Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention generally provides self-adjusting gastric banding systems for the treatment of obesity and obesity related conditions, as well as systems for allowing the automatic self-adjustment of gastric bands when a patient swallows a large bolus. In some embodiments, the present invention generally provides for gastric banding systems having a satiety booster, for example, to increase satiety levels when a patient desires to curb appetite at a particular time. In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for gastric banding systems that allow for both the automatic self-adjustment of gastric bands when a patient swallows a large bolus and an incorporated satiety booster for increasing satiety levels when a patient desires to curb appetite at a particular time.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an external cardiac basal annuloplasty system (ECBAS or BACE-System: basal annuloplasty of the cardia externally) and methods for treatment of regurgitation of mitral and tricuspid valves. The BACE-System provides the ability to correct leakage of regurgitation of the valves with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, particularly when the condition is related to dilation of the base of the heart. This ECBAS invention can be applied to the base of the heart epicardially, either to prevent further dilation or to actively reduce the size of the base of the heart.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a vascular reinforcement device for preventing compression of a blood vessel in the presence of applied external forces applied which may occur due to pregnancy and obesity. The vascular reinforcement device may include a first portion configured to be positioned over the aorta and a second portion coupled perpendicularly with the first portion, the second portion configured to be positioned over the left renal vein for preventing the left renal vein from being compressed against the rigid aorta. A reinforcement structure may be embedded into the second portion for providing further protection from compression of the vein passing through the second portion. The vascular reinforcement device may be configured in an initial reduced profile position for delivery to the abdominal area via a delivery tube, and may be deployed into an expanded position over the aorta and the left renal vein.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for reducing the volume of the ventricles of the heart. In one embodiment, a method for reducing the ventricular volume of a heart chamber is provided including the steps of inserting an anchoring mechanism onto dysfunctional cardiac tissue, deploying one or more anchors into the dysfunctional cardiac tissue, raising the dysfunctional cardiac tissue using the anchors, and securing the anchors to hold the dysfunctional cardiac tissue in place. Further, a device for reducing the volume of the ventricles of a heart chamber is provided where the device has one or more clips for placement on dysfunctional cardiac tissue of a heart, one or more anchors for deployment and securement into the dysfunctional cardiac tissue, and a lifting mechanism for raising the one or more anchors and the dysfunctional cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a trans-urethral sling delivery device for deploying a sub-urethral sling to support a urethra to treat urinary incontinence. A trocar and a delivery tube may be advanced through the urethra, and the trocar may puncture a hole in the urethral wall. The delivery tube may be configured to form a curved position such that a curved portion may extend from the hole in the urethral wall into an area surrounding the urethra near the bladder. A sub-urethral sling may be attached to a flexible delivery tool in a reduced delivery profile, and the flexible delivery tool with the attached sub-urethral sling may be advanced through the curved delivery tube. The delivery tube may be rotated to enable the delivery tool to anchor each end of the sub-urethral sling on each side of the urethra with a portion of the sling supporting the urethra from beneath.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment system for a male patient includes a support, a brace attachable to the support, and an introducer provided to deliver an anchor through the support and into periosteum tissue over a pubic bone of the pelvis of the male patient. The brace includes a base portion, a first post extending from the base portion and a second post extending from the base portion. A first hanger is attached to an end portion of the first post and a second hanger attached to an end portion of the second post. A first slot is formed between the end portion of the first post and the first hanger and a second slot formed between the end portion of the second post and the second hanger. The hangers are insertable into pockets formed in a pair of longitudinal arms of the support.

Abstract: A recto-cystocele device to address rectocele and cystocele disorder is described. The device generally comprise a handle and a paddle that are distinguished from one another by a bend in the recto-cystocele device which forms essentially an L-shaped unit, the bend possessing a sufficient radius to avoid contact with a pelvic region of the woman and the recto-cystocele device. The device further comprises an expandable sheath located on the paddle that after being inserted in a vagina of the woman and is expanded therein is in contact with at least an upper portion of the vagina that includes a posterior fornix of the vagina and a lower portion of the vagina that does not include the posterior fornix. The handle, which does not go into the vagina, is adapted to be manually manipulated by the woman to translate directional pressure against the posterior fornix and the lower portion of the vagina via the expandable sheath when expanded.

