Abstract: A stent including a tubular body formed of one or more interwoven wires, a first anchor member disposed adjacent the first open end of the stent, a second anchor member disposed adjacent the second open end of the stent, and at least one divider disposed between the first and second anchor members. The first and second anchor members and the divider extend radially outward from the tubular body to divide the tubular body into at least a first saddle region extending between the first anchor member and the divider and a second saddle region extending between the second anchor member and the divider.

Abstract: A heart valve system, the system including a radially self-expandable tubular body, a valve, and a tubular fabric. The tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end. The valve being coupled to the tubular body and including a plurality of valve leaflets. The fabric being disposed on an outer surface of the tubular body, and the fabric having an inflow end and an outflow end. Furthermore, the outflow end of the fabric being directly connected to an outer circumferential edge of the valve.

Abstract: Provided is an in-vivo indwelling tube having a high flap strength and passing smoothly through a conduit of an endoscope. A tubular member having a proximal side and a distal side; a proximal flap, including a base end on a proximal side and a free end on a distal side, on the proximal side of the tubular member; and a distal flap, including a base end on a distal side and a free end on a proximal side, on the distal side of the tubular member are arranged; where the tubular member includes a distal side first supporting member provided on a distal side of a midpoint between the base end and the free end of the distal flap or a proximal side first supporting member provided on a proximal side of a midpoint between the base end and the free end of the proximal flap.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic heart valve leaflets of particular shapes that control bending character. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve comprises a leaflet frame having a generally tubular shape with attached film. The leaflet frame defines a plurality of leaflet windows. The film defines at least one leaflet extending from each of the leaflet windows. Each leaflet attachment zone on the leaflet frame has substantially the shape of an isosceles trapezoid having two leaflet sides, a leaflet base and a leaflet free edge opposite the leaflet base. The two leaflet sides diverge from the leaflet base, wherein the leaflet base is substantially flat.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valve devices having a leaflet frame and a non-sewn mechanically coupled leaflet. The described leaflet frames have projections that are configured to couple with apertures located within the leaflet attachment region of a leaflet. Some embodiments are further directed toward pulmonary valved conduits incorporating such leaflet and leaflet frame constructs. Methods of making and using such prosthetic valve devices are also described amongst others.

Abstract: The balloon includes a pouch formed of a sealed wall delimiting an internal space, and a valve for filling the internal space with a fluid, capable of being occluded after filling the internal space. The pouch delimits a fluid-draining orifice opening into the internal space. The balloon further includes an occluding ball that occludes the draining orifice. The occluding ball can be spherical or polyhedral, and be capable of releasing the draining orifice under the effect of a magnetic field, so as to enable the at least partial drainage of the fluid contained in the internal space. The occluding ball is movable along at least two distinct axes in relation to the pouch.

Abstract: A valve member provides for the flow of vapors from a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine to escape the fuel tank. The valve member may include a valve and a boss or spacer. The valve is configured to selectively control the flow of vapor from the fuel tank. The boss or spacer is positioned in a predetermined relationship to the valve, and the boss or spacer prevents a deformation of the valve from disrupting the selectively controlled flow of vapor from the fuel tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for use at a native heart valve of a subject is described. For some applications, the apparatus comprises a prosthetic valve support, configured (a) to be implanted at the native valve, (b) to facilitate, at a first period, implantation at the native valve of a first prosthetic valve, and (c) to facilitate, at a second period, implantation at the native valve of a second prosthetic valve. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A prosthesis and a method of manufacturing the prosthesis for controlling flow through a bodily lumen are provided. The prosthesis includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough. The prosthesis also includes a valve operably connected to the body. The valve has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending through the valve, where the valve lumen is connected to the body lumen. The valve is configured to be closed in the absence of an antegrade pressure and a retrograde pressure, the retrograde pressure being greater than the antegrade pressure. The valve includes a material portion operably connected to the valve, the material portion providing increased stiffness to the valve relative to the valve alone, wherein the material portion is configured to facilitate self-reversion of the valve to the closed configuration.

