Abstract: The present application relates to method and apparatus for reducing migration and rotation of implantable devices including an expandable element and an elongate portion.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element that includes a chamber and a hydrophilic material substantially encapsulated in the chamber to expand the adjustable element by absorbing fluid entering the chamber.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element and a tubular elongate body, where the adjustable element includes a chamber and the tubular elongate body includes at least a first interior passageway which extends longitudinally in the tubular elongate body from a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening in fluid communication with the chamber. Fluid volume passed through the first passageway is used for adjustably expanding or contracting the adjustable element. The implantable medical device further includes a sheath and a sleeve, where the sheath includes a wall having an inner surface which defines a channel through which at least a portion of the implantable device and the sleeve can pass.

Abstract: The present application relates to method and apparatus for reducing migration and rotation of implantable devices including an expandable element and an elongate portion.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as the urethra of a patient to treat urinary incontinence. The device includes an expandable element or membrane such as a balloon attached pressure-tightly to a flexible conduit at its forward end and includes a rear port portion containing an elastic septum and flow connected to the expandable element by a first passageway. The conduit contains a second passageway which allows it to be slid along an elongated guide probe initially inserted surgically into a patient's body adjacent the body lumen which is to be adjustably restricted. A suitable flowable material is injected from a syringe source into the device rear port sufficient to expand the membrane element and restrict the body lumen to the desired degree. The syringe and guide probe are removed and the skin incision is closed over the rear port end of the implanted device.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes an implantable device and method for restoring continence and controlling coaptivity of a body lumen. The device includes a fill port block which has one or more self-sealing septums. The fill-port block is connected to one or more elongate conduits and ultimately to one or more expandable elements for communicating fluid. The one or more expandable elements are implanted and adjusted from a remote location using the fill-port block. Methods for implantation, use, and construction are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element and a tubular elongate body, where the adjustable element includes a chamber and the tubular elongate body includes at least a first interior passageway which extends longitudinally in the tubular elongate body from a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening in fluid communication with the chamber. Fluid volume passed through the first passageway is used for adjustably expanding or contracting the adjustable element. The implantable medical device further includes a sheath and a sleeve, where the sheath includes a wall having an inner surface which defines a channel through which at least a portion of the implantable device and the sleeve can pass.

