135 results about "Esophageal reflux disease" patented technology

GERD is treated through a method and apparatus of stimulating the body organ to accelerate a discharge of contents from the duodenum of the patient to thereby encourage discharge of contents from the stomach of the patient across the pyloric valve and into the duodenum.

Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The endoluminal device includes a tissue fastener, a flexible needle having means for grasping and releasing a portion of the tissue fastener, and a deflector for deflecting and guiding the needle toward the multiple tissue layers.

A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Compositions and related methods for treating IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders and conditions (e.g., gastrointestinal motility disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenogastric reflux, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, functional heartburn, dyspepsia (including functional dyspepsia or nonulcer dyspepsia), gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (or colonic pseudoobstruction), and disorders and conditions associated with constipation, e.g., constipation associated with use of opiate pain killers, post-surgical constipation, and constipation associated with neuropathic disorders as well as other conditions and disorders are described. The compositions feature peptides that activate the guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) receptor.

The invention is a transgastric method for the endoscopic partial fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The method makes use of an articulated endoscope, which is introduced through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach of the patient. A cutting tool is introduced through the working channel of the endoscope to cut a hole in the wall of the stomach. The endoscope is pushed through the hole and a grabbing tool is introduced through the working channel and used to grab the tissue at a location on the outer surface of the stomach and move the grabbed tissue close to the esophagus. The grabbed tissue is then stapled to the esophagus using a stapling device that is an integral part of the endoscope. If desired, after stapling the endoscope can be rotated one or more times and the procedure repeated. After the selected portions of the stomach wall have been attached to the esophagus, the endoscope is withdrawn from the body of the patient and the hole in the stomach wall is closed, preferably by means of a dedicated endoscopic stapling device especially designed for the task of closing holes in tissue.

A tissue retractor includes a body having proximal and distal ends. The retractor also includes a retraction device having a head connected to the distal end of the body and defining two opposing openings, a connector movably disposed in the body, and two flexible needles of a shape memory material having a memory shape. The needles are fixedly connected to the connector for traveling through a respective one of the openings. The memory shape of the needles includes a portion with an arcuate shape. A one-handed actuation device is connected to the proximal end of the body and is operatively connected to the connector through the body. Upon actuation of the actuation device, the connector can be moved to selectively extend the needles out of the head and withdraw the needles into the head. Methods for using the tissue retractor, in particular for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, are also provided.

Compositions and related methods for treating IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders and conditions (e.g., gastrointestinal motility disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenogastric reflux, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, functional heartburn, dyspepsia (including functional dyspepsia or nonulcer dyspepsia), gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (or colonic pseudoobstruction), and disorders and conditions associated with constipation, e.g., constipation associated with use of opiate pain killers, post-surgical constipation, and constipation associated with neuropathic disorders as well as other conditions and disorders are described. The compositions feature peptides that activate the guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) receptor.

Methods and apparatus for treating gastroesophageal reflex and other luminal conditions provide for delivering acoustic energy to a body lumen to remodel tissue surrounding the body lumen. In the case of treating GERD, a catheter carrying an ultrasonic or other vibrational transducer is introduced to the lower esophageal sphincter, and acoustic energy is delivered to the sphincter in order to tighten or bulk the sphincter such that reflex is reduced.

A sensor capable of sensing the flow of fluids is placed in the gastrointestinal tract. The sensor may be, for example, an ultrasonic flow sensor, an optical flow sensor, or a thermal convection flow sensor. A system for monitoring fluid flow in the gastrointestinal tract may include monitor configured for placement in the gastrointestinal tract that includes such a sensor. The monitor measures the flow of fluid in the gastrointestinal tract based on the output of the senor. The monitor may take the form of a capsule with a means or mechanism for attachment to a mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is placed in the esophagus, senses the flow of fluid from the stomach into the esophagus, and is used to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A device for treating GERD includes a pair of sections. Each section includes a proximal end portion with an arcuate interior opening, a distal end portion with an arcuate interior opening, an exterior plate portion, and a tapered body portion extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The pair of sections surround the esophagus at the gastro-esophageal junction thereof and to be secured together to form a tubular housing with a proximal orifice, a distal orifice smaller than the proximal orifice, and a plate adjacent the distal orifice. A portion of the housing adjacent the distal orifice is configured to elastically deform to constrict the esophagus and serve the function of the LES when a force is applied to the plate by the fundus. The proximal end portion of each mating section includes a flange portion configured to be attached to a body cavity wall.

