Abstract: A filter device for implantation in a gallbladder, comprising: a filtering portion configured to filter gallstones of a certain minimum size to prevent them from exiting the gallbladder through an opening of the gallbladder; a tail extending from the filtering portion away from the opening of the gallbladder and towards a distal wall of the gallbladder; and, a stopper located at a distal end of the tail, near the distal wall of the gallbladder when the filter device is implanted; wherein the filtering portion, stopper and the tail are configured to be of sufficient overall length within the gallbladder that they, when taken together, prevent migration of the filtering portion away from the opening of the gallbladder.

Abstract: A flow reducing implant for reducing blood flow in a blood vessel having a cross sectional dimension, the flow reducing implant comprising a hollow element adapted for placement in the blood vessel defining a flow passage therethrough, said flow passage comprising at least two sections, one with a larger diameter and one with a smaller diameter, wherein said smaller diameter is smaller than a cross section of the blood vessel. A plurality of tabs anchor, generally parallel to the blood vessel wall, are provided in some embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A flow reducing implant for reducing blood flow in a blood vessel having a cross sectional dimension, the flow reducing implant comprising a hollow element adapted for placement in the blood vessel defining a flow passage therethrough, said flow passage comprising at least two sections, one with a larger diameter and one with a smaller diameter, wherein said smaller diameter is smaller than a cross section of the blood vessel. A plurality of tabs anchor, generally parallel to the blood vessel wall, are provided in some embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A medical implant (20) includes first and second ring members (22, 24), each including a resilient framework (26) having a generally cylindrical form. A tubular sleeve (28) is fixed to the first and second ring members so as to hold the ring members in mutual longitudinal alignment, thereby defining a lumen (32) passing through the ring members. A constricting element (30) is fit around the sleeve at a location intermediate the first and second ring members so as to reduce a diameter of the lumen at the location.

Abstract: A medical implant (20) includes first and second ring members (22, 24), each including a resilient framework (26) having a generally cylindrical form. A tubular sleeve (28) is fixed to the first and second ring members so as to hold the ring members in mutual longitudinal alignment, thereby defining a lumen (32) passing through the ring members. A constricting element (30) is fit around the sleeve at a location intermediate the first and second ring members so as to reduce a diameter of the lumen at the location.

Abstract: A method for improving the tissue oxygenation of a subject by identifying diminished blood flow in a blood vessel and deploying a flow reducing implant in a blood vessel. The flow reducing implant comprises a hollow element adapted for placement in the blood vessel defining a flow passage therethrough, said flow passage comprising at least two sections, one with a larger diameter and one with a smaller diameter, wherein said smaller diameter is smaller than a cross section of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A flow reducing implant for reducing blood flow in a blood vessel having a cross sectional dimension, the flow reducing implant comprising a hollow element adapted for placement in the blood vessel defining a flow passage therethrough, said flow passage comprising at least two sections, one with a larger diameter and one with a smaller diameter, wherein said smaller diameter is smaller than a cross section of the blood vessel. A plurality of tabs anchor, generally parallel to the blood vessel wall, are provided in some embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A method for deploying an expandable implant in a body passage of varying diameter includes selecting a balloon having a radial dimension that varies, when the balloon is inflated, in accordance with the varying diameter of the body passage. The balloon is inserted, in a deflated state, into the body passage, with the expandable implant fitted radially around the balloon. The balloon is inflated so as to cause the implant to open, responsively to the varying radial dimension of the balloon, into an expanded shape that approximately matches the varying diameter of the body passage, thus anchoring the implant in the body passage.

Abstract: Methods of using flow reducing implants for treatment of abnormal growths in the body are described. In embodiments of the claimed subject matter, a source blood vessel feeding the abnormal growth is first determined, and a flow reducing implant is then inserted into the source blood vessel to reduce the blood flow through the source blood vessel. The flow reducing implant includes at least one flared section for contacting a blood vessel wall, and at least one narrowed section defining a flow passage. Anchor tabs that lie generally in a plane of the flared section may also be employed.

Abstract: A medical implant (20) includes first and second ring members (22, 24), each including a resilient framework (26) having a generally cylindrical form. A tubular sleeve (28) is fixed to the first and second ring members so as to hold the ring members in mutual longitudinal alignment, thereby defining a lumen (32) passing through the ring members. A constricting element (30) is fit around the sleeve at a location intermediate the first and second ring members so as to reduce a diameter of the lumen at the location.

