Abstract: A method of breasts reconstruction utilizes a breast prosthesis having a plurality of chambers or compartments distributed through a body member or shell in the form of a breast. The chambers are disposed along the superior, lateral and inferior surfaces, as well as in the interior, of the body member. The chambers are differentially pressurized or filled in order to control the shape of the prosthesis upon implantation thereof. Valves are provided for regulating the flow of fluid into and from the chambers. The prosthesis and the fill levels of the respective chambers may be selected by computer.

Abstract: Disclosed are an instrument, valve prosthesis and procedure for the minimally invasive implantation of a sutureless anti-reflux valve in a patient for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. A prosthesis is provided that comprises a cylindrical housing, a mounting ring and a one-way anti-reflux valve depending from the mounting ring. The cylindrical housing is constructed of a memory material that can be fixed in the gastroesophageal junction. The mounting ring and the anti-reflux valve are fixed within the housing.

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 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 an esophageal anti-reflux expandable prosthesis wherein the sleeve is adapted to invert back through the tubular stent frame to permit belching or vomiting (fluid or materials under a third, significantly higher pressure). Another aspect of the invention includes a tubular drainage stent, such as a biliary or urethral stent in which the sleeve opens to permit passage of fluids, then collapses to prevent retrograde flow.

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: The invention relates to a generally tubular prosthesis (1) for controlling the direction of flow in a duct (O) of a living organism. Said prosthesis consists of a biocompatible, elastically deformable material and comprises an annular proximal fixing part (1a) in a section (H) of the duct (O) with a greater diameter; and a distal part (1b) whose wall is designed in such a way that it can collapse on itself in the event that an overpressure is exerted on its outer surface. The diameter of said annular proximal fixing part (1a) is substantially equal to that of said section (H) of the duct (O) with a greater diameter and its resistance to crushing is significantly greater than that of the distal part (1b) of the prosthesis (1) so that the annular proximal part (1a) can retain the prosthesis (1) in the duct (O) of the living organism.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The pump assembly has an actuating bar with ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the cylinders from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.

Abstract: A pump and valve assembly for an implantable prosthesis is provided with an internal actuating bar positioned such that when any portion of the housing is compressed, the check valves within are opened allowing for deflation of the cylinders. The pump and valve assembly also includes a textured surface over a portion of the housing to allow for quick identification of the component, as well as to make it easier for the patient to grasp it. The valve assembly further comprising an actuating bar which has ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the cylinders from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.

Abstract: A pump and valve assembly for an implantable prothsesis is provided with an internal actuating bar positioned such that when any portion of the housing is compressed, the check valves within are opened allowing for deflation of the cylinders. The pump and valve assembly also includes a textured surface over a portion of the housing to allow for quick identification of the component, as well as to make it easier for the patient to grasp it. The pump bulb has a different size than than the valve assembly, further facilating the differention between the two based on tactile perception.

Abstract: A device to provide body fluid flow control in the form of a valve to be located within a duct or passageway. The device is controlled through pressure above a preselected threshold. Bulk resilience about a passageway in a valve body provides the mechanism for controlled flow. One-way valve operation may be provided through a flap or through a pressure differential on the valve body depending upon the direction of flow. A frame structure positioned within a resilient seal includes longitudinally elongate elements which may be of spring material, malleable material or heat recoverable material so as to accomplish an initial insertion state and an expanded anchoring state. A valve support transitions between the resilient seal portion and the valve body to insure that the states do not change the threshold opening pressure. Insertion devices may be employed to position and actuate a change of state of the frame in the body duct or passageway.

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.

Abstract: The bladder consists of two chambers of self-restoring elastic material. A check valve is provided between both chambers that is biased in the flow direction and allows liquid to pass only when the differential pressure exceeds a certain limit value. The liquid from the kidney first reaches the first chamber, and after a certain amount of liquid has accumulated there, the liquid flows through the valve into the second chamber. The chambers are arranged in an eight-shaped configuration. The bladder has a flat design and allows for an advantageous anatomic adaptation to the implantation area between ribs and ala of the ilium. Further, a suction pressure is obtained that is relatively uniform in regard of the filling level.

