ACTIVELY-ENGAGEABLE MOVEMENT-RESTRICTION MECHANISM FOR USE WITH AN ANNULOPLASTY STRUCTURE

摘要

Apparatus is provided, including a locking mechanism, an implant, and a flexible strip within the implant having a plurality of recesses. A perimeter of the strip shortens and expands when the first end of the strip is advanced bidirectionally with respect to a second end of the strip. The locking mechanism includes a moveable recess-engaging portion, a mechanical support removably coupled to the recess-engaging portion, and a force applicator which maintains the recess-engaging portion in a position in which the recess-engaging portion is not disposed in any of the recesses. Upon decoupling of the mechanical support from the recess-engaging portion, the force applicator restricts motion of the plurality of recesses of the strip with respect to the second end of the strip, by facilitating positioning of the recess-engaging portion in one of the plurality of recesses. Other embodiments are also described.

主权项

1. Apparatus, comprising:
a locking mechanism; an implant shaped so as to define a lumen therethrough; and a flexible strip disposed at least in part within the lumen, the strip shaped so as to define:
a first end,a second end, anda plurality of recesses,the first and second ends coupled to the locking mechanism such that the strip defines a closed loop and a perimeter thereof which (a) shortens when the first end is advanced through the locking mechanism in a first direction thereof and (b) expands when the first end is advanced in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a moveable recess-engaging portion; a mechanical support, removably coupled to the recess-engaging portion; and a force applicator which maintains the recess-engaging portion in a position in which the recess-engaging portion is not disposed in any of the recesses and which, upon decoupling of the mechanical support from the recess-engaging portion, restricts motion of the plurality of recesses of the strip with respect to the second end of the strip, by facilitating positioning of the recess-engaging portion in one of the plurality of recesses.