Abstract: In some examples an implantable medical device may include a frame and a flexible tubular valve body. The frame may define a frame lumen and may be expandable from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. The flexible tubular valve body may extend between a downstream end and an upstream end. The valve body may define a valve lumen, a downstream opening at the downstream end, and an upstream opening at the upstream end. The valve body may be attached to the frame such that the frame lumen is in fluid communication with the valve lumen. The valve body may comprise a neck and may be configured to fold about the neck to at least partially close the valve lumen. The valve body may be configured to collapse in an absence of fluid flow through the valve lumen to at least partially close the valve lumen.

Abstract: A device for treating acid reflux comprising a sleeve configured and dimensioned for insertion into the esophagus of the patient, the sleeve having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion between the distal and proximal portions. The sleeve includes a an inner member applying a radial force on the sleeve for securement within the esophagus, and a skirt connected to the sleeve to block acid backup from the stomach while not inhibiting passage of food into the stomach.

Abstract: A liner support frame is configured to be positioned in a gastrointestinal tract of a human and to support a liner which inhibits nutrient absorption and anchor the liner in place in the gastrointestinal tract, the liner support frame includes a plurality of frame members connected to one another so that the liner support frame possesses a plurality of openings. The liner support frame includes a plurality of frame portions arranged axially and possessing different tapers.

Abstract: A bariatric device for use in inducing weight loss, comprising a cardiac element and a fixation element wherein the fixation element attaches the cardiac element to the upper stomach to allow the cardiac element to apply at least intermittent pressure to the upper stomach which produces a satiety signal to the user, giving the recipient a feeling of fullness and reducing his or her hunger feelings. The device may also contain an esophageal element which is connected to the cardiac element by a connecting element.

Abstract: A prosthesis and a method for making a prosthesis for controlling flow through a bodily lumen are provided. The prosthesis includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough and further includes a valve operably connected to the body. The valve has a distal end including a first portion of a surface of the valve lumen and a second portion of the surface that contact each other and form a seal in a closed configuration. The distal end of the valve is formed such that the first portion and the second portion of the surface of the valve lumen contact each other and the distal end is configured to open in response to a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end.

Abstract: A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction.

Abstract: A prosthesis and a method for controlling flow through a bodily lumen in a first direction and a second direction are provided. The prosthesis includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a body lumen extending therethrough. The prosthesis also includes a first valve for controlling flow through the body lumen in a first direction where the first valve forms a first opening in the prosthesis. The prosthesis includes a second valve for controlling flow through the body lumen in a second direction where the second valve includes a portion that contacts the body in a closed configuration and the portion is spaced apart from the body in an open configuration to form the second opening. The first opening is positioned apart from the second opening and the second opening opens in response to a higher pressure than the first opening.

Abstract: A 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 where the curved portion is configured for placement proximal to a sphincter. The body also includes a substantially straight distal portion having first and second retaining members. The second retaining member is positioned on the distal portion and the first retaining member is positioned proximal to the second retaining member. The first and second retaining members are positioned on a common longitudinal axis extending along a wall of the distal portion and the first and second retaining members extend away from the body in a common direction so that a free end of the first retaining member and a free end of the second retaining member extend away from a distal end of the body.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, is described. The valve prosthesis has a support frame formed from a cannula and an attached covering that defines an opening adapted to move between a first position in which the opening is open to fluid flow and a second position in which the opening is closed to fluid flow. The support frame includes a leaflet support portion and a circumferential centering support element disposed adjacent the leaflet support portion with respect to a lengthwise axis of the support frame and mirroring the leaflet support portion with respect to a transverse axis of the support frame.

Abstract: A system for therapy within a gastrointestinal system includes anchoring or attachment functionality embodied in a low-profile implant technology and removable therapy components, which can be reversibly attached to these low-profile implants to accomplish various therapies. This design allows the physician to tailor the therapy to the patient's needs. The system has the potential to create conduits for diversion and/or restriction of food and organ secretions and to facilitate the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and T2DM.

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

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a stent graft having a tubular configuration defining a lumen therethrough, the stent graft having a proximal section and a distal section. A folded section is positioned between the proximal section and the distal section. The folded section includes a first fold directed toward the distal end and engaged with the proximal section and a second fold directed toward the proximal end and engaged with the distal section. A valve arrangement is positioned in at least one of the first and second folds providing access from an exterior of the graft to the interior of the stent graft for insertion of an additional device.

