Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of bodily lumens and sphincters are disclosed. Some embodiments include methods and devices for inducing an inflammatory response and development of fibrosis, collagen, and/or scar tissue. In some embodiments, scaffolds may be composed of a matrix of filaments. Application of the methods and devices disclosed herein to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and other sphincter disorders are discussed. Biodegradable scaffolds configured to induce an inflammatory response are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of bodily lumens and sphincters are disclosed. Some embodiments include methods and devices for inducing an inflammatory response and development of fibrosis, collagen, and/or scar tissue. In some embodiments, scaffolds may be composed of a matrix of filaments. Application of the methods and devices disclosed herein to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and other sphincter disorders are discussed. Biodegradable scaffolds configured to induce an inflammatory response are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods that can be used in the treatment of obesity and related illnesses are disclosed. In some instances, a medical device includes a body that is configured to transition from a low-profile state, in which the medical device is passed through the bowel of an obese patient and into the cecum of the patient, to an expanded state, in which the medical device distends the cecum of the patient to a pathophysiological size.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising dietary fibers. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises two or more fibers (e.g., fibers such as beta-glucan, wheat dextrin, inulin, pectin, psyllium, or potato starch) each present in amount of about 40% to about 60% w/w of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition further includes a sweetener and/or a flavoring agent. Such compositions are useful in the treatment or improvement of gastrointestinal diseases.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods that can be used in the treatment of obesity and related illnesses are disclosed. In some instances, the cecum of an obese patient is distended to a pathophysiological size for a therapeutically effective period. The distention may be achieved by introduction of an object that is of foreign origin relative to the body of the patient into the cecum of the patient. In some instances, the distention is achieved by a medical device that transitions from an undeployed state, in which the medical device is introduced into the cecum of the patient, to an expanded state in which the medical device distends the cecum by an amount sufficient to trigger a colo-gastric brake in the patient.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to topical personal care compositions comprising one or more of a yeast component; a Bacillaceae extract; and 13-methyltetradecanoate; and B) one or more of: a phytochemical; an organic acid; and an antimicrobial peptide. In some embodiments, a composition as described herein can include a yeast component present in an amount of at least about 0.5% w/w of the composition; caffeine present in an amount of about 0.05% to about 5% w/w of the composition; a lemon grass extract present in an amount of at least about 0.01% to about 5% w/w of the composition; and an citrus fruit extract present in an amount of at least about 0.01% to about 5% w/w of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a dermatologically acceptable carrier. Such compositions are useful for reducing body odor.

Abstract: A system can include an elongated member that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion that includes an agitator. The elongated member can extend through a working channel of an endoscope placed within a patient such that the agitator extends past a distal end of the endoscope into a target region within the patient. The agitator can include a plurality of disruption elements that can be in a low-profile state when within the working channel of the endoscope and can transition to an expanded state when advanced past the distal end of the endoscope. The plurality of disruption elements can define an empty cage configuration when in the expanded state. The system can include a driver coupled to the proximal portion of the elongated member. The driver can rotate the elongated member about a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to topical personal care compositions comprising one or more of a yeast component; a Bacillaceae extract; and 13-methyltetradecanoate; and B) one or more of: a phytochemical; an organic acid; and an antimicrobial peptide. In some embodiments, a composition as described herein can include a yeast component present in an amount of at least about 0.5% w/w of the composition; caffeine present in an amount of about 0.05% to about 5% w/w of the composition; a lemon grass extract present in an amount of at least about 0.01% to about 5% w/w of the composition; and an citrus fruit extract present in an amount of at least about 0.01% to about 5% w/w of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a dermatologically acceptable carrier. Such compositions are useful for reducing body odor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of bodily lumens and sphincters are disclosed. Some embodiments include methods and devices for inducing an inflammatory response and development of fibrosis, collagen, and/or scar tissue. In some embodiments, scaffolds may be composed of a matrix of filaments. Application of the methods and devices disclosed herein to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and other sphincter disorders are discussed. Biodegradable scaffolds configured to induce an inflammatory response are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods that can be used in the treatment of obesity and related illnesses are disclosed. In some instances, a medical device can include a body configured to transition from a low-profile state to an expanded state. The body can include a cecal region, an ileocecal region, and an ileal region. When the body is in the expanded state, the cecal region can expand a cecum of a patient, the ileocecal region can extend through the ileocecal valve of the patient, and the ileal region can anchor within the ileum to inhibit migration of medical the device.

