Various embodiments disclosed relate to a device for insertion into the urethra for dilation. The present disclosure includes methods and devices including a device for at least partial insertion into a prostate, the device including first and second elongated members each having at least one magnetizable or magnetic element. The first and second elongated members are magnetizable to repel each other to dilate a lumen therebetween.

A method and apparatus for treating a synovial cyst is disclosed. The method includes determining a presence and location of a cyst within a body, penetrating the cyst through a penetration bore to release a synovial fluid accumulation from within the cyst. A suction is applied to the cyst to via the penetration bore to extract a volume of the fluid accumulation from within the cyst. A weeping tube is inserted in the penetration bore to communicate synovial fluid from the cyst to maintain the cyst in a depressed condition for a predetermined temporal period. The weeping tube an external sidewall and an interior channel configured to communicate a synovial fluid from the synovial cyst. A plurality of protrusions about the external sidewall engage with a body tissue surrounding a penetration bore in the body tissue to retain the weeping tube at a desired placement within the penetration bore.

The devices and methods described herein include an implantable body lumen fluid flow modulator including an upstream flow accelerator separated by a gap from a downstream flow decelerator. The gap is a pathway to entrain additional fluid from a branch lumen(s) into the fluid stream flowing from the upstream flow accelerator to the downstream flow decelerator.

The present technology relates to interatrial shunting systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes interatrial shunting systems that include a shunting element having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to fluidly couple the left atrium and the right atrium when the shunting element is implanted in a patient. The system can also include an energy receiving component for receiving energy from an energy source positioned external to the body, an energy storage component for storing the received energy, and/or a flow control mechanism for adjusting a geometry of the lumen.

The invention includes an improved flow graft. The graft has a portion where the radius r expands with length L over the portion, so that r.sup.n/L is a constant in that portion, where n≥4.0, or 1<n<4. It is preferred that the graft has a beginning section that has constant diameter. The invention also includes a method of designing such an expanding graft to suit the application, such as in the venous system, the arterial system, or for dialysis. The invention also includes near constant conductance stents whose radius r can grow with length, so the R.sup.n/L is constant where n>4.

An apparatus for treating urinary retention of a patient by discharging urine from the urinary bladder. The apparatus comprises an expandable member, adapted to be implanted inside the urinary bladder of a patient, for discharging urine from the urinary bladder as a result of its expansion in volume, an implantable control device for controlling the volume of the expandable member, and an external energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy from the outside of the patient's body to the inside of the patient's body configured to operate the expandable member and other energy consuming implantable parts of the apparatus.

A Direct Sodium Removal method, apparatus and solution for treating patients in heart failure, and having a glomerular filtration rate greater than 15 mL/min/1.73 m.sup.2, or residual kidney function corresponding to normal to CKD Stage 4, is provided in which a no or low sodium DSR infusate is administered to the peritoneal cavity for a predetermined dwell period and then removed, thereby removing sodium from the body. The resulting elimination of fluid from the patient by i) functioning of the kidneys through urination and ii) direct removal of osmotic ultrafiltrate from the peritoneal cavity, restores serum sodium concentrations to healthy levels and thereby reduces fluid overload in the patient.

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 drain-compatible soft tissue expander can incorporate a drainage structure that allows fluid to be removed from the body of a living subject. The soft tissue expander can include an expandable shell and a drainage structure that can, for example, assist in mitigating or eliminating seromas. The drainage structure can be coupled to the shell at a plurality of locations and be removable therefrom without damaging the expandable shell.

A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion, and a graft material. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter smaller than the first end diameter. The first end portion comprises a first material. The second end portion comprises a second material different than the first material. The intermediate portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. The graft material is coupled to at least the intermediate portion.