Abstract: A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures that may be adjustable to vary the rate of stomach emptying. Slowing gastric emptying may induce satiety for a longer period and may therefore reduce food consumption. Many of the embodiments include intestinal liners or sleeves, but they need not. The resistor concept may be applied to a simple anchor and resistor without a long liner.

Abstract: A system for use with an implantable flow control device having an adjustable valve and a magnetic device coupled to the valve, the system including a locator tool and an electronic magnetic-based indicator tool. The locator tool includes a processing system and an electronic display. The indicator tool is configured to couple with the locator tool. The indicator tool includes an electronic compass module configured to detect and generate a first set of data based on an orientation of magnetic fields associated with the magnetic device as an indication of the setting of the valve and measure and generate a second set of data based on ambient background magnetic fields. The indicator tool electrically communicates the data to the locator tool. The processing system receives and uses the first and second sets of data generated from the electronic compass module to determine orientation of the magnetic device.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling flow through a body lumen, the apparatus comprising: an injectable flow control device for disposition within the body lumen, the injectable flow control device comprising: a resilient frame for seating against the inside wall of the body lumen and compressible for disposition within a tube for delivery through the side wall of the body lumen to the interior of the body lumen, the resilient frame having an opening therein; and a flow restrictor in contact with the resilient frame for restricting flow through the opening of the resilient frame.

Abstract: Methods are provided for biliary diversion. In one embodiment, a tubular member can be implanted within a patient by positioning a proximal end of the tubular member in the patient's gall bladder, positioning a distal end of the tubular member in the patient's intestine, and positioning a length of the tubular member extending between the proximal and ends thereof within the patient's stomach. Bile can therefore be allowed to pass from the gall bladder into the tubular member's proximal end, flow through the tubular member, and exit through the tubular member's distal end to enter the patient's gastrointestinal tract at the intestine.

Abstract: An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for storing and retrieving information related to a medical device such as an implantable valve or an implantable sensor are disclosed. An implantable valve can include a valve housing adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. A valve assembly can be disposed within the valve housing and adapted to control a rate of fluid flowing through the valve housing. The implantable valve can also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the valve housing, adapted to store data, and including an antenna for communicating stored data to an external reading device. The RFID tag can store data related to, for example, a patient, a pressure setting of the valve assembly, and/or pressure sensor disposed within the valve. The RFID tag can also store an identifier that identifies the implantable valve, a pressure sensor disposed in the valve housing, a patient associated with the implantable valve, and/or patient clinical history.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring CSF drainage is provided with a tubing having one end installed in a brain of a patient and the other end installed in an abdominal cavity of the patient for draining CSF from the brain to the abdominal cavity; an internal monitoring device disposed in the tubing proximate to the abdominal cavity, the internal monitoring device being for measuring fluid pressure of the CSF and regulating flow rate of the CSF; and an external processing device disposed externally of the patient, the external processing device being for wirelessly controlling the internal monitoring device by processing a fluid pressure signal and a flow rate signal both transmitted from the internal monitoring device, and by transmitting both a fluid pressure control signal and a flow rate control signal to the internal monitoring device. The external processing device includes a display for displaying processed data.

Abstract: An arteriovenous shunt includes a self-expanding stent graft having a self-expanding anchor stent mounted eccentrically and externally about at least one end segment of the stent graft. A fluid passageway extends between open first and second ends of the shunt. The anchor stent has an expanded diameter greater than an expanded diameter of the stent graft. The expanded diameter of the stent graft is smaller than the artery or vein into which it is deployed.

Abstract: Integrated tools for noninvasively reading and adjusting an implantable, magnetically adjustable valve, and methods of use are disclosed. The tools include magnetic or electronic reading of the valve, and magnetic or electromagnetic adjustment of the valve. In use, the tools are positioned above or in contact with the patient's skin, in proximity to the valve.

