Abstract: Disclosed herein are implantable 3-dimensional large capacity device assemblies, specifically, large capacity device assemblies for encapsulating pancreatic progenitor cells for treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: A sensor for use in a canister for fluid collection, the canister having a canister top and defining a fluid collection chamber. The sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the first electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the first electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The second electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the second electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the second electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The sensor also includes an electric circuit configured to detect an electrical property associated with the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A tubular body portion lining assembly adapted for insertion into a tubular body portion of a patient including a flexible tubular liner, liner placing functionality adapted to place at least a portion of the tubular liner between first and second locations within the tubular body portion, and at least one anchor adapted for anchoring the tubular liner to the tubular body portion at least a first selectable anchoring location.

Abstract: An implantable digestive organ is provided for the transport of materials through the digestive tract and in one particular application to an artificial large bowel for replacing all or part of a colon. The prosthetic organ of one embodiment includes an outer support structure, an expandable member or members located within the support structure, and a flexible inner member forming a conduit for passage of material. The inner member is located within the outer member and the expandable member(s) is located between the inner member and the support structure. The expandable members are expanded and contracted, or inflated and deflated to provide pumping action that pumps material through the organ. The prosthesis may also include valves or sphincters at its entrance and/or exit points where material moves into and out of the prosthesis. An implantable pump may be included for inflating and deflating the expandable members in a desired sequence.

Abstract: An intragastric implant comprises an anchor and a therapeutic device or a diagnostic device. The anchor is adapted to extend between the fundus and the pyloric valve of a stomach, to be retained without attachment to the stomach wall, and to anchor the device within the stomach with a relatively stable position and orientation. The therapeutic or diagnostic device is adapted to extend from the esophagus or stomach to the intestines or stomach. The therapeutic or diagnostic device, when extending into the esophagus, will be slidably received through the gastroesophageal junction and, when extending into the intestines, will be slidably received in the pyloric valve.

Abstract: Method for treating a Roux-en-Y patient having fistulas and leaks as a result of bariatric surgery. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the esophagus and extends through a stomach pouch into an intestine anastomosed to the stomach pouch to prevent fistulas and other damaged tissue from making contact with food and fluids entering the esophagus. The gastrointestinal implant device includes an unsupported flexible sleeve and an anchor coupled to a proximal portion of the sleeve. The flexible sleeve is open at both ends, and adapted to extend below a jejunum. The anchor is adapted to be retained within the esophagus, preferably just above the gastroesophageal (GE) Junction. The anchor can include a stent such as a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal.

Abstract: A urination control device includes a conduit to be inserted into the urethra, an upstream restraint member located upstream of the conduit and having a through hole, a control member located on the downstream side from the upstream restraint member in the conduit, and a downstream restraint member located on the downstream side from the control member in the conduit, wherein the upper restraint member and control member attract each other with magnetic force, and the control member is brought in contact with the opening portion of the through hole in the upstream restraint member at least in the state exerting no fluid pressure on the upstream side so as to block passage of fluid through the upstream restraint member and admit the passage of fluid through the downstream restraint member in the state engaged with the control member.

Abstract: A bypass device for influencing blood pressure, including an implant with a volumetric chamber, having a connector or connecting means for connecting the volumetric chamber to a natural cardiovascular system, and having an adaptor or adaptation means, by which a change in volume of a volume of the volumetric chamber is enabled or effected upon a pressure change in the cardiovascular system or in the volumetric chamber. According to this invention, a change in volume in a lower pressure range between 50 mmHg and a pressure threshold value amounting to at least 100 mmHg amounts to at most 10 cm3, and in an upper pressure range between the pressure threshold value and 150 mmHg amounts to at least 10 cm3. With the device according to this invention, high blood pressure can be reduced in a carefully directed way.

Abstract: A gastric restrictor assembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing defining a throughbore and having a base portion, a waist portion and head portion. The assembly also includes a pin holder including a plurality of pins extending therefrom. The pin holder is configured for being lockingly received within the housing. The plurality of pins extends across the waist portion when the pin holder is received within the housing.

