Abstract: Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, a method of producing satiety comprising the steps of accessing a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and implanting an intraintestinal therapeutic substance eluting implant. The implant is capable of eluting a satiety inducing substance selected from at least one of a nutrient, a specific satiety inducing bio-active substance, pancreatic polypeptides, free fatty acids, cholecystokinin, amino acids, glutamine, lipids, linoleic acid, or a combination thereof, from the implant into the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be arranged in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. The fastener cartridge can further comprise a gap setting element which can be configured to control the distance between the anvil, the support portion, and/or the tissue thickness compensator.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a fastener, a cartridge body, and a tissue thickness compensator. The fastener can comprise a base, a first leg extending from the base, and a second leg extending from the base. The cartridge body can comprise a fastener cavity for receiving the fastener and a trajectory control for controlling the trajectory of the first and second legs of the fastener. The fastener can be removable from the fastener cavity along a fastener axis. The trajectory control can extend inwardly toward the fastener axis and can bias the first leg and the second leg toward alignment with the fastener axis when the fastener is positioned in the fastener cavity.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a cartridge body, a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured relative to the cartridge body, and a fastener removably positioned in a staple cavity of the cartridge body. The tissue thickness compensator can comprise a first clearance aperture extending along a first predefined trajectory and a second clearance aperture extending along a second predefined trajectory. The fastener can comprise a first leg aligned with the first clearance aperture and moveable along the first predefined trajectory, a second leg aligned with the second clearance aperture and moveable along the second predefined trajectory. The first and second predefined trajectories can be parallel.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners. In use, the fastener cartridge can be arranged in a jaw of a surgical fastening device. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward an anvil wherein the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. The cartridge body can further comprise a first knife path configured to receive a cutting member and the tissue thickness compensator can further comprise a second knife path aligned with the first knife path. The second knife path can comprise different portions configured to apply different resistances to the cutting member as the cutting member is advanced through the fastener cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gastric band comprises a bladder having an opening, an insertable component to fluidly seal the opening, and a strap that may be overmolded onto the bladder. The insertable component may be a grommet or a plug. Additionally, the insertable component may be coupled to a support member via a living hinge. In another configuration, the insertable component comprises a grommet and a suture loop at least partially formed within the grommet. A band may be provided instead of the strap, with the band having a grommet aperture formed through a deck such that the grommet may be inserted into the opening of the bladder. An overmolded shell having a latching member may be overmolded onto the deck to secure the grommet and a portion of the suture loop therein. The gastric band may further be coupled to a flexible conduit and an injection port.

Abstract: Methods and devices reroute chyme to induce intestinal brake in order to improve the effectiveness of bariatric surgical procedures and to improve comorbidity resolution. A bowel is manipulated to provide a shortened path for chyme to travel to the ileum. These methods and devices of rerouting chyme to induce intestinal brake may include one or more of a surgical procedure, an implanted device, or a combination of an implant with an improved surgical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct.

Abstract: A gastric band comprises a bladder having an opening, an insertable component to fluidly seal the opening, and a strap that may be overmolded onto the bladder. The insertable component may be a grommet or a plug. Additionally, the insertable component may be coupled to a support member via a living hinge. In another configuration, the insertable component comprises a grommet and a suture loop at least partially formed within the grommet. A band may be provided instead of the strap, with the band having a grommet aperture formed through a deck such that the grommet may be inserted into the opening of the bladder. An overmolded shell having a latching member may be overmolded onto the deck to secure the grommet and a portion of the suture loop therein. The gastric band may further be coupled to a flexible conduit and an injection port.

Abstract: A balloon-type gastric band that includes a balloon and a belt secured to the balloon. The balloon includes a mechanism for contrasting the balloon from surrounding tissue when placed within a patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, a method of producing satiety comprising the steps of accessing a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and implanting an intraintestinal therapeutic substance eluting implant. The implant is capable of eluting a satiety inducing substance selected from at least one of a nutrient, a specific satiety inducing bio-active substance, pancreatic polypeptides, free fatty acids, cholecystokinin, amino acids, glutamine, lipids, linoleic acid, or a combination thereof, from the implant into the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Devices and methods for modifying stomach volume include the formation of intragastric slots for wrapping one or more portions of the fundus therethrough with minimal interference with nerves and vasculature flow. Intragastric space occupying devices expand with environmental changes brought about by natural conditions inherent to the digestive cycle such as with changes in pH. Extragastric volume occupying balloons are placed into folded stomach sections. The balloons are fluidly coupled to external gastric filling devices. In yet another set of embodiments, methods and devices provide adjustable gastric volume reduction fundal wraps. In one embodiment, a device is placed in the fundus for Nissen fundoplication and permits postoperative adjustment to reach desired weight loss. Intragastric and extragastric balloons are optionally incorporated.

Abstract: Methods described herein involve introducing a nasogastric tube into a patient, connecting the nasogastric tube with a reservoir, anchoring the nasogastric tube with the nasal cavity, and introducing a substance into the reservoir through the nasogastric tube.

Abstract: Methods and devices reroute chyme to induce intestinal brake in order to improve the effectiveness of bariatric surgical procedures and to improve comorbidity resolution. A bowel is manipulated to provide a shortened path for chyme to travel to the ileum. These methods and devices of rerouting chyme to induce intestinal brake may comprise one or more of a surgical procedure, an implanted device, or a combination of an implant with an improved surgical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element.

Abstract: An implantable restriction device includes a belt and a balloon secured to the belt for engagement with tissue when the implantable restriction device is positioned about the stomach. A spacer is associated with the belt for maintaining the restriction device in a spaced relation with a staple line employed during gastric reduction surgery.

Abstract: An implantable restriction device includes a belt and a balloon secured to the belt for engagement with tissue when the implantable restriction device is positioned about an organ. A protective member is associated with the balloon for positioning between the balloon and a tissue surface defining a band tissue interface.