Patent Description:
Many women do not want to get pregnant, but do not want to use the existing pregnancy control methods available.

<CIT> discloses tubular implants, an implant delivering device and a smart remote-control device, suitable for teen-aged girl, married lady and mature women, which can be set for contraception or conception either through preprogrammed or through user selection remotely and acts as an implantable device for infertility treatment due to blocked, cut, broken, scarred, plaque, and or narrowed fallopian tubes and or opening or grafting of various vessels, ducts, and circulations paths including controlling and regulating their flow paths based on various measuring parameters thereof.

The object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method for pregnancy control of a female patient.

The inventive system allows the egg from the ovary to be retained in the oviduct to avoid pregnancy. A restriction device is placed on the two oviducts to restrict and release the oviduct, thereby effecting the above mentioned retaining of the egg.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for treating a female patient to avoid pregnancy comprising a restriction device adapted to postoperatively restrict and release an oviduct of the patient.

In accordance with a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of avoiding pregnancy of a female patient, comprising the steps of restricting an oviduct of the patient to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and releasing the restriction to admit the at least on egg in the oviduct to be transported to the uterus.

All embodiments and features described below may if possible be used for both, be adapted to be used with the apparatus, and being used with any of the methods described below.

A system for treating a female patient to avoid pregnancy comprising; a restriction device adapted to postoperatively restrict and release an oviduct of the patient.

The restriction device is preferably adapted to provide a restriction of the oviduct to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct.

The restriction device may be adapted to provide a release of the oviduct only when pregnancy is wanted or not possible.

The restriction device may be adapted to be adjusted from outside the patient's body to restrict and release the oviduct passageway, preferable adjusted from outside the patient's body non-invasively.

It may also be adjusted by manual manipulation or adapted to be adjusted by electrical or magnetic power or adapted to be adjusted by hydraulic power. The hydraulic power may comprise at least one subcutaneously placed reservoir controlled by the patient.

The restriction device may of course preferable be adapted to be adjusted reversible.

The system is adapted to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and releasing the restriction when convenient for the patient to avoid pregnancy. The predetermined period of time is adapted to avoid pregnancy and may be between <NUM> and <NUM> days or a predetermined period of time more than <NUM> days.

The system of the present disclosure is well suited for the controlling the flow of eggs into the uterus of a female patient. Basicly the restriction device could be performed in eight different principle ways:.

Where the operation device hydraulically operates the constriction device of the restriction or combined restriction/stimulation unit (d), it includes hydraulic means for adjusting the restriction device.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the hydraulic means comprises a reservoir and an expandable/contractible cavity in the constriction device, wherein the operation device distributes hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to expand the cavity, and distributes hydraulic fluid from the cavity to the reservoir to contract the cavity. The cavity may be defined by a balloon of the constriction device that abuts the tissue wall portion of the patient's organ, so that the patient's wall portion is constricted upon expansion of the cavity and released upon contraction of the cavity.

Alternatively, the cavity may be defined by a bellows that displaces a relatively large contraction element of the constriction device, for example a large balloon that abuts the wall portion, so that the patient's wall portion is constricted upon contraction of the bellows and released upon expansion of the bellows. Thus, a relatively small addition of hydraulic fluid to the bellows causes a relatively large increase in the constriction of the wall portion. Such a bellows may also be replaced by a suitably designed piston/cylinder mechanism.

Where the hydraulic means comprises a cavity in the constriction device, the apparatus of the disclosure can be designed in accordance with the options listed below.

In a special embodiment of the disclosure, the operation device comprises a reverse servo operatively connected to the hydraulic means. The term "reverse servo" is to be understood as a mechanism that transfers a strong force acting on a moving element having a short stroke into a weak force acting on another moving element having a long stroke; i.e., the reverse function of a normal servo mechanism. Thus, minor changes in the amount of fluid in a smaller reservoir could be transferred by the reverse servo into major changes in the amount of fluid in a larger reservoir. The reverse servo is particularly suited for manual operation thereof.

Preferable a manually operated reservoir could be placed subcutaneously for manual manipulation thereof.

Where the operation device mechanically operates the restriction device or the restriction/stimulation unit (d), it may be non-inflatable. Furthermore, the operation device may comprise a servo system, which may include a gearbox. The term "servo system" encompasses the normal definition of a servo mechanism, i.e., an automatic device that controls large amounts of power by means of very small amounts of power, but may alternatively or additionally encompass the definition of a mechanism that transfers a weak force acting on a moving element having a long stroke into a strong force acting on another moving element having a short stroke. Preferably, the operation device operates the constriction device in a non-magnetic and/or non-manual manner. A motor may be operatively connected to the operation device. The operation device may be operable to perform at least one reversible function and the motor may be capable of reversing the function.