Abstract: An air-operated speech aid that includes a cover cup, a tube, a sound guide tube, a gasket, and an internal tube. The cover cup of the speech aid is provided with a breathing hole, and a side of the breathing hole is clasped into a soft air gate. One end of the sound guide tube is encased in a sleeve or a mask type cover member.

Abstract: Tissue ingrowth devices configured to be coupled within a bodily lumen are described. In one embodiment, a tissue ingrowth device may include a framework and a liner covering the framework. The liner may have a zig-zag edge with a plurality of peaks and valleys. The tissue ingrowth device may also include a plurality of tissue ingrowth areas which allow tissue ingrowth from the tissue wall.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for repairing nerves and inhibiting atrophy of a muscle via a side-to side neurorraphy using a bridging element between a first epineurial window on a donor nerve and a second epineurial window on a recipient nerve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intraluminal gastrointestinal (GI) device that is placed at the time of surgery to protect a freshly constructed GI anastomosis, GI staple-line, or the like. For the esophagus and stomach, the device covers the esophagus, stomach, and anastomosis/staple-line. For the pancreas or biliary duct, the device covers the biliary duct, pancreatic duct, and small bowel. For the colon and rectum, the device is a self expanding protective barrier that covers the anal canal, the anus, and the colon or rectum, approximately 18 cm proximal to the anus. These devices provide a waterproof barrier between the gastrointestinal content and the mucosa of the GI tract and the newly constructed anastomosis. Additionally, the design of the device is made to prevent migration within the gastrointestinal tract and facilitate removal of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nerve regeneration-inducing tube in which collagen having excellent adhesive property, cell growth property and differentiation inducing property to nerve cells is used as a scaffold for the nerve regeneration. The nerve regeneration-inducing tube is characterized in using the collagen which is made the concentration of sodium chloride contained therein not more than 2.0% by weight or, preferably, 0.1 to 1.5% by weight in a dry state. Purification of collagen is carried out by means of an isoelectric precipitation where the pH is 6.0 or higher and is lower than 10.0.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tracheal stent is an expandable tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. Circumferentially adjacent surface protrusions extend outwardly from the outer surface of the expandable tubular member. These surface protrusions have an outer surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface. When the tracheal stent is deployed, the outer surface of the surface protrusion applies a radial force to a wall of the trachea to remove an airway constriction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to implantable devices for producing insulin in diabetic animals and to methods of making same. Some embodiments include amphiphilic biomembranes for use in biological applications (e.g., as an alternative and/or supplemental insulin source). Some embodiments also include live insulin-producing cells contained within one or more amphiphilic membranes so as to prevent or diminish an immuno-response and/or rejection by the host.

Abstract: Biocompatible synthetic or natural scaffolds are provided for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The scaffolds are shaped to conform to at least a part of the organ or tissue structure and may be seeded with one or more cell populations. Inserts, receptacles and ports are also provided for the attachment of tubular vessels to the neo-organ scaffolds. The seeded scaffolds are implanted into the patient at the site in need of treatment to form an organized organ or tissue structure. The scaffolds may be used to form organs or tissues, such as bladders, urethras, valves, and blood vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for facilitating weight loss in a patient. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of administering a neurotoxin to a stomach tissue of an obese patient and performing one of several types of bariatric surgeries in the patient, thereby reducing or eliminating unwanted side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.

Abstract: An implantable digestive organ is provided for the transport of materials through the digestive tract and in one particular application to an artificial large bowel for replacing all or part of a colon. The prosthetic organ of one embodiment includes an outer support structure, an expandable member or members located within the support structure, and a flexible inner member forming a conduit for passage of material. The inner member is located within the outer member and the expandable member(s) is located between the inner member and the support structure. The expandable members are expanded and contracted, or inflated and deflated to provide pumping action that pumps material through the organ. The prosthesis may also include valves or sphincters at its entrance and/or exit points where material moves into and out of the prosthesis. An implantable pump may be included for inflating and deflating the expandable members in a desired sequence.

