A dual-flange stent can have a therapeutic effect that can bring about a marked increase in patency. The dual flanges of the stent can comprise a first discrete flange component and a second discrete flange component. One or both flange components can include a magnetic element. The stent can further comprise a shaft connecting the flange components. At least one of the flanges can transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, where the first configuration is compact and the second configuration provides a large tissue-compressing surface. In one instance, the transition to the configuration with a large tissue-compressing surface can include filling a balloon with saline or another fluid. The first flange and the second flange may be drawn together to compress interposed tissue of the stricture.

An apparatus for the treatment of acid reflux disease comprising two or more movement restriction device segments adapted to be movement restriction device of a controlled size. The movement restriction device can at least partly be invaginated by a patients stomach fundus wall. A substantial part of the outer surface of the movement restriction device is adapted to rest against the stomach wall without injuring the latter in a position between the patients diaphragm and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall, such that movement of the cardiac notch of the patients stomach towards the patients diaphragm is restricted, to thereby prevent the cardia from sliding through the patients diaphragm opening into the patients thorax, so as to maintain the supporting pressure against the patients cardia sphincter muscle exerted from the patients abdomen.

An apparatus for treating obesity in a human or animal mammal patient. The apparatus comprising a first volume filling device segment and a second volume filling device segment. The first and second volume filling device segments are adapted to be assembled into an implantable volume filling device of a controlled size. Each one of the first and second volume filling device segment comprises at least one interconnecting structure. The interconnecting structure of the second volume filling device segment is adapted to be formed fitted, such that the first and second volume filling device segment can be assembled into the volume filling device. The assembled volume filling device is adapted to be at least substantially invaginated by a stomach wall portion of a patient, with the outer surface of the device resting against the stomach wall, such that the volume of the food cavity is reduced in size.

A medical device may include a tubular sleeve configured for implantation in a body lumen, the sleeve having a first configuration with a first rigidity and a second configuration with a second rigidity greater than the first rigidity, the sleeve including: a flexible membrane defining an interior lumen; and a channel extending along the membrane.

Described is a system for affecting intestinal microbial flora. The system includes an intestinal sleeve that is implanted in a patient and bypasses a section of the intestine; and probiotics, prebiotics or pharmacologic therapy used in combination with the intestinal sleeve. Also described are related methods.

An implantable restriction device includes a plurality of beads, a plurality of links joining the beads together, and a parking feature. Each bead in the plurality of beads includes a housing, a passageway extending through the housing, and at least one magnet disposed around the passageway. The plurality of links are slidably disposed in corresponding passageways of the beads such that the plurality of beads can transition between a constricted configuration and an expanded configuration. The parking feature can consistently position the at least one link relative to the housing in the contracted configuration.

A device for treating obesity of a patient, the device comprising: at least one operable stretching device implantable in the patient and adapted to stretch a portion of the patient's stomach wall, and an implantable control unit for automatically controlling the operable stretching device, when the control unit and stretching device are implanted, to stretch the stomach wall portion in connection with the patient eating such that satiety is created.

An volume filling device for treatment of obesity is placed outside the stomach wall of the patient to reduce the inner volume of the stomach, thereby affecting the patient's appetite. By providing the volume filling device outside the stomach wall, contact with stomach acids is avoided, thereby increasing the life of the device.

An example medical device is disclosed. The example medical device includes a tubular scaffold. The scaffold includes a longitudinal axis, an inner surface and an outer surface. The medical device also includes a flexible valve extending radially inward from the inner surface of the scaffold. The valve includes an annular chamber extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the scaffold and is configured to shift from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

An illustrative stent may comprise an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end and an intermediate region disposed therebetween. The elongated tubular member may include at least one flexible tie affixed to an end thereof. The tie may allow the stent to be attached to a lumen wall with a clip, such as a retention clip, to inhibit migration of the stent within the body lumen.