Abstract: An implantable fluid management device, designed to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in a living host into a second location within the host, such as the bladder of that host. The device may be used to treat ascites, chronic pericardial effusions, normopressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus, pulmonary edema, or any fluid collection within the body of a human, or a non-human mammal.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter is positioned in a urinary tract to drain urine from the bladder to a position distally adjacent to a sphincter muscle. A balloon of the catheter is inflated through an inflation tube extending through the urinary tract. A coiled section of the inflation tube contacts the constriction caused by the sphincter muscle. The balloon and the coiled section resist movement of the indwelling catheter while still permitting natural urination. The indwelling catheter is inserted by an insertion tool which is separably connected to the catheter. Once the indwelling catheter is positioned, the tool is disconnected and withdrawn from the urinary tract. Risks of blood clots obstructing the flow of urine through the indwelling catheter immediately following a surgical procedure on the prostate gland are avoided by flushing fluid through the insertion tool and the catheter to clear an internal urine flow passageway in the catheter.

Abstract: A valve assembly for adjusting the flow of bodily fluid from one part of a human body to another includes a body portion having a flow inlet and a flow outlet. A valve located in a flow path from the inlet to the outlet includes a valve seat and a closing element that is adapted to seal against the valve seat. A carrier element is mounted within the body portion and has a plurality of pockets. Each pocket houses a respective preload element, wherein each preload element is of a different weight from that of the other preload elements. The carrier element is moveable relative to the body portion so as to align a preload element of a desired weight with the closing element. The self weight of the chosen preload element applies a preload to the closing element dependent on the orientation of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A glaucoma drainage device has a main drainage tube with a first end an anterior chamber of an eye and a second end in a drainage location. A bypass drainage tube is fluidly coupled to and in parallel with the main drainage tube. A pump is in communication with the bypass drainage tube. The pump comprises a first driver and a first flexible membrane enclosing a first chamber. A first check valve is located upstream from the pump, and a second check valve is located downstream from the pump. An active valve is located upstream from the first check valve. The active valve comprises a second driver and a second flexible membrane enclosing a second chamber. A third check valve is located between the active valve and the second end of the main drainage tube. A volume of the first chamber is changed to pump fluid from the anterior chamber.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a ureteral stent includes an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion, which is coupled to the first portion. The first portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within a kidney of a patient. The second portion of the elongate member, which has a sidewall that defines a lumen, is configured to deliver fluid from a first location of the sidewall of the second portion to a second location of the sidewall of the second portion via capillary action. The second portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within at least one of a bladder and a ureter of the patient.

Abstract: A control valve for a fluidic system is disclosed. The control valve comprises a housing and a flow control membrane is disclosed. The flow control membrane is anchored within the housing to form a reference chamber on a first side of the membrane and a fluid flow channel on a second opposing side of the membrane. The fluid flow channel selectively opens and closes to permit fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet, and the membrane is configured to control flow through the channel from the inlet to the outlet by deflecting in response to pressure differentials of the reference chamber pressure and the fluid flow channel pressure acting across the membrane.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to a glaucoma valve, a casing for containing a glaucoma valve and a glaucoma drainage device comprising the glaucoma valve and/or the casing. The valve includes a flow channel having an inlet and an outlet and a valve member connected to the outlet of the flow channel. The valve member may be formed from a degradable polymer or a combination of degradable polymer and non-degradable polymer. Various embodiments of the invention relate to a glaucoma valve, the valve having a first flow channel. The interior of the first flow channel may be coated with a degradable polymer, such that in use, the polymer degrades to allow a greater flow of fluid through the flow channel. In some embodiments, the valve includes a second flow channel, which may be arranged in parallel to the first flow channel. The first flow channel may be completely sealed with the polymer such that in use, the polymer degrades to allow fluid to flow through the first flow channel.

Abstract: A drainage device for implantation in an eye of a patient to treat an ocular condition includes a first tube configured to extend into an anterior chamber of the eye and convey aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. An exit portion is in fluid communication with the distal end portion. A passage extends between the distal portion of the first tube and the exit portion, with a liquid disposed in the passage. The implant may include a first seal associated with the distal end portion and a second seal associated with the exit portion to prevent drainage of the liquid through the exit portion. The implant may include an implant body disposed between the distal end portion and the exit portion, the passage extending through the implant body. The implant body may comprise a fluid-sensitive component in fluid communication with the passage that may be formed of a flexible membrane.

