Abstract: A prosthetic device for the intestine is disclosed that bypasses an enterocutaneous fistula so that the intestinal tract can properly function without bowel contents leaking onto the skin. The prosthetic device includes means to securely connect and seal it to the intestine, means to push bowel contents through it, and means to prevent the backflow of bowel contents through the digestive tract.

Abstract: A medical instrument for use in a laparoscopy comprises a long, slender body having opposite ends which are distal and proximal relative to a person holding the instrument, a pair of tips adjacent the distal end of the body, at least one of said pair of tips being movable with respect to the other of said tips, and a tip actuation mechanism movably connected at the proximal end of the body for actuating movement of the at least one movable tip. The tip actuation mechanism is longitudinally aligned with the pair of tips and coplanar therewith whereby operator-controlled motion of the tip actuation mechanism in a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the body effects motion of the at least one movable tip with respect to the other tip in the same plane. The distal end of the body of the instrument is adapted to be inserted into a patient during the laparoscopy.

Abstract: A medical instrument for use in a laparoscopy comprises a long, slender body having opposite ends which are distal and proximal relative to a person holding the instrument, a pair of tips adjacent the distal end of the body, at least one of said pair of tips being movable with respect to the other of said tips, and a tip actuation mechanism movably connected at the proximal end of the body for actuating movement of the at least one movable tip. The tip actuation mechanism is longitudinally aligned with the pair of tips and coplanar therewith whereby operator-controlled motion of the tip actuation mechanism in a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the body effects motion of the at least one movable tip with respect to the other tip in the same plane. The distal end of the body of the instrument is adapted to be inserted into a patient during the laparoscopy.

Abstract: A sphincterogram device used with radiographic equipment for measuring a patient's anal canal length, anal canal pressure, anorectal angle, and fatigability of the anal musculature. The sphincterogram device comprises an elongated expandable balloon having a flexible tubular catheter disposed substantially therein. The balloon is adapted for insertion into the patient's anal canal. The catheter has a plurality of openings spaced along a substantial portion of its length for communicating between the interior of the balloon and the interior of the catheter. The sphincterogram device also includes at least one fluid supply reservoir and at least one fluid flow line interconnecting the reservoir and the balloon for flow of fluid therebetween. The fluid supply reservoir is adapted for adjusting fluid pressure therein and for adjusting fluid pressure and volume in the catheter and balloon, and calibrations are provided for determining fluid pressure within the balloon.

Abstract: A sphincterogram device used with radiographic equipment for measuring a patient's anal canal length, anal canal pressure, anorectal angle, and fatigability of the anal musculature. The sphincterogram device comprises an elongated expandable balloon having a flexible tubular catheter disposed substantially therein. The balloon is adapted for insertion into the patient's anal canal. The catheter has a plurality of openings spaced along a substantial portion of its length for communicating between the interior of the balloon and the interior of the catheter. The sphincterogram device also includes at least one fluid supply reservoir and at least one fluid flow line interconnecting the reservoir and the balloon for flow of fluid therebetween. The fluid supply reservoir is adapted for adjusting fluid pressure therein and for adjusting fluid pressure and volume in the catheter and balloon, and calibrations are provided for determining fluid pressure within the balloon.

Abstract: A sphincterogram device used with radiographic equipment for measuring a patient's anal canal length, anal canal pressure, anorectal angle, and fatigability of the anal musculature. The sphincterogram device comprises an elongated expandable balloon having a flexible tubular catheter disposed substantially therein. The balloon is adapted for insertion into the patient's anal canal. The catheter has a plurality of openings spaced along a substantial portion of its length for communicating between the interior of the balloon and the interior of the catheter. The sphincterogram device also includes at least one fluid supply reservoir and at least one fluid flow line interconnecting the reservoir and the balloon for flow of fluid therebetween. The fluid supply reservoir is adapted for adjusting fluid pressure therein and for adjusting fluid pressure and volume in the catheter and balloon, and calibrations are provided for determining fluid pressure within the balloon.