Abstract: Injection ports are disclosed for use with a gastric band for the treatment of obesity. An injection port may include a septum having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall connecting the top surface to the bottom surface. The injection port may also include a housing including a first inner side wall being tapered inwards such that an opening defined at a first end is larger than an opening defined at a second end, the tapering of the first inner side wall being used to secure the septum within the housing. The housing may further include a second inner side wall having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second inner side wall joined to the second end of the first inner side wall, and a bottom surface joined to the second end of the second inner side wall.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to tissue.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral prosthesis including a first and a second arm that join to form a junction, and a stem that is also joined to the junction. The junction is adapted to exert sufficient pressure on a portion of a patient's urethra to prevent unintentional voiding of the patient's bladder. However, upon exerting a tension force on the stem, the pressure exerted by the junction is reduced such that the patient's bladder may be intentionally voided.

Abstract: A SPECT diagnostic method of performing myocardial perfusion imaging on a patient by administering a rest radiotracer to the patient while the patient is at rest; then when the rest radiotracer is fixed in a heart of the patient, scanning the heart to obtain rest heart pumping ability information; scanning the heart of the patient to obtain a rest perfusion image; administering a stressing agent to the patient to place the patient's heart under stress; scanning the heart of the patient to obtain stress heart pumping ability information; then administering a stress radiotracer while the heart of the patient is under stress; then when the stress radiotracer is fixed in the heart, scanning the heart to obtain a stress perfusion image.

Abstract: Systems and surgical methods and procedures for performing transvaginal apical suspension are provided.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a medical device can include a first elongate member made of a material and having a proximal end portion configured to be attached to a first portion of a bodily portion within a body of a patient where the first elongate member has a distal end portion. The medical device can include a second elongate member made of the material and having a proximal end portion configured to be attached to a second portion of the bodily portion where the first elongate member has a distal end portion. The medical device can also include a third elongate member having a proximal end portion in contact with and coupled to the distal end portion of the first elongate member and in contact with and coupled to the distal end portion of the second elongate member.

Abstract: An extraocular muscle support sling and a method for surgically implanting the sling to reinforce a weak or ineffective extraocular muscle. The sling includes a semi-flexible anchor base and a pair of elastic arms which extend from the anchor base and are held together to create a loop. During implantation, the anchor base of the sling is attached to a movable target tissue of the patient, and the looped elastic arms are attached to an immobile base tissue. A pulling or tensioned force applied to the elastic arms causes the patient's movable target tissue to which the anchor base is attached to be pulled towards and oriented with respect to the immobile base tissue with the same force and in the same direction as would be the case had the muscle been normal. According to preferred embodiments, the extraocular muscle support sling has particular application for treating ptosis and strabismus.

Abstract: A medical device and a method for delivering a bodily implant are disclosed. The medical device includes an insertion member, an adjustment member and a button. The insertion member further includes a tip. The insertion member has a curved portion proximate the tip and a straight portion distally located from the tip. The curved and straight portions are configured to be placed into a channel within a housing of the insertion member. The adjustment member is coupled to the insertion member distally and is configured to be advanced and retracted, thereby advancing and retracting the insertion member with respect to the housing. The button is moveable coupled to the housing of the insertion member.

Abstract: Implants for the treatment of pelvic support conditions and methods of implementing the same. The implants comprise relatively soft, flexible bodies and relatively strong arms extending in predetermined orientation therefrom. Methods and devices for placing the implants minimize trauma to the pelvic floor and provide well-anchored support to pelvic organs without interfering with sexual or other bodily functions.

Abstract: A pelvic implant assembly (100) comprising a support portion (128) and an extension portion (124), a self-fixating tip (10, 120) connected to the extension portion, the self-fixating tip comprising a base (12) comprising a proximal base end (14) and a distal base end (16), the proximal base end being connected to the extension portion, the base comprising an internal channel (18) extending from the proximal base end and at least partially along a length of the base toward the distal base end, a fixed lateral extension (20) extending from the base.