The present disclosure provides an advantageous combination of restriction and stimulation devices, which results in a two-stage influence on the flow of eggs in the lumen of the oviduct. Thus, the constriction device may gently constrict the tissue wall of the oviduct wall by applying a relatively weak force against the wall portion, and the stimulation device may stimulate the constricted wall portion to achieve the desired final influence on the flow in the lumen. The phrase "gently constricting a portion of the tissue wall" is to be understood as restricting the wall portion without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall.

In accordance with a first flow restriction option, the control device controls the constriction device to constrict the wall portion, such that flow in the lumen is restricted or stopped, and controls the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that flow in the lumen is further restricted or more safely stopped. More precisely, a control device may control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to further restrict or stop the flow in the lumen and to:.

Thus both a method for controlling the flow in the lumen and an apparatus adapted to control the flow in the lumen may be implemented according to different embodiments and features in any combination described in this document.

d) Stimulation device alone, which could both <NUM>) restrict by stimulation and <NUM>) also creating peristaltic wave like movements to if a) upstream stop flow without fully restricting the oviduct and alsob) being able to cause movement of the egg down to uterus with a down stream peristaltic wave:
Preferably, the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate different areas of the wall portion as the restriction device restricts the wall portion, and the control device controls the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate the areas of the wall portion. This intermittent and individual stimulation of different areas of the wall portion of the oviduct allows tissue of the wall portion to maintain substantially normal blood circulation during the operation of the apparatus of the disclosure.

The stimulation of different areas may be used both for closing the lumen in a safe way but also be used for creating a peristaltic wave in the oviduct.

In one embodiment the restriction device is adapted to constrict the wall portion to restrict or vary the flow in the lumen, and the control device controls the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion, in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen, to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the egg downstreams in the lumen or prevent further transport down of the egg to the uterus.

The restriction device is preferable controlled from outside the body in a manual way. The restriction device may also be powered. A control device may be supplied. The control device suitably controls the restriction device or the stimulation device or restriction/stimulation unit from outside the patient's body. Preferably, the control device is operable by the patient. For example, the control device may comprise a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction/stimulation unit, wherein the switch is adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually or magnetically operated from outside the patient's body. Alternatively, the control device may comprise a hand-held wireless remote control, which is conveniently operable by the patient to switch on and off the constriction/stimulation unit. The wireless remote control may also be designed for application on the patient's body like a wristwatch. Such a wristwatch type of remote control may emit a control signal that follows the patient's body to implanted signal responsive means of the apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the constriction device is adjustable to enable adjustment of the constriction of the wall portion as desired, wherein the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion. The control device may control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other, and simultaneously. Optionally, the control device may control the stimulation device to stimulate, or to not stimulate the wall portion while the control device controls the constriction device to change the constriction of the wall portion.

Initially, the constriction device may be calibrated by using the control device to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, while controlling the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion until the desired restriction of the flow in the lumen is obtained.

The control device may control the stimulation device to stimulate one or more of the areas of the wall portion at a time, for example by sequentially stimulating the different areas. Furthermore, the control device may control the stimulation device to cyclically propagate the stimulation of the areas along the wall portion, preferably in accordance with a determined stimulation pattern. To achieve the desired reaction of the tissue wall during the stimulation thereof, the control device may control the stimulation device to, preferably cyclically, vary the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the control device controls the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate the areas of the wall portion with pulses that preferably form pulse trains. At least a first area and a second area of the areas of the wall portion may be repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train and a second pulse train, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other. For example, the first area may be stimulated with the first pulse train, while the second area is not stimulated with said second pulse train, and vice versa. Alternatively, the first and second pulse trains may be shifted relative to each other, such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

The pulse trains can be configured in many different ways. Thus, the control device may control the stimulation device to vary the amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the duty cycle of the individual pulses of each pulse train, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the repetition frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the repetition frequency of the pulse trains, the number of pulses of each pulse train, and/or the off time periods between the pulse trains. Several pulse trains of different configurations may be employed to achieve the desired effect.

In case the control device controls the stimulation device to vary the off time periods between pulse trains that stimulate the respective area of the wall portion, it is also possible to control each off time period between pulse trains to last long enough to restore substantially normal blood circulation in the area when the latter is not stimulated during the off time periods.

