Methods and devices for treating sphincter disorders

Abstract

Devices and methods for treatment of bodily lumens and sphincters are disclosed. Some embodiments include methods and devices for inducing an inflammatory response and development of fibrosis, collagen, and/or scar tissue. In some embodiments, scaffolds may be composed of a matrix of filaments. Application of the methods and devices disclosed herein to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and other sphincter disorders are discussed. Biodegradable scaffolds configured to induce an inflammatory response are also disclosed.

1 .- 189 . (canceled) 
     
     
         190 . A scaffold for inducing an inflammatory response, the scaffold comprising:
 a matrix comprising a plurality of bioabsorbable filaments wherein the matrix is configured to be disposed adjacent a sphincter within a patient.   
     
     
         191 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the matrix is configured to be disposed circumferentially around the sphincter. 
     
     
         192 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the matrix is configured to be disposed hemicircumferentially or partially circumferentially around the sphincter. 
     
     
         193 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the matrix is configured to be disposed around portions of the sphincter in piecemeal fashion. 
     
     
         194 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the scaffold is configured to induce the formation of a tissue collar adjacent the sphincter. 
     
     
         195 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the scaffold comprises a flat woven shape or a tubular shape. 
     
     
         196 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the matrix comprises a constant filament density along the length of the scaffold. 
     
     
         197 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the matrix comprises synthetic bioabsorbable filaments. 
     
     
         198 . The scaffold of  claim 197 , further comprising one or more nonbioabsorbable materials. 
     
     
         199 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the matrix comprises polymeric bioabsorbable filaments at least partially coated with at least one the following: a metal material, a ceramic material, a composite material, or a glass material. 
     
     
         200 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the matrix comprises polymeric bioabsorbable filaments. 
     
     
         201 . The scaffold of  claim 200 , further comprising gold particles disposed in or on a portion of the scaffold. 
     
     
         202 . The scaffold of  claim 190 , wherein the matrix is composed a first plurality of filaments comprising a first material and a second plurality of filaments comprising a second material. 
     
     
         203 . The scaffold of  claim 202 , wherein an expected time for the first material to be bioabsorbed differs from an expected time for the second material to be bioabsorbed. 
     
     
         204 . A method of reinforcing a sphincter comprising:
 disposing a scaffold of bioabsorbable material adjacent a body organ or lumen containing the sphincter to induce the development of a tissue collar around a portion of the periphery of the sphincter.   
     
     
         205 . The method of  claim 204 , wherein the scaffold of bioabsorbable material is disposed adjacent the body organ or lumen containing the sphincter such that the scaffold does not compress the sphincter. 
     
     
         206 . The method of  claim 204 , comprising disposing the scaffold of bioabsorbable material adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction and/or the esophagus and below the diaphragm to induce formation of the tissue collar adjacent the esophagus and the underside of the diaphragm. 
     
     
         207 . The method of  claim 206 , wherein the tissue collar maintains a position of at least a portion of the gastro-esophageal junction distal to the diaphragm. 
     
     
         208 . The method of  claim 206 , wherein the tissue collar directly fixes the esophagus to the diaphragm. 
     
     
         209 . The method of  claim 206 , further comprising repairing and/or maintaining a repair of a hernia by inducing growth of the tissue collar adjacent the crus muscles of the diaphragm to couple portions of the crus muscles to each other.