Abstract: An intragastric device includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and an anchor connected to the elongated member. The anchor includes a stem, a first arch and a second arch, and a curvilinear element. The stem includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the stem is attached to the proximal end of the elongated member. Each arch has first and second ends and a proximal peak therebetween. The first end of each arch is attached to the proximal end of the stem, and the second end of each arch extends radially away from the stem. The curvilinear element connects the second end of the first arch to the second end of the second arch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods of operating the devices that contribute to curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake. In some embodiments, the methods and devices of the present invention include as intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety. Some embodiments of the inserted device are anchored at the duodenal site by an anchoring member residing in the stomach, other embodiments of the device are stabilized at a targeted site by appropriate dimensions of length as well as one or more angled portions of the device that correspond to angled portions of the targeted site in the dodenum. Embodiments of the device exert effects by virtue of physical presence, as well as by more active forms of intervention, including release of bioactive materials and electrical stimulation of neurons.

Abstract: An intragastric device includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and an anchor connected to the elongated member. The anchor includes a stem, a first arch and a second arch, and a curvilinear element. The stem includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the stem is attached to the proximal end of the elongated member. Each arch has first and second ends and a proximal peak therebetween. The first end of each arch is attached to the proximal end of the stem, and the second end of each arch extends radially away from the stem. The curvilinear element connects the second end of the first arch to the second end of the second arch.

Abstract: An intragastric device includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and an anchor connected to the elongated member. The anchor includes a stem, a first arch and a second arch, and a curvilinear element. The stem includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the stem is attached to the proximal end of the elongated member. Each arch has first and second ends and a proximal peak therebetween. The first end of each arch is attached to the proximal end of the stem, and the second end of each arch extends radially away from the stem. The curvilinear element connects the second end of the first arch to the second end of the second arch.

Abstract: A positioning anchor is provided for a stent-graft for implantation to treat a damaged body lumen. The positioning anchor is generally tubular surrounding a primary fluid conduit. Arms extend laterally from the generally tubular structure of the anchor surrounding lateral fluid conduits. The form of these arms is preferably custom configured to match a particular patient's luminal geometry. The anchor thus fits within the luminal geometry to remain in a desired fixed position for implantation of the anchor and any stent-graft coupled to the anchor. The anchor is most preferably formed with two walls having a void therebetween which can be filled with fixation media to further secure the anchor at the desired implantation site. A lumen shaper balloon and delivery catheter are also disclosed for proper delivery, expansion and inflation of the positioning anchor and stent-graft elements according to this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices that are stabilized at an intraluminal residence site in the gastrointestinal tract by their conformation, including dimensions of length and curvature. The device as a whole corresponds to the conformation of the residence site; more particularly, the curved or angled portions correspond to the curved or angled portions of the residence site and do not conform to an immediately proximal or distal site. In some embodiments, the conformationally stabilized device may effect a change in the residence site shape that contributes to stability of the device. Some embodiments are directed toward curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake, other embodiments may be directed toward other therapeutic ends. Some embodiments of the device are designed to reside wholly in the duodenum; others reside principally within the duodenum but extend proximally into the gastric antrum, while other embodiments are designed to reside elsewhere within the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: An intragastric device includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and an anchor connected to the elongated member. The anchor includes a stem, a first arch and a second arch, and a curvilinear element. The stem includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the stem is attached to the proximal end of the elongated member. Each arch has first and second ends and a proximal peak therebetween. The first end of each arch is attached to the proximal end of the stem, and the second end of each arch extends radially away from the stem. The curvilinear element connects the second end of the first arch to the second end of the second arch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods of operating the devices that contribute to curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake. In some embodiments, the methods and devices of the present invention include as intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety. Some embodiments of the inserted device are anchored at the duodenal site by an anchoring member residing in the stomach, other embodiments of the device are stabilized at a targeted site by appropriate dimensions of length as well as one or more angled portions of the device that correspond to angled portions of the targeted site in the dodenum. Embodiments of the device exert effects by virtue of physical presence, as well as by more active forms of intervention, including release of bioactive materials and electrical stimulation of neurons.

Abstract: Devices and methods described include a flow reduction device adapted and configured for use within the duodenum of a mammal having a spine, a first atraumatic feature, a second atraumatic feature, and a flow reduction element having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior portion, an exterior portion and a variable porosity between the proximal end and the distal end. One aspect of the device includes a spine having a proximal end and a distal end, an atraumatic feature positioned on at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the spine, and a flow reduction element positioned along the spine and having a variable porosity along its length.

Abstract: A positioning anchor is provided for a stent-graft for implantation to treat a damaged body lumen. The positioning anchor is generally tubular surrounding a primary fluid conduit. Arms extend laterally from the generally tubular structure of the anchor surrounding lateral fluid conduits. The form of these arms is preferably custom configured to match a particular patient's luminal geometry. The anchor thus fits within the luminal geometry to remain in a desired fixed position for implantation of the anchor and any stent-graft coupled to the anchor. The anchor is most preferably formed with two walls having a void therebetween which can be filled with fixation media to further secure the anchor at the desired implantation site. A lumen shaper balloon and delivery catheter are also disclosed for proper delivery, expansion and inflation of the positioning anchor and stent-graft elements according to this invention.