An electric stimulation device suitably comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of electrical elements, such as electrodes, for engaging and stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses. Optionally, the electrical elements may be placed in a fixed orientation relative to one another. The control device controls the electric stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, one at a time, or groups of electrical elements at a time. Preferably, the control device controls the electric stimulation device to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses. Optionally, the control device may control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence, or such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time. Also, groups of electrical elements may be sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

The electrical elements may form any pattern of electrical elements. Preferably, the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the electrical elements are applicable on the patient's wall of the organ, such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends lengthwise along the wall of the organ, and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion. The elongate pattern of electrical elements may include one or more rows of electrical elements extending lengthwise along the wall of the organ. Each row of electrical elements may form a straight, helical or zig-zag path of electrical elements, or any form of path. The control device may control the stimulation device to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as that of, the flow in the patient's lumen.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, wherein the groups form a series of groups extending along the patient's organ in the flow direction in the patient's lumen. The electrical elements of each group of electrical elements may form a path of elements extending at least in part around the patient's organ. In a first alternative, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements may form more than two paths of elements extending on different sides of the patient's organ, preferably substantially transverse to the flow direction in the patient's lumen. The control device may control the stimulation device to energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups in random, or in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Alternatively, the control device may control the stimulation device to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as that of, the flow in the patient's lumen, or in both said directions starting from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion. For example, groups of energized electrical elements may form advancing waves of energized electrical elements, as described above; that is, the control device may control the stimulation device to energize the groups of electrical elements, such that energized electrical elements form two waves of energized electrical elements that simultaneously advance from the center of the constricted wall portion in two opposite directions towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements.

The control device may control the stimulation device to change the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of the system. For example, the control device may control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed pressure increase in the oviduct, such that the flow in the oviduct remains stopped. Any sensor for sensing a physical parameter of the patient, such as a pressure in the patient's body that relates to the pressure in the oviduct may be provided, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor. Such a sensor may for example sense the pressure in the patient's abdomen, the pressure against the implanted constriction device or the pressure on the tissue wall of the bodily organ.

For example, a hormone level sensor may be applied where the present invention is used for controlling flow of the egg.

As mentioned above, the system may comprise at least one implantable sensor, wherein the control device controls the constriction device and/or the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor. Generally, the sensor directly or indirectly senses at least one physical parameter of the patient, or at least one functional parameter of the system, or at least one functional parameter of a medical implant in the patient.

The system is further preferably adapted to send feedback information from inside the body to the outside thereof to give feed back related to any functional parameter of the device or physical parameter of the patient.

The functional parameter of the device may be correlated to the transfer of energy for charging the internal energy source mentioned in other places.

The functional parameter of the device may be the energy balance, the balance between the energy received and the energy used including accumulated by the device and the energy balance could also include the balance between an energy reception rate and an energy using including accumulating rate.

Many different kinds of sensors for sensing physical parameters may be used.

The control device may comprise an implantable internal control unit that directly controls the constriction device and/or stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor. The control device may further comprise a wireless remote control adapted to set control parameters of the internal control unit from outside the patient without mechanically penetrating the patient. At least one of the control parameters, which is settable by the wireless remote control, is the physical or functional parameter. Suitably, the internal control unit includes the above mentioned clock mechanism, wherein the wireless remote control also is adapted to set the clock mechanism.

Alternatively, the control device may comprise an external control unit outside the patient's body for controlling the constriction device and/or stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor.

In several alternative embodiments of the disclosure, the constriction device is adjustable. In these embodiments, there is an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient's tissue wall portion, and the constriction and stimulation devices form a constriction/stimulation unit. Preferably, the constriction and stimulation devices of the constriction/stimulation unit are integrated in a single piece suitable for implantation. The constriction device of the unit comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of a tissue wall portion of a patient's organ, and the stimulation device of the unit comprises a plurality of stimulation elements provided on and distributed along the contact surfaces. When the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, the stimulation elements stimulate different areas of the wall portion along the length of the wall portion. The stimulation elements preferably comprise electric elements, as described above, for stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses. However, in most applications of the present invention, other kinds of stimulations, such as thermal stimulation, could be suitable to employ.

The operation device operates the adjustable constriction device of the constriction/- stimulation unit in a manner that depends on the design of the constriction device, as will be explained by the following examples of embodiments. <NUM>) The constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements having the contact surfaces and extending along the wall portion on different sides of the organ, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the wall portion of the organ.