Abstract: The present application includes a system for the preparation of a patient for the implantation of post-operatively adjustable coaptation device. For example, the present subject matter includes a tool having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an elongate section disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The tool additionally includes jaws hinged at a first joint, the first joint located at the distal portion of the tool, the jaws adapted to vary between an open state and a closed state, the closed state defining a blunt tip. Also, the tool includes a handle located at the proximal portion of the tool. The handle and the jaws are connected so that motion of the handle moves the jaws from the closed state to the open state.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element and a tubular elongate body, where the adjustable element includes a chamber and the tubular elongate body includes at least a first interior passageway which extends longitudinally in the tubular elongate body from a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening in fluid communication with the chamber. Fluid volume passed through the first passageway is used for adjustably expanding or contracting the adjustable element. The implantable medical device further includes a sheath, where the sheath includes a wall having an inner surface which defines a channel through which at least a portion of the implantable device can pass.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes an implantable, adjustable sling for a body which includes an implantable sling cup connected to a first strap and a second strap, the first strap and the second strap adapted to be anchored within the body and at least one adjustable element forming an integral portion of the first strap.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for an adjustable sling for treatment of urinary stress incontinence. The present system includes apparatus and methods for postoperative adjustment of sling tension using adjustable elements in the sling assembly. The present system also provides a number of demonstrative embodiments for an adjustable sling where positioning of the bladder is controlled using the adjustable sling and where coaptation of the urethra is controlled by postoperative inflation of one or more balloons mounted in a sling cup. Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting the adjustable sling after surgical implantation. In one embodiment a self sealing septum is located near the skin for convenient filling using a syringe. Multiple port embodiments are also discussed.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as the urethra of a patient to treat urinary incontinence. The device includes an expandable element or membrane such as a balloon attached pressure-tightly to a flexible conduit at its forward end and includes a rear port portion containing an elastic septum and flow connected to the expandable element by a first passageway. The conduit contains a second passageway which allows it to be slid along an elongated guide probe initially inserted surgically into a patient's body adjacent the body lumen which is to be adjustably restricted. A suitable flowable material is injected from a syringe source into the device rear port sufficient to expand the membrane element and restrict the body lumen to the desired degree. The syringe and guide probe are removed and the skin incision is closed over the rear port end of the implanted device.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as the urethra of a patient to treat urinary incontinence. The device includes an expandable element or membrane such as a balloon attached pressure-tightly to a flexible conduit at its forward end and includes a rear port portion containing an elastic septum and flow connected to the expandable element by a first passageway. The conduit contains a second passageway which allows it to be slid along an elongated guide probe initially inserted surgically into a patient's body adjacent the body lumen which is to be adjustably restricted. A suitable flowable material is injected from a syringe source into the device rear port sufficient to expand the membrane element and restrict the body lumen to the desired degree. The syringe and guide probe are removed and the skin incision is closed over the rear port end of the implanted device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element and a tubular elongate body, where the adjustable element includes a chamber and the tubular elongate body includes at least a first interior passageway which extends longitudinally in the tubular elongate body from a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening in fluid communication with the chamber. Fluid volume passed through the first passageway is used for adjustably expanding or contracting the adjustable element. The implantable medical device further includes a sheath and a sleeve, where the sheath includes a wall having an inner surface which defines a channel through which at least a portion of the implantable device and the sleeve can pass.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element and a tubular elongate body, where the adjustable element includes a chamber and the tubular elongate body includes at least a first interior passageway which extends longitudinally in the tubular elongate body from a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening in fluid communication with the chamber. Fluid volume passed through the first passageway is used for adjustably expanding or contracting the adjustable element. The implantable medical device further includes a sheath, where the sheath includes a wall having an inner surface which defines a channel through which at least a portion of the implantable device can pass.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable, self-sealing element having a continuous wall, including an inner surface defining a chamber. The adjustable element expands or contracts due to fluid volume introduced into the chamber for restricting a body lumen. After being implanted into a patient, the size of the adjustable element is altered by first locating the adjustable element implanted adjacent the body lumen, and then establishing fluid communication with the adjustable element. The volume of the adjustable element is then adjusted by either introducing or removing volume from the chamber of the adjustable element.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element and a tubular elongate body, where the adjustable element includes a chamber and the tubular elongate body includes at least a first interior passageway which extends longitudinally in the tubular elongate body from a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening in fluid communication with the chamber. Fluid volume passed through the first passageway is used for adjustably expanding or contracting the adjustable element. The implantable medical device further includes a sheath, where the sheath includes a wall having an inner surface which defines a channel through which at least a portion of the implantable device can pass.

Abstract: A device for loading a self expanding stent into a deployment tool has an outer tube defining a space. The device has a constricting sheath with a stent delivery end and a stent receiving opening opposite thereto. The constricting sheath is open therethrough with the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening aligned along an axis thereof. The stent delivery end is shaped and sized for slipping over the outer tube. The stent receiving opening is shaped and sized to receive a self expanding stent aligned along the axis and in its expanded state. A rest within the delivery end is located for seating the constricting sheath along the axis and in position over the outer tube. A funnel is positioned within the constricting sheath located between the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening. The funnel is shaped for collapsing the self expanding stent before loading into the space of the outer tube.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element and a tubular elongate body, where the adjustable element includes a chamber and the tubular elongate body includes at least a first interior passageway which extends longitudinally in the tubular elongate body from a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening in fluid communication with the chamber. Fluid volume passed through the first passageway is used for adjustably expanding or contracting the adjustable element. The implantable medical device further includes a sheath and a sleeve, where the sheath includes a wall having an inner surface which defines a channel through which at least a portion of the implantable device and the sleeve can pass.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable, self-sealing element having a continuous wall, including an inner surface defining a chamber. The adjustable element expands or contracts due to fluid volume introduced into the chamber for restricting a body lumen. After being implanted into a patient, the size of the adjustable element is altered by first locating the adjustable element implanted adjacent the body lumen, and then establishing fluid communication with the adjustable element. The volume of the adjustable element is then adjusted by either introducing or removing volume from the chamber of the adjustable element.