Implantable devices for controlling the size and shape of an anatomical structure or lumen

Abstract

An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit he implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.

1 . An implantable device system for controlling at least one of the shape and size of an anatomical structure or lumen, comprising:
 an implantable device adapted for attachment to an anatomical structure or lumen, said implantable device having a first band and a second band and an adjustable member configured to both increase and decrease the dimensions of the implantable device, said adjustable member configured to receive an adjustment tool;   a torqueable adjustment tool configured to provide adjustment of the dimensions of the implantable device, wherein adjustment of said adjustable member adjusts the size of the implant device generally in a preferred dimension.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first band and the second band are overlappable. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first band and the second band are slidable relative to each other. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable member is configured to pull the first band and the second band towards and away from each other. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one of said first and second bands has portions of varying durometer. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the implantable device comprise a prosthetic heart valve. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the prosthetic heart valve comprises an annuloplasty ring. 
     
     
         8 . An implantable device having an adjustable size or shape comprising:
 a first band including a terminal end having a plurality of first adjustment stops;   a second band including a terminal end having a plurality of second adjustment stops;   an adjustable member configured for engagement with the first and second adjustment stops;   wherein operation of the adjustable member is effective for increasing or decreasing the spacial relationship between the terminal ends of the first and second bands thereby adjusting the size or shape of the implantable device.   
     
     
         9 . The implantable device of  claim 8 , wherein the terminal ends of the first and second bands are arranged overlapping one another, and wherein operation of the adjustable member effects the degree of overlap between the first and second bands. 
     
     
         10 . The implantable device of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustable member includes a plurality of protrusions for engagement with the first and second adjustment stops. 
     
     
         11 . The implantable device of  claim 10 , wherein the adjustable member is contained within a housing and is configured for rotation about an axis thereof, and further including a locking assembly to prevent rotation of the adjustable member. 
     
     
         12 . The implantable device of  claim 11 , wherein the locking assembly comprises a plurality of first teeth on the adjustable member opposing a plurality of second teeth on the housing, and a spring urging the plurality of first and second teeth into engagement to prevent rotation of the adjustable member. 
     
     
         13 . The implantable device of  claim 11 , wherein the adjustable member includes a docking port adapted for releasably coupling to an adjustment tool for rotating the adjustable member. 
     
     
         14 . The implantable device of  claim 13 , further including an adjustment tool for operation of the adjustable member. 
     
     
         15 . The implantable device of  claim 8 , wherein the first and second bands have a different width. 
     
     
         16 . The implantable device of  claim 8 , wherein the first and second bands are connected together by a ridged portion. 
     
     
         17 . The implantable device of  claim 16 , wherein the ridged portion is connected to the first and second bands by a flexible zone. 
     
     
         18 . A prosthetic heart valve system comprising:
 a prosthetic heart valve having an adjustable size or shape, the prosthetic heart valve including a pair of bands having terminal ends arranged in overlapping relationship, at least one of the terminal ends having a plurality of adjustment stops;   a housing rotationally containing an adjustable member, the adjustable member having a plurality of protrusions for engagement with the plurality of adjustment stops; and   an adjustment tool configured to be releasably coupled to the adjustable member to effect the rotation thereof;   wherein rotation of the adjustable member varies the extent of overlap of the terminal ends of the first and second bands for varying the size or shape of the implant device.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , further including a locking assembly to prevent rotation of the adjustable member. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the locking assembly comprises a plurality of first teeth on the adjustable member opposing a plurality of second teeth on the housing, and a spring urging the plurality of first and second teeth into engagement to prevent rotation of the adjustable member. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the adjustable member includes a docking port adapted for releasably coupling the adjustment tool thereto. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein each of the terminal ends of the pair of bands include a plurality of adjustment stops. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the adjustable member is configured to pull the terminal ends of the pair of bands towards and away from each other.