Abstract: A system can include a tubular member to be inserted into an esophagus of a patient and a catheter assembly that includes a catheter tube that defines a length greater than a length of the tubular member and is configured to pass through a channel of the tubular member such that a distal tip of the catheter tube extends distally past the distal tip of the tubular member while the tubular member is positioned in the esophagus of the patient. The distal tip of the catheter tube defines a cutting element to core a blockage positioned in the esophagus of the patient. Advancement of the distal tip of the catheter tube into contact with the blockage can core a piece from the blockage that is passed through the catheter tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising dietary fibers. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises two or more fibers (e.g., fibers such as wheat dextrin, inulin, pectin, or potato starch) each present in amount of about 2% to about 6% w/w of the composition. The present disclosure also relates to partially hydrolyzed dietary fibers and methods to prepare a partially hydrolyzed dietary. In some embodiments, the composition comprises further comprises an acid and/or a preservative present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 2% w/w of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition further includes a sweetener and/or a flavoring agent. Such compositions are useful in the treatment or improvement of gastrointestinal diseases.

Abstract: A system for clearing a blockage in a patient can include a tubular member that defines a channel and is insertable into an esophagus of the patient. The system can include a catheter assembly that includes a catheter tube defining a length greater than a length of the tubular member and being passable through the channel of the tubular member. The catheter tube can include a distal tip that defines a cutting element to core the blockage positioned in the esophagus. The catheter assembly can further include a catheter hub fixedly secured to the catheter tube and couplable with a vacuum line such that, when suction is provided via the vacuum line, advancement of the catheter tube into contact with the blockage cores a piece from the blockage that is passed through the catheter tube.

Abstract: A system for clearing a blockage from an esophagus of a patient can include a sheath assembly that includes a sheath configured for insertion into the esophagus and an imaging device coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The sheath can have a sufficient length to be advanced sufficiently far through the esophagus to permit the imaging device to detect the blockage. The sheath assembly can further include a positioning element that is capable of transitioning from an undeployed state to a deployed state to contact the esophagus to space the lumen from the esophagus. The system can further include a catheter assembly that includes a catheter sized to pass through the lumen of the sheath and a cutting tip for cutting a morsel from the blockage as suction is applied to the blockage via the lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A flexible bipolar electrode is provided, with alternating poles positioned over a flexible member. A preferred embodiment may comprise two insulated conductors twisted together to form a twisted-pair, braid, or other similar structure, with the insulation removed at one or more locations along this structure, such that there exist adjacent conductors which have areas that are exposed. The one or more such locations where the insulation on each of the conductors is removed form a bipolar pair on at least one of the sides of the electrode. The exposed locations of the two conductors may form focal points, lines, or areas of alternating poles, and may be used for delivering energy to target tissue or material according to those shapes, to affect the tissue or material at those points, lines, or areas. Use of such electrode as well as additional technologies for treating GI conditions including but not limited to obesity and constipation is further described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to topical compositions comprising one or more topical anesthetics or analgesics; a vitamin B3 compound; and a coating agent. In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 1% to about 10% w/w of the composition of the topical anesthetic, topical analgesic, or a combination thereof; about 1% to about 10% w/w of the composition of the vitamin B3 compound; and about 5% to about 50% w/w of the composition of the coating agent. In some embodiments, the composition further includes a pharmaceutically acceptable base. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable base comprises about 35% to about 85% w/w of the composition of a pharmaceutically acceptable oil; about 1% to about 20% w/w of the composition of a pharmaceutically acceptable wax; or a combination thereof. Such compositions are useful for treating anal itch or pruritus ani.

Abstract: A method can include introducing a device into a lung of a patient to a site of a material lodged in the lung. The device can include a distal end configured to core the material, a proximal end, and a tube that includes a hollow interior. The method can further include coring from the material a piece that is sized to pass through the hollow interior of the tube using the distal end of the device. The method can further include applying suction to the proximal end of the device to pass the piece through the hollow interior of the tube and out of the device through the proximal end. Other and further methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is configured to clear a bolus of food impacted within an esophagus, the device including a catheter tube having a hollow interior and a distal end configured to core the bolus of food and a proximal end configured to be coupled to a source of suction to clear the core.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods that can be used in the treatment of obesity and related illnesses are disclosed. In some instances, a portion of the bowel of an obese patient is distended for a therapeutically effective period. The distention may be achieved by introduction of an object that is of foreign origin relative to the body of the patient into the bowel of the patient. In some instances, the distention is achieved by a medical device that transitions from an undeployed state, in which the medical device is introduced into the bowel of the patient, to an expanded state in which the medical device distends the bowel by an amount sufficient to trigger an intestinal-gastric brake in the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising dietary fibers. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises two or more fibers (e.g., fibers such as wheat dextrin, inulin, pectin, or potato starch) each present in amount of about 2% to about 6% w/w of the composition. The present disclosure also relates to partially hydrolyzed dietary fibers and methods to prepare a partially hydrolyzed dietary. In some embodiments, the composition comprises further comprises an acid and/or a preservative present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 2% w/w of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition further includes a sweetener and/or a flavoring agent. Such compositions are useful in the treatment or improvement of gastrointestinal diseases.