Constriction device including reinforced suture holes

Abstract

A constriction device that constricts body tissue is configured to be safely sutured to constricted body tissue. The device includes a generally cylindrical elastic sleeve including opposed opened ends and having a wall of substantially uniform thickness that receives body tissue therein to be constricted. The sleeve includes a plurality of suture holes to receive a suture to maintain the sleeve the tissue constricted by the sleeve. The sleeve includes a suture hole reinforcement structure, as for example an increased wall thickness, about each suture hole to permit the device to be sutured to constricted body tissue without damaging the device.

1 .- 38 . (canceled)  
   
   
       39 . A constriction sleeve for constricting body tissue when applied thereto, the sleeve comprising a generally cylindrical portion and an opening at one end for application to the body tissue, said sleeve further comprising a resilient sheet of elastic biocompatible material, said sleeve further comprising at least one suture aperture extending through the sleeve for affixing said sleeve to the body tissue, and said sleeve further comprising a reinforcement structure, whereby the sleeve may be resiliently expanded to an expanded configuration for application to the body tissue and released to a constricted configuration to constrict the body tissue therein.  
   
   
       40 . The constriction sleeve of  claim 39 , wherein the reinforcement structure is positioned proximate the suture aperture.  
   
   
       41 . The constriction sleeve of  claim 39 , wherein the reinforcement structure comprises a band of material extending at least partially radially about the sleeve and added to the sleeve in such a manner as to structurally reinforce the sleeve for purposes of enhancing its application to the tissue.  
   
   
       42 . The constriction sleeve of  claim 41 , wherein the band comprises a layer of resilient material having a higher tear strength than the resilient material of the sleeve.  
   
   
       43 . The constriction sleeve of claims  41 , wherein the band is made integrally with the sleeve wall.  
   
   
       44 . The constriction sleeve of claims  39 , wherein the sleeve comprises a plurality of suture apertures spaced radially about the sleeve.  
   
   
       45 . The constriction sleeve of claims  39 , wherein one or more of the apertures has a tapered entry configured to guide a suture needle into the aperture.  
   
   
       46 . The constriction sleeve of  claim 39  further comprising a second opening.