Abstract: An IOP control valve is disclosed. The IOP control valve comprises a corrugated membrane and a housing including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The corrugated membrane is anchored within the housing to form a reference chamber on a first side of the corrugated membrane and a fluid flow channel on a second opposing side of the membrane. The reference chamber has a reference chamber pressure representative of atmospheric pressure. The fluid flow channel can selectively increase and decrease in size to permit fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The corrugated membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow channel from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet by deflecting in response to pressure differentials of the reference chamber pressure and the fluid flow channel pressure acting on the opposing sides of the corrugated membrane.

Abstract: An arterio-venous graft (16) is provided with a constriction device (20) near its arterial end. The constriction device (20) is used to reduce the flow through the AV graft under normal conditions and to relieve the constriction when high flow through the AV graft is required, such as for vascular access for hemodialysis.

Abstract: A pressure-driven valve is disclosed. The valve includes a housing, a fluid flow channel, and a deflectable portion. The housing comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid flow channel extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed within the housing, and defines a portion of the fluid flow channel. The deflectable portion is configured to deflect to increase and decrease a size of the fluid flow channel to regulate fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed and arranged to deflect as a result of pressure differentials between a reference pressure, a fluid flow channel pressure, and an outlet pressure representative of fluid pressure at the fluid outlet.

Abstract: An arteriovenous shunt assembly including a shunt having a hollow bore between open first and second ends thereof and a valve slidably disposed through the hollow bore. The valve includes means for retaining the valve in a closed position or in any of various selected open positions that provide corresponding different rates of blood flow through the shunt assembly. In some embodiments, the AV shunt assembly is self-expandable from a collapsed tow-profile configuration employed during transluminal delivery. The valve position in the hollow bore may be adjusted in vivo by inflating a catheter balloon in a blood vessel to bear against an end of the valve. Methods for using the shunt assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A luminal valve for placing in a body lumen comprises at least four valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the leaflets are engaged and an open configuration in which the leaflets are open. The valve may be mounted to an esophageal support.

Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A body fluid drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include a catheter that has an exterior surface, a proximal portion, and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion. The body fluid drainage system can further include a valve device, a pressure sensor, and a controller operatively coupled to the valve device and the pressure sensor. The valve device can include an actuator positioned over the exterior surface of the catheter. The actuator is movable between an open position that allows body fluid flow through the catheter, a closed position that at least substantially obstructs the body fluid flow through the catheter, and intermediate positions that partially obstruct the body fluid flow through the catheter. The controller can change the position of the actuator in response to a predetermined condition of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart disease by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal are disclosed. Devices may include an adjustable hydraulic diameter and/or a removable and/or replaceable shunt portion. Devices may include absorbable materials, the absorption of which directly or indirectly causes alterations of the fluid flow capacities the devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart disease by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal are disclosed. The devices are adapted to permit fluid flow across the membrane in which the device is implanted at first rate, and at a second rate, wherein a difference between the first rate and the second rate is not solely dependent upon variations in blood pressure differential across the membrane due to the heart's pumping cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for switching fluid flow through a body part, such as all or portions of an organ or extremity. In general, fluid inflow and fluid outflow vessels to at least a portion of a body part can be switched such that all fluid in at least a portion of the inflow and outflow vessels flows in an opposite direction. In other words, the fluid inflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid outflow vessel that receives fluid from a body part, and the fluid outflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid inflow vessel that delivers fluid to a body part.

Abstract: This invention comprises a flexible ocular device for implantation into the eye formed of a biocompatible elastomeric material, foldable to a diameter of 1.5 mm or less, comprising a fluid drainage tube having at one end a foldable plate adapted to located the device on the inner surface of the sclera in a suprachoroidal space formed by cyclodialyis, said drainage tube opening on to the disc at one end and opening to the anterior chamber when implanted into the eye at its other end, so as to provide aqueous pressure regulation. Also provided are methods for the treatment of glaucoma utilizing the flexible ocular device, and an ocular pressure spike shunt.

