US 12,144,507 B2
Implantable sphincter assistance device with 3D printed shell weld interface geometry
Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Hillsboro, OH (US); and Kevin M. Fiebig, Cincinnati, OH (US)
Assigned to Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed by Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed on Dec. 16, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/552,481.
Prior Publication US 2023/0190296 A1, Jun. 22, 2023
Int. Cl. B33Y 10/00 (2015.01); A61B 17/12 (2006.01); B22F 10/50 (2021.01); B33Y 40/00 (2020.01); B33Y 70/00 (2020.01); B33Y 80/00 (2015.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/1215 (2013.01) [A61B 17/12163 (2013.01); B22F 10/50 (2021.01); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 40/00 (2014.12); B33Y 70/00 (2014.12); B33Y 80/00 (2014.12); A61B 2017/00526 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00827 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00876 (2013.01); A61B 17/12013 (2013.01); B22F 2301/355 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of manufacturing a bead assembly for a sphincter augmentation device, the method comprising:
(a) initiating 3D printing of a unibody housing such that the unibody housing defines a first opening, a first chamber, and a magnet chamber;
(b) pausing the 3D printing of the unibody housing such that the magnet chamber is partially formed;
(c) inserting a magnet within the partially formed magnet chamber defined by the unibody housing, wherein the partially formed magnet chamber is dimensioned to receive the magnet; and
(d) resuming 3D printing of the unibody housing to thereby form a hermetic seal between the magnet chamber and an external surface of the unibody housing such that the magnet chamber is fully formed.