Abstract: A device for the in situ clearing of blockages in a tube includes a controller and a clearing member. The controller can have a housing and an actuator for generating repetitive motion. The clearing member can be releasably coupled to the controller and suitable for insertion in the tube. The tube can be at least partially disposed within a living being. The controller can be located external to the living being. The clearing member can have a first end releasably coupled to the actuator, at least one flexible section which permits axial displacement of the clearing member, and a second end suitable for repetitively engaging and disrupting the blockage. The flexible section permits the clearing member to repetitively engage and disrupt the blockage within one of a straight and a curved portion of the artificial tube.

Abstract: A system for bypassing an anastomosis site in a hollow organ is provided. The system includes a sleeve configured for spanning the anastomosis site at an internal surface of the hollow organ and a band configured for attachment to an external surface of the hollow organ and limiting migration of the sleeve beyond the anastomosis site.

Abstract: A surgical implant and method for its use. The surgical implant includes a biocompatible mesh having first and second ends, a length greater than a width, and a centering device including a solid, button-like element having opposing first and second surfaces and a peripheral outer edge extending therebetween. The centering device further includes a filamentary element having first and second ends fixedly secured to the peripheral edge of the button-like element so as to form a loop therebetween. The filamentary element is woven through the mesh at its longitudinal center in a direction perpendicular to the length of the mesh.

Abstract: The medical stent includes: a main body formed into an approximately tubular shape along a longitudinal axis with a first resin material; an elastic member formed of a second resin material which is larger in flexural modulus than the first resin material, and configured to have one end portion connected to an end portion of the main body and the other end portion formed to extend to the central portion side of the main body along the longitudinal axis and also to direct to the radial direction of the main body; and a treated layer formed between the end portion of the main body and the one end portion of the elastic member and configured to have a functional group for joining the end portion of the main body and the one end portion of the elastic member to each other.

Abstract: A device and method for the removal and disposal of transected hair from the body of a patient in an operating room or other sterile location. The hand-held device is single-use, latex-free, sterile-packaged, non-conductive, fully disposable and comprises a hollow handle with a projecting wand ending in an enlarged distal tip. The other end of the hollow handle opposite the enlarged distal tip is connected to a vacuum source, such as the one readily available in most operating rooms, via flexible tubing. When the wand and the enlarged distal tip are passed over transected hair, the hair is suctioned into the hand-held device. The hand-held device includes a particulate filter to prevent the suctioned hair from entering the vacuum system, one or more internal circumferential ribs to create a turbulent flow within the handle, a reservoir to collect transected hair, and venturi apertures to regulate the suction pressure.

Abstract: Treatment methods and devices are provided for percutaneously accessing a patient's thoracic region via a controlled opening in the aorta, so that cardiac procedures, such as a coronary bypass procedure, can be performed in a minimally invasive manner. Advantageously, it may be possible to perform the procedure without placing the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. The method may include percutaneously delivering at least one catheter into an aorta of a heart, forming a controlled opening in the aorta and pericardium via the at least one catheter to access a thoracic region within the patient's chest, and performing at least one coronary bypass graft procedure through the controlled opening.

Abstract: A gastroplasty method involves a staple line that terminates prior to reaching the gastroesophageal junction such that the bypassed portion of the stomach does not require resection. Additionally, bougies are taught that assist a physician in following the improved staple line of the present invention.

Abstract: A nephroureteral catheter is provided that comprises a detachable portion such that when the detachable portion is removed, the catheter converts into an internal stent. Catheter 100 allows drainage of urine into the bladder and externally into a bag. The catheter includes a tube having a circular cross section, a detachable portion, a locking mechanism, an inner tube, a first pigtail curl, a second pigtail curl, and a marker. The marker indicates the tube end. The tube includes a first end, a second end, and a plurality of holes. The detachable portion is attached to the tube with the inner tube, as the inner tube is placed and is friction sealed to the walls of a hollow portion that extends through both the detachable portion and a section of the tube. The inner tube may be removed from within the tube, past the marker that indicates the end of the tube, so that detachable portion is now removable from within the patient's body.