Abstract: An embodiment of a uterine hemorrhage controlling system comprises a suction module including a suction end coupleable to a pump by a connecting tube, and a sealing module coupled to the suction module. The system may further comprise the pump and a filter coupled to the suction module. A uterine hemorrhage controlling method comprises: shielding a suction module that has been delivered into a uterus; sealing an entrance into the uterus while the suction module is situated within the uterus; applying a negative pressure within the uterus upon activation of a pump; and maintaining the negative pressure within the uterus to induce uterine contraction. The method may further comprise delivering the suction module into the uterus; transmitting bodily fluids, out of the uterus through the suction module, and filtering the bodily fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heart stabilizer used when a coronary artery of a heart is operated. The heart stabilizer allows an intake tube connected to a suction unit for holding the heart to perform a suctioning operation while preventing clogging in any circumstances, allows the direction of the suction unit to be converted to forward, rearward, leftward, and rightward directions, allows the angle of the suction unit to be minutely adjusted even after the suction unit is primarily fixed, and is cleaned while the suction unit maintains the adjusting function of the adjustor for adjusting and fixing the angle.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis includes an inflatable cylinder and a pump. The inflatable cylinder includes an inflatable volume extending within a front tip, a reservoir within a rear tip, and a deflation block. The deflation block is positioned between the inflatable volume and the reservoir, and includes a one-way valve configured to control a flow of fluid from the inflatable volume to the reservoir. The pump is configured to drive fluid from the reservoir and into the inflatable volume.

Abstract: A system for treating pelvic organ prolapse includes a shell and an anchor. The shell is made of biodegradable material that is insertable into a vagina. The shell has a convex exterior apex that is sized to contact an interior apical portion of the vagina. The anchor has a proximal portion that is attachable to the apex of the shell and a distal portion that is provided with a tissue fixation device that is attachable to tissue exterior the vagina such that the anchor and the shell combine to support and elevate the interior apical portion of a vagina.

Abstract: A positioning device for providing access to a ventricle of a heart. In one embodiment, the device includes a cup positionable over an apex of the heart and at least a first access valve in the cup for accessing an entry point to the ventricle of the heart.

Abstract: An implant insertion system includes an implant, such as a surgical mesh, having at least one insertion tip secured to the implant. Each insertion tip has a tapered distal end, a proximal end, a base extending proximally from the tapered distal end, and a central lumen formed in the base having an opening facing the proximal end of the insertion tip. The system includes an insertion device having an outer shaft and a latching assembly provided at a distal end of the outer shaft that is insertable into the opening of the central lumen for selectively locking the insertion tip to the latching assembly. The latching assembly has an outer dimension that is changeable from expanded state for locking the insertion tip to the latching assembly to a non-expanded state for unlocking the insertion tip from the latching assembly.

Abstract: A system for treating heart valve malfunction specifically including mitral regurgitation comprising a positioning structure operative to assume both expanded and contracted orientations and a retaining assembly positioned and structured to operatively dispose the positioning structure in moveably supporting lifting and/or positioning relation to the ventricular wall portion of the heart. The retaining assembly and the positioning structure are cooperatively disposed and structured to accomplish a shape variance of the heart upon a lifting or positioning force being exerted thereon substantially concurrent to the positioning structure being disposed in the expanded orientation. The force exerted on the heart at least partially defines a shape variance thereof to the extent of positioning of the leaflets of the mitral valve into a closed orientation which restricts mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses medical systems and related methods of use. One such medical system includes an implant assembly and an insertion device. The insertion device includes an elongate member and a hub member. The elongate member includes a needle portion and a handle portion. The hub member is movably coupled to the handle portion of the elongate member. The hub member is configured to be removably coupled to the implant assembly.

