Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data distribution device comprising of a core electronics suite having at least two data ports where each port is in communication with its own network transport medium. At least two broadband transceivers, each in communication with its own broadband data port, enable sending and receiving of broadband data signals. At least two converters, each in communication with its own transceiver, enable the conversion of RF modulated data signals into data packets and the conversion of data packets into RF modulated data signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of the Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) in combination with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient; and methods for treating physiological disorders, particularly frailty, osteoporosis, osteopenia, and male and female sexual dysfunction comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of the Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) in combination with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient; and methods for treating physiological disorders, particularly frailty, osteoporosis, osteopenia, and male and female sexual dysfunction comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data distribution device comprising of a core electronics suite having at least two data ports where each port is in communication with its own network transport medium. At least two broadband transceivers, each in communication with its own broadband data port, enable sending and receiving of broadband data signals. At least two converters, each in communication with its own transceiver, enable the conversion of RF modulated data signals into data packets and the conversion of data packets into RF modulated data signals.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive medical procedures through a natural orifice includes an elongate support advanceable in a flexible state through a natural orifice and through an incision in a body organ into a body cavity. The elongate support is convertible to a rigid state within the body cavity. The elongate support supports a frame that carries a pair of tool cannulas, each of which has a lumen for receiving a tool useable to perform a procedure in the body cavity. The frame is expandable to orient the tool cannulas such that they allow the tools to be used in concert to carry out a procedure at a common location in the body cavity.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of a system for treating diseased bowel, a pair of incisions are formed on opposite ends of a diseased section of bowel. A tubular bypass implant is positioned in the bowel such that its ends are anchored within the bowel and such that an intermediate section of the implant is positioned external to the bowel such that bowel contents flow through the implant and thus around the diseased bowel section. In a second embodiment, the diseased section of bowel is removed and a system is implanted for joining limbs of the resected bowel together to form an anastomosis. In the preferred anastomosis system, the limbs of the resected bowel are positioned between a tubular sleeve extending through the bowel and a tubular cuff positioned around the bowel.

Abstract: A system for performing multi-tool minimally invasive medical procedures through a single instrument port into a body cavity includes an expandable frame that carries a pair of tool cannulas, each of which has a lumen for receiving a tool useable to perform a procedure in the body cavity. The frame is expandable to orient the tool cannulas such that they allow the tools to be used in concert to carry out a procedure at a common location in the body cavity.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are described for retaining a medical implant within a body cavity. According to one aspect, at least a portion of a medical implant is positioned within a body cavity, and a wall of the body cavity is re-shaped such that the re-shaped wall prevents migration of the medical implant out of the body cavity. The re-shaped body wall may form a tissue pocket, tunnel, or other barrier against migration of the implant.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes intravascular systems that may be used for a variety of functions. The elements of the disclosed systems include at least one device body implanted within the vasculature. Electrodes on a lead and/or on the device body itself are used to direct electrical energy to neurological targets. These systems may additionally include one or more fluid reservoirs housing drugs or other agents to be delivered to tissue.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. In one embodiment, the filtering assembly is attached to the distal end of a guide wire and is deployed within the patient's vasculature as the guide wire is manipulated into the area of treatment. A restraining sheath placed over the filtering assembly in a coaxial arrangement maintains the filtering assembly in its collapsed position until it is ready to be deployed by the physician. Thereafter, the sheath can be retracted to expose the filtering assembly which will then self-expand within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Embodiments of surgical access cannulas and access systems for use in gaining access to a body cavity of a patient via a natural orifice are disclosed. A distal end of an access cannula is advanced through a natural orifice into a hollow organ. Instruments passed through the cannula are used to form an incision in the wall of the hollow organ. The access cannula is anchored in the incision with its distal opening giving access to a body cavity outside the hollow organ. Surgical instruments are passed through the access cannula and used to perform procedures in the body cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polymers derivatized with at least one —NOx group per 1200 atomic mass unit of the polymer. X is one or two. In one embodiment, the polymer is an S-nitrosylated polymer and is prepared by reacting a polythiolated polymer with a nitrosylating agent under conditions suitable for nitrosylating free thiol groups. The polymers of the present invention can be used to coat medical devices to deliver nitric oxide in vivo to treatment sites.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are described for retaining a medical implant within a body cavity. According to one aspect, one or more plications are formed and the medical device is coupled to or seated against the plication(s). A patch may be positioned between tissue layers forming the plication so as to reinforce the tissue adhesion forming between the tissue layers.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the invention may comprise one or more expandable structural support pylons (140), means for deploying said one or more structural support pylons (138, 141), and one or more therapeutic substances. Structural support pylons (20) may comprise an elastomeric core (22), or may comprise one or more suitable metals, and may be deployed by shortening the length and increasing the height of the pylon. Alternatively, scaffold (200) may comprise a delivery configuration in which first unit (202) and second unit (204) he generally end to end, and a deployed configuration in which superior surfaces (216) and (218) exert an upward force and inferior surfaces (220) and (222) exert a downward force on superior and inferior vertebral surfaces respectively.

Abstract: Described herein is a positioning tool having an elongate portion for carrying a medical implant. Also described is a method of positioning a medical implant using an elongate positioning tool. One form of the method includes positioning a medical implant on a distal portion of an elongate positioning tool, inserting the positioning tool with the implant thereon into a body cavity, manipulating the positioning tool to position the implant into contact with tissue at an attachment location, attaching the implant to surrounding tissue at the attachment location, separating the implant from the positioning tool, and withdrawing the positioning tool from the body. In a preferred embodiment, the position of the implant is visually confirmed using an endoscope before the implant is attached to surrounding tissue. In one embodiment, the implant is a satiation device and the body cavity is the esophagus and/or stomach.

Abstract: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, enables the device to be compressed for insertion thereof through a patient's vasculature so as to cross the stenosis in a low profile, and to enable release of compression thereof for expansion and deployment of the device at a location distal to the interventional procedure site.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is described that is positionable within the gastro-esophageal junction region of a patient. The prosthetic device includes a proximal opening and a distal orifice that is adjustable in size prior to and/or following implantation. During use, the prosthetic device is attached to tissue of the gastro-esophageal junction region of the patient, with the device positioned such that food ingested by the patient passes from the esophagus through the proximal opening into the interior of the prosthetic device, and eventually exits the prosthetic device via the distal opening.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are described for retaining a medical implant within a body cavity. According to one aspect, at least a portion of a medical implant is positioned within a body cavity, and a wall of the body cavity is re-shaped such that the re-shaped wall prevents migration of the medical implant out of the body cavity. The re-shaped body wall may form a tissue pocket, tunnel, or other barrier against migration of the implant.