Abstract: A blood pressure control apparatus, system, and methods of modifying intravascular blood flow of a patient is disclosed. In one aspect, the blood pressure control apparatus comprises an intravascular flow-modifying device including an expandable, hollow, stent-like support member configured for implantation within the vasculature, which includes an upstream sensor, a downstream sensor, and a flow restrictor. The flow restrictor is configured to partially occlude a vessel lumen and thereby artificially create back pressure upstream of the device, which causes dilation of the vessel wall and activation of the baroreceptors upstream of the device. Activation of the baroreceptors may depress the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby contributing to a decrease in systemic blood pressure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart disease by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal are disclosed. Devices may include an adjustable hydraulic diameter shunt portion which can be manually adjusted in vivo. Methods are provided for adjusting the flow rate of the devices in vivo.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart disease by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal are disclosed. Devices may include an adjustable hydraulic diameter shunt portion which can be manually adjusted in vivo. Methods are provided for adjusting the flow rate of the devices in vivo.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for storing and retrieving information related to a medical device such as an implantable valve or an implantable sensor are disclosed. An implantable valve can include a valve housing adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. A valve assembly can be disposed within the valve housing and adapted to control a rate of fluid flowing through the valve housing. The implantable valve can also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the valve housing, adapted to store data, and including an antenna for communicating stored data to an external reading device. The RFID tag can store data related to, for example, a patient, a pressure setting of the valve assembly, and/or pressure sensor disposed within the valve. The RFID tag can also store an identifier that identifies the implantable valve, a pressure sensor disposed in the valve housing, a patient associated with the implantable valve, and/or patient clinical history.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient that is made up of first and second stand-alone, interconnectable assemblies. The first of these assemblies comprises a fluid reservoir assembly that houses a fluid reservoir defining component while the second assembly comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the first assembly toward the patient via a plurality of fluid flow control passageways. Because the stand-alone fluid delivery and control assembly is initially totally separate from the fluid reservoir assembly of the apparatus, the fluid flow passageways of the fluid delivery and control assembly can be effectively sterilized using conventional gamma ray sterilization techniques without adversely affecting the medicament contained within the fluid reservoir of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices that help to curb appetite and/or reduce food intake. In one embodiment, the methods and devices of the present invention include a small intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety.

Abstract: An insertion device for infusion sets, including a housing for generally enclosing an infusion set placed in the insertion device and a drive device for displacing the infusion set, wherein the displacing is as friction-free as possible with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an occluded infection collection along the digestive tract with a stent delivered to an appendix, diverticulum or other anatomical structure of the digestive tract. A device and method to remove an obstruction from an occluded infection collection along the digestive tract with an obstruction removal device delivered to an appendix, diverticulum or other anatomical structure of the digestive tract.

Abstract: An IOP control system for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The IOP control system includes a drainage tube configured to convey aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of an eye and includes a pressure-driven valve system in fluid communication with the drainage tube and configured to control flow rates of the aqueous humor. The valve system includes a plurality of pressure-driven valves arranged to operate in cooperation with each other. The IOP control system may include an electronic pump system to further regulate flow.

Abstract: A pressure-driven valve is disclosed. The valve includes a housing and a flow control portion disposed within the housing. The housing includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The flow control portion has a first side subject to fluid flow pressure in a fluid flow channel, and a second side subject to an outlet pressure representative of pressure at the fluid outlet. The flow control portion is deformable to increase and decrease flow through the fluid flow channel based on pressure differentials between the fluid flow pressure, a tube pressure, and the outlet pressure. In some instances, the flow control portion comprises a flow control membrane and a radially-fluctuating pressure tube attached to the periphery of the membrane.

