10 and 11. This embodiment is similar to those described above and includes additional features that facilitate greater versatility and improved functionality. The gastric band 310 includes a band body 312 having a first end 314 and a second end 316. As with the above embodiments, the band body 312 and the retainer mechanism 320 are preferably made of silicone and the retainer mechanism present it can be used in conjunction with a variety of band structures, including for example, gastric bands of the balloon type. The gastric band 310 is configured and sized to circumscribe the stomach at a predetermined location by reducing the size of the stomach. Gastric band 310 employs a flexible retention mechanism 320 capable of locking and unlocking without the destruction of retention mechanism 320 or a significant reduction in retention of capabilities after re-blocking. The first and second ends 314, 316 respectively act as both male and female members depending on the direction of movement and the attempt to lock or unlock the retention mechanism 320 of the gastric band 310 present. The first end 314 includes a shell member, a first retaining member, 322 generally composed of a crescent-shaped shell, hollow with a flange 324 for holding and attracting through the collar member, or a second holding member 326 composed of a semicircular opening 330 at the second end 316. The crescent shell of the shell member 310 collapses as it is drawn through the collar member 316 through the pickup. The collar member 326 includes a tongue 328 such that the shell member 322 slides through the semicircular opening 330 and below the tongue 328 during retention. Once the cuirass member 322 passes the tongue 328 the papers change. The first end 314 functions as the female component when the shell member 322 elastically returns to its original shape and can slide below the second end 316 (now the male component) and over the tongue 328. That is, the shell member 322 it functions as both a male component and a female component during the operation of the retention mechanism 320 and the collar member 326 functions as both the male component and the female component during the operation of the retention mechanism 320; that is, the shell member 322 functions as the male component during insertion through the collar member 326 and a female component thereafter when the tongue 328 sits there. Unlocking is achieved through the use of sensors to attract the first end 312 forward away from the second end 314 by removing the tab of the shell member. The shape M of the shell member 322 allows it to collapse and move below the tongue 228 and through the collar member 226. More particularly the shell member 322 at the first end 314 of the gastric band 310 is generally in the shape of a crescent shell with a broad, open end 332 that tapers to a narrow end 334 adjacent the tip 336 of the first end 314. The shell member 322 is substantially hollow and is formed of a material, example, silicon, which allows the compression and expansion of it. As mentioned briefly above, and with reference to Figure 9a, shell member 322 is formed with an external surface substantially in the shape of M 323a when viewed from broad end 232 thereof. That is, the outer surface of the shell member 322 has a substantially M-shaped profile, while the inner surface 323b of the shell member 322 adjacent the broad end 332 has a substantially smooth semicircular profile. It has been found that the individual M-shaped profile improves flexibility and control as the shell member 322 passes through the collar member 326. In addition, the inclusion of the M-shape at the wide end 332 of the shell member 322 it facilitates unlocking since it will be easier and more controllable for one that compresses shell member 322. When this embodiment is used, shell member 322 slides through collar member 326 as explained above. From there, the center 354 of the broad end in the form of M 332 returns to its original shape and fits over the tongue 328. When the gastric band 310 according to this embodiment is unlocked, the shell member 322 is attracted towards forward away from the collar member 326 and the M-shaped shell member 322 allows it to move below the tongue 328 and through the collar member 326. The preformed shape of the shell member 322 not only acts as a guiding feature so that the tongue 328 slides on a shell member 322 during unlocking, but also allows the shell member 322 to slide more easily back through the opening 330 of the collar member 326. An opening 338 is formed within the tongue 324 adjacent the tip 333 of the first end 314 and the narrow end 334 of the shell member 322. The opening 338 is configured and sized to receive a suture, a extension member or the collector commonly used in the installation of the gastric bands. In addition, the tongue 324 is formed with protuberances 339 which assist in the clamping of the flange 324 during the block and the unlocking. Also at the first end 314, but on