An implantable distraction device includes a tubular member oriented along a longitudinal axis, and curved first and second attachment members coupled to the tubular member and configured to be sutured within a body lumen. The second attachment member is spaced apart from the first attachment member along the tubular member. The device further includes at least one magnet coupled to the tubular member and movable relative to the tubular member. At least one of the first attachment member or the second attachment member is axially movable relative to the other to vary an axial distance between the first and second attachment members. The at least one magnet is configured such that motion of a magnetic field relative to the distraction device causes corresponding motion of the at least one magnet, and corresponding motion of one attachment member relative to the other.

A luminal endoprosthesis assembly (1) at least partially delimits a prosthesis lumen (2), for implantation in an anatomical structure (3) that at least partially defines at least one cavity (4) and includes at least one pathological portion (13). The luminal endoprosthesis (1) has two or more layers (5, 6, 7). At least one layer (5, 6, 7) includes a threadlike element (8) forming an armor (9). The luminal endoprosthesis (1) includes an anchoring portion (10) for anchoring to an anatomical portion (11) of the walls of the cavity (4) of the anatomical structure (3), and a working portion (12) for facing the pathological portion (13) of the anatomical structure (3). The two or more layers (5, 6, 7) are separated from each other in the working portion (12) of the luminal endoprosthesis (1), avoiding connecting elements between one layer (5, 6, 7) and at least one adjacent layer.

An intraluminal device and method of fixation of an intraluminal device to resist distal migration in a mammalian lumen or hollow organ that is subject to peristalsis, according to an aspect of the invention, includes spaced apart wall portions connected with a connector. The wall portions are configured to the size and shape of a portion of the lumen or hollow organ and the connector is configured to be positioned against a wall of the lumen or hollow organ. The intraluminal device is positioned in a mammalian lumen or hollow organ that is subject to peristalsis. The device is fixed in the lumen or hollow organ against distal migration, wherein tissue lining the lumen or hollow organ bridges over the connector. The device is explanted after tissue bridges over the connector including separating the connector from one or both of the wall portions and withdrawing the connector axially from the tissue bridging over the connector.

An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, and a first sensor. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes a first outer shaft member and a second outer shaft member. The first outer shaft member has a first distal end. The second outer shaft member has a second distal end. The second outer shaft member is translatable relative to the first outer shaft member. A distal portion of the second outer shaft member is configured to encircle an anatomical structure of a patient and couple the second distal end with the first distal end while encircling the anatomical structure of the patient. A first sensor is configured to detect an outer diameter of the anatomical structure encircled by the distal portion of the second outer shaft member.

A method of manufacturing a bead assembly for a sphincter augmentation device includes initiating 3D printing of a unibody housing such that the unibody housing defines a first opening, a chamber, and a magnet chamber. The method further includes pausing the 3D printing process, inserting a magnet within the magnetic chamber, and then resuming 3D printing of the unibody housing to form a hermetic seal between the magnet chamber and an external surface of the unibody housing.

An apparatus includes a plurality of beads and a linking assembly joining the beads together. The beads include a housing defining a first opening, a second opening, and a chamber extending between the first opening and the second opening. A magnet is contained within the housing. The beads and the linking assembly are arranged in an annular arrangement and sized to form a loop around an anatomical structure in a patient. The loop may move between a contracted and expanded configuration. The loop is magnetically biased toward the contracted configuration by a magnetic bias of the beads. The linking assembly includes a first link element having an elongate body extending in the chamber of the first bead and a sealing element attached to the elongate body housed within the first opening of the first bead to thereby form a hermetic seal.

A bariatric device and method of causing at least partial satiety in a recipient includes positioning a body in a recipient, the body having a wall defining a lumen, the wall configured to generally conform to the shape and size of the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach. Force is exerted with the wall on the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach in the absence of food thereby activating receptors located in the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach, thereby influencing a neurohormonal feedback mechanism of the recipient to cause at least partial satiety by augmenting fullness caused by food and simulating fullness in the absence of food.

A stent having a main linear strut and at least two secondary struts. The main linear strut includes an outer member and an inner member. A distal end of one secondary strut may be attached to a distal end of the inner member. A proximal end of a secondary strut may be attached to a proximal end of the outer member. The ends of the secondary struts that are not attached to the inner and outer member may be joined. Methods of delivering such a stent and collapsing and withdrawing such a stent are also disclosed.

An obesity treatment apparatus comprises at least one operable stretching device (10) implantable in an obese patient and adapted to stretch a portion (12a) of the patient's stomach wall (12), and an operation device (16, 18) for operating the stretching device when implanted to stretch the stomach wall portion such that satiety is created.

Apparatuses for manipulating a collapsible medical device include a sheath, a first shaft including a first grasping member and a second grasping member. The second grasping member is separated from the first grasping member by a distance. The collapsible medical device may be manipulated by actuating the first grasping member and the second grasping member and by increasing the distance between the first grasping member and the second grasping member. Methods of using the apparatuses are provided.