Devices and methods for sphincter reinforcement

Abstract

Sphincter reinforcement devices are described. Sphincter reinforcement devices may be configured to be placed at least partially around a bodily passage at or near a sphincter. In one embodiment, a sphincter reinforcement device may comprise a ring including a tubular structure. The ring may be expandable. The tubular structure may be hollow. The tubular structure may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to be coupled to the second end. The tubular structure may include a braided material.

1 . A sphincter reinforcement device configured to be placed at least partially around a bodily passage at or near a sphincter, the device comprising:
 a ring including a tubular structure, the ring being expandable, the tubular structure being hollow and having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be coupled to the second end, the tubular structure including a braided material.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ring defines a ring lumen having an unexpanded size that is the same size or slightly smaller than an outside of the bodily passage. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular structure has a cross section that is oval. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the oval has a longest axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ring. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular structure has a cross section that is not uniform. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ring exerts an inward force when expanded that is not so large as to inhibit material from passing through the sphincter. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ring exerts an inward force when expanded that is sufficiently large to help the sphincter at least partially close after material has passed through the sphincter. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first connector coupled to the first end of the tubular structure, and a second connector coupled to the second end of the tubular structure, the first connector configured to detachably couple to the second connector.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a covering coupled to the tubular structure, the covering at least partially covering the tubular structure.   
     
     
         10 . A method for reinforcing a sphincter of a bodily passage, the method comprising:
 placing a ring at least partially around the bodily passage, the ring being expandable, the ring including a tubular structure, the tubular structure being hollow and including a braided material; and   coupling a first end of the tubular structure to a second end of the tubular structure.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 measuring a distance around an outside of the bodily passage; and   selecting a ring defining a ring lumen having an unexpanded size that is the same size or slightly smaller than the outside of the bodily passage.   
     
     
         12 . A sphincter bulking device configured to be placed at or near a sphincter, the device comprising:
 a bulking element including a tubular structure, the tubular structure being hollow and including a braided material.   
     
     
         13 . (canceled)