Abstract: A drainage device for implantation in an eye of a patient to treat an ocular condition is disclosed. The drainage device includes a housing, a multi-compartment flow control chamber, and a membrane. The housing includes an entrance port and an exit port connected by a fluid flow passageway. The membrane is disposed between the fluid flow passageway and the multi-compartment flow control chamber, which includes a first compartment and a second compartment in fluid communication with each other. The first and second compartments are structurally arranged to limit contact of gas with the membrane, which is disposed between the fluid flow passageway and first compartment. The membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway by deflecting in response to pressure in the flow control chamber.

Abstract: A system for treating an ocular condition of a patient includes an electrically powered ocular implant sized for placement within an eye and includes a transmitter sized to be carried on or adjacent the head of the patient for disposal adjacent the eye. The transmitter includes a transmission antenna that emits an electromagnetic flux field sufficient to energize the ocular implant and includes a flux shunt disposed within the electromagnetic flux field. The transmission antenna may be disposed between the flux shunt and the implant.

Abstract: Glaucoma drainage devices including vario-stable valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A glaucoma drainage device includes a drainage lumen and a valve system coupled to the drainage lumen to control the flow of fluid through the drainage lumen. The valve system includes an adjustable valve with a diaphragm that is in communication with the drainage lumen and is movable to occupy varying amounts of the drainage lumen. In some embodiments, the valve system is maintained in a desired position without the use of power such that power is only needed when changing a position of the adjustable valve.

Abstract: Glaucoma drainage devices including vario-stable valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A glaucoma drainage device includes a drainage lumen and a valve system coupled to the drainage lumen to control the flow of fluid through the drainage lumen. The valve system includes an adjustable valve with a diaphragm that is in communication with the drainage lumen and is movable to occupy varying amounts of the drainage lumen. In some embodiments, the valve system is maintained in a desired position without the use of power such that power is only needed when changing a position of the adjustable valve.

Abstract: An IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a housing and a multilayer membrane. The housing is sized for implantation into the eye and includes an entrance port and an exit port. The membrane is anchored within the housing to form a flow control chamber on a first side and a fluid flow passageway on a second opposing side of the membrane. The chamber is arranged to contain a gas creating a chamber pressure, and the membrane is configured to affect flow through the passageway from the entrance port to the exit port by deflecting in response to changes in the chamber pressure. The membrane comprises a first layer having a higher permeability and a higher flexibility than the second layer, which is disposed adjacent the first layer and restricts the diffusion of gas in the chamber through the membrane.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a glaucoma shunt may include a tube having an anterior portion (with an opening) and a posterior portion. The glaucoma shunt may include a valve, inside the tube, coupled to a drainage portion. The tube may be configured to couple to a first portion of an eye and the drainage portion may be configured to couple to a second portion of the eye. In some embodiments, the drainage portion may be configured to move the valve relative to the tube such that when the eye expands, the valve moves away from the opening in the anterior portion of the tube to increase fluid flow. The drainage portion may further be configured to move the valve relative to the tube such that when the eye contracts, the valve moves toward the opening in the anterior portion of the tube to decrease fluid flow.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery. The conduit is a tube adapted to be positioned in the heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, at a site distal to the occlusion or stenosis. The conduit has a section of blood vessel attached to its interior lumen which preferably includes at least one naturally occurring one-way valve positioned therein. The valve prevents the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

Abstract: An intraocular pressure control system for implantation in an eye of a patient to provide drainage from an anterior chamber of the eye to a drainage location at the eye includes a drainage tube and a valve system arranged to control drainage flow between the anterior chamber and the drainage site, the valve system being configured to control fluid flow using an electrolysis process and closed loop feedback from pressure sensors able to determine: flow rate, TOP, bleb pressure, and internal valve pressure.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positionable within the fluid filled space and the second end portion is adapted to extend outward from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The catheter assembly also includes a catheter tip that is connected to the second end portion. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein. The catheter tip also includes a rotating element positioned within the cavity. The rotating element is configured to rotate within the cavity to facilitate movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: An ophthalmic shunt implantable in an eye having an elongate body and a branched conduit for conducting aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of the eye to the suprachoroidal space of the eye and the subconjunctival space, and a plate extending from an upper surface of the elongate body.