the opposite side of the shell member 322 from the opening 338 and adjacent the broad end 332 of the shell member 322, is a rearwardly extending fastening member 351. The holding member 351 it is configured and sized to allow double directional access for locking and unlocking the latching mechanism 320. More particularly, the holding member 351 includes protrusions 356 along the upper and lower surfaces 353, 355 thereof. These protuberances facilitate the attachment thereof along a first directional orientation. The clamping member 350 is further formed with an "hourglass" shape having a reinforced central section 357. The reinforced central section 357 allows clamping in a second directional orientation. As the second end 316 of the gastric body 312, generally includes a collar, or hoop, the member 326 configured and sized for the passage of the shell member 322 therethrough in a manner that selectively locks the first and second ends 314, 316 together. With this in mind, the collar member 326 generally defines a semicircular opening 330 dimensioned for the passage of the shell member 322 therethrough. Secure attachment of the shell member 322 with the collar member 326 is achieved through the assurance that after the shell member 322 is compressed as it passes through the collar member 326, the shell member 322 returns to its the original shape and the wide end 332 of the shell member 322 is connected to the first edge 346 of the collar member 326. The retention is further improved through the provision of the collar member 326 with a tongue 328 extending from the member collar 326 away from the tip 350 of the second end 316. The tongue 328 is configured and dimensioned to seat within the wide end 332 of the shell member 322 after the shell member 322 has passed through the collar member 326 and the gastric band 310 is tensioned according to the first and second ends 314, 316 are grouped together with one another with the shell member 322 being stretched to move backward through l collar member 326 to an unlocked position. With this in mind, the tongue 328 can be oriented downwardly so that it slides with the shell member 322 in a convenient and reliable manner. As with the above embodiment, tongue 328 can be colored differently to provide an indication of whether the retention mechanism is properly locked. The clamping of the second end 316 is further enhanced by the provision of a clamping member 358 facing forward, ie, facing the tip 350 of the second end 316. The forward facing clamping member 358 is configured and sized to allowing double directional access for locking and unlocking the latching mechanism 320. More particularly, the holding member 358 includes protrusions 360 along the upper and lower surface 362, 364 thereof. These protuberances 360 facilitate the attachment thereof along a first directional orientation. The fastening member 358 is further formed with an "hourglass" shape having a reinforced central section 360. The reinforced central section 360 allows fastening in a second directional orientation. The clamping member 358 is configured and sized to receive and center the shell member 322 as it passes through the collar member 326. The guide member 352 also aids in compression of the shell member 322 as it passes through the collar member. 326. The blocking and unlocking of this embodiment is substantially similar to the methodologies explained above, and particularly with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8. Although the present invention is described for use in conjunction with gastric bands, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above invention also has applicability to other types of implantable bands. For example, the bands are used for the treatment of fecal incontinence. One of said bands is described in the patent of E. U. A. No. 6,461,292. The bands can also be used to treat urinary incontinence. One of said bands is described in the patent application publication of E. U. A. No. 2003/0105385. The bands can also be used to treat gastric acidity and / or acid reflux. One of said bands is described in the patent of E. U. A. No. 6,470,892. The bands can also be used to treat impotence. One such band is described in the patent application publication of E. U. A. No. 2003/0114729. Since the preferred modalities have been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to said description, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (33)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A gastric band with a retainer assembly, comprising: a band body having a first end and a second end; a band body including a retention mechanism, the retention mechanism is composed of a shell member at the first end of the band body and a collar member at the second end of the band body, the shell member and the The collar member is configured and dimensioned to selectively lock and unlock in a shape that creates a loop of the gastric band to place around the stomach wall.