In the above noted embodiments (<NUM>) to (<NUM>), it is important that the constriction device is designed to constrict said length of the tissue wall portion of the patient's organ. For this purpose, the constriction device may include two or more of the described constriction elements/members to be applied in a row along said length of the wall portion, wherein said row extends in the direction of flow in the oviduct of the organ. Preferably, such constriction elements/members are non-inflatable and mechanically operable or adjustable.

In the above noted embodiments (<NUM>) to (<NUM>), the operation device may either mechanically or hydraulically adjust the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit. Also, the operation device may comprise an electrically powered operation device for operating the constriction device. For many applications of the present invention, the operation device suitably operates the constriction device, such that the through-flow area of the oviduct assumes a size in the constricted state that enables the stimulation device to contract the wall portion such that the flow in the oviduct is stopped.

Where the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit, it may be non-inflatable. Furthermore, the operation device may comprise a servo system, which may include a gearbox. The term "servo system" encompasses the normal definition of a servo mechanism, i.e., an automatic device that controls large amounts of power by means of very small amounts of power, but may alternatively or additionally encompass the definition of a mechanism that transfers a weak force acting on a moving element having a long stroke into a strong force acting on another moving element having a short stroke. Preferably, the operation device operates the constriction device in a non-magnetic and/or non-manual manner. A motor may be operatively connected to the operation device. The operation device may be operable to perform at least one reversible function and the motor may be capable of reversing the function.

Where the operation device hydraulically operates the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit, it includes hydraulic means for adjusting the constriction device.

Where the hydraulic means comprises a cavity in the constriction device, the system of the disclosure can be designed in accordance with the options listed below.

In all of the above noted embodiments <NUM> to 2b where the hydraulic means comprises an expandable cavity in the constriction device, the cavity can be exchanged by a cylinder/piston mechanism for adjusting the constriction device. In this case, the operation device distributes hydraulic fluid between the reservoir and the cylinder/piston mechanism to adjust the constriction device.

In a special embodiment of the disclosure, the operation device comprises a reverse servo operatively connected to the hydraulic means. The term "reverse servo" is to be understood as a mechanism that transfers a strong force acting on a moving element having a short stroke into a weak force acting on another moving element having a long stroke; i.e., the reverse function of a normal servo mechanism. Thus, minor changes in the amount of fluid in a smaller reservoir could be transferred by the reverse servo into major changes in. the amount of fluid in a larger reservoir. The reverse servo is particularly suited for manual operation thereof.

Preferably, the reverse servo comprises an expandable servo reservoir containing servo fluid and a fluid supply reservoir hydraulically connected to the servo reservoir to form a closed conduit system for the servo fluid. The expandable servo reservoir has first and second wall portions, which are displaceable relative to each other in response to a change in the volume of the expandable servo reservoir.

In accordance with a first alternative, the first and second wall portions of the servo reservoir are operatively connected to the hydraulic means. The reverse servo distributes fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the expandable servo reservoir to change the volume of the servo reservoir, whereby the hydraulic means is operated to adjust the constriction device.

In accordance with a second alternative, there is provided an implantable main reservoir containing a predetermined amount of hydraulic fluid, wherein the reverse servo is operable to distribute hydraulic fluid between the main reservoir and the hydraulic means to adjust the constriction device. More specifically, the main reservoir is provided with first and second wall portions operatively connected to the first and second wall portions of the expandable servo reservoir, such that the volume of the main reservoir is changed when the volume of the expandable servo reservoir is changed. Thus, when the reverse servo distributes servo fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the expandable servo reservoir to change the volume of the main reservoir, hydraulic fluid is distributed from the main reservoir to the hydraulic means, or from the hydraulic means to the main reservoir. Advantageously, the servo and main reservoirs are dimensioned, such that when the volume of the servo reservoir is changed by a relatively small amount of servo fluid, the volume of the main reservoir is changed by a relatively large amount of hydraulic fluid.

In both of the above-described alternatives, the fluid supply reservoir may have first and second wall portions, which are displaceable relative to each other to change the volume of the fluid supply reservoir to distribute servo fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the expandable servo reservoir. The first and second wall portions of the fluid supply reservoir may be displaceable relative to each other by manual manipulation, a magnetic device, a hydraulic device, or an electric control device to change the volume of the fluid supply reservoir to distribute servo fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the expandable servo reservoir.

In all of the above noted embodiments <NUM> to 2b where the hydraulic means comprises an expandable cavity in the constriction device, or in embodiments where the hydraulic means comprises a hydraulically operable mechanical construction, the operation device may include the reverse servo described above. In a further embodiment of the disclosure, the hydraulic means include first and second hydraulically interconnected expandable/contractible reservoirs. The first reservoir is operatively connected to the constriction device, such that the constriction device changes the constriction of the patient's wall portion upon expansion or contraction of the first reservoir. By changing the volume of the second reservoir hydraulic fluid is distributed between the two reservoirs, so that the first reservoir is either expanded or contracted. This embodiment requires no non-return valve in the fluid communication conduits between the two reservoirs, which is beneficial to long-term operation of the hydraulic means.

