Described here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.

Described here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.

The present invention relates to a contraception apparatus for a male. The contraception apparatus for a male according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a tube inserted into a seminal duct and having, on the inside, a hollow portion that is open at both ends; and at least one filter located in the hollow portion of the tube. The filter may comprise: a plurality of microchannels penetrating the filter; and a plurality of nanospikes formed on one surface of the filter.

The present invention relates to a male contraception apparatus for obtaining a time-limited sterility of a male mammalian individual. The apparatus comprises a restriction device adapted to restrict the lumen of a vas deferens of the mammalian, and a controller operable to control the restriction device to restrict the lumen of the vas deferens during a controlled period to prevent sperms from reaching the urethra of the mammalian. The apparatus further comprises an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one portion of a tissue wall of the vas deferens to restrict the lumen of the vas deferens such that the flow of sperms in the vas deferens is restricted, and a stimulation device configured to stimulate the constricted wall portion of the tissue wall.

The present invention relates to a male contraception apparatus for obtaining a time-limited sterility of a male mammalian individual. The apparatus comprises a restriction device adapted to restrict the lumen of a vas deferens of the mammalian, and a controller operable to control the restriction device to restrict the lumen of the vas deferens during a controlled period to prevent sperms from reaching the urethra of the mammalian. The apparatus further comprises an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one portion of a tissue wall of the vas deferens to restrict the lumen of the vas deferens such that the flow of sperms in the vas deferens is restricted, and a stimulation device configured to stimulate the constricted wall portion of the tissue wall.

Methods and apparatus are provided for fastening or clamping tissue to tissue or non-tissue layers and for occluding tubular body structures. Tissue fasteners having separate proximal and distal implants, each with self-expanding, radially extending legs are connected together on opposite sides of tissue and non-tissue layers. The legs of the proximal and distal implants are interdigitated in the absence of such layers.

An apparatus for controlling a flow of sperms in a uterine tube formed by a uterine tube wall of a patient's uterine tube comprises an implantable constriction device for gently constricting (i.e. without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the uterine tube wall) at least one portion of the uterine tube wall to influence the flow in the uterine tube, and a stimulation device for stimulating the wall portion of the uterine tube wall. A control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the wall portion, to cause contraction of the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to further influence the flow in the uterine tube. The apparatus can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the uterine tube, or for actively moving the fluid in the uterine tube, with a low risk of injuring the uterine tube.

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.

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 here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.