Abstract:
The present invention relates to a reflux disease treatment apparatus, comprising an implantable movement restriction device with an elongated shape that maintains cardia in the correct position and an implantable stimulation device adapted to engage with the cardia sphincter of a patient. The movement has proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end is adapted to stabilize and hold the distal end. The invention further comprises a control device for controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the cardia sphincter. The distal end can be further adapted to treat obesity, for example by stretching the wall of the stomach or filling out a volume of the stomach.
Abstract:
An apparatus for treating obesity comprising a volume filling device assembled from at least two segments is provided. Following implantation, the device is placed resting against the stomach wall of the patient to reduce the inner volume of the stomach, thereby affecting the patient's appetite.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for traversing an anatomic wall. A system can include a port that mates with an anatomic wall and provides a lumen for the passage of a guide tube of a transluminal device. The port can inhibit the passage of biological materials through the anatomic wall. Further described herein are methods for implanting the port and/or for inserting the transluminal device into a body cavity.
Abstract:
An apparatus for treating reflux disease of a human or animal mammal patient. The apparatus comprising an implantable stimulation device (26) adapted to engage with the cardia sphincter of the patient and a control device (56) for controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the cardia sphincter by providing electrical energy pulses for increasing a sphincter tonus so that the cardia closes. The control device is adapted to, in an operational state, cause the stimulation device to stimulate the cardia sphincter with at least two pulse trains. At least some of the pulses within at least one of the pulse trains are separated from each other by a first time break. At least two pulse trains are separated from each other by a second time break and the second time break is longer than the first time break.
Abstract:
A steerable overtube is provided having an elongate shaft comprising an oversized accessory channel that is configured for the introduction and advancement of elongate medical devices having relatively large cross-sections. The distal end of the overtube shaft is bendable or deflectable in at least one direction, and is preferably includes a shape locking mechanism for temporarily maintaining the shape of the distal end of the overtube shaft. An oversized accessory channel is provided. The overtube may also include a fixation mechanism for securing the proximal end and/or distal end of the overtube against movement relative to the patient. A fiber optic elongate medical device is provided for use with the steerable overtube of the present invention.
Abstract:
An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube comprising an outer surface including an outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a predetermined shape. The insertion tube comprises an inner channel formed therethrough. An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube without a working channel and an outer surface including at least one outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a first predetermined shape. At least one medical device includes an outer wall having at least one mounting unit formed thereon along a portion of the length of the outer wall. The mounting unit has a second predetermined shape cooperable with the first predetermined shape. The second predetermined shape is formed to complement and slidably cooperate with the first predetermined shape of the outer rail for slidably attaching the medical device thereto.
Abstract:
A feeding tube device for postpyloric feeding comprises a bendable feeding tube having a proximal end, a central portion and, and a distal end and a delivery lumen for conducting a digestible substance. A proximal tube holder structure is adapted to be connected to the proximal end and to a control box and has a feeding port for receiving the digestible substacnce. A tilting mechanism has a tilting wire mechanically connected to said distal end and a knob coupled to said proximal tube holder structure for maneuvering said tilting wire so as to tilt the distal end in relation to the central portion. At least one image sensor is mounted on a front tip of the bendable feeding tube and connected to a communication cable passing through the proximal tube holder structure for forwarding outputs of the at least one image sensor via a connector connected to the control box.