Alternatively, the hydraulic means may include first and second hydraulically interconnected piston/cylinder mechanisms instead of the first and second reservoirs described above. The first piston/cylinder mechanism is operatively connected to the constriction device, such that the constriction device changes the constriction of the patient's wall portion upon operation of the first piston/cylinder mechanism. By operating the second piston/cylinder mechanism hydraulic fluid is distributed between the two piston/cylinder mechanisms, so that the first piston/cylinder mechanism adjusts the constriction device.

Where the constriction device does not include an expandable/contractible cavity, the constriction device may comprise at least two elongated clamping elements having the above-mentioned contact surfaces and extending along the wall portion on different sides of the organ. The hydraulic means, which may include the reverse servo described above, hydraulically moves the elongated clamping elements towards the wall portion to constrict the wall portion. For example, the constriction device may have hydraulic chambers in which the clamping elements slide back and forth, and the hydraulic means may also include a pump and an implantable reservoir containing hydraulic fluid. The pump distributes hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the chambers to move the clamping elements against the wall portion, and distributes hydraulic fluid from the chambers to the reservoir to move the clamping elements away from the wall portion.

The restriction device is independent of which type or combination of types preferable. It comprises more than one restriction area, thereby being adapted to change the restriction area over time. This will prevent any damage to the oviduct still keeping the oviduct closed avoiding any egg to pas down to the uterus thus avoiding pregnancy.

I one embodiment the system comprises a hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas connected individually to two or more reservoirs with hydraulic fluid, said reservoirs adapted to be regulated to move fluid from said reservoirs individually to each of the connected restriction areas. It is possible to use only one reservoir if valves instead control on which restriction the hydraulic fluid is acting.

The hydraulic restriction areas are adapted to be restricted for a predetermined time period, preferably with some overlap in time and adapted to first restrict the restriction area closest to the ovary and then changing restriction area towards the uterus. This way the restriction may all the time be kept but without risking to have any egg to pass when changing restriction area both because of the overlap in restriction and also because restriction is started first closest to the ovary where the egg is released.

The hydraulic restriction areas may be adapted to be regulated by manual manipulation thereof.

The system may also be adapted to that the change of the restriction area cause a peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the direction towards the ovary to prevent the egg being transported down to the uterus. This peristaltic wave may be caused by any of the different types of restriction devices or combinations discribed earlier.

The restriction device may also be adapted to effect a transport of the at least one egg to the uterus upon release of the oviduct. This may be with a peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the opposite direction towards the uterus.

A system of preventing pregnancy may be adapted to restrict a first part or area of an oviduct of the patient to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and adapted to restrict a second part of the oviduct and thereafter release the restriction of the first part and also later release the restriction of the second part, thereby allow transport of the egg down to the uterus or the system may further be adapted to also restrict a third part of the oviduct and release the restriction of the second part also it may further be adapted to release the restriction of the third part thereby allow transport of the egg down to the uterus or the system may be adapted to restrict a fourth part of the oviduct and release the restriction of the third part. Finally it may be further adapted to release the restriction of the fourth part, thereby allow transport of the egg down to the uterus.

The number of restriction areas has no limit except for practical size issues and the restriction time period is preferably divided between the restriction areas. Either the restriction area is moved from the ovary and further down towards the uterus step by step thus avoiding any interference with any accumulated egg being involved in any restriction area if a certain overlap in time is fulfilled between the consecutive restriction areas in use or the restriction areas are moved both up- and down-stream then preferable using movement device to move the egg in the oviduct to avoid any egg being squeezed in any restriction area.

Preferably a hydraulic restriction device only partly restricting the oviduct is used in combination with a stimulation device to completely close the oviduct. With the stimulation device it is then possible to move the restriction area. The hydraulic device may for example have the movement function to cause the movements necessary.

In summary preferably more than two restricting areas are used and varying the restricting area while at least one restricting area is closed when the device being in restriction mode.

If the device is adapted to restrict the first part of the oviduct closest to the ovary it will allow the second restriction being restricted without interfering with any accumulated egg.

A system adapted to restrict the restriction areas in consecutive order starting with the restriction area, part of the oviduct, closest to the ovary and thereafter restrict any new area one step closer to the uterus and further adapted to overlap in time the restriction of more than one restriction area will allow to restrict without interfering with any accumulated egg.

