Abstract: Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.

Abstract: Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.

Abstract: Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.

Abstract: Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.

Abstract: Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improved neurostimulation to treat obesity. Some methods include measuring temperature increases in Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) during intraoperative test stimulations to determine the proper nerve electrode placement for implantation. Methods can include determining the side of the patient having the most BAT, and stimulating preferentially on that right or left side. The BAT maybe used to burn fat by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system innervating the BAT deposits.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering electrical stimulation to the sympathetic nervous system in response to the onset of eating. In some methods, swallowing is detected which then initiates a dose of stimulation which can vary in intensity, frequency, or both over the dose length. In some methods, the dose length is between about one quarter hour and one hour. The dose frequency may increase, hold steady, then decrease over the dose duration so as to mimic the response of the gut stretch and nutrient receptors to receiving food. The dose can drive biomarkers indicative of eating, for example glucagon, glucose, FFA or glycerol to at least about half of their normal post eating levels and then stop so as to retain stimulation effectiveness for subsequent doses and to prolong battery life.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improved neurostimulation to treat obesity. Some methods include measuring temperature increases in Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) during intraoperative test stimulations to determine the proper nerve electrode placement for implantation. Methods can include determining the side of the patient having the most BAT, and stimulating preferentially on that right or left side. The BAT maybe used to burn fat by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system innervating the BAT deposits.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implanting an electrode near a nerve covered by a tissue layer or layers. Methods can include cutting through a tissue layer covering the nerve to form at least two exposed pleural tissue layer edges. The nerve can be freed from any tissue around the nerve and the electrode placed around the nerve. The pleura edges can be drawn toward each other to cover the nerve and the edges secured together. Some methods form two tissue flaps which are pulled away from each other to expose the nerve. Other methods form a single tissue flap which extends over the nerve and is pulled back to expose the nerve. The now covered nerve is protected against movement of tissues near the now covered nerve. Such methods find one use in placing electrodes near the splanchnic nerves in the thoracic cavity, where the lung and diaphragm may contact an exposed electrode.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering electrical stimulation to the sympathetic nervous system in response to the onset of eating. In some methods, swallowing is detected which then initiates a dose of stimulation which can vary in intensity, frequency, or both over the dose length. In some methods, the dose length is between about one quarter hour and one hour. The dose frequency may increase, hold steady, then decrease over the dose duration so as to mimic the response of the gut stretch and nutrient receptors to receiving food. The dose can drive biomarkers indicative of eating, for example glucagon, glucose, FFA or glycerol to at least about half of their normal post eating levels and then stop so as to retain stimulation effectiveness for subsequent doses and to prolong battery life.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an implant, a method and a kit for treatment of fecal and urinary incontinence in a patient. Novel methods and assemblies for use in conjunction with the implant are also described.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.

Abstract: Surgical articles that are conveniently securely coupled are disclosed. Improved surgical procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel surgical instrument is shown and described. The surgical instrument is useful in pelvic floor repair procedures such as sling procedures for treating incontinence. Also, a novel, ornamental design for a handle for a surgical instrument is shown and described.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.

Abstract: Methods and structures for placing sensing and driver assemblies in a middle ear of a patient are disclosed. Methods and structures according to various embodiments of the invention provide minimally invasive techniques and devices that facilitate placement of sensing/driver assemblies in a middle ear using a trans-canal implantation technique. Certain embodiments include placement of a longitudinal body through the ear canal for mounting in the middle ear, and for supporting a sensing/driving assembly subsequently coupled thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides treatment regimens for treating diseased prostate tissue, including the steps of chemically ablating prostate tissue and coadministering an antiandrogen. In some embodiments, prostate tissue is chemically ablated by injection of ethanol, or an injectable gel comprising ethanol, into prostate tissue. Steroidal and non-steroidal antiandrogens are suitable antiandrogens. One suitable non-steroidal antiandrogen is bicalutamide. The treatment regimen is suitable for treatment of prostate tissue diseases including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma. The invention further provides a treatment regimen for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, including the steps of damaging prostate tissue and coadministering an antiandrogen. Also provided by the present invention is a kit for treating a human male, including a means for necrosing prostate tissue, an antiandrogen drug, and a means for administering the antiandrogen drug.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an implant for placement in the retropubic space of a patient. Novel methods and assemblies for use in conjunction with the implant are also described.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating incontinence includes a handle portion elongate along a handle axis and a needle portion connected to the handle portion. The needle portion has a spacer portion along the handle axis, and has a distal end. The needle portion includes a substantially helical portion that is a variable spiral portion, extending from the straight spacer portion. The variable spiral portion is sized and shaped to extend from an incision substantially adjacent the patient's obturator foramen through the obturator foramen along a path in a region between the superior pubic ramus and the inferior pubic ramus. The needle portion has a structure near the distal end that associates the instrument with an implantable material configured to treat incontinence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing or eliminating the transmission of vibration away from, as well as induction of vibration into, a middle ear driving or sensing structure of an at least partially implantable hearing aid system. A vibration damping intermediary layer may be positioned between an originating structure and its housing, and/or between a housing and its mounting to the surrounding. The intermediary layer may be formed of a structure having elastic and damping characteristics. The intermediary layer may also have a number of fluid flow paths for absorbing energy and damping vibration.