1292 results about "Anus" patented technology

Various universal ports for installation into a colon are disclosed. Various embodiments include expandable port bodies that may employ selectively deployable tissue-engaging barbs for securing the port in position within the colon. Some embodiments also employ tissue cutting members that may be deployed to sever the colon. Some embodiments also employ a flexible sleeve that may extend from the port out through the anus to provide a passageway for passing surgical instruments and into and out of the rectum and also for removing severed specimens therefrom.

A system for implanting a surgical device to control the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like.

Methods and devices are provided for performing translumenal (e.g., transoral and transanal) procedures. In general, the methods and devices utilize a trocar assembly or trocar end cap that can facilitate insertion of an endoscope through tissue. In one embodiment, a flexible trocar assembly is provided and includes an obturator having an inner lumen formed therethrough for receiving an endoscope therein, and a distal end that is adapted to facilitate insertion of the endoscope through tissue and that is adapted to facilitate viewing therethrough. The trocar assembly can also include a trocar sleeve that is disposable over the obturator. In use, once the trocar assembly is inserted through tissue, the trocar sleeve can function as a placeholder, allowing the endoscope and obturator to be removed. The endoscope can then be removed from within the obturator and reinserted through the trocar sleeve for use in performing various other procedures. In other embodiments, rather than using a trocar that houses the endoscope, an end cap can be removably disposed over a distal end of the endoscope. The present invention also provides methods and devices for shielding an endoscope during insertion through a body lumen, and in particular for preventing contact between the endoscope (or trocar sleeve) and the body lumen, thus preventing bacteria from being carried into a body cavity.

Methods and devices are provided for performing translumenal (e.g., transoral and transanal) procedures. In general, the methods and devices utilize a trocar assembly or trocar end cap that can facilitate insertion of an endoscope through tissue. In one embodiment, a flexible trocar assembly is provided and includes an obturator having an inner lumen formed therethrough for receiving an endoscope therein, and a distal end that is adapted to facilitate insertion of the endoscope through tissue and that is adapted to facilitate viewing therethrough. The trocar assembly can also include a trocar sleeve that is disposable over the obturator. In use, once the trocar assembly is inserted through tissue, the trocar sleeve can function as a placeholder, allowing the endoscope and obturator to be removed. The endoscope can then be removed from within the obturator and reinserted through the trocar sleeve for use in performing various other procedures. In other embodiments, rather than using a trocar that houses the endoscope, an end cap can be removably disposed over a distal end of the endoscope. The present invention also provides methods and devices for shielding an endoscope during insertion through a body lumen, and in particular for preventing contact between the endoscope (or trocar sleeve) and the body lumen, thus preventing bacteria from being carried into a body cavity.

Various universal ports for installation into a colon are disclosed. Some embodiments include means for permitting an anvil of a surgical stapler to pass through a port in a first direction and means for permitting a portion of the patient's colon to pass through the port in a second direction. Some embodiments also employ a flexible sleeve that may extend from the port out through the anus to provide a passageway for passing surgical instruments and into and out of the rectum and also for removing severed specimens therefrom.

An anal dilator (10) and an anorectal surgical instrument including the anal dilator (10). The anal dilator (10) includes a cylindrical body (10-1, 100) and an external light source assembly (20, 300) for illuminating surgical fields. The top of the body (10-1, 100) is an elastic enlarged edge (10-2, 200) and the external light source assembly (20, 300) is connected with the enlarged edge (10-2, 200). The anal dilator (10) is made of transparent materials. The surgical fields can be completely illuminated via a light path (101) by the light source during the surgery.

Systems for providing support to body tissue to alleviate incontinence are disclosed that comprise an elongated incontinence sling (20) having a central support portion (40) adapted to be positioned to support any one of the urethra or anus (58, 67) and first and second sling end portions (42, 44) extending from the central support portion through body tissue and a tension adjustment mechanism acting on or within one or both of the sling end portions. The sling tension adjustment mechanism comprises one or more of a sling tensioning suture (312, 314) or band, and a tensioning device (310) coupled to a suture or band free end.

A device for cutting, stapling and dividing the bowel allowing surgery to be performed laparoscopically and associated method of use. The device is inserted transanally and positioned within the bowel, ligatures secure the bowel to the device. The bowel is then cut by the device while securing the open end to minimize spillage and the bowel stapled. The bowel can be re-attached using additional staples and further cuts made to allow the device to be removed.

Anatomic models of the abdominopelvic region of a male human patient's body to assist in demonstrating or in training medical personnel in microsurgical techniques are disclosed. The anatomic models preferably demonstrate the passage of elongated medical instruments through the perineum to or into the prostate. The anatomic models preferably comprise a substantially transparent elastomer body mass encasing a relatively rigid skeletal frame and at least a prostate model. The elastomer mass is shaped to simulate the perineum overlying the prostate between a penis model and an anal opening.

