Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is described that is positionable within the gastro-esophageal junction region of a patient. The prosthetic device includes a proximal opening and a distal orifice that is adjustable in size prior to and/or following implantation. During use, the prosthetic device is attached to tissue of the gastro-esophageal junction region of the patient, with the device positioned such that food ingested by the patient passes from the esophagus through the proximal opening into the interior of the prosthetic device, and eventually exits the prosthetic device via the distal opening.

Abstract: A satiation device is described which includes a sheath or liner extending from the proximal or middle stomach to the distal antrum. Food ingested by the patient passes through the sheath or liner, thereby minimizing contact between the ingested food and the stomach. It is believed that over time, reduced contact between food and the stomach will result in decreased Ghrelin production by the patient and a consequent decrease in appetite. In some embodiments, the satiation device may also include a proximal pouch and/or a distal bypass tube.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medical tube for insertion into the body of a patient. The medical tube includes a tube or device suitable for insertion into the patient's body, and a permanent magnet associated therewith. The magnet may be solid or non-solid, and may be rigid or non-rigid. In one embodiment, the magnet is hollow and associated with the medical tube such that the tube may be used for its intended purposes. In another embodiment, the magnet is solid and, after insertion into the body of the patient, is displaced such that it does not interfere with the intended use of the medical tube. In a further embodiment, the magnet is removable after placement of the medical tube.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: An anatomical marker uses a permanent magnet to indicate a selected location within a patient. The magnet is enclosed within a non-degradable envelope and is coupled to a retention member that is preferably manufactured from a biodegradable material, such as a polyglucuronic acid based material. The retention member may include one or more barbs to retain the anatomical marker in the selected location. An insertion tool, usable with an endoscope, can insert the anatomical marker. A retention magnet is fixedly attached to the insertion tool and holds the anatomical marker in place due to the attractive magnetic forces between the retention magnet and the marker magnet in the non-biodegradable envelope.

Abstract: A system for detecting Barrett's metaplasia utilizes an illumination and imaging probe at the end of a catheter. The probe illuminates the wall of the esophagus and returns reflected light to be processed to provide a visual indication of the color of the esophageal wall. The position of the probe along the length of the esophagus is also measured to allow a medical practitioner to determine the location of the transition from the pink stomach lining to the white esophageal lining.

Abstract: A therapeutic or diagnostic accessory and containment system for use with a flexible or rigid endoscope during an endoscopic procedure. The system includes an accessory and a containment enclosure, wherein the accessory has an elongated, flexible, and axially-rigid shaft shaped to fit into the endoscope's biopsy channel and a tool connected to the shaft's distal end. The enclosure is adapted to contain at least a major portion of the shaft is remote from the endoscope and has at least one aperture through which the distal end of the shaft extends. An instrument deploying mechanism connected to the enclosure and to the shaft has a withdrawing mechanism that withdraws the shaft into the enclosure through the aperture. A control mechanism for controlling the tool is attached to the proximal end of the shaft. The accessory can be disposable or reusable and is used in conjunction with an endoscope to perform an endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: A medical tube, apparatus and method for locating the medical tube within the body of a patient. The medical tube has a permanent magnet associated therewith and is capable of being located by a detection apparatus which senses the static magnetic field strength gradient generated by the magnet associated with the medical tube and indicates the value of the gradient to the user. In one embodiment, the magnet is associated with the distal end of the medical tube in a fixed orientation with a magnetic dipole pointing to the proximal end and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the medical tube such that polarity of the magnet's static magnetic field as sensed by the detection apparatus indicates the orientation of the distal end of the medical tube with the body of a patient.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tracheal tube for insertion into the trachea of a patient. The tracheal tube includes a tube portion having a distal end, and a signal source associated with the tube portion at a predefined distance from its distal end. The tracheal tube is inserted into the trachea such that the signal source is immediately posterior to the patient's cricothyroid ligament. Methods related to confirming proper placement of the tracheal tube by detecting the signal source immediately posterior to the patient's cricothyroid ligament are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic accessory comprising a catheter with axial walls defining an interior area, an elongated tool shaft slidably positioned within the interior area of the catheter, an endoscopic tool attached to the distal end of the tool shaft, and a retaining member connected to the catheter to prevent the tool from inadvertently deploying. The tool is slidable relative to the catheter between a withdrawn position and an advanced position, with the tool being positioned proximal to the distal end of the catheter when in the withdrawn position and extending beyond the distal end of the catheter when in the advanced position. The retaining member is connected to the catheter proximal to the distal end of the catheter and is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the retaining member prevents the tool from being prematurely deployed. In the open position, the retaining member allows the endoscopic tool to be deployed without interference.

