Apparatus and methods for occluding hollow body structures, such as blood vessels, and for attaching tissue layers and/or non-tissue layers together by providing implantable elements on opposite sides of the structure or layers and drawing the implants together to occlude the body structure and/or bring the layers together. The implants are deliverable in a low-profile configuration and self-expand to an enlarged configuration. The implantable elements are delivered by transfixing the body structure, then releasing the implants on opposite sides of the body structure and drawing the implants together to effect an occlusion or attachment. The implants are configured to apply oppositely directed forces to opposite surfaces of the tissue layers at alternate, circumferentially spaced locations and may constrain the tissue in a serpentine pattern or in a direct clamping pattern. The implants grip the tissue in a manner that defines a pressure zone about the transfixion aperture that prevents leakage from the aperture.

The purpose of the Dissolvable on-command Implant is to act as a pressure equalizer tube in the eardrum, which has the unique characteristic that the tube can be dissolved with a specially formulated drop solution on-command. This tube can have various shapes and sizes, although the tube is usually a cylindrical tube with a hollow center, which maintains a ventilatory port for the middle ear space. With this design, the ear tube promotes drainage of middle ear fluid, lets air enter the middle ear, and allows for instillation of antibiotic drops.

Described are methods for reversible occlusion of a body lumen by way of degradation as a result of exposure to one or more stimuli such as light. The methods include administering one or more substance(s) into a body lumen of a subject and forming a stimuli-responsive polymer mass in the body lumen from the one or more substance(s). The mass is sufficient to occlude the body lumen in a manner that prevents transport of at least one material through the body lumen and is susceptible to on-command reversal in the body lumen upon exposure to one or more stimuli. The methods include administering one or more stimuli to a polymer mass in a body lumen for a time and intensity to cause the reverse the polymer mass. The methods are particular useful for applications in which it is desirable to temporarily occlude a body lumen, such as male and female contraception.

Described are methods for reversible occlusion of a body lumen by way of degradation as a result of exposure to one or more stimuli such as light. The methods include administering one or more substance(s) into a body lumen of a subject and forming a stimuli-responsive polymer mass in the body lumen from the one or more substance(s). The mass is sufficient to occlude the body lumen in a manner that prevents transport of at least one material through the body lumen and is susceptible to on-command reversal in the body lumen upon exposure to one or more stimuli. The methods include administering one or more stimuli to a polymer mass in a body lumen for a time and intensity to cause the reverse the polymer mass. The methods are particular useful for applications in which it is desirable to temporarily occlude a body lumen, such as male and female contraception.

An apparatus, system or device and methods for applying one or more stimuli to an implantation, occlusive device, or embolization are described. The implantation can include a polymer or polymer composition such as a hydrogel and can be used for sterilizing a subject in need of contraception by occluding the vas deferens, fallopian tube(s), or uterus, but can also be used to occlude, in whole or part, any other body ducts or organs. The one or more stimuli can modify the occlusion so that is removed from the body lumen in situ, there by reversing the contraception or other effects of the occlusion.

An apparatus, system or device and methods for applying one or more stimuli to an implantation, occlusive device, or embolization are described. The implantation can include a polymer or polymer composition such as a hydrogel and can be used for sterilizing a subject in need of contraception by occluding the vas deferens, fallopian tube(s), or uterus, but can also be used to occlude, in whole or part, any other body ducts or organs. The one or more stimuli can modify the occlusion so that is removed from the body lumen in situ, there by reversing the contraception or other effects of the occlusion.

The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of means for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable material that supports tissue ingrowth that eventually replaces the material leaving little or no original material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.

Medical devices and methods for treating and occluding a female patient's fallopian tubes to provide permanent birth control or sterilization.

Medical devices and methods for treating and occluding a female patient's fallopian tubes to provide permanent birth control or sterilization.

An implant delivery system having an implant-pusher junction that has improved flexibility due to a shortened heater and tapered marker band. The heater capsule includes a coil having a complex shape made possible through additive manufacturing. The complex shape generates increased heat over a shorter length when compared to traditional linear coils. The marker band includes a tapered end that allows the implant to pivot relative to the pusher.