Disclosed is a delivery device for controllably delivering a prosthetic bulking device below a tissue surface such as below the mucosa to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. The delivery device may be embodied in a deployment catheter, an endoscope, or an endoscope attachment. The bulking device may additionally be explanted from beneath the mucosa. In one embodiment, the bulking device comprises a hydrogel.

The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, swellable, hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical microspheres useful for tissue bulking. The invention also relates to methods of tissue bulking, particularly for the treatment of Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, urinary incontinence, or urinary reflux disease, using the injectable compositions.

The invention provides methods of treating and preventing asthma, laryngitis, symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease, pregnancy-induced gastroesophageal reflux disease, noncardiac chest pains, coughing, apnea, dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, stress ulcers, bleeding peptic ulcers, acute gastrointestinal bleeding, infectious enteritis, collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, chronic diarrhea in immunocompromised patients, esophageal ulcers in immunocompromised patients, idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion, gastroparesis, gastrointestinal motility disorders, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, short bowel syndrome, emesis, regurgitation, early satiety, chronic sore throat, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, sour stomach, diarrhea, constipation, bacterial infections, refractory ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders induced by NSAIDs, Barrett's esophagus, gastrointestinal disorders caused by steroids, gastrointestinal disorders induced by cholinergic compounds, and fungal or viral-induced ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one proton pump to a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides on demand relief of symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and provides relief from symptoms caused by the consumption of excessive amounts of food and/or alcohol by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one proton pump inhibitor to a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides methods for treating parasitic infections, such as malaria, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one proton pump inhibitor to a patient in need thereof.

The present invention provides compositions for treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disorders. The compositions include at least two of the following: (i) one or more digestive enzymes; (ii) one or more probiotics; and (iii) stevia. Also provided are processes for preparing the compositions useful for treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disorders, and methods of treating subjects against gastro-esophageal reflux disorders, which include administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of the compositions of the present invention.

This invention relates to the discovery that agents capable of inhibiting the biological action of the glucocorticoid receptor can be used in methods for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease in a subject.

Devices, systems, and methods for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) include anti-reflux valves and retainers for securing them within the lumen of the esophagus, stomach, or a hiatal hernia. The retainers contain inflatable balloons, some of which may be enveloped by a flexible shell that is used to secure the balloon to tissue. Devices with more than one balloon, a low-profile leaf valve, and a sleeve valve are used to treat reflux in patients with a hiatal hernia. The leaf valve may also be configured for its control by constriction by gastrointestinal lumen muscle, through radial compression of the valve's flange. Bi-directional combination valves are used to treat or diagnose patients with reflux due to transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESR). Those valves pass reflux through a channel in which gas and liquid reflux are separated. Methods are described for treating GERD patients who (1) have no hiatal hernia, (2) have a hiatal hernia that is fixed in place, or (3) have a hiatal hernia that slides above and below the diaphragm. Methods are also described for delivering GERD-treatment devices to their target locations within the patient's gastrointestinal tract.

The invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention, treatment, or management of gastrointestinal disorders or symptoms thereof, employing two or more agents or compounds to provide a triple site action on 5-HT3 receptors, 5-HT4 receptors, and at least one of H2 receptors and protons pumps.

A system for placing an implant in the body includes an elongated member having at least one inner lumen extending from a proximal end portion of the member to an opening in a distal end portion of the member. At least one compressible implant is in the inner lumen of the member. The implant optionally includes anchor members projecting from its outer surface to limit migration of the implant in the body. Structure is provided to push the implant through the opening in the distal end portion of the member. The implant is placed between layers of body tissue to bulk the tissue. In one of the disclosed methods, the system is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by placing the implant between layers of body tissue at or near the gastroesophageal junction.