Abstract: A therapeutic or diagnostic accessory and containment system for use with a flexible or rigid endoscope during an endoscopic procedure. The system includes an accessory and a containment enclosure, wherein the accessory has an elongated, flexible, and axially-rigid shaft shaped to fit into the endoscope's biopsy channel and a tool connected to the shaft's distal end. The enclosure is adapted to contain at least a major portion of the shaft is remote from the endoscope and has at least one aperture through which the distal end of the shaft extends. An instrument deploying mechanism connected to the enclosure and to the shaft has a withdrawing mechanism that withdraws the shape into the enclosure through the aperture. A control mechanism for controlling the tool is attached to the proximal end of the shaft. The accessory can be disposable or reusable and is used in conjunction with an endoscope to perform an endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for locating a medical tube within the body of a patient. The medical tube is located by a detection apparatus which senses the static magnetic field strength gradient generated by a magnet associated with the medical tube and indicates the value of the gradient to the user. The detection apparatus is moved about the body of the patient until the greatest gradient magnitude is indicated. The detection apparatus distinguishes the field strength of the magnet associated with the medical tube from the earth's field strength by sensing the magnet's field strength at two different distances from the magnet.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for locating a medical tube within the body of a patient. The medical tube is located by a detection apparatus which senses the static magnetic field strength gradient generated by a magnet associated with the medical tube and indicates the value of the gradient to the user. The detection apparatus is moved about the body of the patient until the greatest gradient magnitude is indicated. The detection apparatus distinguishes the field strength of the magnet associated with the medical tube from the earth's field strength by sensing the magnet's field strength at two different distances from the magnet.

Abstract: Devices are described which can be used to study the physiological function of the intestinal wall. These devices include an ultrasonic transducer that can be attached to a region of the intestinal wall. The transducer interrogates the wall and echoes are obtained from the different wall layers. The echoes are processed to produce an M-mode display of the wall. This allows monitoring how the wall changes with time. For example, as the wall contracts the muscle layer thickens and this action may be observed with the device. Other sensors and electrodes can be combined with this probe to correlate various physiological action. Finally, several such probes can be combined into a common introducible probe but which will monitor several regions along the intestinal wall. The major advantage of the disclosed device is that it provides a measurement of intestinal motility previously unattainable and it is introducible by endoscopy. This makes it a suitable tool for studying patient disease.

Abstract: A collapsible slide carousel which allows for more efficient storage and transport thereof. The collapsible slide carousel includes an upper portion, a lower portion and a plurality of slide dividers pivotally secured to the upper and lower portions such that the slides can be positioned in an erect position or a collapsed position. In the erect position the slides are disposed substantially vertically as in a conventional carousel such that the slides can be viewed utilizing a conventional carousel projector. Alternatively, in the collapsed position the slides are disposed in an angular position overlapping one another in a domino-like manner allowing for more efficient storage and transportation of the carousel. The upper portion of the carousel is rotatably disposed with respect to the lower portion such that the carousel can be adjusted from the erect position to the collapsed position, and vice versa, by rotating the upper portion with respect to the lower portion.