Abstract: A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures or apertures that may be adjustable or elastic to vary the rate of stomach emptying. Slowing gastric emptying may induce satiety for a longer period and may therefore reduce food consumption. Many of the embodiments include intestinal sleeves or sleeves, but they need not. The resistor concept may be applied to a simple anchor and resistor without a long sleeve.

Abstract: An endoscope accessory capable of being removably coupled to the accessory port of an endoscope includes a housing having an introducer port adapted for insertion of an elongated member, a device port adapted for alignment with the accessory port, a fluid port in fluid communication with the device port, and a fluid-tight seal, which forms a seal around the elongated member. The accessory includes a coupling mechanism to couple the accessory to the accessory port to assist in an endoscopic procedure. For example, the elongated member can be inserted through the introducer port, into the accessory port with which the device port is aligned, and into a patient's gastrointestinal tract. The patient's tissue may be irrigated by injecting fluid through the fluid port while the elongated member is manipulated. A locking mechanism, coupled to the housing, can be used to secure the elongated member with respect to the endoscope.

Abstract: A device for repositioning an implantable device within a natural bodily lumen includes an inner tube defining an internal lumen and adapted for insertion into a natural bodily lumen. An elongated member is slidably or rotatably disposed within the lumen of the inner tube, with a grasper disposed at the distal end of the elongated member adapted to grasp a portion of the implantable device. The implantable device, once grasped, can be at least partially collapsed. For example, a hook-shaped grasper grasps a drawstring of the implantable device, manipulating the drawstring and causing the implant to radially collapse. A retrieval hood is advanced over the collapsed portion of the implantable device. While maintaining its grasp, the repositioning device and the implantable device can then be repositioned or removed as one unit from the body by pulling the repositioning device from its proximal end.

Abstract: A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures that may be adjustable to vary the rate of stomach emptying. Slowing gastric emptying may induce satiety for a longer period and may therefore reduce food consumption. Many of the embodiments include intestinal liners or sleeves, but they need not. The resistor concept may be applied to a simple anchor and resistor without a long liner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering or placing a gastrointestinal implant device into a mammal. The gastrointestinal implant device can be used to limit absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system and can include a gastrointestinal sleeve having an anchor portion and a barrier or sleeve portion. The methods include endoluminal delivery of the device.

Abstract: Optical probes having a diameter less than substantially 500 ?m for use in scanning light from a long, highly flexible fiber to a sample. In one embodiment the probe includes a viscous damping fluid suitable to prevent non-uniform rotational distortion (NURD).

Abstract: A urethral prosthesis provides relief of urinary retention and has first and second tubular elements with an interposed bridge segment. A valve can be disposed in the second tubular element to control the flow of urine therethrough.

Abstract: A hydraulically multiple ligating band dispenser comprising a body whose distal portion is adapted to support the elastic ligating bands. A tissue contacting surface is disposed surrounding and spaced from the distal portion so as to define a chamber. A seal slidably mounted on the distal potion is shaped to seal the chamber, to which a proximally situated fluid inlet is coupled. By these means pressurized fluid applied to the fluid inlet causes the seal to slide in a distal direction along the distal portion in order to urge the ligating bands distally and to dispense them serially.