Abstract: An endoscopic device separates ingested food from gastric fluids or gastric fluids and digestive enzymes, to treat obesity. In a particular embodiment a gastric bypass stent comprises a tubular member and two or more stent members defining a lumen. The tubular member has a substantially liquid impervious coating or covering and one or more lateral openings to permit one-way liquid flow.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a band not provided with a dilatable portion, characterized in that it comprises different successive separate zones (A, B, C) formed on its entire developed length, while forming a single-piece and single-unit assembly, and its two ends (1a), (1b) are specifically configured to form flexible nesting and position-locking male-female parts by defining a first head zone (A) and a second rear and anchoring zone (B) forming a main tip and integrated into each other, and between said two zones, the ring comprises a third intermediate connecting zone (C) with solid cross-section over the main part of its length, designed to be more specifically pressed on the part of the stomach to be enclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gastroplasty ring formed by a flexible band (2) which comprises a first end part (5) and a second end part (6) and which is intended to be closed around the stomach toward its two end parts by a closure system in order to reduce the diameter of the opening of the stoma by forming a loop, the band comprising an adjustable-volume annular compression chamber (3) connected, at the first end part, by an adjusting catheter (7) to a device for adjusting the internal pressure of said chamber, so as to adjust its diametral expansion, the ring comprising at least one grab tab (11, 12, 13) which projects toward the outside of the loop to make it easier for the two end parts to be brought together and parted. Gastric implant for treating obesity.

Abstract: A squeeze-to-set medical clamp having a first unset position and a second set position is disclosed. The clamp generally includes a primary arm, a secondary arm, a resilient arm connector, a top jaw, a lower jaw, and a deflector. The clamp is generally configured to receive a portion of the human or animal anatomy between the top jaw and the lower jaw when the clamp is in the second set position. In order to transition the clamp from the first unset position to the second set position a force is applied to the primary and secondary arms causing at least one of the top and lower jaws to contact and translate along the deflector until the top jaw and lower jaw are deflected. Next, the force is removed from the primary and secondary arms causing the resilient arm connector to bias the top and lower jaws toward one another.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an introducer sheath with an integrated closure component. The closure component includes a fastener and an advanceable, deformable clip having a delivery configuration in which opposing sides do not contact one another, and a deployed configuration, in which the fastener causes opposing sides of the deformable clip to close towards one another. The clip is advanced along the sheath until it pierces opposing sides of a vessel wall at a puncture site. The clip is then deformed with the fastener to draw opposing sides of the puncture together, and the sheath is withdrawn to seal the wound. The clip and fastener preferably are bioabsorbable.

Abstract: Renal function may be modulated by an implantable device having one or more leads or catheters disposed near the kidney via the lymphatic system. In one embodiment, lymphatic drainage from the kidney is modulated to increase or decrease tubular reabsorption of salt and water. The renal function modulation therapy may be delivered in an open-loop or closed-loop fashion, with the latter dependent upon a physiological variable such as blood pressure or cardiac output.

Abstract: A system for deploying clamps and methods of using the same are disclosed. The system can be configured to be inserted through a percutaneous trocar with a releasably attached clamp in a closed configuration. The system can be configured to then open the clamp and position the clamp around a target vessel. The system can be configured to then close the clamp over the vessel, squeezing the vessel to partially or completely close an internal lumen in the vessel. The clamp can be detached from the remainder of the deployment system and left on the vessel, or the clamp can be opened and removed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgically implantable adjustable ring comprises a ring body, which includes a closure system having first and second end parts. The ring body is designed to be closed around a tubular organ by the closure system, constricting the tubular organ by forming a loop. The first end part is shaped like a sleeve having a first and second end portions, and is designed to receive the second end part of the ring. The sleeve is substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the first end part of the ring, and the second end part of the ring includes a locking protrusion adapted to hold the sleeve in position, securing the ring in a closed position by engaging the locking protrusion in an opening disposed on the sleeve.

Abstract: A fatigue-resistant inflatable gastric banding device suitable for laparoscopic placement around the stomach of a patient for the treatment of obesity and a method for such treatment are disclosed. The device includes a gastric band having a chambered inflatable member, substantially coextensive with an inner stomach facing surface of the band, that does not crease, wrinkle or fold when adjusted, so as to present a substantially smooth contour along the inner circumference, and to avoid fatigue or failure of the member itself. A gastric band having multiple inflatable compartments or chambers, which may be inflated together or individually is also disclosed.

