Abstract: The present invention concerns a surgical ring, configured to be implanted around a biological organ having a pouch or a duct shape. A surgical ring according to the present invention forms a closed loop around the organ, altering its diameter. Variations in ring diameter are reversibly controlled by a system that, in one embodiment, includes a flexible filiform element slidably disposed within the body of the ring and coupled to a first extremity of the ring and also to an actuator disposed near a second extremity of the ring.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgically implantable adjustable ring comprises a ring body, which includes a closure system having first and second end parts. The ring body is designed to be closed around a tubular organ by the closure system, constricting the tubular organ by forming a loop. The first end part is shaped like a sleeve having a first and second end portions, and is designed to receive the second end part of the ring. The sleeve is substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the first end part of the ring, and the second end part of the ring includes a locking protrusion adapted to hold the sleeve in position, securing the ring in a closed position by engaging the locking protrusion in an opening disposed on the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing Ti or Ti alloys through reduction of TiCl4 by Ca, which can produce high-purity Ti metals or Ti alloys. A molten salt containing CaCl2 and having Ca dissolved therein is held in a reactor cell, electrolysis is performed in the molten salt in the reactor cell, and particulate Ti or Ti alloys are generated in the molten salt by supplying a metallic chloride containing TiCl4 to the molten salt so as to react with Ca generated on a cathode electrode side by the electrolysis, allowing enhancement of a feed rate of TiCl4 as a raw material of Ti, and also a continuous operation. Further, the method by the invention eliminates the need of the separate handling of Ca, because a reducing reaction and an electrolytic reaction can simultaneously proceed in the reactor cell to replenish Ca, consumed in the reducing reaction, by the electrolytic reaction.

Abstract: An arterio-venous graft 16 is provided with a constriction device 20 near its arterial end. The constriction device 20 is used to reduce the flow through the AV graft under normal conditions and to relieve the constriction when high flow through the AV graft is required, such as for vascular access for hemodialysis.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implantable device (1) for delivering medicines in liquid form comprising: a reservoir (2) provided with an inlet (3) and an outlet (10), said reservoir (2) being adapted to expel the liquid; a variable volume chamber (5) provided with an inlet (11) and an outlet (12), the volume of the variable volume chamber (5) being in particular smaller than that of the reservoir (2); a first conduit (6) communicating the outlet (10) of the reservoir (2) with the inlet (11) of the variable volume chamber (5) to fill the latter; a second conduit (8) whereof one of the ends is connected on the outlet (12) of the variable volume chamber (5).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided comprising an implantable non-hydraulic ring that encircles and provides a controllable degree of constriction to an organ or duct and an external control that powers and controls operation of the ring. The ring includes a rigid dorsal periphery that maintains a constant exterior diameter, and a compliant constriction system that reduces intolerance phenomena. A high precision, energy efficient mechanical actuator is employed that is telemetrically powered and controlled, and maintains the ring at a selected diameter when the device is unpowered, even for extended periods. The actuator provides a reversible degree of constriction of the organ or duct, which is readily ascertainable without the need for radiographic imaging. Methods of use and implantation also are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided comprising an implantable non-hydraulic ring that encircles and provides a controllable degree of constriction to an organ or duct and an external control that powers and controls operation of the ring. The ring includes a rigid dorsal periphery that maintains a constant exterior diameter, and a compliant constriction system that reduces intolerance phenomena. A high precision, energy efficient mechanical actuator is employed that is telemetrically powered and controlled, and maintains the ring at a selected diameter when the device is unpowered, even for extended periods. The actuator provides a reversible degree of constriction of the organ or duct, which is readily ascertainable without the need for radiographic imaging. Methods of use and implantation also are provided.