Abstract: A filter device for implantation in a body lumen, comprising: a blocking section for filtering structures greater than a specified minimum size; and, an anchoring section for preventing unwanted movement of the filter device, wherein the filter device does not apply expansive radial force on a wall of the body lumen.

Abstract: A method for deploying an expandable implant in a body passage of varying diameter includes selecting a balloon having a radial dimension that varies, when the balloon is inflated, in accordance with the varying diameter of the body passage. The balloon is inserted, in a deflated state, into the body passage, with the expandable implant fitted radially around the balloon. The balloon is inflated so as to cause the implant to open, responsively to the varying radial dimension of the balloon, into an expanded shape that approximately matches the varying diameter of the body passage, thus anchoring the implant in the body passage.

Abstract: A flow reducing implant for reducing blood flow in a blood vessel having a cross sectional dimension, the flow reducing implant comprising a hollow element adapted for placement in the blood vessel defining a flow passage therethrough, said flow passage comprising at least two sections, one with a larger diameter and one with a smaller diameter, wherein said smaller diameter is smaller than a cross section of the blood vessel. A plurality of tabs anchor, generally parallel to the blood vessel wall, are provided in some embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a vascular bifurcation, where a second blood vessel (22) branches from a first blood vessel (24), the first and second blood vessels having characteristic first and second diameters such that the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The method includes introducing a balloon (30) in the first blood vessel into proximity to the vascular bifurcation. The balloon includes an inner part (32) and a collar (34) proximal to the inner part. The collar is inflated so that the collar expands to an expanded diameter greater than the second diameter but less than an outer diameter of an ostial funnel (26) of the second blood vessel. The balloon is advanced into the second blood vessel so that the inflated collar lodges within the ostial funnel. While the inflated collar is lodged within the ostial funnel, the inner part of the balloon is inflated so as to treat the second blood vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of a vascular bifurcation, where a first blood vessel (24) meets a second blood vessel (26). The apparatus includes a balloon (40, 90) for deployment at the vascular bifurcation. The balloon includes a first part (42, 94), which has a first inflation characteristic and is adapted to be deployed in the first blood vessel, and a second part (44, 92), which has a second inflation characteristic, different from the first inflation characteristic, and is adapted to be deployed in the second blood vessel.

Abstract: A method for delivering a therapeutic substance in a coronary sinus (28) of a patient includes inserting a catheter (30) through a vein (22) into a right atrium (26) of the patient, and advancing the catheter from the right atrium into the coronary sinus. A resilient anchor (34), which is fixed to the catheter, is released so as to anchor the catheter in the coronary sinus without blocking blood flow through the coronary sinus. The therapeutic substance is then administered from the catheter into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: A method for deploying an expandable implant in a body passage of varying diameter includes selecting a balloon having a radial dimension that varies, when the balloon is inflated, in accordance with the varying diameter of the body passage. The balloon is inserted, in a deflated state, into the body passage, with the expandable implant fitted radially around the balloon. The balloon is inflated so as to cause the implant to open, responsively to the varying radial dimension of the balloon, into an expanded shape that approximately matches the varying diameter of the body passage, thus anchoring the implant in the body passage.

Abstract: A medical implant (20) includes first and second ring members (22,24), each including a resilient framework (26) having a generally cylindrical form. A tubular sleeve (28) is fixed to the first and second ring members so as to hold the ring members in mutual longitudinal alignment, thereby defining a lumen (32) passing through the ring members. A constricting element (30) is fit around the sleeve at a location intermediate the first and second ring members so as to reduce a diameter of the lumen at the location.

Abstract: A tubular implant for obstructing blood flow through a blood vessel, (110) the implant comprising an outer surface having a geometry of a tube, at least a portion of which is adapted for contacting a blood vessel and an inner surface defining a passage through which blood flows, wherein the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface is non-uniform along an axis of said tube.

Abstract: An intra-vascular balloon (110), comprising a balloon body (1010); and at least one springy and elongate stave (1030) attached to said balloon and conforming to a surface of said balloon, such that said stave can apply contact force to an object in contact with said balloon.