Abstract: Thin film devices implantable within a human subject for occlusion of an aneurysm or body vessel are provided. The devices are movable from an elongated, collapsed configuration for delivery to a deployed configuration within the body. Open slots in selected portions of the device telescope as the device moves to its deployed configuration, which causes the associated portions to longitudinally foreshorten and radially expand, while also decreasing in porosity for preventing blood flow. Closed slits in other portions of the device open as the device moves to its deployed configuration, which causes the associated portions to longitudinally foreshorten and radially expand, while remaining open for fluid flow or endothelialization. The occlusion devices may be either self-supporting or supported by a strut structure. Additionally, the occlusion devices may comprise a plurality of mesh layers having unaligned pore systems which further reduce porosity in desired portions of the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A surgical clamp for occluding a body conduit includes first and second jaws movable relative to each other in a generally parallel relationship. A handle assembly is operable to move the jaws relative to each other between a space position and proximate position. The first jaw has an elongate configuration characterized by a length and a width. First portions of the first jaw have in cross section a first shape which remains generally constant in area along the first jaw, while second portions have in cross section a second shape which varies in area along the length of the first jaw. The resulting clamp has a low profile jaw design which dimensional-shaped cross section which provide increased stiffness and reduced flexibility.

Abstract: A modular stent assembly (20) is provided with stent sections (22-26) which are coupled together by a coupling arrangement formed of first (30) and second (32) coupling elements. The first and second coupling elements (30, 32) provide a strong coupling between adjacent stent sections (22-26) which behaves in a manner substantially identical to the conventional unitary tie bar. The modular nature of the stent assembly (20) reduces manufacturing costs, can provide for replacement of only a defective part of the assembly 20 and can facilitate the assembly of a stent having differing characteristics along its length optimised for a particular medical application.

Abstract: A device for excising tissue and closing a wound that results from excision of the tissue includes structure defining an aperture into which tissue to be excised is exposed. The device also includes a cutting member for excising the tissue, a closure member for closing the wound, and an actuatable drive member associated with the structure. The drive member is actuatable to move the cutting member relative to the aperture for excising the tissue that is exposed in the aperture and for closing the wound with the closure member.

Abstract: A device for clamping off organic tissue has a tissue clamp with clamping bars in holders. A proximal clamping bar can be displaced in a guide groove of an application crosspiece by a tappet, while the distal clamping bar maintains its position until the tissue has been clamped off. The clamping bars have guide pin, or the distal clamping bar has a fixation shoulder. The pins or shoulder fit into crosswise grooves in the application crosspiece, and thus the clamping bars can be inserted into them vertically. The proximal clamping bar has a holder pin on its base that engages into a holder bore of the distal clamping bar. This produces a force-fit and shape-fit connection with this bore, while simultaneously clamping off the organic tissue. The guide pins shear off if the force required to clamp off the organic tissue is exceeded.

Abstract: This invention includes a clip having arms which grip living tissue, a press tube serving as a clamping member which is fitted and mounted on the clip to close the arms of the clip, a coupling member which can be inserted into the press tube and engages with the clip, and projections serving as lock portions which hold the arms of the clip in a closed state when the clip engages with the press tube.

Abstract: This invention includes a clip having arms which grip living tissue, a press tube serving as a clamping member which is fitted and mounted on the clip to close the arms of the clip, a coupling member which can be inserted into the press tube and engages with the clip, and projections serving as lock portions which hold the arms of the clip in a closed state when the clip engages with the press tube.

Abstract: This invention includes a clip having arms which grip living tissue, a press tube serving as a clamping member which is fitted and mounted on the clip to close the arms of the clip, a coupling member which can be inserted into the press tube and engages with the clip, and projections serving as lock portions which hold the arms of the clip in a closed state when the clip engages with the press tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable surgical ring (1) designed to be closed on itself to form a closed loop (2) having an extension medium axis (XX?) for tightening a biological organ (3), wherein said ring (1) includes at least a first and a second ring tightening chamber (12, 13) attached to each other designed to contain a filling fluid for tightening said biological organ (3), said first and second tightening chambers being stepped along the extension medium axis (XX?), said ring being characterised in that the first and second tightening chambers (12, 13) include between them a material-free clearance area (20), in which the wall of the biological organ (3) may move without contacting the ring (1), in order to tighten said biological organ (3) at the level of at least two axially-separated contact areas (14A, 14B).

Abstract: A surgical clip assembly is provided having two molded components and a tension spring. In one aspect, the spring clip includes a first molded portion having a first jaw and a first finger tab, a second molded portion coupled to the first molded portion and having a second jaw and a second finger tab, and a tension spring coupled to both the first and second molded portions. The first and second molded portions may be identical components. The tension spring is wound at least one turn forming a central coil and two extensions, and each of the molded portions is formed with a hinge area. Each of the hinge areas includes a hinge stud and a hinge cavity. The hinge areas align and snap-fit with one another to form the clip assembly. The extensions of the tension spring may be mounted into guide slots or ribs of the molded portions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods to sense parameters associated with restriction procedures and/or devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the parameters are sensed directly from the region of the procedure and/or device and in other embodiments, associated neural pathways are sensed. Methods for further optimization of the obesity treatment regimens are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical ligation clip capable of remote deployment through a catheter.