Abstract: An anti-reflux valve having a mesh scaffolding and a valve extending from the mesh scaffolding, the valve supported by a loop. The loop can be formed by a filament extending from the mesh scaffolding or by a loop filament separate from the filament(s) forming the mesh scaffolding.

Abstract: This invention provides a duodenum endothelium membrane made of degradable shape-memory biocompatible materials. The endothelium membrane planted in the duodenum can divide chyme and bile-pancreatic juice, avoiding direct digestion, absorption, and metabolism of gastric effluent in the duodenum. After being implanted, the endothelium membrane is stable and difficult to slip and incarcerate, and is gradually degraded through two months to five years, avoiding complicated operation and organ tissue injury when removing later, and slowing down the “rebound” effect after complete demolition of the original barrier in an instant. The endothelium membrane is prepared into the medical device free of removing and treating obesity and diabetes. The endothelium membrane can avoid the deflation of the tubular portion induced by gastrointestinal peristalsis and gap increase between the endothelium membrane of the tubular portion and inner wall of the duodenum further to avoid regurgitation of jejunum contents.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and promoting tissue growth in wounds, in which irrigant fluid optionally containing cell nutrients and/or other physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing, a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The apparatus has means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: The pyloric obesity valve includes a tubular valve body having proximal and distal ends. The valve body has an intermediate section which is between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is enlarged transversely relative to the intermediate section. The valve body has an inner surface and a lumen. The inner surface which is within the intermediate section has across-sectional area which is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the inner surface which coincides with the proximal end to resist a flow through the lumen of the valve body from the proximal end to the intermediate section.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a system and method for preventing or substantially reducing the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux in a human or animal, in particular by the fixation of a valve based device (10) within the stomach of such a human or animal, about the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, which device supersedes the operation of said lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, in particular in situations when the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle is damaged.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection device, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing can be powered by auxiliary power sources such as high efficiency batteries, photovoltaic panels or cells, fuel cells, combustion generators, human powered generators, or other mechanical, electrical, or chemical power sources such as hand operated dynamos or wound springs, or any combination of the foregoing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a high efficiency pressure controller for controlling the output of the vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the pressure controller can control the pump without using a processor, and can have other features such as an intermittent delay function and an anti-stall mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus.

Abstract: The pyloric obesity valve includes a tubular valve body having proximal and distal ends. The valve body has an intermediate section which is between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is enlarged transversely relative to the intermediate section. The valve body has an inner surface and a lumen. The inner surface which is within the intermediate section has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the inner surface which coincides with the proximal end to resist a flow through the lumen of the valve body from the proximal end to the intermediate section.

Abstract: A valve loading system is provided that uses a valve loader to transfer a valve or other medical device from a storage cartridge into a deployment catheter. The valve or other medical device can be implanted or positioned within a patient using the catheter after the valve or other medical device has been compressed and loaded into the catheter using the valve loader. The process then can be repeated by using the valve loading system to load or introduce another valve or other medical device into the catheter.

Abstract: Implantable device embodiments, such as stents, and particularly esophageal stents, formed of a scaffolding structure are disclosed. The scaffolding structure is formed of one or more strand elements arranged in a braided pattern. A covering may coat the scaffolding structure. A valve can be secured to the scaffolding structure and/or the covering. Anti-migration features may be formed by bends in the one or more strand elements. The bends forming the anti-migration features protrude outwardly away from an outer surface of the implantable device.

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: An apparatus for delivering an implanted structure to a desired target site within a body lumen of a patient includes a catheter having a longitudinally extending catheter lumen and adapted to provide access to the body lumen. A framing member has a collapsed condition in which the framing member is adapted for insertion into the body lumen through the catheter lumen and an expanded condition in which the framing member is adapted for placement within the body lumen. At least one target point is carried by the framing member and is adapted for placement adjacent the desired target site. A holding mechanism is carried by the framing member and is adapted to releasably grasp the implanted structure. At least one target pathway is attached to at least one target point. At least a portion of the target pathway extends through the catheter lumen.

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

Abstract: A prosthesis and a method of controlling flow through a bodily lumen are provided. The prosthesis includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough. The prosthesis also includes a first valve and a second valve operably connected to the body. The first valve has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a distal end extending distally relative to the proximal portion of the body and a lumen extending through the first valve. The first valve is dosed in the absence of a second and third pressure that are greater than a first pressure. The second valve has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a distal end extending distally relative to a proximal portion of the body and a lumen extending through the second valve, the distal end of the first valve extending distal to the distal end of the second valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a triblock copolymer and a viscoelastic biostable foam comprising the same.

