Devices, systems, and methods for treating the pancreas are disclosed herein. For example, some aspects of the technology are directed to a method for treating a medical condition affecting the pancreas of a human patient, wherein the method comprises implanting an occlusive device within the pancreatic duct to induce atrophy of pancreatic tissue.

Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and dilate body lumen and cavities. For example, the systems can be used to dilate the cervix and access the uterine cavity. The systems can also be used to occlude the cervix. The systems can also be used to occlude the urethra.

There is provided with a method. A cardia and a pylorus of a stomach of a patient is blocked. The stomach is inflated. The stomach is secured within an abdominal cavity of the patient.

An implantable medical device for sealing and repairing defects in a body tissue or for creating an anastomosis includes a frame and a covering material. In some embodiments, the frame includes a single continuously wound wire that defines an apposition portion, a defect-occupying portion, and a sealing portion. In some embodiments, the tissue-sealing and anastomosis devices provided herein are well-suited for use in the GI tract including the small bowel and colon. In some embodiments, a two-part frame construct facilitates independent tailoring of apposition forces and radial forces exerted on tissues by the two-part frame.

An anti-hemorrhaging device includes an elongate body, a flexible looped segment, a shield, and an inflatable seal. The elongate body is configured to attach to a vacuum source. The flexible looped segment is attached to the elongate body includes a plurality of holes on an inner circumference thereof. The flexible looped segment is configured to be placed in a uterus. Activation of the vacuum source is configured to pull vacuum through the plurality of holes so as to collapse the uterus upon insertion of the elongate body into the uterus. The shield is folded around an exterior circumference of the looped portion and has edges that extend radially inwards relative to the flexible looped distal section. The shield is configured to prevent tissue from occluding the plurality of holes when vacuum is applied. The inflatable seal is attached to the elongate body and is configured to seal the uterus.

Apparatus for accessing a body lumen or a body cavity, the apparatus comprising: a hollow shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumen of the hollow shaft is configured to receive an endoscope, and further wherein the distal end of the hollow shaft comprises an adjustable portion which is configured to be articulated between (i) a straight configuration in which the adjustable portion is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft, and (ii) an angled configuration in which the adjustable portion is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft, whereby to bend the endoscope disposed within the lumen of the hollow shaft; a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumen of the sleeve is configured to receive the hollow shaft and the endoscope disposed therein; an aft balloon mounted to the sleeve; a pair of push tubes slidably mounted to the sleeve; and a fore balloon mounted to the distal ends of the pair of push tubes, such that the fore balloon can be moved relative to the aft balloon.

A device for use with a uterine tamponade apparatus, such as the Bakri® postpartum hemorrhage balloon, is disclosed. The device comprises an anchor for deployment within the vagina to securely retain the balloon in its proper position within the uterine cavity, allowing the balloon to function as intended for the control and management of postpartum hemorrhage and uterine bleeding. Methods of use of the vaginal anchor are also disclosed.

One aspect of the present invention provides a method for the treatment of lithiasis, which mitigates the risk of damage to surrounding body tissue when removing a calculi (e.g., biological concretions, such as urinary, biliary, and pancreatic stones) that obstructs or may otherwise be present within a body's anatomical lumen. In one embodiment, the instant invention provides a method of using a polymer plug to occlude a lumen distal to a calculi, whereby calculi fragments resulting from lithotripsy are prevented from traveling up the lumen. In certain embodiments, a dual lumen catheter is utilized to inject two solutions proximal to the calculi, the mixing of said solutions causing a polymer plug to form.

A medical device, comprising a tube including at least one lumen, an absorbent located at a distal portion of the tube, the absorbent being configured to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state, and a structure fixed to the absorbent, wherein the structure is configured to flex into a compressed state and an expanded state simultaneously with the compressed state and the expanded state of the absorbent, and the structure exposes at least a portion of the absorbent.

An implant configured for ingestion by a patient. After the implant has been swallowed by the patient and is disposed within the target location, e.g. the patient's stomach, an inflation subcomponent causes the implant to expand from a compact delivery state to an expanded, volume-occupying, deployed state. In the deployed state the implant creates a sensation of satiety in the patient stomach and thereby aids in limiting food intake and obesity. After a predetermined time a deflation subcomponent is actuated and the implant reduces in size so as to allow it to pass through the remainder of the patient's digestive track. The device may further incorporate tracking and visualization subcomponents, as well as pharmaceutical delivery subcomponents.