Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the closure of a stoma, the apparatus comprising a stimulator arranged to provide a signal for stimulation of implanted contractile tissues positioned proximate to the stoma in order to facilitate closure of the stoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the treatment of a heart condition such as angina and/or congestive heart failure. Conditions such as angina, caused by inadequate blood flow to the coronary arteries, are treated in this invention by implantation of smooth muscle tissue wrapped around the ascending aorta. The smooth muscle tissue is stimulated electrically, by the implanted stimulator, to contract at timed intervals relative to the hearts' cycle. The contraction assists blood flow to the coronary vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for treating a prolapse related condition. The apparatus includes an implantable stimulator arranged to be implanted within a patient. The stimulator provides a signal for stimulation of tissue in the pelvic region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for treating erectile dysfunction. One of the causes of erectile dysfunction is venous leakage, where one or more veins carrying the blood from the penis are unable to retain sufficient blood within the penis to maintain erection. Embodiments of the present invention propose implanting contractile tissue sphincters around the base of the penis and/or around one or more veins, and stimulating the contractile tissue to contract when an erection is required to be maintained. Stimulation is provided by an implantable stimulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant for managing a medical condition. In particular, it relates to medical treatments which employ smooth muscle implant and discloses a method of augmenting a smooth muscle implant for management of a human medical condition. Augmentation may be by a number of methods. It may be by utilising neurotrophic or trophic factors to assist growth of the smooth muscle tissue or nerve growth within the smooth muscle tissue, or revascularisation of the smooth muscle tissue. It may be by utilising tissue engineering to grow smooth muscle tissue. It may be by adding proliferative smooth muscle cells and/or smooth muscle stem cells for the smooth muscle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating fecal incontinence. A smooth muscle sphincter is implanted about the distal part of the large intestine in the region of internal anal sphincter or the anal canal, the rectum or the sigmoid colon. The smooth muscle sphincter is electrically stimulated by a stimulator device, in order to contract the smooth muscle sphincter and maintain continence. Stimulation is ceased or varied in order to allow the smooth muscle sphincter to relax and the patient to defecate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling urinary incontinence. An implantable stimulator is utilised to apply stimulation to a sphincter or neosphincter about the urethra, in order to maintain coaptation of the urethra and urinary continence. Feedback is utilised in order to vary the level of stimulation applied to the sphincter in order to enable control over the sphincter. Control may be implemented by a user setting levels, by biofeedback, by a clinician.

Abstract: An implantable electrode arrangement (1) for stimulating excitable tissue, in particular the neosphincter to control urinary incontinence. The electrode is in the form of a extending peg with a pair of electrode elements (2, 3) extending from a base (4). The elements are arranged to fit over the tissue to be stimulated and have electrodes (5, 6) on the inner surfaces of the peg portions. The tissue located between the peg portions receives stimulation. Also disclosed are methods of treating urinary incontinence by electrically stimulating a band of smooth muscle and electrode having an insulating member and electrodes on the inner surface such that an electric field applied to tissue is confined.