2. The gastric band according to claim 1, further characterized in that the shell member is generally composed of a shell in the form of a half moon, hollow.

3. The gastric band according to claim 2, further characterized in that the shell member further includes a flange for clamping and attracting through the collar member.

4. The gastric band according to claim 3, further characterized in that it additionally includes an opening formed in the flange.

5. The gastric band according to claim 2, further characterized in that the shell is elastic and is compressed when it passes through the collar member.

6. The gastric band according to claim 1, further characterized in that the collar member defines an opening in a semicircular shape that is configured and dimensioned for the passage of the shell member through it.

7. The gastric band according to claim 6, further characterized in that the collar member includes a tongue that extends toward the tip of the second end.

8. The gastric band according to claim 7, further characterized in that the tongue is colored differently to provide the user with an indication that the mechanism is properly secured.

9. The gastric band according to claim 7, further characterized in that the shell member is generally composed of a hollow crescent-shaped shell.

10. The gastric band according to claim 9, further characterized in that the shell includes a broad, open end within which the tongue passes after the shell member passes through the opening in a semicircular manner.

11. The gastric band according to claim 10, further characterized in that the shell member is formed with a substantially M-shaped profile along the broad end thereof.

12. The gastric band according to claim 10, further characterized in that the tongue is oriented downwardly so that it slides within the wide end of the shell member in a convenient and reliable manner.

13. The gastric band according to claim 1, further characterized in that it includes a low relief portion formed on the first end of the band body, the low relief portion is shaped and dimensioned to receive the collar member when the member of armor has passed through this one.

14. The gastric band according to claim 1, further characterized in that the collar member includes a forward-facing clamping member configured and sized to receive and center the shell member as it passes through the collar member and provides a surface for fastening the collar member.

15. The gastric band according to claim 1, further characterized in that the shell member is formed with a profile substantially M-shaped.

16. The gastric band according to claim 1, further characterized in that the mechanism of The retainer includes at least one clamping member configured and sized to allow double directional access to lock and unlock the retention mechanism.

17. A gastric band, comprising: a band body having a first end and a second end; the band body including a retention mechanism composed of a first retention member at the first end of the band body and a second retention member at the second end of the band body, the first retention member functions both as a male component as a female component during the operation of the retention mechanism and the second retention member functions both as a male component and as a female component during the operation of the retention mechanism.

18. The gastric band according to claim 17, further characterized in that the first retaining member is a shell member and the second retaining member is a collar member, the shell member functions as the male component during insertion through the collar member and the female component thereafter.

19. The gastric band according to claim 18, further characterized in that the shell member is generally composed of a shell in the form of hollow crescent.

20. The gastric band according to claim 19, further characterized in that the shell member further includes a flange for clamping and attracting through the collar member.

21. The gastric band according to claim 20, further characterized in that it includes an opening formed in the flange.

22. The gastric band according to claim 19, further characterized in that the shell is elastic and compresses when it passes through the collar member.

23. The gastric band according to claim 18, further characterized in that the collar member defines an opening in a semicircular shape configured and sized for the passage of the shell member therethrough.

24. The gastric band according to claim 23, further characterized in that the collar member includes a tongue extending toward the tip of the second end.

25. The gastric band according to claim 24, further characterized in that the tongue is colored differently to provide the user with an indication that the retention mechanism is properly secured.

26. The gastric band according to claim 24, further characterized in that the armor member is generally composed of a shell in the form of half moon, hollow.

27. The gastric band according to claim 26, further characterized in that the shell includes a broad, open end within which the tongue passes after the shell member passes through the opening in a semicircular manner.

28. The gastric band according to claim 27, further characterized in that the shell member is formed with a substantially M-shaped profile along the broad end thereof.

29. The gastric band according to claim 27, further characterized in that the tongue is oriented downwardly so that it slides within the broad end of the shell member in a convenient and reliable manner.

30. The gastric band according to claim 18, further characterized in that it includes a low relief portion formed on the first end of the band body, the low relief portion is configured and sized to receive the collar member when the member from shell to past through this one.

31. The gastric band according to claim 18, further characterized in that the collar member includes a forward facing guide member configured and dimensioned to receive and center the shell member as it passes through the collar member.

32. The gastric band according to claim 18, further characterized in that the shell member is formed with a profile substantially M-shaped. 33.- The gastric band according to claim 17, further characterized in that the mechanism of retention includes at least one clamping member configured and sized to allow double directional access to lock and unlock the retention mechanism.