Abstract: The present application provides a connecting and releasing structure for a balloon system, a balloon system comprising the connecting and releasing structure, and a method for fabricating the same. The connecting and releasing structure is used for connection and release of a catheter and a balloon. The connecting and releasing structure comprises a self-sealing valve positioned on the balloon. The self-sealing valve comprises a catheter connecting port. The catheter passes through the catheter connecting port and is sealedly connected to the self-sealing valve. The self-sealing valve is completely or partially bonded to the inner wall of the balloon. When the catheter is removed after delivery of a filler, the self-sealing valve is not pulled out of the balloon, and thus leakage of the filler can be prevented.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes an expandable member configured to expand radially outward from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The expandable member is configured to be expanded and contracted in a controlled manner, e.g., in response to user actuation or automatically under the control of control circuitry of a device. For example, in some examples, control circuitry of a device can be configured to control the expandable member to expand and contract according to a predetermined expansion frequency or according to an expansion frequency determined based on a cardiac cycle of a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for repairing cartilage defects.

Abstract: A filtering device for removing particles from a fluid of a patient is provided. The filtering device being implantable in the patient's body and comprising a cassette comprising a revolving member, said revolving member having at least two segments each holding a respective filter. The device further comprises a tube forming a fluid passageway through one of the filters in said cassette, wherein the cassette is adapted to, upon revolution of the revolving cylinder, change the filter positioned in the fluid passageway from a first one of said filters to a second one of said filters, thereby allowing particles present on the first filter to be moved away from the fluid passageway, while at the same time changing the filter positioned in the fluid passageway.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and devices for inflating and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.

Abstract: Ureteral or bladder catheters are provided, including (a) a proximal portion; and (b) a distal portion, the distal portion including a retention portion that includes one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations and is configured to establish an outer periphery or protective surface area that inhibits mucosal tissue from occluding the one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations upon application of negative pressure through the catheter. Systems, kits and methods for inducing negative pressure to increase renal function also are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating urinary retention of a patient by discharging urine from the urinary bladder. The apparatus comprises an expandable member, adapted to be implanted inside the urinary bladder of a patient, for discharging urine from the urinary bladder as a result of its expansion in volume, an implantable control device for controlling the volume of the expandable member, and an external energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy from the outside of the patient's body to the inside of the patient's body configured to operate the expandable member and other energy consuming implantable parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: Where an implanted reservoir for intestinal contents is formed from surgically modified intestine that has been cut along a mutual contact line of laterally adjacent sections of a bent portion of intestine and connected so that the resulting upper and lower halves of the intestine form an intestinal wall of the reservoir, the system for emptying such intestinal reservoir comprises an artificial flow control device implantable in the patient's body and adapted to control flow of the intestinal contents from said reservoir, the flow control device comprising at least one pump adapted to act on said intestinal wall so as to reduce the reservoir's volume, thereby emptying the reservoir. The system may further comprise an entry valve upstream of the reservoir and an exit valve downstream from the reservoir. The pump may be an electrical stimulation type pump, a hydraulically acting type pump or/and a mechanically acting type pump.

Abstract: Described are devices and methods for use in connection with organ replacement or organ assist therapy in a patient.

Abstract: A tissue wall of a biological lumen may be reinforced by embedding a material or structure into the tissue wall. The reinforcement material or structure may embed by application of outwardly directed force along an interior side of the tissue wall, threading, or injection. The reinforcement material or structure may act as an embedded scaffold that limits expansion or contraction of the tissue wall to pushing or pulling forces. An anchor device, such as a medical device, may anchor to the reinforced portion of the tissue wall.

Abstract: Ureteral or bladder catheters are provided, including (a) a proximal portion; and (b) a distal portion, the distal portion including a retention portion that includes one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations and is configured to establish an outer periphery or protective surface area that inhibits mucosal tissue from occluding the one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations upon application of negative pressure through the catheter. Systems, kits and methods for inducing negative pressure to increase renal function also are provided.