Various universal ports for installation into a colon are disclosed. Various embodiments include expandable port bodies that may employ selectively deployable tissue-engaging barbs for securing the port in position within the colon. Some embodiments also employ tissue cutting members that may be deployed to sever the colon. Some embodiments also employ a flexible sleeve that may extend from the port out through the anus to provide a passageway for passing surgical instruments and into and out of the rectum and also for removing severed specimens therefrom.

An ingestible pill platform for colon imaging is provided, designed to recognize its entry to the colon and expand in the colon, for improved imaging of the colon walls. On approaching the external anal sphincter muscle, the ingestible pill may contract or deform, for elimination. Colon recognition may be based on a structural image, based on the differences in diameters between the small intestine and the colon, and particularly, based on the semilunar fold structure, which is unique to the colon. Additionally or alternatively, colon recognition may be based on a functional image, based on the generally inflammatory state of the vermiform appendix. Additionally or alternatively, pH, flora, enzymes and (or) chemical analyses may be used to recognize the colon. The imaging of the colon walls may be functional, by nuclear-radiation imaging of radionuclide-labeled antibodies, or by optical-fluorescence-spectroscopy imaging of fluorescence-labeled antibodies. Additionally or alternatively, it may be structural, for example, by visual, ultrasound or MRI means. Due to the proximity to the colon walls, the imaging in accordance with the present invention is advantageous to colonoscopy or virtual colonoscopy, as it is designed to distinguish malignant from benign tumors and detect tumors even at their incipient stage, and overcome blood-pool background radioactivity.

Systems and methods for transanal inversion and removal of the gall bladder, appendix, and hemorrhoids.

The present invention comprises a plurality of injectable hollow particulate fillers suspended in a biocompatible fluid carrier to significantly improve the clumping resistance and injectability of the composition. The hollow particulate fillers have a lower effective density and are able to suspend in the carrier without precipitation. The loss of skin volume as a result of aging, diseases, weight loss, and injury can lead to uneven skin surface (e.g. wrinkle, etc.). The uneven skin can be repaired by injecting appropriate amount of hollow fillers underneath the skin. Some cases of urinary incontinence occur when the resistance to urine flow has decreased excessively. Continence is restored by injecting the present invention to the urethra tissue to increase resistance to urine outflow. Similarly, the present invention allows for the control of gastric fluid reflux by submucosal injections of the fillers to the esophageal-gastric and gastric-pyloric junction. For patients with vesicoureteral reflux, it can be treated by injection of the present invention into patients' ureteral tissue. This invention can also be used to repair defective or inadequately functioning muscles of the anal sphincter by administering an effective amount of injectable hollow fillers into the defect or anal sinuses.

Methods and devices are provided for performing translumenal (e.g., transoral and transanal) procedures. In general, the methods and devices utilize a trocar assembly or trocar end cap that can facilitate insertion of an endoscope through tissue. In one embodiment, a flexible trocar assembly is provided and includes an obturator having an inner lumen formed therethrough for receiving an endoscope therein, and a distal end that is adapted to facilitate insertion of the endoscope through tissue and that is adapted to facilitate viewing therethrough. The trocar assembly can also include a trocar sleeve that is disposable over the obturator. In use, once the trocar assembly is inserted through tissue, the trocar sleeve can function as a placeholder, allowing the endoscope and obturator to be removed. The endoscope can then be removed from within the obturator and reinserted through the trocar sleeve for use in performing various other procedures. In other embodiments, rather than using a trocar that houses the endoscope, an end cap can be removably disposed over a distal end of the endoscope. The present invention also provides methods and devices for shielding an endoscope during insertion through a body lumen, and in particular for preventing contact between the endoscope (or trocar sleeve) and the body lumen, thus preventing bacteria from being carried into a body cavity.

Devices and methods are provided for ablating areas of the gastrointestinal tract affected with certain benign, pre-cancerous, or early cancerous lesions that originate within the epithelium and are limited to the mucosal layer of the gastrointestinal tract wall. Examples of such lesions include benign conditions such as cervical inlet patch (ectopic gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus), as well as pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions such as intestinal metaplasia / intra-epithelial neoplasia / early cancer of the stomach, squamous intra-epithelial neoplasia and early cancer of the esophagus, oral and pharyngeal leukoplakia, flat colonic polyps, anal intra-epithelial neoplasia (AIN), and early cancers of the anal canal. Ablation, as provided the invention, commences at the epithelial layer of the gastrointestinal wall and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner to achieve a successful patient outcome, the latter of which is defined generally as eradication of the targeted lesion, and / or a change in the targeted lesion to prevent or forestall patient morbidity. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.

