Methods and apparatus for regulating the flow of matter through body tubing

Abstract

A self-retracting body, which may have a bore, may be inserted into a biological passage. A dilating balloon may be used to expand the body toward an inner wall of the passage. The body may include an anchor that may engage the wall. The anchor may include a tip that is within the body before the body expands and extends away from the body during expansion. The body may include an opening that may receive a portion of the wall. The portion may be fixed to the body. The body may retract toward a central portion of the passage after the anchor engages the wall. The wall may be drawn toward the central passage and the diameter of the passage may be reduced. In some embodiments, a liner may be provided for the passage. In some embodiments, a baffle may be provided for the passage.

1 . An apparatus for reducing the diameter of a portion of a biological passage, said passage having a wall, said apparatus comprising: 
 a polymeric body having a bore, said bore defining a central axis, at least a portion of said body configured to move from a first position to a second position, said second position at a greater distance from said axis than said first position, said portion having an outer peripheral surface; and    a metal anchor coupled to said portion, said anchor having a tip;    wherein:    said tip moves away from said outer peripheral surface when said portion moves from said first to said second position; and    said anchor is configured to pull said wall toward said axis when said portion moves from said second position toward said first position.