A hinge for a brace comprises a tensioning element such as an inelastic cord for applying a restorative force to the hinge. A tensioning mechanism, preferably a hydraulic spring, tensions the cord as the hinge is moved from a rest position to a loaded condition. A tensioning member having a peripheral cam surface applies a tensioning force to the cord as the hinge is moved out of the rest position. The tensioning block and the anchoring block may be operatively geared together along an arc of motion so as to provide a generally symmetrical motion of the tensioning and anchoring portions relative to the gusset. When an external force is applied to move the hinge from the rest position the tension on the cord loads the spring, and when the external force is removed the spring applies a restorative force to move the hinge back to the rest position. Optionally the tensioning member may be configured to be disengaged and reengaged by an external actuator.

A pre-assembled chain of staples is provided that is suitable for use in bariatric surgery. The pre-assembled chain of staples includes a plurality of staples, each of the staples having two spaced apart legs and a crown connector which joins the two legs to each other at upper ends thereof and spaces the two legs a predetermined fixed distance apart from each other at their upper ends. The chain of staples also includes rings for joining adjacent staples together, which rings can be separate from the staples.

Various devices, systems, and methods that can be used in the treatment of obesity and related illnesses are disclosed. In some instances, the cecum of an obese patient is distended to a pathophysiological size for a therapeutically effective period. The distention may be achieved by introduction of an object that is of foreign origin relative to the body of the patient into the cecum of the patient. In some instances, the distention is achieved by a medical device that transitions from an undeployed state, in which the medical device is introduced into the cecum of the patient, to an expanded state in which the medical device distends the cecum by an amount sufficient to trigger a colo-gastric brake in the patient.

An intestinal barrier sleeve release system includes a tubular housing having a first opening at one end and a second opening at the other end. A tubular sleeve to be released is disposed in the housing. A release body connected to the one end of the tubular sleeve is disposed at the first opening of the housing and is made of a material that can be dissolved and absorbed in human intestines. An inner sheath, a middle sheath and an outer sheath are sequentially set and move relative to each other. The inner sheath and the middle sheath are operated to move axially, the release body is disengaged from the housing, and the tubular sleeve moves out of the housing and is released at a specified position of the human intestines.

Disclosed are embodiments of an apparatus and system for performing a sleeve gastrectomy. The apparatus can include a bougie for insertion into an interior of a stomach, the bougie having a proximal bougie end and a distal bougie end, an inflation lumen having a proximal lumen end and a distal lumen end, the inflation lumen extending from the proximal bougie end through the distal bougie end, a fluid delivery system coupled with the proximal lumen end, the fluid delivery system being operably configured to deliver positive pressure in a predetermined positive pressure range into the stomach, and a monitor coupled with the proximal lumen end operably configured for the monitoring of pressure or volume within the stomach. The bougie can be operably configured to define a resection line for the sleeve gastrectomy when the predetermined positive pressure range is achieved within the stomach

A method and device for limiting the displacement of a human body without restricting natural movements are disclosed. The device is an anchor that is anchored to a bedsheet. The method describes the use of the anchor with a connecting element such as a ribbon. One end of the connecting element is attached to the anchor and the other end to a garment or harness at the perineal region of a human body. The main application of the method and device is to keep a child in a bed without the risk of falling out of bed, but applies to any person, lying down or sitting, regardless of age.

A device (10) for treatment of obesity or diabetes comprises a duodenal tube (12), first anchor (14) arranged at a pre-defined distance (D) from a proximal end (15) of the duodenal tube (12). The first anchor (14) is adapted for anchoring the tube (12) distally to the pylorus (P) without mucosal involvement. A second anchor (17) in the form of a conical, inflatable balloon is used for anchoring the device (10) in the stomach (S) of the patient. The duodenal tube (12) is flexible and can be arranged in the duodenum (D) and in the jejunum (J) of the patient.

The present subject matter provides a system for temporarily stopping blood flow through a blood vessel, the system including: at least one magnetically attractive element configured to be introduced into an internal part of a body of a patient, and temporarily placed near a first blood vessel that supplies blood to at least one second blood vessel; and at least one magnetic field generator configured to be placed outside a body of the patient, and generate a magnetic field that attracts the at least one magnetically attractive element in a manner that the at least one magnetically attractive element presses the first blood vessel, thereby stopping flow of blood through the first blood vessel toward the second blood vessel. Additional embodiments of the system, of a kit comprising components of the same, and a method for temporarily stopping blood flow through a blood vessel, are disclosed herein as well.

The invention comprises an elastomeric athletic or orthopedic brace, support for a joint complex and is a network of interlinking elastomeric bands that extend radially from a hub member to support a joint in tension but provide for controlled hinging about an axis defined through the hub member. In particular, the brace is provided for an ankle.

A device (10) for externally applying a local compressive force below the costal arch (R) of a patient for reducing the stomach volume, comprising—an elastic belt (10) that is placeable, under tensile stress, around the upper body of a patient in the area of the costal arch (R), and—a pressure body (24) that is attachable to the elastic belt (12) and designed in such a way that the pressure body exerts a compressive force on the stomach inside the patient according to the tensile stress of the elastic belt (12), wherein the geometry of the pressure body (24) is adapted to the anatomy of the human costal arch and fits snugly therein.