Abstract: A urethral prosthesis provides relief of urinary retention and has first and second tubular elements with an interposed bridge segment. A valve can be disposed in the second tubular element to control the flow of urine therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensitive prosthesis (10) that includes a tubular member (11) having a passageway (12) extending therethrough and a sleeve (13) attached about one end of the tubular member. The sleeve functions as a one-way valve to permit fluid flowing through the sleeve lumen (15) in a first direction (17) and under a first pressure, while collapsing in response to fluid flowing in a second direction 18 where the pressure that exceeds that of the first direction or pressure. One aspect of the invention includes an esophageal anti-reflux expandable prosthesis wherein the sleeve is adapted to invert back through the tubular stent frame to permit belching or vomiting (fluid or materials under a third, significantly higher pressure). Another aspect of the invention includes a tubular drainage stent (60), such as a biliary or urethral stent in which the sleeve opens to permit passage of fluids, then collapses to prevent retrograde flow.

Abstract: A prosthetic aortic conduit for replacing a root portion of an aorta is provided. The conduit comprises a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion which are connected together along a substantially common axis. The second tubular portion does not substantially deform in a longitudinal direction and has resilient means which allow said second portion to be expandable in a lateral direction. This second portion is able to deform laterally to mimic the function of the sinuses of Valsalva.

Abstract: An esophageal prosthesis (10) for preventing reflux of gastric fluids through the esophagus. The esophageal prosthesis process includes a tubular frame (11) with a sleeve (13) disposed around and longitudinally along the tubular frame as well as extending from the distal end (14) of the frame. The lower portion (28) of the sleeve has a readily collapsible lumen (15) that forms a one-way valve for preventing the reflux of gastric fluids in an antegrade manner through the esophagus. Fluids however readily flow through the sleeve in a antegrade direction. In response to a pressure build up in the stomach of a patient wanting to belch or vomit, the lower portion of the sleeve inverts through the passage (12) of the tubular frame, thereby relieving the pressure build up or voiding the patient's stomach.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis is disclosed which is implantable within a vein or other blood vessel of a patient using a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The prosthesis includes a tubular wire frame which presses radially outward against the inner walls of the blood vessel following implantation to hold the prosthesis in position. Multiple flow-resistive pockets that open and close in response to changes in blood flow direction are attached to the frame to impede the flow of blood in the reverse direction. The prosthesis is implanted using an introducer catheter which holds the prosthesis in a radially-compressed state as the prosthesis is inserted into and positioned within the blood vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed are an instrument, valve prosthesis and procedure for the minimally invasive implantation of a sutureless anti-reflux valve in a patient for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. A prosthesis is provided that comprises a cylindrical housing, a mounting ring and a one-way anti-reflux valve depending from the mounting ring. The cylindrical housing is constructed of a memory material that can be fixed in the gastroesophageal junction. The mounting ring and the anti-reflux valve are fixed within the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument, valve prosthesis and procedure for the minimally invasive implantation of a sutureless anti-reflux valve in a patient for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Self-anchoring or stapleable one-way anti-reflux valve prostheses are provided, which may be implanted proximate a patient's gastroesophageal junction without open or laparoscopic surgery. An instrument for the peroral insertion, positioning and fixing of the valve prosthesis to the tissue of the esophagus is described for the implantation of either the self-anchoring or stapleable prosthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthetic gastroesophageal valve assembly, for transesophageal implantation to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. The valve assembly includes an anchor for attachment to the wall of the esophagus and a valve permanently or removably connected to the anchor. Related devices and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implant and coverings for an implant for use in the human body are disclosed. Coverings for implants are constructed to present a biocompatible surface to the body and to provide a textured surface which serves to disorganize scar tissue which forms around the implant. Filaments of expanded PTFEe are attached to a stretch fabric backing in a loose weave configuration. Silicone molded in geometric patterns may be employed to present a textured surface. Compressive structures may be beneficially used on the surface of the implant or in the interior of the implant. Foam is one such compressive structure. Hexagonally shaped compressive cells containing fluid, gas, gel or foam are adapted to receive an insert which contains an outer biocompatible coating. A valve or port is provided to communicate between the cell and the body. Expansion means may be provided to expand the implant in a desired direction.