Abstract: Methods and devices of sterilization by which the ovarian pathway is occluded by a plug, wherein placement of the plug may be visually confirmed. Other methods and devices are also described.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.

Abstract: A rectal balloon apparatus has a shaft with a fluid passageway extending therethrough. A balloon is affixed over an end of the shaft such that the fluid passageway communicates with an interior of the balloon. The balloon has a laterally flat surface thereon when inflated. The laterally flat surface of the balloon has a longitudinal groove formed thereon. The balloon having a pair of bulges formed thereon when the balloon is inflated. A ring is affixed to the shaft adjacent the balloon. The shaft has a plurality of holes formed thereon opening to an interior of the balloon.

Abstract: Devices and methods that may be employed to detect and/or prevent intraoperative full thickness penetration of anatomic walls, and to provide delineation of anatomic structures during surgery.

Abstract: An anal prolapse prevention aid is configured so as to enable a procedure wherein a stuffing is set inside a cylinder film having the closed end, and the tip of an axle of an insertion stick is fitted into a junction hole in the rear end of a stuffing to thereby be inserted into the anus, and then only the insertion stick is pulled out.

Abstract: A rectal drainage appliance is disclosed comprising a tubular element having an inflatable balloon at a distal end for anchoring the appliance in the rectum. The appliance includes one or more of: (i) first and second auxiliary lumens communicating with the inflatable balloon to provide independent inflation and pressure monitoring paths coupled to the balloon; (ii) a pressure state indicator defined by a mechanical element configured to flip between first and second states or shapes responsive to sensed pressure; and (iii) a collapsible auxiliary lumen larger than the inflation lumen, and configured to permit admission of irrigation fluid. The pressure state indicator may also be used in intestinal drains.

Abstract: A treatment device is provided including a catheter having a lumen that is opened to a distal end of the catheter; a wire passing through the lumen so that the wire is inserted into or retracted from the lumen; and a piece disposed at a distal end of the wire and having the maximum width when the piece is protruded from the distal end of the catheter is set larger than the diameter of the lumen, wherein the piece body is formed of a deformable material having a broad curved surface shape that distributes concentration of pressure acting on tissues, and when the wire is pulled in toward the catheter, the piece being extended in the axial direction by the lumen and reduced in its outer diameter so as to be pulled into the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, method, system and kit for receiving effluent from an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device, method, system and kit for collecting effluent from an individual during a medical or diagnostic procedure including but not limited to, imaging or viewing one or more sections of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. In another alternative embodiment, the effluent is collected in a hollow area in order to prevent the effluent form contaminating a component, device or apparatus used in connection with the medical or diagnostic procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for using those devices in the relieving and/or treating of pain, discomfort, and/or inflammation in the pelvic region using targeted pressure and temperature delivery. The devices and methods for using those devices to deliver targeted pressure and temperature therapy internally to patients through their rectal or vaginal cavities are disclosed.

Abstract: A perianal support device is provided that is configured to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body. A method is provided to apply the perianal support device to patients during childbirth to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for using those devices in the relieving and/or treating of pain, discomfort, and/or inflammation in the pelvic region using targeted pressure and temperature delivery. The devices and methods for using those devices to deliver targeted pressure and temperature therapy internally to patients through their rectal or vaginal cavities are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for using those devices in the relieving and/or treating of pain, discomfort, and/or inflammation in the pelvic region using targeted pressure and temperature delivery. The devices and methods for using those devices to deliver targeted pressure and temperature therapy internally to patients through their rectal or vaginal cavities are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for the treatment of a fistula tract having a distal opening and a proximal opening. In one embodiment, the device includes a distal anchor and a proximal anchor. The distal anchor is configured to provide a generally fluid tight seal in the tract in the vicinity of the distal opening and generally prevent proximal displacement of the device within the tract. The proximal anchor is operably coupled to the distal anchor and configured to generally prevent distal displacement of the device within the tract while allowing fluid migration at least one of through and past the proximal anchor when the proximal anchor is deployed in the vicinity of the proximal opening.

Abstract: A fiber-optic endoscopic instrument (Fistuloscope) is used to visualize anorectal fistula, and to accurately identify the course through the fistula. The instrument can be used to flush the fistula, to close the fistula tract by means of injecting sealants or placing grafts in the tract of the fistula or to pass setons, micro-instruments or other means to treat and seal the tract.

