US3831583A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Implantable bulb for inflation of surgical implements
Assignee: University of California
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Filing: 1973-02-05
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Granted: 1974-08-27
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Expires: 1993-02-05
Abstract
Abstract A device, completely implantable within the human body, for restricting the flow of blood through a major blood vessel, such as an artery, especially the pulmonary artery. An inflatable, flexible annulus, generally circular in shape but not a closed circle, has a non-distensible outer wall so that upon inflation all distension or expansion is inward. The device is placed around an artery or other blood vessel, and the ring may then be closed, as by suturing together preformed tabs attached to the annulus, or by suturing together the ends of an overlapping tape, for instance, to firmly hold the vessel. Upon inflation, inward distension of the inflatable annulus constricts the vessel, and flow of blood therethrough is accordingly restricted. Inflation and deflation are effected through a self-sealing hollow bulb and a non-distensible tube connecting the bulb to the interior of the inflatable annulus, pressure fluid being introduced into the bulb by a fine hypodermic needle. The device may be wholly contained within the patient''s body, and all surfaces thereof are of a substance, such as a medical elastomer, that is compatible with and resistant to the action of body fluids.
Inventors
- 👤 L Edmunds
- 👤 S Braley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 16:00
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M39/00; A61M39/02; A61M39/0208; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/12; A61B17/122; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/0004; A61F2/0031; A61F2/0036; A61F2/004; A61B2017/00535; A61B2017/00557
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A bulb, adapted to be implanted in a human body, said bulb being non-distensible and self-sealing, and comprising an upper chamber, a lower chamber, an impervious diaphragm separating said chambers, a shield means in said lower chamber to protect said lower chamber from puncture by a needle, said shield means being a metal sink having a bottom and a side wall, said sink fitting snugly within said lower chamber substantially covering said side wall and bottom of said chamber, and having an aperture in said bottom, a flexible tube having a central passage registering with said aperture, and means to anchor said bulb within said body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A bulb, adapted to be implanted in a human body, said bulb being non-distensible and self-sealing, and comprising an upper chamber, a lower chamber, an impervious diaphragm separating said chambers, a shield means in said lower chamber to protect said lower chamber from puncture by a needle, said shield means being a metal sink having a bottom and a side wall, said sink fitting snugly within said lower chamber substantially covering said side wall and bottom of said chamber, and having an aperture in said bottom, a flexible tube having a central passage registering with said aperture, and means to anchor said bulb within said body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
127 words
A totally implantable, flexible, non-distensible self-sealable bulb having a hollow interior and being adapted to penetration by a hypodermic needle, and comprising an upper chamber, a lower chamber, an impervious diaphragm separating said chambers, silicone rubber gel disposed in said upper chamber, shield means in said lower chamber to protect said lower chamber from penetration by a needle, said shield means being a metal sink having a bottom and a side wall, said sink fitting snugly within said lower chamber substantially covering the side wall and base of said chamber, and having an aperture in said bottom registering with the central passage of a flexible connecting tube, and a non-distensible flexible, twist-resistant tube having a central passage providing a conduit leading from the interior of said bulb.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
127 words
A totally implantable, flexible, non-distensible self-sealable bulb having a hollow interior and being adapted to penetration by a hypodermic needle, and comprising an upper chamber, a lower chamber, an impervious diaphragm separating said chambers, silicone rubber gel disposed in said upper chamber, shield means in said lower chamber to protect said lower chamber from penetration by a needle, said shield means being a metal sink having a bottom and a side wall, said sink fitting snugly within said lower chamber substantially covering the side wall and base of said chamber, and having an aperture in said bottom registering with the central passage of a flexible connecting tube, and a non-distensible flexible, twist-resistant tube having a central passage providing a conduit leading from the interior of said bulb.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The bulb of claim 2 wherein said non-distensible tube is formed of silicone rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The bulb of claim 2 wherein said tube is relatively thin-walled whereby to resist twisting and kinking so as to enable free and rapid flow of liquid therethrough.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The bulb of claim 2 wherein said shield means is a metal sink having a bottom and a side wall, said sink fitting snugly within said lower chamber substantially covering the side wall and base of said chamber, and having an aperture in said bottom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The bulb of claim 2 wherein said diaphragm extends to form an annular flange around said bulb.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The bulb of claim 5 wherein said metal is titanium.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The bulb of claim 5 having a baffle in said sink spaced from and protecting said aperture.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The bulb of claim 5 wherein said sink has an aperture of a plurality of small holes arranged in a pattern to register with said central passage.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-26 | 1978-02-25 | 1978-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-26 | 1982-02-25 | 1982-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-26 | 1986-02-25 | 1986-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |