Abstract: A medical treatment device (200), for treating reflux from a stomach (201) to an oesophague (202) and for delivering a therapeutic agent to an inner surface of the oesophague (202), comprises a valve member (203), a lining member (204), and a support member (205). The valve member (203) is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which the valve member (203) facilitates passage of material between the oesophague (202) and the stomach (201). The valve member (203) is biased towards the closed configuration and gradually moves over a period of 4 to 10 secs from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The support member (205) supports the device (200) relative to the oesophague (202) and the stomach (201). The lining member (204) lines part of the inner surface of the oesophague (202) for delivery of a therapeutic agent to the oesophague (202).

Abstract: A medical treatment device (200), for treating reflux from a stomach (201) to an esophagus (202) and for delivering a therapeutic agent to an inner surface of the esophagus (202), comprises a valve member (203), a lining member (204), and a support member (205). The valve member (203) is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which the valve member (203) facilitates passage of material between the esophagus (202) and the stomach (201). The valve member (203) is biased towards the closed configuration and gradually moves over a period of 4 to 10 secs from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The support member (205) supports the device (200) relative to the esophagus (202) and the stomach (201). The lining member (204) lines part of the inner surface of the esophagus (202) for delivery of a therapeutic agent to the esophagus (202).

Abstract: An anti-reflux stent includes an extended inner sleeve, a stent surrounding at least a portion of the inner sleeve and a coating that bonds the stent to the inner sleeve whereby the extended inner sleeve can have a cross-sectional thickness that varies along the length of the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve is made of a material having a thickness and/or flexibility such that the distal end not surrounded by the stent collapses under gastric pressure to prevent the contents of the stomach from flowing into an esophagus. Food and liquid can pass through an inner lumen of the inner sleeve to enter a stomach when desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery. The conduit is a tube adapted to be positioned in the heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, at a site distal to the occlusion or stenosis. The conduit has a section of blood vessel attached to its interior lumen which preferably includes at least one naturally occurring one-way valve positioned therein. The valve prevents the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

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: Devices, systems, and methods for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) include anti-reflux valves and retainers for securing them within the lumen of the esophagus, stomach, or a hiatal hernia. The retainers contain inflatable balloons, some of which may be enveloped by a flexible shell that is used to secure the balloon to tissue. Methods are described for treating GERD patients who (1) have no hiatal hernia, (2) have a hiatal hernia that is fixed in place, or (3) have a hiatal hernia that slides above and below the diaphragm. Methods are also described for delivering GERD-treatment devices to their target locations within the patient's gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: Intragastric fluid transfer devices and related methods for operation thereof are disclosed. The intragastric fluid transfer devices and related methods are intended to assist a patient in maintaining a healthy body weight by stimulating the inner stomach walls and/or the inner duodenum walls. Features of the intragastric fluid transfer device include insertion of the devices transorally and without invasive surgery, without associated patient risks of invasive surgery, and without substantial patient discomfort. The life span of these intragastric fluid transfer devices may be material-dependent upon long-term survivability within an acidic stomach, but is intended to last one year or longer.

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: 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: An inert adapter for supporting gastric devices. The adapter is connected to the inner lining of the stomach to encircle the esophageal sphincter and supports a treatment element. The treatment element is operated only after at least the healing period of the connection has passed. The adapter and the treatment element may be endoscopically inserted in a single action, and the activation of the treatment element may be carried out externally or internally by the dissolution of a dissolvable element. The adapter may support various treatment elements, such as an intake limiting pouch or an anti GERD device, and may additionally deliver drugs. Allowing a late activation of the device without additional intervention or even supervision simplifies gastric device applications and enhances their safety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve device designed to be implanted in a dysfunctional larynx or in a prosthetic larynx. The valve device has a distal portion forming an annular support structure and a central portion forming an obturator. The obturator includes i) a peripheral part forming a first valve integral with the annular support structure in a first hinge region, and ii) a central part forming a second valve integral with the first valve in a second hinge region.

Abstract: A pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient.

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: Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to a novel esophageal device implantable in the patient's body and designed to replicate the restrictive and satiety mechanism associated with gastric banding systems known in the art. The device can be a compliant and tubular-shaped and fixated within the gastro-esophageal lumen using tissue anchors.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a bypass device includes gastric and duodenal anchors coupled to each other and positioned on either side of the pylorus and a hollow sleeve designed to extend from the pylorus through at least a proximal portion of a patient's small intestine. The gastric and duodenal anchors are movable between collapsed configurations for advancement through the esophagus and an expanded configuration for inhibiting movement of the anchors through the pyloric sphincter. Thus, the bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process.

Abstract: An elongate hollow body (1) comprising crystalline cellulose has on an inside wall a plurality of protuberances (3, 4) which extend into a lumen of the hollow body (1). A process for the production of an elongate hollow body (1) comprising crystalline cellulose comprises the steps: preparation of a hollow mold (12); cultivation of cellulose-forming organisms in an interior space formed by the hollow mold (12), in order to allow the hollow body (1) to grow in the interior space; demolding of the hollow mold (12). In the step of demolding the hollow mold (12), at least part of the hollow mold (12) is irreversibly deformed.