Abstract: An apparatus for massaging a prostate includes a body having a substantially ellipsoid shape and sized to fit in a rectum through a sphincter, wherein the body comprises a head portion and a neck portion, wherein the head portion is configured to contact the prostate through the rectum wall when inserted in the rectum, and wherein the neck portion has a tapered section with gradually reducing diameters distal to the head portion; and a retainer bar joined the body at one end of the neck portion to form a substantially T-shaped structure, wherein the retainer bar comprises two contact points for contacting a first acupressure point, which is located in the perineum region between the anus and the scrotum, and a second acupressure point, which is located about midway between the anus and the lower end of the coccyx.

Abstract: An implantable adjustable sphincter system is comprised of a band configured to encircle a portion of an anatomical passageway, a manual pump, a reservoir in fluid communication with the pump, and a valve assembly in fluid communication with the band and the manual pump. The valve assembly is comprised of a first configuration and a second configuration, and is operable to be manually switched between configurations. The first configuration only permits fluid to flow from the band toward the reservoir. The second configuration only permits fluid to flow from the reservoir toward the band. The manual pump is in fluid communication with the valve assembly and the reservoir, and is manually operable to transfer fluid between the reservoir and the band when the valve assembly is in the second configuration.

Abstract: An occlusion system for management of rectal or anal incontinence, including a shaft element with a distal end and a proximal end and with a lumen extending all the way from the distal end to the proximal end of the shaft element. A balloon is mounted adhesively and sealingly on the shaft element and can be filled with a filing medium via a filing line, wherein the balloon is formed from a tube section and is shaped so that when filled with the filing medium it forms a first balloon configuration as an intrarectal balloon and a second balloon configuration as an abutment balloon, which are delimited from each other by a constriction. The distal end of the shaft element is designed with an end cap with a tip and, at a distance from the tip, at least one gas inlet opening provides communication with the lumen of the shaft element.

Abstract: An anal prolapse prevention aid comprises a small head (1) inserted into the anus, and a film portion (2) continuous with one end of the small head (1), having a length enough to reach the outside of the anus or more length, and having flexibility but no stiffness.

Abstract: An outer tube for natural orifice surgery. The outer tube can have interchangeable inserts to establish a desired size and number of lumens. A distal tapered soft plastic plug may be provided to cover the distal end of the tube. Different segments of the tube may have different stiffness characteristics.

Abstract: A rectal balloon apparatus has a shaft with a fluid passageway extending therethrough. A balloon is affixed over an end of the shaft such that the fluid passageway communicates with an interior of the balloon. The balloon has a laterally flat surface thereon when inflated. The laterally flat surface of the balloon has a longitudinal groove formed thereon. The balloon has a radiation sensor positioned within the groove and a plurality of fiducial markers positioned on a surface of the balloon. A stopper is slidably mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: The invention describes a disposable device for operations on the arteria haemorroidalis, which comprises a retractor tube (1), closed and rounded on the end (101) which is inserted in the anal cavity, and open and diverging on the external end (201) to which is connected a griping handle (M) which removable houses a luminous source (F). In the connection zone of the handle to the external mouth of the retractor there is provided a channel (C) which contains a parabola (5) which reflects the light supplied from said luminous source (F) and which sends the reflected light inside of the same retractor, to illuminate a lateral window (8) through which appears the rectal mucosa upon which the operation must be made for the ligature of the arteria haemorroidalis.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, method, system and kit for receiving effluent from an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device, method, system and kit for collecting effluent from an individual during a medical or diagnostic procedure including but not limited to, imaging or viewing one or more sections of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. In another alternative embodiment, the effluent is collected in a hollow area in order to prevent the effluent form contaminating a component, device or apparatus used in connection with the medical or diagnostic procedure.

Abstract: A suppository for use in an anal canal has a shaft and ring positioned on the shaft between the first end and the second end of the shaft. The ring extends outwardly of the shaft and has a diameter of between 8 and 14 millimeters. The ring has a generally toroidal shape. The shaft and the ring are preferably integrally formed together. The diameter of the shaft is, preferably, between ? and ? of a maximum diameter of the ring.