Abstract: Valve implant systems positionable within a flow passage, the systems having an inlet, an outlet, and a remotely activatable valve between the inlet and outlet, with the valves being operable to provide intermittent occlusion of the flow path. A remote field is applied to provide thermal or magnetic activation of the valves.

Abstract: A stent system is provided that includes a stent and a migration-prevention bridle extending from the stent and secured to a portion of the body so as to resist or prevent movement of the stent relative to the portion of the body. Methods of use include positioning a stent that includes a one-way valve in an unexpanded orientation in an passageway of a patient, expanding the stent after being located adjacent an esophageal perforation such that the one-way valve controls the flow of material through the esophageal passageway, and extending a migration-prevention bridle into the esophageal passageway and securing it to the stent. A second portion of the migration-prevention bridle is then secured to a body part of the patient to help resist or prevent migration of the stent. Additional methods, systems, stent apparatuses, and a kit including a stent and instructions for the use of same are also provided.

Abstract: A prosthesis and a method for controlling flow through a bodily lumen in a first direction and a second direction are provided. The prosthesis includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a body lumen extending therethrough. The prosthesis also includes a first valve for controlling flow through the body lumen in a first direction where the first valve forms a first opening in the prosthesis. The prosthesis includes a second valve for controlling flow through the body lumen in a second direction where the second valve includes a portion that contacts the body in a closed configuration and the portion is spaced apart from the body in an open configuration to form the second opening. The first opening is positioned apart from the second opening and the second opening opens in response to a higher pressure than the first opening.

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: The present invention provides a base material which can be formed into valved lumen shape tissue having an ampulla and a leaflet consisting of body tissue. Specifically, the base material includes a first column 5 that forms an upstream tubular section 4 of a blood vessel 3, a second column 7 that forms a downstream tubular section 6 of the blood vessel 3, a plurality of bulges 10 for forming an ampulla 8 and a leaflet 9 of the blood vessel 3, and engagement means 11 that causes the bulge 10 to engage the first column 5 and/or the second column 7. The engagement means 11 includes recesses 15a and 15b in axial end surfaces of one or both of the first column 5 and the second column 7, and an engagement section 18 that overhangs from a bulge body 17 and engages the recesses. An outer peripheral surface of the body 17 of the bulge 10 is an ampulla forming surface 20, and a gap provided between the bulge body 17 and the first column 5 and/or the second column 7 is a leaflet forming section 22.

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

Abstract: 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: Valve implant systems positionable within a flow passage, the systems having an inlet, an outlet, and a remotely activatable valve between the inlet and outlet, with the valves being operable to provide intermittent occlusion of the flow path. A remote field is applied to provide thermal or magnetic activation of the valves.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein related generally to a device that enables the directional control of flow through an anatomical tract of the body. More particularly, the device described herein includes a valve from a plurality of projections. In some implementations, the projections are configured as flaps, posts, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the device is implanted into a patient's esophagus to prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease. The plurality of projections allow flow into a patient's stomach while substantially preventing a backflow of undesired fluids from the patient's stomach to the patient's esophagus.

Abstract: A medical device and a method for controlling flow through a bodily lumen are provided. The medical device includes a valve device positioned within the bodily lumen. The valve device includes a movable member movable within the bodily lumen and a magnetic portion operably connected to the movable member to facilitate positioning the movable member in a first configuration. The magnetic portion has a magnetic attraction to another magnetic portion or a portion of the valve device having a charge opposite a charge of the magnetic portion. The valve device is movable from the first configuration substantially closing the bodily lumen in the presence of a first pressure within the bodily lumen to a second configuration in response to a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure. The valve device is open in the second configuration and the movable member is normally positioned in the first configuration.

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 valve that includes an expandable valve body defining a lumen and a longitudinally moveable obstructer retained within the lumen of the valve body between the proximal and distal ends of the valve when the valve is in an expanded configuration. The valve, in the collapsed configuration, is delivered to a native valve site by a catheter where the valve body is expanded to anchor the valve at the valve annulus and the collapsed obstructer is subsequently expanded so that the valve is in the expanded configuration.