An implantable sphincter assistance device is configured to surround an exterior wall of an esophagus. The implantable sphincter assistance device includes a plurality of beads, at least one connector, and secondary material. Each of the beads has an exterior surface. The connector is configured to serially connect the beads to form a ring. The secondary material is configured to be disposed between the exterior surface of at least one of the beads and the exterior wall of the esophagus. The secondary material is configured to control remodeling of tissue surrounding the exterior wall of the esophagus.

An ischemia control device is connected to a control unit that receives inputs from sensors and other surgical devices that senses patient conditions. The control unit uses the data inputs, as well as direct inputs from the medical operators, to output opening and closing instructions to the ischemia control device. The actuator on the ischemia control device receives the opening and closing instructions and manipulates the ischemia control device. The ischemia control device can be automatically operated using the sensed information to intermittently and alternately achieve ischemia of the organs and reperfuse the organs and, thereby, protect the organs from being damaged by the ischemia.

Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods to prevent complications from atrial fibrillation by preventing or reducing the likelihood of blood flow out of the left atrial appendage, to eliminate a possible source of aberrant electrical circuits, or both. Accordingly, techniques are provided for delivering ligature loops or closure means to the left atrial appendage, and to other anatomical structures of a patient which may be desirable in other surgical procedures.

Methods and devices that prevent stasis in the LAA by either increasing the flow through the LAA or by closing off or sealing the LAA. Increasing the flow is accomplished through shunts, flow diverters, agitators, or by increasing the size of the ostium. Closing off the LAA is accomplished using seals or by cinching the LAA.

A sphincter augmentation device includes a plurality of interlinked bodies and a pair of device ends configured to releasably couple together to secure the bodies in a loop formation sized to fit around an internal anatomical passageway of a patient. The device further includes a plurality of resilient members, with each resilient member extending between an adjacent pair of the bodies. The resilient members are configured to elastically deform to permit the device to transition between a radially contracted state and a radially expanded state. The resilient members bias the device toward the radially contracted state in which the device exerts an inwardly directed force on the anatomical passageway to selectively limit passage of fluids therethrough. The device further includes an expansion limiting member that extends between and is slidably received by an adjacent pair of the bodies, and is configured to limit radial expansion of the device.

A method is used for closing, and confirming closure of, the left atrial appendage of the heart of a patient. The method includes using an assembly for closing the left atrial appendage. The method also includes using a system for confirming closure of the left atrial appendage after the left atrial appendage has been closed by the assembly.

An annuloplasty implant comprises an elongate member, a plurality of anchors, and a gripper. The elongate member has a proximal end, and a distal portion that includes a distal end. The plurality of anchors are distributed along the elongate member. The elongate member extends proximally from a proximal-most anchor and through the gripper. The gripper comprises a locking element that, in a locked state, inhibits sliding of the elongate member through the gripper. An unlocker, disposed within the gripper, obstructs the locking element from assuming the locked state, and is pullable proximally out of the gripper. The gripper automatically assumes the locked state upon the unlocker being pulled proximally out of the gripper. A tool tensions the distal portion of the elongate member by pulling the elongate member proximally through the gripper while the unlocker obstructs the locking element from assuming the locked state. Other embodiments are also described.

A device for manipulating the left atrial appendage (LAA) of a heart, including: an elongated and hollow guide instrument which is shaped and sized to be transvascularly and transseptally introducible into the left atrium (LA); a suction channel passing through the guide instrument, the suction channel terminating with a concave holder, wherein the suction channel and the concave holder are shaped and sized to be enclosed within a lumen of the guide instrument during the transvascular and transseptal introduction into the LA and to forwardly extend from the lumen of the guide instrument after reaching the LA, and wherein the concave holder is configured to radially expand; a loop fastener shaped and sized to be enclosed within the lumen of the guide instrument during the transvascular and transseptal introduction into the LA and to forwardly extend from the lumen of said guide instrument.

Atrial appendage occlusion devices and methods of using the same that employ the application of light having a desired wavelength range. The devices of the present disclosure comprise a telescoping catheter assembly coupled with an adhesive delivery device and a suction source, and comprise at least one optical fiber disposed therein. The catheter assembly is configured to isolate an atrial appendage cavity, deliver suction and adhesive thereto, and, using the optical fiber(s), cure the adhesive present within the cavity all without withdrawing any components of the catheter assembly from the body. Methods for using such device in the treatment of atrial appendage occlusion are also provided.

A medical device may include an implantable device for treating a body tissue structure. The implantable device may include a plurality of bodies spaced from adjacent bodies and arranged so as to be configured to extend around an exterior surface of a body tissue structure. The bodies may be configured to apply a static force to the body tissue in a relaxed state and may adjust or move in response to a radially outward force above a threshold level that is acting on one or more of the bodies. The bodies may be pliable and/or made with a pliable material. The bodies may be interconnected via interconnecting regions. One or more of the bodies may be configured to articulate so as to conform to movement of a body tissue structure. A skeletal component may or may not extend through one or more of the plurality of bodies.