Abstract: A hemorrhoid massage device has a unitary body with a first end and a second end. The first end has a size suitable for fitting into a human rectum. The body has a middle section and a concave section. Each of the middle section and the concave section has a length of between 12 mm and 20 mm. The ends of the concave section and the middle section have approximately equal diameters. These diameters are less than one-half the total length of the middle section and the concave section.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly for the treatment of hemorrhoids includes an anoscope and a hemorrhoid occlusion device. The anoscope includes a hollow body closed at a distal end and at least partially open at a proximal end to define a longitudinal channel. The hollow body has a sidewall provided with a window spaced from the distal end and the proximal end. A shutter member is slidably attached to the hollow body for selectively covering the window during an insertion operation and for opening the window to allow hemorrhoidal tissues to protrude through the window into the anoscope. The hemorrhoid occlusion device includes an instrument shaft provided at a distal end with two jaws, at least one of the jaws including a C- or U-shaped clamping member movable alternately away and towards the other of the jaws for clamping and occluding hemorrhoidal tissues protruding through the window into the anoscope.

Abstract: A device and method for dilating a cervical canal. The device includes an elongated member with an expandable anchoring component attached to its distal tip. An expandable dilating member is attached to the elongated member proximally of the anchoring component for dilating the cervical canal. The anchoring component can be expanded after insertion of the device into the cervical canal to correctly position the device relative to the canal. A device and method for sealing a cervical canal is also provided. The device includes a tube having an expandable seal assembly attached to its distal end. The seal assembly has a ridged or corrugated surface when it is in an expanded condition to provide a seal for the cervical canal.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating rectovaginal fistulas, including a cannula of a predetermined length, open-ended on its first end having an inflatable balloon portion on its closed second end; the first end of the cannula further comprising a cone portion along its length to seal up against the exterior wall entrance to the rectum, after the second end of the cannula has been inserted into a patient's rectum; a fluid line is positioned within the cannula space for inflating the balloon after the cannula is in place in the rectum to seal the distal end of the rectum passage; a plurality of openings are provided along the wall of the cannula between the balloon and the cone at the first end of the cannula; a colored gel or other fluid insertable into the cannula to the extent that the gel or other fluid escapes the cannula through the openings and enters the void between the cannula and the wall of the rectum, with sufficient gel or other fluid entering the void so that gel or fluid would seep into any fistulas prese

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. This exercise device focuses on increasing the strength, tone and endurance of these muscles. The device comprises a longitudinally extending member that includes a blunt head portion and a compressible shaft portion. The first end of the shaft portion is juxtaposed with the head portion. The first end of the shaft portion has an outwardly extending retaining slope formed thereon, particularly when the device is received within a pelvic body cavity and the muscles of the pelvic floor are at rest. The retaining slope is engageable with the retaining edge of the adjacent pelvic floor muscle platform of that pelvic body cavity to facilitate intracorporal retention within the pelvic body cavity.

Abstract: An intestine dysfunction treatment apparatus comprises an electric stimulation device (56) implanted in a patient, who suffers from intestine dysfunction. The stimulation device comprises electric conductors adapted to directly engage with a muscle that directly or indirectly affects the transportation of the content of the patient's intestines, for example the anal sphincter (58) or a portion of the muscle that contracts the bowels, to electrically stimulate the muscle to increase the tonus thereof. A control device (62) is provided for controlling a source of energy (64), which may or may not be implanted, to release electric energy for use in connection with the power of the stimulation device. The apparatus can be used for treating patients suffering from anal incontinence or constipation.

Abstract: An apparatus for massaging a prostate gland by a contraction of a sphincter including a head and a resistor section. The head has a size suitable for fitting into a human rectum and through the sphincter. The head has a bulbous upper portion and a tapered section extending from the upper portion. The tapered section narrows in diameter from the upper portion. The resistor section is connected to a bottom of the head. The resistor section has a tapered surface widening from the bottom of the head. The tapered surface of the resistor section has an angle of taper smaller than an angle of taper of the tapered section at the bottom of the head. The resistor section is adapted to movably hold the tapered section of the head within the sphincter.