Abstract: A stent comprised of a valve and a scaffolding structure having components configured to allow at least a portion of the stent to decrease in diameter in response to an axial force applied to the stent. Further, the components and elements of the stent may be configured to balance transverse forces applied to the stent, thus reducing the incidence of infolding.

Abstract: The resorption of a medical implant can be controlled with the use of particles embedded in a resorbable bulk material forming the implant or portion thereof. The implant can be removed from a body of a mammal by natural biological mechanisms after use. The resorption of the implant can involve swelling and/or hydrolyzing of the particles within the implant upon contact with a body fluid such that porosity and flow of fluid within the bulk material of the implant is increased. Resorption of the implant may also involve the use of particles with magnetic properties embedded within the implant such that an applied magnetic field causes the particles to vibrate within the bulk material thereby increasing the porosity and thus the flow of fluid, hence facilitating resorption of the implant. The resorption rate of the implant can be controlled by modulating swelling, hydrolysis, or movement of the embedded particles.

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: Methods of reducing retrograde fluid flow through a valve within a body vessel are provided. The methods can include the steps of identifying a valve exhibiting an undesirable amount of retrograde fluid flow within a body vessel, such as a venous valve or a heart valve, and providing a means for reducing the retrograde fluid flow. A medical device providing a desired amount of retrograde fluid flow can be modified after permitting the medical device to remain in a body cavity for a remodeling-effective time period. The implanted medical device can be modified by subsequently reducing the amount of retrograde fluid flow permitted across the implanted prosthetic valve within the body vessel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for modifying the location at which bodily fluids interact with nutrients in a gastrointestinal tract. The methods and devices utilize a conduit configured to divert bodily fluids from an entrance within a gastrointestinal tract to a location downstream from the entrance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.

Abstract: Provided is a shunt device that promotes stimulation of secretion of intestinal L-cells and other enteroendocrine cell types. Enteroendocrine secretion is stimulated directly or indirectly by shunting bile and/or pancreatic secretion to segments of the gut more distal than would normally occur The shunt device may be a flexible catheter that is impervious to such secretions, with a proximal end draining the pancreatic/bile duct, and a distal end residing distally within the lumen of the small or large intestine. The shunt may be inserted with minimally invasive techniques, such as by endoscopy.

Abstract: A bariatric device 10 for use in inducing weight loss, comprising a lower stomach element 26 which contacts the lower stomach at least intermittently to produce a satiety signal to the user, giving a feeling of fullness and reducing hunger. The lower stomach element 26 may be combined with a positional element 25 extending into the upper stomach to maintain the device's position for at least intermittent contact with the lower stomach. Alternatively, first and second elements 12, 13 may be symmetrically attached to the positioning element 25, so that the device can orient itself either way in the stomach. The lower stomach, first, or second elements 26, 12, 13 may have a restriction element to slow gastric filling or emptying, to produce a satiety signal. In any of the embodiments, the bariatric device may be adjustable, either manually, automatically or remotely, to optimally size and/or position the device.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device comprises a sleeve for extending into the duodenum and an artificial valve for placement at the pylorus to control flow from the stomach into the duodenal sleeve. The implant device also comprises a support structure for the valve.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an occluded infection collection along the digestive tract with a stent delivered to an appendix, diverticulum or other anatomical structure of the digestive tract. A device and method to remove an obstruction from an occluded infection collection along the digestive tract with an obstruction removal device delivered to an appendix, diverticulum or other anatomical structure of the digestive tract.

Abstract: A delivery system comprises a delivery catheter with a distal capsule which contains a scaffold, a valve and a sleeve in the retracted configuration. The delivery system includes a proximal expandable element provided by an inflatable proximal balloon and a distal expandable element provided by a distal balloon. The proximal balloon provides a temporary seal at the proximal side of the valve. The distal balloon provides a temporary distal seal between a distal olive and a distal end of the sleeve. An inflation fluid is introduced into the sleeve between the proximal and distal balloons the fluid causes the sleeve to expand axially to the expanded deployed configuration. When the sleeve is in the extended deployed configuration the distal balloon is deflated, allowing the olive to detach and travel distally. The rest of the delivery system can then be withdrawn proximally, leaving the implant device in situ.

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: 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 pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient.

Abstract: A portable negative pressure wound therapy system includes a dressing assembly for positioning over a wound to apply a negative pressure to the wound and a canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a control unit having a vacuum source and a controller and a collection canister in communication with the dressing assembly operable to receive fluid from the wound. The collection canister has a filter assembly having a filter and a passageway between the filter and a wall of the collection canister. The collection canister also includes a canister interface having a suction port, an inlet port, and a channel. The vacuum source draws air through the suction port from the channel which draws air from the passageway connected to the channel, the air in the passageway is drawn from the collection canister through the filter, and the air in the collection canister is drawn through the inlet port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow control device for a bronchial passageway. The device can includes a valve member that regulates fluid flow through the flow control device, a frame coupled to the valve member, and a membrane attached to the frame. At least a portion of the flow control device forms a seal with the interior wall of the bronchial passageway when the flow control device is implanted in the bronchial passageway. The membrane forms a fluid pathway from the seal into the valve member to direct fluid flowing through the bronchial passageway into the valve member.

