Expandable distension device for hollow organ growth

摘要

An expandable mechanical distension device for hollow organ growth comprising a spring stent structure to elongate hollow organs by mechanical expansion. The device preferably expands radially to engage the internal walls of the hollow organ segment at a desired treatment location and expands axially to enlarge the hollow organ segment. The distension device may be configured for the treatment of patients with insufficient hollow viscus, e.g. hollow organ deficiency such as short gut syndrome, to enhance their gut length by mechanical force.

主权项

1. A mechanical distension apparatus for treating a luminal organ, comprising:
an elongate, tubular structure configured to be inserted into a luminal segment of the intestines, esophagus or vagina at a treatment location within the luminal segment; the tubular structure comprising a central axial channel configured to allow normal operation of said lumenal segment; said tubular structure having first and second ends and being compressible along a longitudinal axis between said ends to form an axially compressed configuration; said tubular structure having at least two spaced apart anchor portions configured to engage an internal wall of the luminal segment at said treatment location while in said axially compressed configuration; and wherein the tubular structure is biased to elongate to an expanded configuration, said bias configured to impart a force on the luminal segment at said treatment location to lengthen the luminal segment at said location.