A method of avoiding pregnancy of a female mammal or human patient comprises the following steps:.

In this and other methods the predetermined period of time is adapted to avoid pregnancy and may be between <NUM> and <NUM> days or more than <NUM> days.

A method for placing and controlling two implanted restriction devices avoiding pregnancy in a human or mammal patient comprises the steps of:.

Both methods above could when restricting the oviduct comprising the following steps:.

The method may also comprise the steps of:.

A method may only include, independently of order, varying the restriction area postoperatively to allow the oviduct to recover or to avoid any damage from the restriction while keeping the oviduct always restricted.

Another method of preventing pregnancy of a female patient comprises the following steps:.

A method for placing the device above and controlling the implanted device avoiding pregnancy in a human or mammal patient comprises the steps of:.

The restriction device may comprise a mechanical restriction device or a hydraulic restriction device or a stimulation device or a stimulation device in combination with a mechanical or hydraulic restriction device or any other combination.

The method may include a hydraulic restriction device comprising a reservoir, for moving gas or fluid to or from said restriction device and wherein said reservoir is placed subcutaneously for.

The movement device is adapted to move the egg out from a varied upcoming new restricted area before a new area is restricted useful if the restriction should be kept for a longer period of time and the restriction area therefore needs to be moved also in the direction towards the ovary in which case the egg could slip through if being squeezed by one restriction area and later released.

The movement device may be the same device as the restriction device, adapted to work differently when restricting or causing movements of the egg or it may be a different device as the restriction device adapted to work differently when restricting or causing movements of the egg.

The movement device may cause vibration or wave like movements in the oviduct wall thereby causing movements of the egg.

Therefore another method of preventing pregnancy of a female human or mammal patient may comprise the following steps:.

Preferably also the restriction areas are adapted to be varied between three or more areas while always keeping the oviduct closed.

Said movement device may comprise a vibrating device, for causing a vibration of at least a part of the wall of said oviduct causing movement of any accumulated egg, said movement being repeated.

Said movement device may comprise a mechanical device or a hydraulic device or a stimulation device or a combined device.

The control device suitably controls the constriction and /or stimulation unit from outside the patient's body. Preferably, the control device is operable by the patient. For example, the control device may comprise a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction/stimulation unit, wherein the switch is adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually or magnetically operated from outside the patient's body. Alternatively, the control device may comprise a hand-held wireless remote control, which is conveniently operable by the patient to switch on and off the constriction/stimulation unit. The wireless remote control may also be designed for application on the patient's body like a wristwatch. Such a wristwatch type of remote control may emit a control signal that follows the patient's body to implanted signal responsive means of the system.

Where the control device wirelessly controls the constriction/stimulation unit from outside the patient's body, the wireless control function is preferably performed in a non-magnetic manner, i.e., the control device controls the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit in a non-magnetic manner. The patient may use the remote control to control the constriction/stimulation unit to adjust the stimulation intensity and/or adjust the constriction of the wall portion. The wireless remote control may comprise at least one external signal transmitter or transceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transceiver implantable in the patient.

The wireless remote control preferably transmits at least one wireless control signal for controlling the constriction/stimulation unit. The control signal may comprise a frequency, amplitude, phase modulated signal or a combination thereof, and may be an analogue or a digital signal, or a combination of an analogue and digital signal. The remote control may transmit an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying the digital or analogue control signal. Also the carrier signal may comprise digital, analogue or a combination of digital and analogue signals.

Any of the above control signals may comprise wave signals, for example a sound wave signal, an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal, an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser light signal, a microwave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal or a gamma radiation signal. Alternatively, the control signal may comprise an electric or magnetic field, or a combined electric and magnetic field.

As mentioned above, the control signal may follow the patient's body to implanted signal responsive means of the system.

The control device may include a programmable internal control unit, such as a microprocessor, implantable in the patient for controlling the constriction/stimulation unit. The control device may further include an external control unit intended to be outside the patient's body, wherein the internal control unit is programmable by the external control unit. For example, the internal control unit may be programmable for controlling the constriction/stimulation unit over time, suitably in accordance with an activity schedule program. The system of the invention may comprise an external data communicator and an implantable internal data communicator communicating with the external data communicator, wherein the internal communicator feeds data related to the constriction/stimulation unit back to the external data communicator or the external data communicator feeds data to the internal data communicator.

