Abstract: The effective volume of a patient's stomach cavity can be reduced by implanting at least two magnetic devices in the stomach at different locations on the stomach wall. The magnets cooperate with one another magnetically to change the effective volume of the stomach. For example, the magnets may magnetically attract one another to pull in portions of opposite side walls of the stomach. The magnetic devices may be implanted non-surgically (e.g., via one or more catheters introduced into the stomach cavity via the patient's mouth and esophagus). The magnets may be removable to reverse the treatment. Removal may be non-surgical.

Abstract: Plural (at least two) magnetic devices are implanted in a patient so that magnetic interaction between those devices modifies the patient's body in one or more respects (e.g., by modifying the shape and/or performance of some part of the body) Prior to implantation, a location in the body may be marked for later reference during the implantation. The magnetism of one or more of the magnetic devices may be changed in vivo after implantation. One or more of the implanted devices may be subsequently removed from the patient if desired. Use of the magnetic devices inside tissue conduits (e.g., as a treatment for GERD) is especially considered by way of illustration.

Abstract: Active tissue augmenting agents, compositions and methods for use are disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the active augmenting agents of the invention can be used to form an artificial sphincter around a lumen of a human or animal body. In one embodiment, the active augmenting agent comprises magnitizable particles which can provide occlusion of a lumen, such as the urethral lumen, by circumferential attraction of the injected material toward the center of the lumen by the inherent magnetic flux field created from the magnetic dipoles of the magnetic particles.

Abstract: A self-retracting body, which may have a bore, may be inserted into a biological passage. A dilating balloon may be used to expand the body toward an inner wall of the passage. The body may include an anchor that may engage the wall. The anchor may include a tip that is within the body before the body expands and extends away from the body during expansion. The body may include an opening that may receive a portion of the wall. The portion may be fixed to the body. The body may retract toward a central portion of the passage after the anchor engages the wall. The wall may be drawn toward the central passage and the diameter of the passage may be reduced. In some embodiments, a liner may be provided for the passage. In some embodiments, a baffle may be provided for the passage.

Abstract: Several methods and apparatus are available for treating patients that suffer from both gastro-esophageal reflux disorder and hiatal hernias. In order to treat these patients, an endoscopic probe may be used to push the herniated stomach below the diaphragm. In some embodiments, a two-part stent comprising a funnel stent and a reverse stent may be deployed to prevent a future re-herniation of the stomach and to reduce the annulus of the lower esophageal sphincter. In some embodiments, a reverse stent with perforating barbs may be deployed, in which the barbs penetrate the esophageal wall and attach to the diaphragm. In some embodiments, the crus muscles may be sutured together to reduce the hiatus size and a reverse stent may be deployed to reduce the annulus of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Abstract: Plural (at least two) magnetic devices are implanted in a patient so that magnetic interaction between those devices modifies the patient's body in one or more respects (e.g., by modifying the shape and/or performance of some part of the body) Prior to implantation, a location in the body may be marked for later reference during the implantation. The magnetism of one or more of the magnetic devices may be changed in vivo after implantation. One or more of the implanted devices may be subsequently removed from the patient if desired. Use of the magnetic devices inside tissue conduits (e.g., as a treatment for GERD) is especially considered by way of illustration.

Abstract: A self-retracting body, which may have a bore, may be inserted into a biological passage. A dilating balloon may be used to expand the body toward an inner wall of the passage. The body may include an anchor that may engage the wall. The anchor may include a tip that is within the body before the body expands and extends away from the body during expansion. The body may include an opening that may receive a portion of the wall. The portion may be fixed to the body. The body may retract toward a central portion of the passage after the anchor engages the wall. The wall may be drawn toward the central passage and the diameter of the passage may be reduced. In some embodiments, a liner may be provided for the passage. In some embodiments, a baffle may be provided for the passage.