Abstract: Ureteral or bladder catheters are provided, including (a) a proximal portion; and (b) a distal portion, the distal portion including a retention portion that includes one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations and is configured to establish an outer periphery or protective surface area that inhibits mucosal tissue from occluding the one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations upon application of negative pressure through the catheter. Systems, kits and methods for inducing negative pressure to increase renal function also are provided.

Abstract: An illustrative endoluminal implant having an elongated tubular member. The elongated tubular member having a stent and a retrieval suture interwoven with the stent. The retrieval suture including a first suture loop extending about a circumference of the stent and adjacent to a suture retrieval loop and a second suture loop extending about a circumference of the stent and longitudinally spaced from the first suture loop. The first and second suture loops coupled via one or more interconnecting segments. At least one of the first or second suture loops has an arc length of less than 270° of the circumference of the stent.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for an ostomy base plate having a storage configuration as delivered to a user and a use configuration as applied to skin of the user. In the storage configuration, a proximal side of the ostomy base plate is substantially convex, and in the use configuration, the proximal side of the ostomy base plate is substantially concave.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for treating a patient include performing a first treatment to treat a first portion of tissue and performing a second treatment to treat a second portion of tissue. The second portion of tissue is treated at least twenty-four hours after the first portion of tissue is treated. In particular embodiments, the first portion of tissue includes duodenal tissue, and the second portion of tissue includes duodenal or other gastrointestinal tissue.

Abstract: An implantable renal replacement therapy device may include: a first catheter configured to be inserted into a blood vessel in a subject's body; a pump in fluid communication with the first catheter, the pump is configured to pump subject's blood from the blood vessel; a filter in fluid communication with the pump, the filter is configured to: receive the subject's blood from the pump, and filter the received blood to provide a filtered blood and a filtrate liquid, wherein the filter is in fluid communication with the first catheter to cause an outflow of the filtered blood from the filter to the blood vessel; and a second catheter in fluid communication with the filter and configured to be inserted into an urinary bladder in the subject's body to cause an outflow of the filtrate liquid from the filter to the urinary bladder.

Abstract: A humidifier uses a field of hydrophobic, nanotubes (e.g., vertically aligned carbon nanotubes) to humidify a gas. Voids in the field form liquid flow channels that are wide enough for liquid water to pass through. The nanotubes are spaced close enough to each other to prevent the water from escaping the channels. Water in the channels is absorbed by gas that flows and/or diffuses between the nanotubes. Humidity levels in the gas can be measured and controlled to a desired level by controlling the rate of flow of gas through the humidifier, controlling heating of the gas, and/or adjusting the total area of molecular transfer from the water to the gas by providing multiple banks of nanotubes and controlling the number of banks through which the gas flows.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a urinary retention of a patient by discharging urine from a mammal urinary bladder through a mammal urethra. The apparatus comprises an expandable member adapted to be implanted inside the urinary bladder of the patient, a control device adapted to control the volume of the expandable member for emptying the mammal urinary bladder, and an implantable restriction devices adapted to close each ureter of a patient when discharging urine from the urinary bladder.

