Abstract: Described herein are delivery devices and methods for deploying expandable implants into elongate tubular organs. The delivery devices may be configured to advance implants such as self-expanding springs within the tubular organ and release the springs at a target location where they expand and apply force to the wall of the tubular organ to lengthen the tubular organ. Delivery of the expandable implants for the treatment of small bowel syndrome is also described.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for lengthening tubular organs using expandable implants. The expandable implants may be secured along a length of a tubular organ by forming a plication at each end of the implant. Securing the expandable implants in this manner may be used to treat short bowel syndrome. Methods for selecting and implanting an expandable implant suitable for lengthening a tubular organ according to predetermined patient parameters are further described herein.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal stimulation apparatus and methods with an electronic controller and a flexible and stretchable electrode array with a central branch and orthogonal bilateral branches that wrap around a section of the gastrointestinal tract and can accommodate repetitive contraction and relaxation movements of the tract. Array branches have a flexible spring structure, stimulation electrodes, recording electrodes, sensors controlled by a controller and adhesion nodes that fix the branches to the tissue. The electrode array can sense the normal peristalsis from upstream tissue and produce a stimulus signal to stimulate the incapable intestine section to generate stimulation-induced contractions. Electrodes on the incapable intestine section can be used for stimulation or recording, the recorded signal from the incapable intestine section can be sent back to the electronics to form a closed loop control system.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal stimulation apparatus and methods with an electronic controller and a flexible and stretchable electrode array with a central branch and orthogonal bilateral branches that wrap around a section of the gastrointestinal tract and can accommodate repetitive contraction and relaxation movements of the tract. Array branches have a flexible spring structure, stimulation electrodes, recording electrodes, sensors controlled by a controller and adhesion nodes that fix the branches to the tissue. The electrode array can sense the normal peristalsis from upstream tissue and produce a stimulus signal to stimulate the incapable intestine section to generate stimulation-induced contractions. Electrodes on the incapable intestine section can be used for stimulation or recording, the recorded signal from the incapable intestine section can be sent back to the electronics to form a closed loop control system.

Abstract: A cell culture media composition for support growth of human SI stem cells and epithelium without a feeder layer is presented. The media may also include growth factors including ENR and Y-27632 that support the survival of stem cell spheroid structures. The cell culture media compositions permit rapid growth of human small intestinal (SI) epithelium and stem cells, which leads to specific spheroid cell and enteroid morphology when grown in 3-D culture system.

Abstract: An expandable mechanical distension device for hollow organ growth comprising a spring stent structure to elongate hollow organs by mechanical expansion. The device preferably expands radially to engage the internal walls of the hollow organ segment at a desired treatment location and expands axially to enlarge the hollow organ segment. The distension device may be configured for the treatment of patients with insufficient hollow viscus, e.g. hollow organ deficiency such as short gut syndrome, to enhance their gut length by mechanical force.

Abstract: An expandable mechanical distension device for hollow organ growth comprising a spring stent structure to elongate hollow organs by mechanical expansion. The device preferably expands radially to engage the internal walls of the hollow organ segment at a desired treatment location and expands axially to enlarge the hollow organ segment. The distension device may be configured for the treatment of patients with insufficient hollow viscus, e.g. hollow organ deficiency such as short gut syndrome, to enhance their gut length by mechanical force.