Implant system with resonant-driven actuator
A system for securing an implantable apparatus to a mammal includes a mount including a base portion having a plurality of holes dimensioned to receive rotationally-driven fasteners, each fastener comprising a helical portion having a tip configured for tissue penetration, the mount configured to secure the implantable apparatus relative to tissue of the mammal upon driving the fasteners into the tissue. The system further includes a fastening tool configured to rotationally drive the helical portion of the fasteners into the tissue. The mount may be secured to the fascia covering the sternum via a subcutaneous securement method, or it may be attached to the intra-abdominal wall, behind the sternum, or it may be attached to the sternum directly via bone screws or the like.
1. An implant system comprising:
an actuator configured for implantation within a mammal, the actuator comprising a ratchet plate operatively coupled to a drive shaft;
a first resonant structure configured for implantation within the mammal and configured to resonate at a first natural frequency, the first resonant structure being operatively coupled to the actuator;
an external activator configured to apply energy at one or more frequencies from a location outside the mammal, wherein the application of the energy at a frequency substantially the same as the first natural frequency causes the first resonant structure to substantially resonate and to effectuate movement of the actuator;
wherein the first resonant structure comprises a pawl and wherein the pawl interfaces with ratchets disposed on the ratchet plate.
2. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the energy is vibrational energy.
3. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the energy is magnetic energy.
4. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the energy is acoustic energy.
5. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is configured to change the shape or size of a gastrointestinal implant.
6. The implant system of claim 1 , further comprising a second resonant structure configured for implantation within the mammal and configured to resonate at a second natural frequency, the second resonant structure being operatively coupled to the actuator and wherein the second resonant structure comprises a pawl and wherein the pawl interfaces with ratchets disposed on the ratchet plate.
7. The implant system of claim 6 , wherein the second natural frequency is substantially different from the first natural frequency and wherein the application of the energy at a frequency substantially the same as the first natural frequency causes a change in a movement of the actuator in a first direction, and wherein the application of the energy at a frequency substantially the same as the second natural frequency causes a change in a movement of the actuator in a second direction.
8. The implant system of claim 7 , wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.
9. The implant system of claim 6 , wherein the second resonant structure comprises a magnetic element disposed thereon.
10. The implant system of claim 9 , wherein the magnetic element comprises a magnet.
11. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the movement of the actuator comprises linear motion.
12. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the movement of the actuator comprises rotary motion.
13. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the movement of the actuator comprises deformation.
14. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the first resonant structure comprises a magnetic element disposed thereon.
15. The implant system of claim 14 , wherein the magnetic element comprises a magnet.