Abstract:
One aspect of the invention provides a vaginal stent system including: an inflatable vaginal stent and a removable handle. The inflatable vaginal stent include includes: an elastomeric exterior wall and a first fitting located at a base of the inflatable vaginal stent. The removable handle is adapted and configured for insertion, inflation, and removal of the inflatable vaginal stent from a subject's vagina. The removable handle includes a second fitting complementary to the first fitting and adapted and configure to form substantially fluid tight coupling when the handle is coupled to the inflatable vaginal stent. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of fabricating a customized vaginal stent or dilator. The method includes: generating a 3D model of a vaginal stent or dilator; and controlling a 3D printer to fabricate a vaginal stent or dilator according to the 3D model.
Abstract:
Methods, devices and systems for delivering a device assembly using a shaped body allowing for ease of ingestion of a gastric device into a gastric space, allowing the gastric device to expand to occupy volume within the gastric space and, after an effective period of time release from the body.
Abstract:
A deflation catheter device, comprising: a catheter tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a stylet disposed within the catheter tube; a stylet handle attached to the stylet; and a y-connector disposed near a proximal end of the catheter tube, configured to provide fluid communication from the distal end of the catheter tube and a suction port, and configured to provide access for the stylet from the proximal end of the catheter tube to the distal end of the catheter tube.
Abstract:
A mechanism (110) for removing a fluid-filled object (104) from a patient. The apparatus includes a deflation tube (120) with a puncture member (112) at one end of the tube for piercing a hole in the object wall (106). The apparatus includes a retrieval mechanism slidable within the deflation tube lumen. The retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element (134) that is expandable when positioned within the object from a first configuration with a dimension less than that of the deflation tube lumen to a second or deployed configuration with a dimension that is greater than an outer dimension of the puncture member. The expansion element contacts an inner surface of the inflatable object as the deflation tube and retrieval mechanism are withdrawn from the body cavity. The expansion element may be a T-bar, a foldable anchor, an inflatable member, or another expandable form.
Abstract:
An adjustable occlusion device and a method of implanting the device in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a reflux disease treatment apparatus, comprising two or more movement restriction device segments adapted to form an implantable movement restriction device with an elongated shape that maintains cardia in the correct position. The movement restriction device has proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end is adapted to stabilize and hold the proximal 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:
Material may be implanted or injected into cardiac veins as discrete masses for treating various cardiac conditions. A catheter (10) suitable for delivering occluding agent (100) into the cardiac venous system the heart includes a distal end that is positionable within a cardiac vein at a location where an occlusion is to be established. A barrier (60) is provided for occluding the vein adjacent the barrier. A lumen (15) (more than one lumen may be provided if desired) is disposed within the catheter tube and passes through the barrier to terminate at an aperture (more than one aperture may be provided if desired) distal of the barrier, for delivering the occluding agent into the vein beyond the barrier. An inner tube (50) may be provided for introducing an occluder into the vein and spaced away from the barrier, for defining a vein segment between the barrier and the occluder. Methods and kits are also contemplated.
Abstract:
A device and method for administering a bioactive agent to internal tissue in a body, by introducing a balloon in a deflated condition into the body, inflating the balloon, introducing the bioactive agent into the balloon at the time of, after, or before the inflation of the balloon, and delivering the bioactive agent from the balloon to the tissue.