Abstract: Devices and systems including implants (which may be removable) and methods of using them for reducing ventricular volume. The implants described herein are cardiac implants that may be inserted into a patient's heart, particularly the left ventricle. The implant may support the heart wall, or may be secured to the heart wall. The implants are typically ventricular partitioning device for partitioning the ventricle into productive and non-productive regions in order to reduce the ventricular volume.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible length of cord and three tissue connectors positioned at the opposite ends of the cord and at an intermediate position of the cord is designed to be laparoscopically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, and used to move a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ where the apparatus holds the first internal organ in the position without further manual input, thereby providing surgical access to the second internal organ.

Abstract: Articles and procedures for preventing or treating vaginal prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other disorders of the pelvic floor.

Abstract: A self-adjusting gastric band applies a substantially constant force to a patient's fundus in order to facilitate weight control. The self-adjusting gastric band is capable of automatically relaxing and contracting in response to changes in the patient's fundus or in response to a large bolus passing through the patient's fundus that is constricted by the gastric band. The self-adjusting gastric band is automatically adjustable without hydraulic fluid and without external physician intervention. The self-adjusting gastric band comprises a movable member and a biasing mechanism coupled to the movable member to facilitate applying the substantially constant force against the fundus as the fundus changes size, shape and/or position.

Abstract: An implantable device controls the movement of fluid to an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device includes a body. The body has an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The body defines a fluid passage from the inlet to the outlet. The implantable device also includes a diaphragm. The diaphragm has one or more edges coupled to the body. The diaphragm is made of an elastomeric material and capable of being moved between a closed position that blocks the valve seat and does not allow the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet and an open position that does not block the valve seat and allows the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A surgically implantable injection port has one or more tissue in-growth promoting surfaces. The injection port includes a housing, a fluid reservoir defined in part by the housing, a needle penetrable septum, and a tissue in-growth promoting surface integrally provided on an exterior surface of the port. The tissue in-growth promoting surface may be provided by surgical mesh or a textured surface on the injection port. The injection port may be used as part of a gastric band system or some other type of system.

Abstract: A vaginal insert device including a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion is disclosed. The vaginal insert relaxes in the vagina to deliver outward compression force against the bladder neck via the anterior vaginal wall to assist prevention of urinary stress incontinence. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior section with a plurality of struts extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of struts helically curve as the plurality of struts extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of struts are twisted together and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of struts are extended outward into a convex position larger than the insertion diameter.

Abstract: A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body.

Abstract: Described are methods, implants, insertion tools, and related systems and kits, for placing an implant to treat urinary incontinence; the implants include soft tissue anchors that are capable of engaging needles of the insertion tools, and the implants are designed to place a central support portion at a location to support a urethra with extension portions and soft tissue anchors extending to tissue at regions of an obturator foramen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and other pelvic defects or dysfunctions, in both males and females, using one or more lateral implants to reinforce the supportive tissue of the urethra. The implants can be configured as a sling device having at least one extension arm and a tissue support portion having an eyelet, wherein a portion of the at least one extension arm is adapted to slide through and adjustably attach with the eyelet.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator.

Abstract: A medical device assembly includes an implant having a support portion, and an arm portion and a dilator. The medical device assembly further includes a first suture having a first portion coupled to the arm portion of the implant, and a second portion coupled to the dilator. In addition, the assembly includes a second suture having a first portion coupled to the arm portion of the implant, and a second portion coupled to the dilator.

Abstract: This invention is a device and method for adjustably and reversibly reducing nutrient absorption from food passing through a person's gastrointestinal tract using an Adjustable Gastrointestinal Bifurcation (AGB) and a flow-control member. The Adjustable Gastrointestinal Bifurcation (AGB) includes: a first food-flow route (comprising a first branch of the AGB) through the person's gastrointestinal tract wherein there is normal absorption of nutrients from food; and a second food-flow route (comprising a second branch of the AGB) through the person's gastrointestinal tract wherein there is reduced absorption of nutrients from food. The flow-control member adjusts the types and/or amounts of food which are diverted through the second food-flow route versus the first food-flow route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for endoscopic fasciotomies. In certain embodiments such methods include dissecting tissue down to the fascia using an endoscopic dissector, lifting the fascia off tissue, vascular structures, muscle, and/or nerves, cauterizing and cutting the fascia using a bisector/bipolar device inserted through a cannula, retracting the cannula, and closing the incision site. A suction device introduced via the cannula may be used to apply suction to remove blood, tissue, irrigation fluid and/or other debris with the cannula in situ.

