Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating morbid obesity in mammals using a gastric reduction assembly that reduces the gastric volume of a stomach and induces early satiety. The gastric reduction assembly comprises at least two or more expandable devices, each able to be adjustably inflated with a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas) using a filling tube. In a preferred embodiment, the gastric reduction assembly is inserted through the abdominal wall and placed at a location exterior to the stomach body, avoiding an abdominal incision. Once positioned near the stomach body, the gastric reduction assembly allows for the external compression of the stomach body to limit food intake. The gastric reduction assembly also minimizes the potential for shifting of the expandable devices after insertion to the stomach body to revert to its pre-compressed state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating morbid obesity in mammals using a gastric reduction assembly that reduces the gastric volume of a stomach and induces early satiety. The gastric reduction assembly comprises at least two or more expandable devices, each able to be adjustably inflated with a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas) using a filling tube. In a preferred embodiment, the gastric reduction assembly is inserted through the abdominal wall and placed at a location exterior to the stomach body, avoiding an abdominal incision. Once positioned near the stomach body, the gastric reduction assembly allows for the external compression of the stomach body to limit food intake. The gastric reduction assembly also minimizes the potential for shifting of the expandable devices after insertion to the stomach body to revert to its pre-compressed state.

Abstract: An endovascular graft for bridging a defect in a main vessel near one or more branch vessels is provided. A graft, consistent with one embodiment of the invention, includes a tubular member which defines one or more apertures and is adapted for expansion against inner wall of a main vessel above one or more branch vessels. Each aperture defined by the tubular member is alignable with at least one of the one or more branch vessels and may have an area which is as large as or larger than the opening of the respective branch vessel(s) when the tubular member is expanded against the inner wall of the main vessel. Embodiments of the invention are particularly suited for bridging abdominal aortic aneurysms having short or no proximal necks, a significant factor limiting the use of conventional grafts for bridging abdominal aortic aneurysms.