Liner for tubular body portion and apparatus and methods for application thereof

Abstract

A tubular body portion lining assembly adapted for insertion into a tubular body portion of a patient, the assembly including a flexible tubular liner including at least one generally circumferentially disposed attachment portion on its outer surface adapted to face the internal walls of the tubular body portion and to attach the liner thereto, and liner placing functionality adapted to place at least a portion of the tubular liner between first and second locations within the tubular body portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tubular body portion lining assembly adapted for insertion into a tubular body portion of a patient, said assembly comprising:
 a flexible tubular liner including at least one generally circumferentially disposed attachment portion on its outer surface adapted to face the internal walls of the tubular body portion and to attach said liner thereto; and   liner placing functionality adapted to place at least a portion of said tubular liner between first and second locations within said tubular body portion.   
     
     
         2 . A method for treating a patient comprising:
 providing a tubular liner adapted for insertion into an intestine of a patient; and   deploying and anchoring said tubular liner within a portion of said intestine exhibiting at least one of a fistula, a perforation, an anastomosa, gastrointestinal bleeding, diverticular disease, diverticulitis, diverticulosis and ulceration.   
     
     
         3 . A method for treating a patient comprising:
 providing a tubular liner adapted for insertion into an intestine of a patient;   detecting at least one location of at least one portion of said intestine exhibiting at least one of a Crohn's disease, colitic, and ulcerative colitis; and   deploying and anchoring said tubular liner at said at least one portion of said intestine.   
     
     
         4 . A method for treating constipation of a patient comprising: placing a tubular generally liquid impermeable liner at a desired location in a colon of a patient. 
     
     
         5 . A method for treating diarrhea of a patient comprising: placing a narrowing tubular pathway implant at a desired location in an intestine of a patient. 
     
     
         6 . A method for treating obesity of a patient comprising:
 providing a generally stretchable tubular liner having generally non-stretchable circumferential reinforced portions;   placing said tubular liner in a stomach of a patient; and   circumferentially anchoring said generally stretchable tubular liner to said stomach along said circumferential reinforced portions.