Abstract: An intragastric device including (1) a first wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape, a post-deployment shape greater than the pre-deployment state, and one or more openings on an upper portion of the first wire mesh structure that are configured to permit food to enter the device, (2) a second wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape a post-deployment shape greater than the pre-deployment state, and one or more openings on a lower portion of the second wire mesh structure that are configured to permit food to exit the device. A sleeve may be coupled to the lower portion of the wire mesh structure. An anti-migration collar may interconnect the wire mesh structure and the sleeve. In use, food enters the upper portion of the first wire mesh structure, passes through both wire mesh structures, and then exits the lower portion of the second wire mesh structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gastric obstruction device deployment systems and a device for intermittently obstructing a bodily opening, such as a gastric opening, and includes a proximal occluding member connected to a distal occluding member by a tether. The proximal occluding member is formable from an elongated and narrower configuration to a contracted or expanded but wider configuration. When employed in the stomach, the gastric obstruction device may be arranged transluminally with the distal occluding member disposed in the duodenum and the proximal occluding member disposed against the pyloric valve, intermittently occluding the pyloric valve and preventing or delaying the flow of gastric contents through the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A method is provided for rerouting flow through the small intestine of a patient with an implanted artificial sphincter that encircles a portion of the small intestine. The small intestine includes a duodenum, a jejunum extending from the duodenum, and an ileum extending from the jejunum. The method includes providing the artificial sphincter in an open state to thereby permit intestinal flow through the encircled portion of the small intestine such that the intestinal flow passes through the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. The method further includes, in response to a user-activated electrical input, transitioning the artificial sphincter to a closed state to constrict the encircled portion of the small intestine and thereby redirect intestinal flow from a first portion of the small intestine to a second portion of the small intestine such that the intestinal flow bypasses at least a portion of the jejunum.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying an anastomotic stent between portions of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract are disclosed. The anastomotic stents are configured to atraumatically engage the tissue walls and to permit the flow of fluid, partially digested food, and food. The stents can be deployed using endoscopic catheter devices, laparoscopic tools, and combinations of both endoscopic tools and laparoscopic tools. Examples of anastomoses include anastomoses between the stomach and a portion of the intestines such as the jejunum. Anastomoses can also be formed between two closed ends of the intestines, such as two closed ends of the colon formed during a colon resection procedure. Anastomoses can also be formed between a fundal pouch formed during a gastric bypass procedure and the jejunum. Laparoscopic tools are disclosed to deploy a stent by selectively removing a radial restraint on a self expanding stent with the restraint removed through the laparoscopic access points.

Abstract: A device for loading a leadless pacemaker onto a catheter-based delivery system includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion includes a retention feature configured to receive the leadless pacemaker. The proximal portion is proximal the distal portion and includes a funneling structure opening toward the retention feature. The distal and proximal portions of the device are configured such that, when a distal end of the catheter-based delivery system is brought towards the proximal portion of the loading device and the leadless pacemaker is retained by the retention feature, the funneling structure guides features of the distal end of the catheter-based delivery system through an opening in an attachment feature located at a proximal end of the leadless pacemaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to membranes comprising at least two types of porosity: —a porosity of small size but of high density, allowing for the support and nutrition of culture cells in such a way as to obtain a reconstructed tissue model, and—a porosity of large size but of low density, allowing for the circulation of some cell types and the passage of cytoplasmic extensions from one compartment to another.

Abstract: Provided are devices and related methods for weight loss. A size-varying gastric balloon having a passage connected to an elongated sleeve forms a continuous pathway extension so that swallowed food is not absorbed by the body, thereby promoting weight loss. The connection of the sleeve to the gastric balloon avoids the need to directly anchor the proximal sleeve, with the balloon providing that anchoring function. Also provided are gastric balloons having a shape-controllable funnel to provide desired weight loss parameters tailored to the need of an individual and specially configured double lumen sleeves to facilitate controlled nutrition supply to a patient. Methods of deploying any of the devices described herein for weight-loss are also provided.

Abstract: A gastric implant includes a distal sleeve portion configured to be disposed in a duodenum of a patient, and a pyloric restriction portion connected to a proximal end of the distal sleeve portion. The pyloric restriction portion is configured to be disposed in a pylorus of a patient. Also, the implant includes a proximal anchor portion connected to a proximal end of the pyloric restriction portion. The proximal anchor portion is configured to be disposed in a lower stomach of the patient. The proximal anchor portion has at least one eyelet for fastening to the stomach to secure the implant to the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A hemofiltration device capable of surely performing highly-efficient hemofiltration. The hemofiltration device of the present invention is adapted to be implanted in a mammalian body for filtering blood, and includes a blood flow path layer having a blood flow path, a filtrate flow path layer having a filtrate flow path disposed along the blood flow path, and a filtration membrane interposed between the blood flow path layer and the filtrate flow path layer, for filtering the blood flowing through the blood flow path. A filtrate outlet of the filtrate flow path is provided at a position closer to a blood outlet than to a blood inlet of the blood flow path. The blood inlet, blood outlet, and filtrate outlet are provided only on one side or separately on opposite sides of a main body portion in the direction in which the layers are stacked.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lung volume reduction elastic implant and a lung volume reduction device, wherein the lung volume reduction elastic implant (500) is tubular and at least opens at the proximal end thereof, and comprises an elastic deformation section (51), a flexible guide section (53) connected to the distal end of the elastic deformation section (51), and a protuberance (571) connected to the proximal end of the elastic deformation section (51), wherein the elastic deformation section (51) has shape memory characteristics and has several grooves (514) arranged at intervals along the length direction, each groove (514) connecting with the lumen of the elastic deformation section (51).

