Abstract: A device, adapted to receive one or more gastric bands and adapted to be coupled to a surgical instrument such as an endoscope, comprises a tubular main body and a cap comprising an opening through which a guidewire may be threaded. A triggering wire may be detachably coupled to one or more bands to permit remote removal of said bands. The bands may be improved bands comprising gripping points, an inner reinforcement ring, or an expanded surface area portion. A method for performing band ligation comprises the steps of: providing a device comprising a main body portion, a removably coupled cap, one or more gastric bands, and a band triggering wire; introducing the device through the mouth into the stomach; dislodging the cap; targeting and drying specific locations of the gastric wall; withdrawing a portion of the gastric wall into the device; and displacing one or more of the bands such that the band circumscribes said wall portion; and the administration of medication to prevent gastric contractions.

Abstract: A tubular stent for placement within a vessel of a living being includes one or more elongated wire-like members lying adjacent the inner wall of the tubular body of the stent and responsive to magnetic forces acting thereon to thrash about within the lumen formed by the stent body to dislodge accumulated sediments and/or fatty deposits. The wire member or members may be configured to lie adjacent the inner wall of the stent body except when excited by an apparatus comprising plural pairs of electromagnets which may be energized sequentially to generate a moving force field acting on the stent.