Abstract: A pelvic organ prolapse treatment device includes an implantable support sized to support and treat a prolapsed organ of a patient, a suture, a knot separate from the suture, and a dilator. The implantable support includes an arm having a first portion connected to a body of the implantable support and an end portion extending away from the body of the implantable support. The end portion of the arm is folded to include a first fold and a second fold that combine to reduce a lateral dimension of a portion of the end portion of the arm. The suture extends away from the end portion of the arm. The knot is provided separately from the suture and is secured around the first fold and the second fold to capture both the end portion of the arm and the suture. The dilator is disposed over and connected to the knot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of a failing heart. In one embodiment, the apparatus and method includes a deploying a tension member for drawing at least two portions of the heart toward each other across a heart chamber.

Abstract: An endoscopy sigmoid support apparatus that includes a primary wrap sized for placement around a subject's lower abdomen. A closing mechanism is provided at the end of the primary wrap to secure the primary wrap around the abdomen of the subject by attaching a first end of the primary wrap to a second portion of the primary wrap. A strap extends from the primary wrap and is configured to extend across at least a portion of the primary wrap and to fasten to a third portion of the primary wrap to adjust the amount of pressure applied by the endoscopy sigmoid support apparatus.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A splinting appliance for use in repair of the vaginal wall or uterus includes a body portion, securing means and coupling means. The body portion is shaped to support a substantially normal vaginal apex. The securing means is configured to enable removable securing of the splinting appliance within the vaginal canal. The coupling means enables the splinting appliance to releasably couple with a vaginal elevator device when inserted in the vaginal canal during surgery. Use of the vaginal elevator device when coupled with the splinting appliance aids in location of the vaginal apex. The splinting appliance provides a substantially rigid support which, when in use, facilitates manipulation of tissue at the vaginal wall when approaching through the abdomen e.g. for dissection and/or attachment of a repair graft.

Abstract: A method and implantation tools for repairing a heart include a delivery catheter and implant. The method includes gaining access to the patient's heart and identifying implantation points for the implant. The method may include marking those locations and delivering implant, which may be a tension member. Anchors for the implant may also be delivered. The length of the tension member may be measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. Pads may be secured to the tension member and the tension member trimmed to length. The pads may be secured to the heart surface.

Abstract: Feedback systems and methods enhance obstructive and other obesity treatments by presenting feedback regarding patients' actual eating. An ingestion restricting implant body can be deployed along the gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, ingestion alters the implant body, which, in turn, generates signals. The generated signals can be used to inhibit unhealthy ingestion by the patient. In other embodiments, the implant body can be altered by signals so as to selectable change the restriction imposed on the gastrointestinal tract, optionally in response to ingestion events, an eating schedule, or the like. The implant body may comprise a gastric band. Sensor signals may be processed to identify ingestion and/or characterize ingestion material, and the results may be displayed on a screen for a patient or coach to view.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implant is configured to be placed within a body of a patient. The implant includes a support member. The support member is configured to be placed adjacent a vaginal apex of a patient. The support member has a length sufficient to extend the length of the vaginal apex but not of a length sufficient to extend from the vaginal apex to a location between a vagina of the patient and a rectum of the patient. The implant also includes first and second arm members coupled to the support member. The arm members are configured to be coupled to bodily tissue of the patient to help secure the implant within the body of the patient.

Abstract: Repair implant systems for treating pelvic prolapse including vaginal vault suspension devices and methods are provided. Embodiments of the system can include one or more eyelet and/or locking eyelet devices and one or more spanning members, e.g., suture members, attached thereto. Ends of the suture members are attached to the vaginal vault. An extension member can be provided with a corresponding anchor, with the extension member adjustably engaged with an eyelet to provide the desired vault suspension.