Abstract: A mechanotransductive bowel extender device that can be used to correct short bowel syndrome by applying tension to the bowel tissue which, via the process of mechanotransduction, grows in length in response to the applied tension. Such a device is placed within the small bowel and applies tension over a period of several days or weeks by attaching to the lumen of the bowel at two different locations and moving those two points apart, stretching the tissue between. The extender device further capable of localized application and/or evacuation of medically relevant liquid and other material within the bowel.

Abstract: A mechanotransductive bowel extender device that can be used to correct short bowel syndrome by applying tension to the bowel tissue which, via the process of mechanotransduction, grows in length in response to the applied tension. Such a device is placed within the small bowel and applies tension over a period of several days or weeks by attaching to the lumen of the bowel at two different locations and moving those two points apart, stretching the tissue between. The extender device further capable of localized application and/or evacuation of medically relevant liquid and other material within the bowel.

Abstract: An attachment system for selectively attaching to an interior surface of a hollow member, which includes an expanding device selectively enlargeable from a first size position to an enlarged second size position, a friction enhancement disposed about the expanding device that is engageable with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the enlarged position, and a fenestrated decoupling system extending between at least a portion of the friction enhancement of the expanding device and the interior surface of the hollow member. The fenestrated decoupling system generally prevents contact of the friction enhancement with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the first size position and permits contact of the friction enhancement with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the enlarged position.

Abstract: An indwelling device for insertion in a biological tubular structure comprising an elongated device having a body and opposing ends. The body has a bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis that is greater than a stiffness of the biological tubular structure. An atraumatic tip member, having a proximal end and a distal end, extends from the end of the elongated device. The proximal end has a first bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis and the distal end has a second bending stiffness transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second bending stiffness being less than the first bending stiffness.

Abstract: An indwelling device for insertion in a biological tubular structure comprising an elongated device having a body and opposing ends. The body has a bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis that is greater than a stiffness of the biological tubular structure. An atraumatic tip member, having a proximal end and a distal end, extends from the end of the elongated device. The proximal end has a first bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis and the distal end has a second bending stiffness transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second bending stiffness being less than the first bending stiffness.

Abstract: A system for controlling motion of a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a damper operatively connectable to the SMA actuator and having a movable portion that moves with the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator contracts during electrical activation. An electronic switch is operatively connectable to the SMA actuator and to the damper. The electronic switch has an open position preventing electrical power flow to the SMA actuator, and a closed position permitting electrical power flow to the SMA actuator. A biasing element applies a biasing force that urges the electronic switch to the closed position. The damper overcomes the biasing element to move the switch to the open position only when velocity of the movable portion equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, and to return to the closed position when the velocity of the movable portion falls below the predetermined threshold velocity.

Abstract: An attachment system for selectively attaching to an interior surface of a hollow member, which includes an expanding device selectively enlargeable from a first size position to an enlarged second size position, a friction enhancement disposed about the expanding device that is engageable with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the enlarged position, and a fenestrated decoupling system extending between at least a portion of the friction enhancement of the expanding device and the interior surface of the hollow member. The fenestrated decoupling system generally prevents contact of the friction enhancement with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the first size position and permits contact of the friction enhancement with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the enlarged position.

Abstract: A system for controlling motion of a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a damper operatively connectable to the SMA actuator and having a movable portion that moves with the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator contracts during electrical activation. An electronic switch is operatively connectable to the SMA actuator and to the damper. The electronic switch has an open position preventing electrical power flow to the SMA actuator, and a closed position permitting electrical power flow to the SMA actuator. A biasing element applies a biasing force that urges the electronic switch to the closed position. The damper overcomes the biasing element to move the switch to the open position only when velocity of the movable portion equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, and to return to the closed position when the velocity of the movable portion falls below the predetermined threshold velocity.

Abstract: A bowel extension device implantable into a body for treatment of short bowel syndrome. The bowel extension device comprises a housing and a displaceable member coupled to the housing. The bowel extension device is configured to apply a tensile force sufficient to promote bowel growth without causing damage to the bowel. In some embodiments, the bowel extension device can be completely contained with the body.

Abstract: A bowel extension device implantable into a body for treatment of short bowel syndrome. The bowel extension device comprises a housing and a displaceable member coupled to the housing. The bowel extension device is configured to apply a tensile force sufficient to promote bowel growth without causing damage to the bowel. In some embodiments, the bowel extension device can be completely contained with the body.