Abstract: A pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensitive prosthesis that includes a tubular member having a passageway extending therethrough and a sleeve attached about one end of the tubular member. The sleeve functions as a one-way valve to permit fluid flowing through the sleeve lumen in a first, distal direction and under a first pressure, while collapsing in response to fluid flowing in a second direction when the pressure thereof exceeds that of the first direction or pressure. One aspect of the invention includes a first opening and a second opening configured for allowing fluid flow from the passage to the lumen in the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery. The conduit is a tube adapted to be positioned in the heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, at a site distal to the occlusion or stenosis. The conduit has a section of blood vessel attached to its interior lumen which preferably includes at least one naturally occurring one-way valve positioned therein. The valve prevents the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

Abstract: Therapeutic device intended for the selective cytoreductive treatment of an obstruction in a natural lumen or passage of the human or animal body, said lumen being obstructed by the effect of a local cell proliferation, said device comprising a tubular element, in particular of cylindrical shape, intended to be placed in said natural lumen and sufficiently flexible to conform to said natural lumen, but sufficiently rigid to maintain an artificial channel in said lumen. The tubular element supports lengthwise a medicinal sleeve which is intended to come into line with, and into contact with, the obstruction once the natural lumen has been intubated, and is designed to deliver locally, at least in its outer surface portion, at least one therapeutic agent which is cytoreductive, in particular cytotoxic, through contact with the cells under whose effect said lumen is obstructed.

Abstract: A modular system for therapy within a gastrointestinal system. The 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 modular design allows the physician to tailor the therapy to the patient's needs. The modular 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: The object of the present patent is characterized by being a brand-new device which was developed to control the esophageal flow; it is made of biosynthetic material based on the natural latex extracted from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, to be applied in the esophagus in order to control or limit the speed and amount of food intake and, thus, to provide weight loss. It preserves all digestive system functions, decreases food intake with the reduction of the esophagus lumen and, in turn, decreases the organ emptying, thus controlling the speed and amount of food intake.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses, systems, and methods for treating tissue at a tissue site in a mammal that includes a scaffold adapted to be disposed adjacent to the tissue site and to be fluidly coupled to a blood vessel of the mammal for receiving blood therefrom. Additionally, a scaffold is provided that includes a charged surface comprising a streaming potential.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. The second end prevents access to an inner wall of the tube. Further, the apparatus includes a valve operably connected to the first end of the tube and configured to provide access to the inner wall of the tube to a guiding member inserted through the valve. The guiding member positions the tube in an umbilical vessel of an umbilical cord prior to occlusion of the umbilical vessel so that the tube remains within the umbilical vessel after occlusion of the umbilical vessel.

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: Devices, systems, and methods for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) include anti-reflux valves and retainers for securing them within the lumen of the esophagus, stomach, or a hiatal hernia. The retainers contain inflatable balloons, some of which may be enveloped by a flexible shell that is used to secure the balloon to tissue. Devices with more than one balloon, a low-profile leaf valve, and a sleeve valve are used to treat reflux in patients with a hiatal hernia. The leaf valve may also be configured for its control by constriction by gastrointestinal lumen muscle, through radial compression of the valve's flange. Bi-directional combination valves are used to treat or diagnose patients with reflux due to transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESR). Those valves pass reflux through a channel in which gas and liquid reflux are separated.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: An anti-reflux ureteral stent includes an elongated member with a distal end having a first retention structure and a proximal end having a second retention structure. A lumen extends between the distal and proximal ends. The elongated member may include a valve near the proximal end and distal to the second retention structure. The valve may include one or more slits or windows tending to render the elongated member collapsible. The valve may include one or more protrusions to partially occlude the lumen. A protrusion, if present, may be shaped as a helical thread. The second retention structure may be shaped as a barb to engage a ureteral orifice in a bladder.

Abstract: Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.

Abstract: An esophageal valve comprising a polymeric valve body having an outer support region, at least three valve leaflets, and a main body region extending between the support region and the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve is closed, an antegrade open configuration in which the valve leaflets are opened in response to an antegrade force to allow flow through the valve and a retrograde open configuration in response to a retrograde force which is substantially larger than the antegrade force.

Abstract: A heart valve can be replaced using minimally invasive methods which include a sutureless sewing cuff that and a fastener delivery tool that holds the cuff against the patient's tissue while delivering fasteners to attach the cuff to the tissue from the inside out. The tool stores a plurality of fasteners and is self-contained whereby a fastener is delivered and placed all from inside a vessel. The fasteners are self-forming whereby they do not need an anvil to be formed. Anchor elements are operated from outside the patient's body to cinch a prosthesis to an anchoring cuff of the valve body. The cuff is releasably mounted on the tool and the tool holds the cuff against tissue and drives the fastener through the cuff and the tissue before folding over the legs of the fastener whereby secure securement between the cuff and the tissue is assured. Fasteners are placed and formed whereby fasteners are located continuously throughout the entire circumference of the cuff.