Abstract: Devices and methods of treating sleep disordered breathing are provided herein. The devices are designed capable of preventing collapse of an oral airway tissue during sleep while maintaining normal velopharyngeal functions.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel includes a flexible tube and a structure provided at one end portion of the tube and capable of being deformed to a first outside diameter and a second outside diameter greater than the first outside diameter, wherein the tube is provided with a lock part which is locked at a desired position when the tube is folded back from its other end portion to the inside.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a funnel member, a coupling member and retractors. The funnel member is flexible and is frusto-conical in shape. The funnel member proximal end opening is larger than the distal end opening. The funnel member couples to a distal or coupling member that is located at the funnel member distal end portion. The distal or coupling member is rigid and has catches for removably coupling to the retractors. In use, the retractors anchor the apparatus to the patient while allowing the funnel member to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical cavity of a patient.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that provides for the protection of intestinal anastomosis sites and other body sites from bodily fluids and contaminants. Additionally, the device provides the ability to create negative pressure at the site of the obstruction to ensure that contaminants flow from the visceral compartment into the inner lumen of the bowel. Further, the device provides the sectional forces through natural constrictions of the intestinal muscles through peristaltic action.

Abstract: A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an elongate implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to compress lung tissue. The implant may be longer in axial length than an axial length of the target axial region in which it is deployed. Deployment may involve allowing an end of the implant to move relative to surrounding tissue while the implant is progressively deployed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor configured for minimally-invasive implantation and sized to remain securely positioned within at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. The anchor includes a radial spring formed from an elongated resilient member shaped into an annular wave pattern about a central axis. The anchor defines a central lumen and provides an outward radial force, while allowing for substantial flexure about its perimeter. The anchor is generally removable, but can include fasteners, such as barbs, to further secure it to the surrounding anatomy. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a connector coupling a fixed portion to a removable portion. Further, the anchor can be used to secure a medical device within the body, such as a flexible sleeve within the intestine.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treatment of morbid obesity by placement of a series of flow reduction elements in the small intestine to induce satiety are disclosed. The flow reduction elements restrict the movement of partially digested food and reduce the flow rate through the small intestine which causes the emptying of the stomach and the duodenum to occur slower. The flow reduction elements are attached to an elongated tube and are constructed from various shapes and configurations. The flow reduction elements may be inflated with fluid or may be constructed from self-expandable materials. The device is anchored in the antrum of the stomach with an anchoring member. The transoral gastric device can be inserted with a delivery catheter through the working lumen of an endoscope or alongside an endoscope and may be removed with the aid of an endoscope if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a patient's health condition by diverting pancreatic exocrine secretions include a flow diverter of material compatible with chronic residence within a small intestine of the patient. The flow diverter has a cover end and a discharge end. The flow diverter is sized to be placed within the small intestine with the discharge end placed distally from said cover end and with said flow diverter further sized so permit passage of chyme through the small intestine and past the flow diverter. The cover end is sized to cover a discharge papilla of the pancreatic duct. The diverter is adapted to divert at least a portion of pancreatic exocrine secretion from the papilla to the distal discharge end.

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: A non-expandable stent and a method for implanting the stent are provided. The stent includes a generally tubular body having a lumen defined therethrough. The body includes a proximal portion having a curved portion configured for placement proximal to a sphincter. The body further includes a distal portion having retaining member extending outward from a proximal end of the distal portion. The retaining member is configured for placement distal to the sphincter and for engagement of the sphincter.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and/or controlling obesity and type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a device for treating obesity includes a flow restrictor and an anchor coupled to the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor is movable between a first or collapsed configuration sized and shaped for endoscopic advancement through the patient's esophagus and into a distal region of the stomach and a second or operative configuration sized and shaped for inhibiting a flow of chyme from the stomach to the pyloric sphincter. It is believed that this will cause the prolongation of satiety, and result in fewer meals being eaten and/or smaller meals being ingested.