Abstract: A bone-regeneration material that contains calcium phosphate particles in biodegradable fibers of PLGA manufactured by electrospinning. A PLGA resin is heated in a kneader until the resin viscosity becomes 102 to 107 Pa·s. A powder of calcium phosphate fine particles is added while the blade is rotated. The mixture is kneaded by continuous rotation of the blade in the heated state to disperse the calcium phosphate fine particles to obtain a composite having calcium phosphate fine particles dispersed in the PLGA resin. The composite is dissolved by a solvent, and the PLGA resin is completely dissolved by agitation for a prescribed duration to prepare a spinning solution in which the calcium phosphate fine particles are dispersed. Electrospinning is performed on the spinning solution to manufacture biodegradable fibers having therein the calcium phosphate fine particles substantially uniformly dispersed.

Abstract: An apparatus for gastric bypass is disclosed. The apparatus for gastric bypass includes a primary passage having an input and an output. The apparatus also includes a bypass conduit, coupled to the primary passage, having an input and an output, wherein the passage input is interspersed with the conduit input. The apparatus further has a primary regulator coupled to the primary passage and adjustable to control a primary flow profile from the input to the output of the primary passage. The apparatus also has a bypass regulator coupled to the bypass conduit and adjustable to control a bypass flow profile from the input to the output of the bypass conduit.

Abstract: A system and method for draining excessive fluid from a body cavity or space. The system comprises an implantable fluid penetrable chamber comprising a frame covered by a fluid permeable mesh configured to enable fluids to penetrate therethrough. The system further comprises a catheter connected at a first end to one of said chamber sides/walls or penetrates therethrough; and optionally further comprises a pump placed inside or outside of said chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems, components, devices and methods for assisting a patient to empty his or her weakened or paralyzed bladder or a neobladder efficiently. The system and method includes a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the urinary bladder of a patient and an alert mechanism which alerts the patient of the bladder fullness and the need to void. An actuating device is operably coupled to the system to selectively activate a compression assembly. When activated, the compression assembly compresses the bladder to permit emptying of the bladder.

Abstract: A novel medical device for treating obesity is disclosed. The device is inserted through the oral cavity and into the digestive tract of a human. The device is a passive catheter-style structure that preferentially directs a significant volume of the high calorie fluidic components of the chyme through the digestive tract, preventing exposure to the absorptive tissues of the digestive tract and, in some forms, stimulates negative feedback to the patient when simple sugars and carbohydrates are consumed. The device may be installed or removed though the use of standard endoscopy, or may be offered in the form of an ingestible device. The device may be inflatable or preformed for use within the digestive tract. Also disclosed is a novel method of using the medical device to control obesity.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device for treating obesity includes a three-dimensional porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration to facilitate delivery and an expanded post-deployment configuration. The porous structure includes a first opening at its proximal end and a larger second opening at its distal end. The porous structure also includes a sleeve coupled to its distal end. Optionally, the device further includes a suture at the proximal end of the wire mesh structure to facilitate retrieval and an anti-migration component positioned at the junction of the porous structure with the sleeve. The porous structure is deployed in a patient's stomach such that the anti-migration component sits proximal to the patient's pylorus and prevents migration of the entirety of the device into and through the pylorus. The sleeve extends through the pylorus, into the duodenum and ends in the duodenum or jejunum.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an intragastric device used to treat obesity that includes a wire mesh structure capable of changing from a compressed pre-deployment shape to an expanded post-deployment shape with a greatly increased volume. The post-deployment shape contains a light weight at the top and a heavier weight at the bottom to ensure proper positioning within the stomach. In the post-deployment shape, the device contains larger spaces in the upper portion and smaller spaces in the lower portion to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. Alternatively, the device can be enveloped by a membrane containing larger holes at the top and smaller holes at the bottom to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. The device has a dynamic weight where the weight of the device in the pre-feeding stage is less than the weight of the device in feeding or post-feeding stage.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved medical devices, systems, and methods, particularly for treating one or both lungs of a patient with an implant, such as a coil, having a strength tuned to a patient's tissue treatment region. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention include a method for treating a lung of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The method comprises determining a regional tissue density of at least a portion of lung tissue of the patient and selecting between first and second coils based on the determined regional tissue density of the portion of lung tissue. In particular, the first coil has a first austenite final tuning and second coil has a second austenite final tuning different than the first tuning. Determining may comprise imaging at least the portion of lung tissue of the patient so as to identify a localized lung tissue density.

