Abstract: A method of using an implantable device provides an implantable device including a plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), a device closure pin (111), a lock-in unit (103) attached and located between two links, and a quick release unit (105) attached and located between two links. The plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), lock-in unit (103) and release unit (105) are constructed in a closed contour. The closed contour of the implantable device, in a rigid state (151), is a figure eight comprised of two arcs (125, 127) and two connected interconnecting sections (131, 133).

Abstract: A method of using an implantable device provides an implantable device including a plurality of arcs. Each arc contains a multiplicity of links. The implantable device further includes a device closure pin, a lock-in unit attached and located between the three arcs, and a quick-release unit attached and located between three arcs. The plurality of arcs, the lock-in unit, and the release unit form a closed contour. The closed contour of the implantable device, in a rigid state is a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal system includes a bracelet type anchor constructed and arranged to reside in a body cavity, a gastrointestinal sleeve configured to expand under a load and contract when the load is removed and a string connecting a bracelet type anchor with the sleeve. Pulling the string transforms the bracelet type anchor from a flexible mode into a rigid state.

Abstract: A method of using an implantable device provides an implantable device including a plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), a device closure pin (111), a lock-in unit (103) attached and located between two links, and a quick release unit (105) attached and located between two links. The plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), lock-in unit (103) and release unit (105) are constructed in a closed contour. The closed contour of the implantable device, in a rigid state (151), is a figure eight comprised of two arcs (125, 127) and two connected interconnecting sections (131, 133).

Abstract: A method of using an implantable device provides an implantable device including a plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), a device closure pin (111), a lock-in unit (103) attached and located between two links, and a quick release unit (105) attached and located between two links. The plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), lock-in unit (103) and release unit (105) are constructed in a closed contour. The closed contour of the implantable device, in a rigid state (151), is a figure eight comprised of two arcs (125, 127) and two connected interconnecting sections (131, 133).

Abstract: A method of using an implantable device provides an implantable device including a plurality of arcs. Each arc contains a multiplicity of links. The implantable device further includes a device closure pin, a lock-in unit attached and located between the three arcs, and a quick-release unit attached and located between three arcs. The plurality of arcs, the lock-in unit, and the release unit form a closed contour. The closed contour of the implantable device, in a rigid state is a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal system includes a bracelet type anchor constructed and arranged to reside in a body cavity, a gastrointestinal sleeve configured to expand under a load and contract when the load is removed and a string connecting a bracelet type anchor with the sleeve. Pulling the string transforms the bracelet type anchor from a flexible mode into a rigid state.

Abstract: An implantable device consisting of a plurality of links and configured to be in one of two modes, either flexible in at least one plane or rigid in all planes. The implantable device is inserted into a body cavity in the flexible mode and transformed to the rigid mode resembling a figure eight and anchoring the device in the body cavity.

Abstract: An implantable device consisting of a plurality of links and configured to be in one of two modes, either flexible in at least one plane or rigid in all planes. The implantable device is inserted into a body cavity in the flexible mode and transformed to the rigid mode resembling a figure eight and anchoring the device in the body cavity.

Abstract: A method of using an implantable device provides an implantable device including a plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), a device closure pin (111), a lock-in unit (103) attached and located between two links, and a quick release unit (105) attached and located between two links. The plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), lock-in unit (103) and release unit (105) are constructed in a closed contour. The closed contour of the implantable device, in a rigid state (151), is a figure eight comprised of two arcs (125, 127) and two connected interconnecting sections (131, 133).

Abstract: A sleeve that is inserted into intestine has an extendable length, varying length. When no food is ingested the sleeve is short. The length of the sleeve could be thirty or less centimeter. When food is ingested the sleeve extends into the intestine the full length and reduces absorption of food by the intestine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intragastric device (200) comprising a sleeve (501) including a pyloric sleeve region (205) and a duodenal sleeve region (209), a rounded element (405) at a distal end of the duodenal sleeve region (209) and an expandable duodenal anchor (207), which is positioned between the pyloric sleeve region (205) and the duodenal sleeve region (209).

Abstract: The invention provides a system (1) and method for manufacturing a stent. A spraying device (14) sprays a polymeric suspension (16) onto a mandrel (4). During spraying of the polymeric suspension (16) onto the mandrel (4), the mandrel (4) is manipulated by a micromanipulator (8) to produce a continuous coating on the mandrel (4) having a nonuniform thickness. The polymeric coating is allowed to cure on the mandrel (4) to form the stent, which is then removed from the mandrel (4). The method can comprise embedding a filament (2) in the polymeric coating and incorporating one or more drugs in the stent.

Abstract: The invention provides a system (1) and method for manufacturing a stent. A spraying device (14) sprays a polymeric suspension (16) onto a mandrel (4). During spraying of the polymeric suspension (16) on to the mandrel (4), the mandrel (4) is manipulated by a micromanipulator (8) to produce a continuous coating on the mandrel (4) having a nonuniform thickness. The polymeric coating is allowed to cure on the mandrel (4) to form the stent, which is then removed from the mandrel (4). The method can comprise embedding a filament (2) in the polymeric coating and incorporating one or more drugs in the stent.

Abstract: A ventilator to replace or supplement a patient's breathing includes a control valve in the form of a proportional obstacle valve (POV) to provide improved air flow control and ventilator operation reliability. The POV includes an inlet, an outlet and a bypass. A stopcock controlled by a stepper motor directs the flow of air through the bypass and outlet permitting the turbine to operate a constant RPM yet allowing control of the airflow to a patient. The ventilator also includes inhalation and exhalation valve assemblies which improve air flow control and are easy to manufacture. The inhalation valve includes an orifice disk to allow pressure sensors to move accurately measure air flow. The exhalation valve assembly includes wings to reduce turbulence and enhance sensor accuracy. The exhalation valve assembly is arranged to have warm air from cooling the turbine blow over the assembly to reduce the possibility of condensation forming therein.