Abstract: The invention provides method of fabricating a scaffold comprising a fluidic network, including the steps of: (a) generating an initial vascular layer for enclosing the chamber and providing fluid to the cells, the initial vascular layer having a network of channels for fluid; (b) translating the initial vascular layer into a model for fluid dynamics analysis; (c) analyzing the initial vascular layer based on desired parameters selected from the group consisting of a characteristic of a specific fluid, an input pressure, an output pressure, an overall flow rate and combinations thereof to determine sheer stress and velocity within the network of channels; (d) measuring the sheer stress and the velocity and comparing the obtained values to predetermined values; (e) determining if either of the shear stress or the velocity are greater than or less than the predetermined values, and (f) optionally modifying the initial vascular layer and repeating steps (b)-(e).

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods of operating the devices that contribute to curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake. In some embodiments, the methods and devices of the present invention include as 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. Some embodiments of the inserted device are anchored at the duodenal site by an anchoring member residing in the stomach, other embodiments of the device are stabilized at a targeted site by appropriate dimensions of length as well as one or more angled portions of the device that correspond to angled portions of the targeted site in the dodenum. Embodiments of the device exert effects by virtue of physical presence, as well as by more active forms of intervention, including release of bioactive materials and electrical stimulation of neurons.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable stomach prosthesis for surgically replacing or augmenting all or part of the antrum and/or pylorus of a stomach. The prosthesis controls the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine. The prosthesis may be configured to churn ingested material and release it from the stomach through a prosthetic pyloric valve. At least one expandable member is arranged to be expanded to control the passage of food and/or to mimic the churning action of a patient's stomach. The prosthesis includes an outer support structure, a flexible inner member forming a conduit for the movement of material, and at least one expandable member located between the outer support structure and inner member. An implantable pump system is provided for inflating and deflating the expandable member(s).

Abstract: An implant device for placement within a salivary gland duct having a first end adjacent a parotid gland and a second end adjacent a submandibular gland. The implant device comprises an elongate body having a lumen, and a first and a second plate offset from the proximal end of the elongate body. The first plate is located on one side of the elongate body and the second plate is located on the other side of the elongate body. The first plate includes a first and a second hole operable to suture the first plate to a location adjacent the parotid gland. The second plate includes a first and a second hole operable to suture the second plate to a location adjacent the submandibular gland.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implant includes a first portion having a shape and configured to support a tissue within the body of a patient. Markings disposed on the first portion indicate a portion of the implant to be removed for resizing the first portion such that the first portion after the resizing has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the first portion before the resizing.

Abstract: A bariatric device and method of causing weight loss in a recipient includes providing a bariatric device having an esophageal member, a cardiac member and a connector connected with the esophageal member and the cardiac member. The esophageal member has an esophageal surface that is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the esophagus. The cardiac member has a cardiac surface that is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the cardiac portion of the stomach. The esophageal surface is positioned at the esophagus. The cardiac surface is positioned at the cardiac portion of the stomach. The bariatric device stimulates receptors in order to influence a neurohormonal mechanism in the recipient.

Abstract: A cannula for placement within a salivary gland duct having a first end adjacent an oral cavity and a second end adjacent a salivary gland is provided. The cannula includes an elongate body having a lumen and a first and a second plate offset from a proximal end of the elongate body. The first plate is located on one side of the elongate body and the second plate is correspondingly located on the other side of the elongate body and adjacent the first plate. The first plate has a first hole that is operable to suture the first plate to a location adjacent the first end of the salivary duct adjacent the oral cavity, whereby upon placement of the cannula within the salivary gland duct, saliva flows through the elongate body's lumen from the salivary gland to the oral cavity.

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 method for producing an implant and the implant itself, particularly an intraluminal endoprosthesis, wherein the implant is produced from a preferably hollow cylindrical semifinished article (10), wherein the semifinished article contains magnesium or a magnesium alloy, the method comprising preparing the semifinished article (10), and shaping the semifinished article at a temperature of between 250° C. and 550° C. using a tool, which has a metallic lubricant containing gallium and/or a gallium compound on at least a part of its surface that will come into contact with the semifinished article.

Abstract: The present specification discloses porous materials, methods of forming such porous material, biocompatible implantable devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such biocompatible implantable devices. The porous material may be used to fix to the interior mucosal lining of a patient's gastrointestinal tract.