Abstract: A lung volume-reducing elastic implant (2) and a lung volume-reducing instrument; the lung volume-reducing elastic implant (2) is tubular and comprises a proximal implant end (201), an elastic deformation part (205) and a distal implant end (202); the elastic deformation part (205) is located between the proximal implant end (201) and the distal implant end (202), and the elastic deformation part (205) has a shape memory characteristic; the lung volume-reducing elastic implant (2) is opened at the proximal implant end (201); the elastic deformation part (205) is provided with a plurality of grooves (204) at intervals along the longitudinal direction thereof; each groove (204) communicates with the tube cavity of the elastic deformation part (205); the lung volume-reducing instrument comprises the lung volume-reducing elastic implant (2) and a delivery device (1) matching same; the delivery device (1) comprises a guidewire (101) and a hollow push piece (110); the lung volume-reducing elastic implant (2) is det

Abstract: A duodenal sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve, an expandable sealing member, a tether, and an expandable anchor. The sleeve is secured to the sealing member. The tether couples the anchor with the sealing member. A deployment instrument comprises a shaft assembly, a first retention member, and a second retention member. The first retention member selectively secures the sealing member to the shaft assembly. The second retention member selectively secures the anchor to the shaft assembly. When the first retention member is released, the sealing member expands outwardly to seal the proximal end of the sleeve against the mucosa of the patient's duodenum. When the second retention member is released, the anchor expands outwardly within the stomach to anchor the sleeve assembly relative to the stomach. The tether traverses the pylorus. The sleeve isolates chyme from enzymes in the duodenum; and the mucosa of the duodenum from nutrients in the chyme.

Abstract: A medical device for draining a fluid from the body of a patient includes a tubular member having an open distal end that resides interiorly of the body of a patient and a proximal end that extends exteriorly of the body of the patient. The tubular member has an inner surface extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the inner surface defines a lumen. An interior member is disposed in the lumen and extends along a length of the inner surface. The interior member is engaged with the inner surface such that a chamber is defined therebetween. A conduit is engaged with the tubular member for transmission of an inflation fluid to selectively vary a dimension of the chamber for freeing clogged debris in the lumen.

Abstract: Methods and devices for redirecting at least a portion of a fluid from the mesenteric lymphatic system for elimination from the body are disclosed. The fluid may be redirected for elimination through the urinary system or redirected outside the body. The methods and devices disclosed may prevent a portion of a patient's dietary lipids, including cholesterol, from being absorbed, thereby reducing the total caloric load to assist in weight management.

Abstract: A medical device according to the present invention is to be arranged in a lumen of a gastrointestinal tract. The medical device includes: at least one cylindrical part which is opened at least one end thereof; and at least one attachment part which is arranged on at least one portion of the cylindrical part and is configured such that the medical device is attachable to the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. The cylindrical part is configured to be arrangeable along at least one portion of the gastrointestinal tract, and at least one portion of a side surface of the cylindrical part is configured to be followable to a shape of an inner wall of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A dynamic dual chamber breathing prosthesis and methods are provided. The dual chamber breathing prosthesis can include an elastic lung prosthetic capable of being implanted in a chest cavity of a patient in place of an excized portion of lung, such as a lobe, and a reservoir capable of being implanted in the patient. A tube can be configured to be operatively arranged between the elastic lung prosthetic and the reservoir such that the elastic lung prosthetic is in fluid communication with the reservoir. As a breathing cycle including an inspiration phase and an expiration phase alternatingly occur during normal respiration, a fluid is capable of being dynamically transferred between the elastic lung prosthetic and the reservoir during each breathing cycle.