A method for treating anal incontinence is provided, in which a support member is implanted in a tissue pathway extending from a first location posterior to and adjacent the anus, through the perineum anterior to the anus and terminating at a location posterior to and adjacent the anus opposite the first location.

A prostatic stent is configured as a unitary body which is adapted to reside above the sphincter when in position in the subject includes an elongated tube which extends through the sphincter and outside the body of the subject. The stent is configured to allow natural operation of the sphincter when in position in the subject. The unitary body stent includes a lower inflatable portion which expands to contact tissue and help hold the stent in a desired location during a chronic use period of about 2-14 days. The stent can also include an upper and / or intermediate inflatable portions. A method of inhibiting the obstruction or closure of the prostatic urethral opening includes positioning the stent in the subject such that the unitary body of the stent is in the prostate and resides above the sphincter. A method treating BPH includes thermally ablating localized tissue in the prostate and inserting a post-treatment catheter into the prostate (preferably after an initial healing period) to allow the treated tissue to contour therearound and to maintain the urinary passage open. The stent is configured as a unitary body stent adapted to reside above the sphincter of the subject and to allow substantially normal operation of the sphincter. The stent can include a lower inflatable portion which engages, when expanded, with tissue below the localized treatment region about the membranous urethra (between the sphincter and the verumontanum). The post-treatment catheter is configured to reside in the subject for a period of about 2-14 days after delivery of the thermal ablation treatment or therapy.

Described are implantable devices and methods for treating various disorders of the pelvic floor by delivering one or more drugs to a patient's hypogastric nerve or branches or portions thereof, prostatic plexus nerve or branches or portions thereof, sacral splanchnic nerve or branches or portions thereof, pelvic splanchnic nerve or branches or portions thereof, prostate or branches or portions thereof, pelvic floor, colon or branches or portions thereof, bladder or portions thereof, vagina or portions thereof, anus or portions thereof, external anal sphincter or portions thereof, urethra or portions thereof, penile dorsal nerve or portions thereof, inferior rectal nerves or branches or portions thereof, perineal nerves or branches or portions thereof, scrotal nerves or branches or portions thereof, scrotum or portions thereof, Alcock's Canal or branches or portions thereof, sacro-tuberous ligament or branches or portions thereof, ischial tuberosity or branches or portions thereof, greater sciatic foramen or branches or portions thereof, or lesser sciatic foramen or branches or portions thereof. One, two or more drug delivery regimes are provided on a continuous, alternating, intermittent or other basis to one or more selected nerves, nerve portions or tissues in an amount and manner effective to treat a number of disorders, including, but not limited to, urinary and / or fecal voiding dysfunctions such as constipation, incontinence disorders such as urge frequency and urinary retention disorders, sexual dysfunctions such as orgasmic and erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, prostatitis, prostatalgia and prostatodynia.

In one form of the invention, there is provided a method for treating rectal prolapse, the method comprising:inserting an expandable element into a prolapsed rectum via the anus;expanding the expandable element so that the expandable element securely engages the rectum;advancing the expanded element distally so as to return the prolapsed rectum to its normal, non-prolapsed state; andsecuring the rectum to supporting tissue whereby to retain the rectum in its normal, non-prolapsed state.In another form of the invention, there is provided an endoscope assembly for treating rectal prolapse, the endoscope assembly comprising:an endoscope;a balloon catheter; anda tacker;wherein the endoscope, balloon catheter and tacker are mounted together for insertion as a unit.

There is disclosed a method for treating anal incontinence in women. The method comprises accessing the rectum or colon or anus though an incision in the vagina and implanting a powered restriction device on the rectum, colon or anal sphincter. There are also disclosed methods for energizing and controlling the restriction device.

A method of treating anal incontinence in a patient comprises providing a sling having a central portion and first and second arms, creating a subcutaneous tunnel between a first buttock incision and a second buttock incision in the patient, mechanically widening the subcutaneous tunnel to create a pocket for the central portion of the sling, grasping the first arm of the sling and pulling the sling through the subcutaneous tunnel such that the central portion of the sling rests underneath the ano-rectum, inserting an introducer needle through a first thigh incision formed in the patient and advancing the introducer needle through the first buttock incision, pulling the first sling arm through the first thigh incision, inserting the introducer needle through a second thigh incision formed in the patient and advancing the introducer needle through the second buttock incision, and pulling the second sling arm through the second thigh incision.

A closure system for managing rectal or anal incontinence, having a shaft element, with a distal end and a proximal end and at least one lumen. An inflatable intrarectal balloon includes a flexible, extensible plastic material with a distal end and a proximal end, each of which is attached to the shaft element in a securely bonded and sealed fashion. The intrarectal balloon communicates with the at least one lumen via a perforation in the wall of the shaft element and can be acted on with a filling medium via the lumen. An anchoring element serves as a buttress, which is attached to the shaft element spaced apart from the intrarectal balloon on its proximal side, in the direction toward the proximal end of the shaft element. The distal end of the intrarectal balloon is attached to the shaft element, the balloon being invaginated in the direction toward the proximal end of the balloon in such a way that the intrarectal balloon attached with its two ends to the shaft element, as it is filled with a filling medium, executes a rolling motion from the distal end of the shaft element toward the proximal end of the shaft element.

