Abstract: Devices to improve lung function in a patient having restricted ventilation. The device may include an entry or access port for an implantable airway bypass device that relieves trapped air. The device of the present invention comprises an expandable structure (164) to be implanted in lung tissue and defining an air capture chamber, a first conduit (174) having a first end from which extends the expandable structure, and a second end to be coupled to a first end of a second conduit (161), the second end of the second conduit being joined to an external anchor (175) to rest against an outer skin surface of the chest of the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating Alzheimer's disease in an individual. In one embodiment, the method includes bypassing a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the individual. In another embodiment, the method includes modifying insulin levels or insulin resistance in the brain of an individual with Alzheimer's disease or predisposed to Alzheimer's disease. In still yet another embodiment, the bypass causes the individual's serum levels of GLP-1 protein to increase.

Abstract: One or more external magnets that are suitable for placement on the back or front of a patient's neck and methods for using the external magnet(s) to guide a feeding tube containing one or more internal magnets through the esophagus are described herein. The external magnet is applied to the back or the front of the patient's neck and the feeding tube is inserted into the patient's nose and advanced within the patient's body. The magnetic field of the external magnet combines with the magnetic field of the internal magnet to produce a sufficient magnetic force to pull or push the feeding tube apparatus against the posterior wall of the esophagus to prevent placement of the stylet in the patient's trachea or windpipe to prevent insertion into the patient's lungs.

Abstract: A feeding tube apparatus, a kit containing the feed tube apparatus and method for intubating a patient to deliver the feeding tube apparatus to the desired location for delivering nutrients and/or medication are described herein. The feeding tube apparatus (10) contains at least a catheter (20) and a removable stylet (30), where the removable stylet contains one or more magnetic materials (32 a-j). In one embodiment, the stylet contains more than one magnetic material in the form of a magnet stack (33). The feeding tube apparatus is used in combination with a suitable external magnet (40) which a medical practitioner can use to guide the feeding tube apparatus (10) through the intestinal tract. Optionally, the feeding tube apparatus contains additional components, such as a spring wire guide.