Abstract: A surgically implantable fluid adjustable device, such as an adjustable gastric band, having an elongated substantially flexible inflatable portion, and an elongated flexible and substantially inextensible band portion attached to the inflatable portion. The device further includes a member for changing the shape of the device from a straight configuration to a curved configuration after being implanted within a body.

Abstract: An implantable restriction device is configured to provide a restriction in a patient as a function of the pressure of fluid. The implantable restriction device includes one or more pressure sensors configured to sense pressure of the fluid within the implantable restriction device. Pressure data obtained by the one or more pressure sensors may be communicated to a device located external to the patient, which may process the pressure data, and may further provide a display to a user including information relating to the processed pressure data. Where the implantable restriction device comprises an adjustable gastric band, the one or more pressure sensors may be located in any number of the following locations: an injection port, an interface between the injection port and a catheter, in a catheter, in-line with a catheter, adjacent to a catheter, in a gastric band, in a gastric band buckle, or elsewhere.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for inducing weight loss in a patient, which comprises an extragastric space occupier positionable in contact with an exterior surface of a stomach wall to form an inward protrusion of wall into the stomach, and a retention device positionable in contact with the wall to retain the inward protrusion and to thereby capture the extragastric space occupier within the protrusion.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for inserting a gastric band into a patient's abdomen through a laparoscopic port. The gastric band insertion instrument includes a handle, an elongated shaft and a distal end assembly. The elongated shaft includes an actuator rod that opens and closes a movable jaw at the distal end. A pin at the distal end assembly engages a hole in the front of the gastric band, and the movable jaw is closed thereby securely capturing the front end of the gastric band. The shaft and the captured gastric band are inserted through a laparoscopic port into the patient's abdomen.

Abstract: A bladder assembly is provided in order to maintain the pressure in the balloon portion of a gastric band in a range corresponding to a so-called Green Zone. Multiple bladders are connected by flexible tubing which is connected at a distal end to the balloon portion of a gastric band. The elastically expandable bladders provide fluid pressure on the balloon portion of the gastric band in order to maintain the intra-luminal pressure within a desired range over a prescribed fill volume.

Abstract: A surgical ligation clip for double ligating a vessel, duct or other fluid carrying structure and a method for double ligating such structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deploying a clip to occlude an anatomical structure including a clip holder assembly that is an interface between the clip and a deployment device.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Further, a delivery device is described for facilitating the delivery of the magnetic device to a targeted site. Additionally, methods are described for delivering the magnetic devices to a stomach.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a polymeric connector. The flexible polymeric connector gives the center assembly improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: A surgical method of treating morbid obesity via bariatric procedures, carried out endoluminally and transluminally using endoscopic devices that are introduced through natural body openings without the necessity of creating any incisions in the abdominal wall.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits for restricting a portion of a GI tract by tightening tissue are provided. The devices, methods and kits can be used to treat GERD or obesity. The devices, methods, and kits do not require the formation of plications in tissue walls and may result in faster application, reduced surgical trauma, reduced risk, and reduced cost. The devices comprise a plurality of tissue-engageable anchors coupled to a tether. Each anchor is secured to a tissue wall of the GI tract. The anchors are secured to the tissue wall in a manner that may minimize tissue damage. The tether is configured to be cinched to draw the anchors together, which in turn draws the tissue secured to the anchors together, thereby tightening tissue to restrict a portion of the GI tract.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the endoscopic application of self-closing medical clips (3), in particular, for arresting internal bleeding. The distal end of a catheter tube (1) is introduced into the body of a living being to be treated. Several clips (3), arranged successively in the catheter tube (1), are pushed forward in the direction of the tube distal end by a user device located at the proximal end of the catheter tube (1). The foremost clip (3) to be applied is pushed out of the distal end and opened by an actuation device. The actuation device includes an actuation element (21) which can be actuated by the user device, moved longitudinally into the catheter tube (1), and acts on the first front clip (3), as well as a control part (25) which converts the actuation force of the actuation element into an opening movement of the legs (5) of the clip (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a gastric restraining device for treating excessive weight or obesity in mammals. The gastric restraining device includes an elastomeric sheet configured to be placed around a stomach of a mammal, an ablation device attached to the elastomeric sheet, the ablation device configured to emit energy toward an outer surface of the stomach when the elastomeric sheet is placed around the stomach, and an energy device coupled to the ablation device to generate the energy and to transfer the energy to the ablation device.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to treat obesity. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention relates to tucking a portion of the greater curvature of the stomach inwards, and covering the stomach around the greater curvature and lesser curvature with a silicone skirt to induce satiety and reduce the volume of the stomach body.