The present disclosure also presents a solution for supplying energy for use in connection with the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit. Thus, in a broad sense, the present disclosure provides an system for controlling a flow of egg in a oviduct formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ, wherein the system comprises an implantable constriction device for gently constricting a portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow in the oviduct, a stimulation device for intermittently and individually stimulating different areas of the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the wall portion, to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the oviduct, wherein the constriction and stimulation devices form an operable constriction/stimulation unit, a source of energy, and a control device operable from outside the patient's body to control the source of energy to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit. In a simple form of the disclosure, the source of energy, such as a battery or accumulator, is implantable in the patient's body.

In a more sophisticated form of the disclosure, which is preferable, the source of energy is external to the patient's body and the control device controls the external source of energy to release wireless energy. In this sophisticated form of the disclosure, the system comprises an energy-transmission device that transmits the released wireless energy from outside the patient's body to inside the patient's body. Among many things the wireless energy may comprise electromagnetic energy, an electric field, an electromagnetic field or a magnetic field, or a combination thereof, or electromagnetic waves. The energy-transmission device may transmit wireless energy for direct use in connection with the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit, as the wireless energy is being transmitted. For example, where an electric motor or pump operates the constriction device, wireless energy in the form of a magnetic or an electromagnetic field may be used for direct power of the motor or pump. Thus, the motor or pump is running directly during transmission of the wireless energy. This may be achieved in two different ways: a) using a transforming device implanted in the patient to transform the wireless energy into energy of a different form, preferably electric energy, and powering the motor or pump with the transformed energy, or b) using the wirelessly transmitted energy to directly power the motor or pump. Preferably wireless energy in the form of an electromagnetic or magnetic field is used to directly influence specific components of the motor or pump to create kinetic energy for driving the motor or pump. Such components may include coils integrated in the motor or pump, or materials influenced by magnetic fields, or permanent magnets, wherein the magnetic or electromagnetic field influences the coils to generate a current for driving the motor or pump, or influences the material or permanent magnets to create kinetic energy for driving the motor or pump. Preferably, the energy-transmission device transmits energy by at least one wireless signal, suitably a wave signal. The wave signal may comprise an electromagnetic wave signal including one of an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a microwave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal. Alternatively, the wave signal may comprise a sound or ultrasound wave signal. The wireless signal may be a digital or analogue signal, or a combination of a digital and analogue signal.

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the disclosure, an implantable energy-transforming device is provided for transforming wireless energy of a first form transmitted by the energy-transmission device into energy of a second form, which typically is different from the energy of the first form. The constriction/stimulation unit is operable in response to the energy of the second form. For example, the wireless energy of the first form may comprise sound waves, whereas the energy of the second form may comprise electric energy. In this case, the energy-transforming device may include a piezo-electric element for transforming the sound waves into electric energy. Optionally, one of the energy of the first form and the energy of the second form may comprise magnetic energy, kinetic energy, sound energy, chemical energy, radiant energy, electromagnetic energy, photo energy, nuclear energy or thermal energy. Preferably, one of the energy of the first form and the energy of the second form is non-magnetic, non-kinetic, non-chemical, non-sonic, non-nuclear or non-thermal.

The energy-transforming device may function differently from or similar to the energy-transmission device. In a special embodiment, the energy-transforming device comprises at least one element, such as at least one semiconductor, having a positive region and a negative region, when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy-transmission device, wherein the element is capable of creating an energy field between the positive and negative regions, and the energy field produces the energy of the second form. More specifically, the element may comprise an electrical junction element, which is capable of inducing an electric field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy-transmission device, whereby the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

The energy-transforming device may transform the energy of the first form directly or indirectly into the energy of the second form. An implantable motor or pump for operating the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit may be provided, wherein the motor or pump is powered by the energy of the second form. The constriction device may be operable to perform at least one reversible function and the motor may be capable of reversing the function. For example, the control device may shift polarity of the energy of the second form to reverse the motor.

The energy-transforming device may directly power the motor or pump with the transformed energy, as the energy of the second form is being transformed from the energy of the first form. Preferably, the energy-transforming device directly operates the constriction/stimulation unit with the energy of the second form in a non-magnetic, non-thermal or non-mechanical manner.

Normally, the constriction/stimulation unit comprises electric components that are energized with electrical energy. Other implantable electric components of the system may be at least one voltage level guard or at least one constant current guard. Therefore, the energy-transforming device may transform the energy of the first form into a direct current or pulsating direct current, or a combination of a direct current and pulsating direct current.

Alternatively, the energy-transforming device may transform the energy of the first form into an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current.