Abstract: Devices and methods described include a flow reduction device adapted and configured for use within the duodenum of a mammal having a spine, a first atraumatic feature, a second atraumatic feature, and a flow reduction element having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior portion, an exterior portion and a variable porosity between the proximal end and the distal end. One aspect of the device includes a spine having a proximal end and a distal end, an atraumatic feature positioned on at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the spine, and a flow reduction element positioned along the spine and having a variable porosity along its length.

Abstract: A positioning anchor is provided for a stent-graft for implantation to treat a damaged body lumen. The positioning anchor is generally tubular surrounding a primary fluid conduit. Arms extend laterally from the generally tubular structure of the anchor surrounding lateral fluid conduits. The form of these arms is preferably custom configured to match a particular patient's luminal geometry. The anchor thus fits within the luminal geometry to remain in a desired fixed position for implantation of the anchor and any stent-graft coupled to the anchor. The anchor is most preferably formed with two walls having a void therebetween which can be filled with fixation media to further secure the anchor at the desired implantation site. A lumen shaper balloon and delivery catheter are also disclosed for proper delivery, expansion and inflation of the positioning anchor and stent-graft elements according to this invention.

Abstract: Devices and methods described include a flow reduction device adapted and configured for use within the duodenum of a mammal having a spine, a first atraumatic feature, a second atraumatic feature, and a flow reduction element having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior portion, an exterior portion and a variable porosity between the proximal end and the distal end. One aspect of the device includes a spine having a proximal end and a distal end, an atraumatic feature positioned on at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the spine, and a flow reduction element positioned along the spine and having a variable porosity along its length.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices that are stabilized at an intraluminal residence site in the gastrointestinal tract by their conformation, including dimensions of length and curvature. The device as a whole corresponds to the conformation of the residence site; more particularly, the curved or angled portions correspond to the curved or angled portions of the residence site and do not conform to an immediately proximal or distal site. In some embodiments, the conformationally stabilized device may effect a change in the residence site shape that contributes to stability of the device. Some embodiments are directed toward curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake, other embodiments may be directed toward other therapeutic ends. Some embodiments of the device are designed to reside wholly in the duodenum; others reside principally within the duodenum but extend proximally into the gastric antrum, while other embodiments are designed to reside elsewhere within the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods of operating the devices that contribute to curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake. In some embodiments, the methods and devices of the present invention include as intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety. Some embodiments of the inserted device are anchored at the duodenal site by an anchoring member residing in the stomach, other embodiments of the device are stabilized at a targeted site by appropriate dimensions of length as well as one or more angled portions of the device that correspond to angled portions of the targeted site in the dodenum. Embodiments of the device exert effects by virtue of physical presence, as well as by more active forms of intervention, including release of bioactive materials and electrical stimulation of neurons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods of operating the devices that contribute to curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake. In some embodiments, the methods and devices of the present invention include as intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety. Some embodiments of the inserted device are anchored at the duodenal site by an anchoring member residing in the stomach, other embodiments of the device are stabilized at a targeted site by appropriate dimensions of length as well as one or more angled portions of the device that correspond to angled portions of the targeted site in the dodenum. Embodiments of the device exert effects by virtue of physical presence, as well as by more active forms of intervention, including release of bioactive materials and electrical stimulation of neurons.

Abstract: Devices and methods described include a flow reduction device adapted and configured for use within the duodenum of a mammal having a spine, a first atraumatic feature, a second atraumatic feature, and a flow reduction element having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior portion, an exterior portion and a variable porosity between the proximal end and the distal end. One aspect of the device includes a spine having a proximal end and a distal end, an atraumatic feature positioned on at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the spine, and a flow reduction element positioned along the spine and having a variable porosity along its length.

Abstract: An intragastric device includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and an anchor connected to the elongated member. The anchor includes a stem, a first arch and a second arch, and a curvilinear element. The stem includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the stem is attached to the proximal end of the elongated member. Each arch has first and second ends and a proximal peak therebetween. The first end of each arch is attached to the proximal end of the stem, and the second end of each arch extends radially away from the stem. The curvilinear element connects the second end of the first arch to the second end of the second arch.

Abstract: Devices are described that are adapted and configured for use within the duodenum of a mammal. One aspect of the device includes a spine having a proximal end and a distal end; an atraumatic feature positioned on at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the spine; and a flow reduction element positioned along the spine and having a variable porosity along its length.

Abstract: A bone block for insertion into a patient's intervertebral space. A method for inserting a bone block into a patient's intervertebral space, comprising: supporting the bone block in an inserter; advancing the inserter into the intervertebral space; rotating the inserter, thereby separating adjacent vertebrae; separating the bone block and the inserter with a push rod; and removing the inserter from the intervertebral space.