Abstract: This invention includes a clip having arms which grip living tissue, a press tube serving as a clamping member which is fitted and mounted on the clip to close the arms of the clip, a coupling member which can be inserted into the press tube and engages with the clip, and projections serving as lock portions which hold the arms of the clip in a closed state when the clip engages with the press tube.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for treating a patient to modify a body passage of the patient. The methods may involve removing tissue from a luminal surface of a body passage such as the esophagus or stomach, for the purpose of inducing a healing response that will result in a reshaping of the body passage.

Abstract: Methods of the invention include delivering a grasper, a clip applier, and an endoscope transorally to the site of fundoplication; grasping the fundus with the grasper (or similar device, e.g. corkscrew) and pulling it into the jaws of the clip applier; closing the jaws of the clip applier over the fundus and applying a clip to the fundus.

Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention refers to surgical clips as used to occlude tubular bodies. More specifically, the present invention refers to a haemostatic clip to occlude vessels, such as blood vessels, which constructive arrangement solves a range of inconveniences of haemostatic clips as found in the state of the art. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first segment (11) and a second segment (12) substantially parallel to each other, being said first segment connected to said second segment by a linking element (13) so to allow its application over a tubular body.

Abstract: A skin tag removal device operative to remove skin tags via the use of compressive force to stop or restrict blood flow to the skin tag. The device comprises first and second members that are attached to one another, preferably via a hinge, and operative to assume an open configuration whereby the members may be positioned about the base of a skin tag and a second closed configuration whereby the first and second members cooperate to impart a compressive force about the base of the skin tag to stop or substantially restrict blood flow. The first and second members may be formed such that the same are biased to one another to impart the compressive force, or may be attached via a hinge and operative to be locked to one another to assume the closed, blood-restricting configuration.

Abstract: A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex having a notch formed therein. Moreover, each leg member has an inner tissue-contacting surface and an outer compression-receiving surface, both of which include features to provide a more secure ligation of the vessel or duct. A method for ligating vessels is also provided.

Abstract: A system and process employs a gastric band device having an adjustable restriction amount that is adjustable based on at least one first control signal. The system and process also employs at least one of a wireless receiver and location detection electronics configured for providing at least one second signal. In addition, a controller is configured to provide at least one first control signal to the gastric band device based at least in part on at least one second control signal from at least one of the wireless receiver and the location detection electronics. The controller may be configured to provide at least one first control signal for one of increasing restriction or reducing restriction of the gastric band in response to receiving a signal from the location detection electronics representing a predefined geographic location.

Abstract: A method of occluding a vessel, comprises forming an incision through tissue covering the vessel to expose a portion of the vessel and looping a first suture around the vessel such that ends of the first suture extend out of the incision in combination with closing the incision with the ends of the first suture protruding through the closed incision, placing a force distribution element over the incision and tightening the first suture over the force distribution element to form a kink in the vessel.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.

Abstract: This is a medical device for forming an embolism within the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, it concerns an occlusion device comprising an inner core covered with a polymer. The medical device encourages cellular attachment and growth while maintaining favorable handling, deployment and visualization characteristics.

Abstract: A torsional ligation clip applier and method of use for endoscopic or laparoscopic vessel occlusion procedures is provided. The ligation clip includes a hub portion and ligation arms for occluding a vessel. Ligation arms are independently rotatable about a common axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ligation arms. The ligation arms are biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism. The ligation arms of the clip are rotatable through at least one of a plurality of positions wherein it has a larger diameter than an access device. An applier receives at least one ligating clip in a first position and delivers the ligating clip to a vessel in a second position. Occlusion of the vessel occurs when one of the ligation arms is rotated into a third position.

Abstract: A plurality of structures that resiliently attract one another are provided for implanting in a patient around a body tissue structure of the patient. For example, the body tissue structure may be the esophagus, and the plurality of structures may be implanted in an annulus around the outside of the esophagus, the annulus being substantially coaxial with the esophagus. The attraction may be between annularly adjacent ones of the structures in the annulus, and it may be provided, for example, by magnets or springs. The array of structures is preferably self-limiting with respect to the smallest area that it can encompass, and this smallest area is preferably large enough to prevent the apparatus from applying excessive pressure to tissue passing through that area.