Abstract: A hemorrhoid relief and anal hygiene device includes a pressure member for placement between opposing buttock surfaces in the natal cleft adjacent to the anus of the user. The pressure member has opposite side faces for each positioning against one of the opposing buttock surfaces of the user. The pressure member has a perimeter wall extending between the opposite side faces with first, second, and third sections. The first and second sections have inboard ends converging at a protruding crest for partial insertion in the anus. The first and second sections are concave for abutting opposite areas of the surface of the anus. The third section extends between outboard ends of the first and second sections. A second embodiment of the device includes a bulbous central portion having a substantially spherical shape and a pair of elongate side members extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central portion.

Abstract: A first dilator (10) and second dilator (20) each comprise an elongate hollow member (11; 21) with a “closed” end (12; 22) and an “open” end (13; 23). The outer surface of the “closed” end (12; 22) is of uniform arcuate section and of generally hemispherical configuration. The “open” end (13) of the member (11) is provided with internal threading (16), while complementary external threading (24) is provided on the “open” end (23) of the member (21). In use, the first dilator (10) and second dilator (20) are joined together by engaging the threading (16; 24). A flange (25) provided on the second dilator (20) provides a continuously smooth outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for massaging a prostate gland and for providing treatment for hemorrhoids through the contraction of a human sphincter including a head having a size suitable for fitting into a human rectum and through the sphincter and a resistor connected to a bottom of the head. The head has a bulbous upper portion and a tapered section extending from the upper portion. The tapered section narrows in diameter from the upper portion of the head. The resistor has a spindle shape with a first tapered surface widening from the bottom of the head so as to define a wide section of the resistor. The resistor has a second tapered surface extending and narrowing from the wide section of the first tapered surface.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing externally debouching, natural or artificial body canals of animals or human beings. The device, made of a resilient material such as compressible open celled foam, enables liquid tight sealing against the inner wall of the body canal. The device may optionally be integrated with or include a sealing element. When used in connection with a bowel system, the device may be an integrated part of an instrument, such as a probe, or may have the form and purpose of a plug.

Abstract: A probe for use with a bowel irrigation system that is suitable for use by persons suffering from limited limb movement. The probe includes a shaft with a liquid supply duct passing therethrough for supplying irrigation liquid from a proximal end of the shaft to an outlet on the distal end thereof. A flexible element having a liquid absorbent material is positioned near the outlet and expands upon contact with liquid to ensure retention of the probe when in use.

Abstract: A device for relief of anal pain includes a rod having first and second opposite end segments. The first end segment is shaped for grasping in the hand. There is a substantially annular flange structure between the first and second end segments, the flange structure having an external cylindrical surface. A cap has an interior surface which defines a cavity for receiving the second end segment of the rod, the interior surface of the cap being adapted to engage in sealing fashion the external cylindrical surface of the flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a percutaneous intragastric balloon catheter for the treatment of obesity. The invention occupies a portion of the gastric cavity causing a feeling of satiety and decreasing the consumption of food by an obese patient. This invention consists in a percutaneous intragastric balloon that is placed in a non-surgically form. The percutaneous intragastric balloon catheter is collocated by percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy (PEG). The invention comprises an affixed valve for regulating the amount of fluid introduced or evacuated from the percutaneous intragastric balloon.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. This exercise device focuses on increasing the strength, tone and endurance of these muscles. The device comprises a longitudinally extending member that includes a blunt head portion and a compressible shaft portion. The first end of the shaft portion is juxtaposed with the head portion. The first end of the shaft portion has an outwardly extending retaining slope formed thereon, particularly when the device is received within a pelvic body cavity and the muscles of the pelvic floor are at rest. The retaining slope is engageable with the retaining edge of the adjacent pelvic floor muscle platform of that pelvic body cavity to facilitate intracorporal retention within the pelvic body cavity.

