Abstract: An illuminated bougie in which the elongate bougie body is formed of flexible light-transmitting material. A socket for detachably attaching the light-transmitting end of a fiber optic bundle is formed in the proximal end of the bougie.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering a test to detect the esophagitis in a patient utilizes a sealed pliable tube. When the tube is unsealed and inserted in the esophagus of a patient, an acidic solution stored in the tube flows into the esophagus and, if the patient has esophagitis, causes the chest pain or other symptoms which the patient experiences during esophagitis.

Abstract: A prosthesis and method for treating gastro esophagus reflux. The prosthesis is a normal C-shaped cushion member, the inside diameter of which is generally larger than the normal outside diameter of the distal esophagus. The C-shaped member is temporarily deformable to a shape adapted for inserting the member into the abdominal cavity through a laparoscopic portal. A shaping spring normally maintains the cushion member in the C-shape and is deformable to permit inserting the C-shaped member through the portal.An optical viewing laparscope is inserted through the abdominal wall of the torso. The prosthesis is temporarily deformed and inserted through a laparoscopic portal in the torso wall. The prosthesis is then positioned around the distal esophagus adjacent the diaphragm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing ascitic fluid from the peritoneal cavity. The method removes ascitic fluid through a free floating section of a patient's intestinal tract.

Abstract: A device for sealing an aperture in the wall of a cavity including a tubular elastic membrane which extends from inside the cavity through the aperture to the exterior. A deformable cap closes the inner end of the tubular membrane. The membrane is radially tensioned, e.g., by an annular ring formed in the outer end of the tube to seal the membrane against the edges of the aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for peroral treatment of morbid obesity includes a collapsible intra-gastric appliance which can be temporarily deformed to pass through the esophagus and cardiac opening of the stomach and to autogenously assume a normal shape after it is received in the stomach to stimulate neuro-receptors in the sub-mucosa of the gastric fundus. Means are provided for detachably connecting the appliance to the lower end of an elongate, semi-rigid inserter rod which is passed through an aperture formed in the appliance to effect the detachable connection. Downward pressure on the inserter rod forces the collapsed appliance through the esophagus and cardiac opening into the stomach and slight upward force of the inserter rod is thereafter applied to detach the rod from the appliance.

Abstract: Morbid obesity is treated by implacement in the fundus of a hollow shaped appliance. The appliance is formed of semi-rigid skeleton members and is collapsible to a dimension and shape which can be inserted into the stomach through the esophagus and cardiac opening. Upon release of the collapsed device in the stomach, it autogenously re-assumes its normal uncollapsed shape.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for effecting anastomotic procedures. A deformable annular member has two operative modes, a deformed mode in which the member is shaped to be inserted through an opening in the wall of a hollow body member and a normal mode in which the member is retained within and around the opening. A tubular elastic membrane is attached in one open end to the annular member and extends through the opening to the exterior of the body member. A split ring attached to the other end of the tubular membrane radially tensions the membrane and sealingly engages it with the edges of the opening in the body member.

Abstract: A method for preventing gastro esophageal reflux when the gastro esophageal junction is positioned above the diaphragm. The method comprises positioning a generally C-shaped cushion prosthesis about the distal esophagus, adjusting the free ends of the prosthesis at a spacing to permit normal expansion of the esophagus during swallowing and fixing the free ends of the prosthesis in the adjusted position to maintain the prosthesis in operative position around the distal esophagus adjacent to the gastric fundus when the gastro esophageal junction is positioned above the diaphragm and to maintain the adjusted spacing of the free ends. The inside diameter of the prosthesis generally corresponds to the normal outside diameter of the distal esophagus, and the C-shaped member is deformable to permit adjustment of the spacing of the free ends at a selected distance.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the intra-abdominal reduction of a sliding esophageal hernia. The method comprises positioning a generally C-shaped cushion prosthesis around the distal esophagus between the diaphragm and stomach. The overall size of the prosthesis is large enough to prevent extension of the gastric fundus into the thoracic cavity through an enlarged esophageal hiatus. The prosthesis is of generally constant cross-sectional area along its entire length to prevent upward migration of the prosthesis through the enlarged esophageal hiatus and to maintain the accentuated curvature of the esophagus induced by emplacement of the prosthesis. Tie means are provided to maintain the prosthesis in operative position.