摘要 |
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.
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