Methods and apparatus for monitoring core temperature of a patient receiving intraperitoneal hypothermia or hyperthermia are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is placing a monitoring device having a sensor into a non-intraperitoneal cavity of a patient. The non-intraperitoneal cavity can be a urethra, a rectum, an anal sphincter, a stomach, an esophagus, the peripheral vasculature, or a vagina, for example. Another feature is sensing core temperature of the patient with the sensor.

Hydraulically-driven vibrating massagers. Devices for massage and / or sexual stimulation are vibrated and / or rhythmically deformed. The devices have at least two, and normally three elements as follows: (1) One or more hydraulically driven sacs or tubes within a massage and / or sexual stimulation device which are constructed with walls of intentionally varying modulus; (2) A hydraulic actuator to move hydraulic fluid into and out of the device (1) (3) Optionally, a flexible hose or hoses connected at one end to the sexual stimulation device or devices and at the other end to the hydraulic actuator. The particular devices actuated by the present invention can include various prior art massage and / or sexual stimulation devices, including muscle massagers, dildos, and penis rings (with or without attachment to secondary anal stimulators), sexually stimulating underwear, and two-ended dildos intended to anchor on one end in a vagina and / or anus, for example. For purposes of this disclosure, “sexually stimulating devices” and other similar language should also be understood to include massage devices that are not specifically intended for sexual stimulation. Compared to prior art vibrating sexual stimulators, the devices of this invention are capable of more complex modes of motion and both higher amplitude and slower deformation rates. The hydraulically actuated sexual stimulators of this invention are powerful, compact, quiet, and have low rates of heat generation compared to prior art electrically-driven vibrating sexual stimulation devices. In addition, the devices can be conveniently heated or cooled via the hydraulic fluid.

An implantable constriction device for treating an incontinent patient comprises an elongate composite structure adapted to constrict the urethra, urine bladder, anus, colon or rectum of the patient. The elongate composite structure is composed of a base material, such as hard silicone, making the composite structure self-supporting. Property improving means is provided for improving at least one physical property of the composite structure other than self-supporting properties, such as fatigue resistance, liquid impermeability, aggressive body cells resistance, anti-friction properties and lifetime.

A method for treating anal incontinence is provided, in which a support member is implanted in a tissue pathway extending from a first location posterior to and adjacent the anus, through the perineum anterior to the anus and terminating at a location posterior to and adjacent the anus opposite the first location.

The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for MR-guided biopsy. The subject invention can be applied to, for example, prostate biopsy. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention can provide a mechanical tool for stabilizing the patient in prone position and to guide a biopsy needle into defined targeted lesions in the prostate gland. The patient can lay prone in the MRI. The subject apparatus can guide an MR-visible, sterile needle sleeve, which can have a hollow tube filled with contrast media, through the anus onto the inner wall of the colon. Due to the visibility of the contrast media in the sleeve, the apparatus can be guided to the exact position. The sleeve can incorporate a tube within the contrast media filled sleeve to insert the biopsy needle and to push this needle forward into the prostate. The subject apparatus can utilize various mechanical means to stereotactically move the needle or needle sleeve in various directions.

The invention relates to pure traditional Chinese medicinal lotion for treating skin diseases, which is prepared from weeping forsythiae, cicada shell, angelica dahurica, common cnidium fruit, belvedere fruit, dandelion, wild chrysanthemum, caulis lonicerae, glabrous greenbrier rhizome, light yellow sophora root, cortex dictamni, Chinese mugwort leaf, amur corktree bark, virgate wormwood herb, red paeony root, salvia miltiorrhiza bunge, borneol and other traditional Chinese medicines. The lotion has the effects of clearing heat, detoxicating, clearing damp, dispeling the wind, relieving itching, cooling blood, invigorating the circulation of blood, diminishing swelling and relieving pain. The lotion is suitable for treating various skin dieases caused by skin invasion of exogenous pathogenic factors including 'wind, damp, heat, toxic and worm', and is particularly applicable to infants with various skin diseases such as eczema, heat rash, diaper rash, milk ringworm, urticaria, cutaneous pruritus, erythema, red spot, dermatitis, papule, herpes, ulcer, furuncle and carbuncle, pruritusani, unknown pyogenic infection, bite by mosquito and worms, jaundice and congenital disease. The lotion is applicable to adults. For example, the lotion can be used for treating female vaginal discharge disease, pruritus genitalium, pruritus ani and other diseases.