Abstract: A pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient.

Abstract: A pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a plurality of disc-shaped flanges connected in series. The blocking portion may be disposed in a contracted position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a stacked configuration and a resting position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a linear configuration. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its resting and contracted positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and/or controlling obesity and type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a device for treating obesity includes a flow restrictor and an anchor coupled to the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor is movable between a first or collapsed configuration sized and shaped for endoscopic advancement through the patient's esophagus and into a distal region of the stomach and a second or operative configuration sized and shaped for inhibiting a flow of chyme from the stomach to the pyloric sphincter. It is believed that this will cause the prolongation of satiety, and result in fewer meals being eaten and/or smaller meals being ingested.

Abstract: A pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a plurality of disc-shaped flanges connected in series. The blocking portion may be disposed in a contracted position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a stacked configuration and a resting position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a linear configuration. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its resting and contracted positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for sealing an aperture in body tissue that extends from an outside surface to an inside surface of the body tissue is described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes an expandable material positioned against at least a portion of an expandable member, the expandable material having a sealing surface adapted to expand against the inside surface of the body tissue surrounding the aperture as the expandable member expands. In an alternative embodiment, tissue is pulled by a retractor mechanism between two biased legs of a deformable clip that is loaded on a trigger. As a base of the trigger is moved away from a base of a housing, the clip is released from the trigger causing the two biased legs of the clip to come together and seal tissue therebetween. Generally, the apparatus of each embodiment is delivered to an aperture site through an endoscope.

Abstract: A chair with a seat that moves on a curved motion mechanism in an arc relative to a base to provide flexion and extension of the knee when the user swings the seat back and forth. Telescoping structures adjust to fit different size users. A footrest in front of the chair allows the user to push against it with their feet, thus creating the swinging motion.