Abstract: This invention involves a new device and method for treating hemorrhoids. The device has a substantially cylindrical shape and, at least at one portion, has a diameter of between about 5 mm and about 30 mm. The device is inserted into an anal canal so that it is positioned against at least one displaced anal cushion, and is maintained there for a sufficient time to achieve reduction of the displaced anal cushion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the compliance of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the apparatus comprises a catheter having a plurality of extendable members disposed therealong for both measuring the compliance of the LES and stimulating the esophagus which relaxes the LES to obtain a more clinically relevant measurement of LES compliance. In one embodiment, the plurality of extendable members include a first balloon which is located and inflated within the esophagus to trigger esophageal motility, a second, non-elastic balloon that is positioned within the LES, and a third balloon which is inflated within the stomach to help align the second balloon with LES. Incrementally increasing volumes of air are introduced into the second balloon, with the resulting pressures exerted by the LES calculated and compared to normative values to assess the condition of the LES.

Abstract: A hemorrhoid relief and anal hygiene device is provided including a pressure member for placement between opposing buttock surfaces in the natal cleft adjacent to the anus of the user. The pressure member has opposite side faces for each positioning against one of the opposing buttock surfaces of the user. Each of the side faces of the pressure member is substantially planar. Each of the side faces of the pressure member lie in substantially parallel planes. The pressure member has a perimeter wall that extends between the opposite side faces. The perimeter wall has a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first and second sections of the perimeter wall has inboard ends converging at a protruding crest adapted for partial insertion in the anus of the user. The first and second sections are concave for abutting opposite areas of the surface of the anus. The third section extends between outboard ends of the first and second sections.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods to provide access to the colon and small bowel of a patient. The devices comprise a tubular member that is releasably attachable to a colonoscope for insertion into the colon. The devices are useful for treating and monitoring colorectal diseases, and diseases of the small bowel.

Abstract: Provided is a device to control fecal incontinence and methods for its use. The device comprises a longitudinal tubular member having attached thereto bilaterally-extending wings for securing the device while in use. The device also comprises an expandable portion for prevention of unwanted defecation during use of the device.

Abstract: An instrument for removing bowel blockage comprising a handle, and a probe element extending from the handle, the probe element being elongate, having a round or oval transverse cross-section, and having a rounded distal end, the handle being substantially imperforate, and the probe element being shaped to avoid injuring a patient, as by cutting. A method of safely removing bowel blockage comprises providing a probe element having a rounded distal end and rounded exterior and a handle at the proximal end of the probe element, inserting the distal end and at least some of the probe element into the rectum of a patient, and removing said probe element from the patient to permit evacuation of fecal matter through the anal canal.

Abstract: The device for reducing the symptoms of prolapsed hemorrhoids has a continuous contour and a bulbous portion between leading and trailing ends of the device. The bulbous portion has a leading inclined surface and a trailing inclined surface which meet at an intermediate point of maximum radial dimensions. A rounded tip is provided at the leading end and a stop plate at the trailing end to control the extent of insertion.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing congested prostate fluid including a head having a size suitable for fitting into a human rectum and through a sphincter and having a surface for pushing on a prostate gland, a rod connected to a bottom of the head and extending outwardly therefrom so as to guide a movement of the head as the sphincter relaxes and contracts, and an abutment member positioned on the rod opposite the head so as to push on the perineum area simultaneously with the head pushing on the prostate gland. The abutment means has a variable angular relationship with the head. The angular relationship is greater upon entry into the rectum and less upon pushing on the perineum and the prostate.

Abstract: An anal dilator for treating anal disorders, such as fissure-in-ano, having a self-expanding means for slowly dilating the anal muscles to cause a relaxation of anal muscles thereby promoting healing. The anal dilator comprises three sections: a first end section positioned within the rectum, a second middle section positioned within the anal sphincter muscle, and a last end section outside of the body between the buttocks. The second middle section having a self-expanding element means may be a vegetable protein, such as laminaria japonica, or a non biologic substance, such as sponge rubber. Additionally, it may also contain medications for local or systemic delivery.

Abstract: Fecal leakage and contamination from the vent opening of an animal carcass during slaughtering and processing is eliminated by injecting a highly viscous material comprising a mixture of food grade constituents through the vent opening so as to create a self-adhering plug in the lower colon and rectum of the animal. The plug material preferably comprises a blended mixture of water, gum, modified food starch and a preservative whose viscosity is in the range of from about 220,000 centipoise to 480,000 centipoise. Being formed from food grade constituents, the offal can safely be harvested and used in animal feed as a by-product of the meat processing operation.