Abstract: This invention is an expandable intragastric device for reducing food consumption and/or absorption. In an example, this device can be embodied in a plurality of longitudinal expandable members which are arranged in a colonnade configuration to form a restrictive food lumen within a stomach. Pumping a flowable substance between the interiors of these expandable members changes the rate of food flow through the stomach, the capacity of the stomach to hold food, and/or the amount of food absorbed by the body. This offers some of the beneficial effects of gastric sleeve surgery, while also being adjustable and reversible.

Abstract: A bariatric device 10 for use in inducing weight loss, comprising a cardiac element 12, a pyloric element 26, and a connecting element 25 between the two other elements, wherein the connecting element 25 provides structure between the cardiac 12 and pyloric 26 elements, keeping them largely in place and at least intermittently touching and applying pressure to the stomach's cardiac, adjacent fundic and pyloric regions, respectively, which produces a satiety signal to the user, giving the recipient a feeling of fullness and reducing his or her hunger feelings. Alternatively, the cardiac 12 and pyloric 26 elements may be symmetrical, so that the device can orient itself either way in the stomach and still achieve the weight loss function. Alternatively, the cardiac 12 and/or pyloric 26 elements may have a restriction element to slow gastric filling or emptying, to produce a satiety signal.

Abstract: An orthotopic artificial bladder endoprosthesis includes a base obtained with a multi-layered silicone membrane having an external surface and an internal surface both coated with pyrolytic turbostratic carbon; a resorbable cap obtained with a PGA fiber fabric, the base and the cap being connected with each other along respective edges, to define a closed enclosure; the base is connectable to the urethra and to the ureters of a patient; the base also being of substantially triangular form.

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

Abstract: An intragastric device including (1) a first wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape, a post-deployment shape greater than the pre-deployment state, and one or more openings on an upper portion of the first wire mesh structure that are configured to permit food to enter the device, (2) a second wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape a post-deployment shape greater than the pre-deployment state, and one or more openings on a lower portion of the second wire mesh structure that are configured to permit food to exit the device. A sleeve may be coupled to the lower portion of the wire mesh structure. An anti-migration collar may interconnect the wire mesh structure and the sleeve. In use, food enters the upper portion of the first wire mesh structure, passes through both wire mesh structures, and then exits the lower portion of the second wire mesh structure.

Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may provide slowed entry into the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse. The implants are formed of materials that permit the implant to be compressed into a substantially linear transoral delivery configuration and that will resist degradation over a period of at least six months within the stomach.

Abstract: A digestive tract device that can reduce an indwelling-induced burden on the living body includes: a tubular portion that includes a through hole; a holding portion that is provided on a proximal end side of the tubular portion, and holds the tubular portion in the living body; and support portions and which are provided in the holding portion, and are in contact with a plurality of sites of the digestive organ of the living body, and support the holding portion in such a way that the holding portion can move in at least one direction of a circumferential direction and a longitudinal direction of the tubular portion.

Abstract: A method of classifying a lung graft subjected to normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), during perfusion and/or after perfusion, the method comprising: a) collecting a test sample from the lung graft; b) measuring a polypeptide level of a negative transplant predictor gene product selected from CCG predictor gene products M-CSF, IL-8 SCGF-beta, GRO-alpha, G-CSF, MIP-1 alpha, and/or MIP-1beta, endothelin predictor gene products endothelin 1 (ET-1) and/or big ET-1, and/or apoptosis predictor gene products cytokeratin 18 (CK-18), caspase 3 and/or HMGB-1 in the sample and/or determining a metabolite profile of the sample for lung grafts that are from donors where the death was due to cardiac death (DCD); c) identifying the graft as a good candidate for transplant or a poor candidate for transplant wherein an increased polypeptide level of one or more negative transplant outcome predictor gene products compared to an outcome control or a reference metabolic profile is indicative the graft is a poor candidate