Patent ID: 6290666
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A prosthesis capable of being inserted in a biological lumen or tract, comprising:first and second elements that are locatable on either side of a sphincter surrounding the lumen or tract, wherein at least one of said first and second elements is sufficiently flexible to conform to the lumen or tract and sufficiently rigid to maintain a passage through the lumen or tract against a force that tends to obstruct the lumen or tract, anda connecting element comprising a first end that is connected to said first element, a second end that is connected to said second element, and a flexible middle portion joining said first and second ends, wherein said flexible middle portion is locatable in the sphincter and is deformable by the sphincter to allow the sphincter to close naturally and thereby close the lumen or tract to natural fluid flows;wherein a removal thread is attached to at least one of said first and second elements.