The system of the disclosure may comprise an internal source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit. The system may further comprise an implantable switch operable to switch from an "off" mode, in which the internal source of energy is not in use, to an "on" mode, in which the internal source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit, and/or for energizing implanted electronic components of the system. The switch may be operable by the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy-transmission device or by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy-transforming device. The described switch arrangement reduces power consumption of the system between operations.

The internal source of energy may store the energy of the second form supplied by the energy-transforming device. In this case, the internal source of energy suitably comprises an accumulator, such as at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery. Where the internal source of energy is a rechargeable battery it may be charged only at times convenient for the patient, for example when the patient is sleeping. Alternatively, the internal source of energy may supply energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit but not be used for storing the energy of the second form. In this alternative, the internal source of energy may be a battery and the switch described above may or may not be provided.

Suitably, the system of the disclosure comprises an implantable stabilizer for stabilizing the energy of the second form. Where the energy of the second form is electric energy the stabilizer suitably comprises at least one capacitor.

The energy-transforming device may be designed for implantation subcutaneously in the abdomen, thorax or cephalic region of the patient. Alternatively, it may be designed for implantation in an orifice of the patient's body and under the mucosa or intramuscularly outside the mucosa of the orifice.

Although the constriction/stimulation unit in the embodiments described above is designed as a single piece, which is most practical for implantation, it should be noted that as an alternative the constriction device and stimulation device could be designed as separate pieces. Any one of the constriction and stimulation units described above may alternatively be replaced by two or more separate constriction/stimulation elements, which are controlled independently of one another.

Where the a system is used for controlling the flow of eggs into the uterus of a female, the system comprises an implantable constriction device for constricting each one of the female's uterine tubes to restrict the passageway thereof, and a control device for controlling said constriction device to constrict the uterine tube such that an egg appearing in the passageway of the uterine tube is prevented from entering the uterine cavity, and to release the uterine tube such that an egg existing in the passageway of the uterine tube is allowed to enter the uterine cavity. The constriction device may gently constrict at least one portion of the tissue wall of the uterine tube to restrict the passageway thereof, and an implantable stimulation device may be provided for stimulating the tissue wall portion, wherein the control device controls said stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion, as said constriction device constricts the tissue wall portion, to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion to further restrict the passageway of the uterine tube.

Alternatively, the egg flow control system comprises an implantable constriction device for gently constricting at least one portion of the tissue wall of each one of the female's uterine tubes to restrict the passageway thereof, a stimulation device for stimulating the tissue wall portion of the uterine tube, and a control device for controlling said stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion, as said constriction device constricts the tissue wall portion, to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion to further restrict the passageway of the uterine tube to prevent an egg existing in the uterine tube from entering the uterine cavity. Alternatively, the egg flow control system comprises an implantable stimulation device for stimulating a portion of the tissue wall of each one of the female's uterine tubes, and a control device for controlling said stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion of the uterine tube to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion, such that the passageway of the uterine tube is restricted to prevent an egg appearing in the uterine tube from entering the uterine cavity, and to cease stimulating the tissue wall portion of the uterine tube to allow an egg existing in the passageway of the uterine tube to enter the uterine cavity.

A system as described above may be used in a method to control a flow of egg in a oviduct formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ, the method comprising:.

Also disclosed is a method for controlling a flow of egg in a oviduct formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ, the method comprising:.

Referring to the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures.

<FIG> illustrates a first embodiment of system for treating a female patient to prevent pregnancy applied on the oviducts 31a, 31b of a female patient. Clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> of a restriction or constriction device <NUM> constrict the oviducts 31a, 31b. (For the sake of clarity, the housing is not shown and the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> are exaggerated. ) In this embodiment, a control device includes a subcutaneously implanted push button that is manually switched by the patient between "on" and "off". This control device will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG> AND 3B. Such a manually operable push button may also be provided in combination with a remote control as an emergency button to allow the patient to stop the operation of the system in case of emergency or malfunction. Such a remote control will be described below with reference to <FIG>. This system could also be fully manually controlled by manual manipulation of for example a hydraulic reservoir controlling a hydraulic restriction device such as described in Fig. 3A-3D or <FIG> or <FIG> or any of <FIG>. Please observe that only a reservoir moving fluid manually as in Fig. 3C and 3D may be used to adjust the restriction device. This reservoir may be controlled in such a way that the change of the reservoir volume will be stable after the manual manipulation of the reservoir wall has taken place. In this particular case is showed a looking device but many different ways may be used, Small amount of fluid in the reservoir may also case a larger movement of the restriction device as described in some of the embodiments above.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative embodiment applied on the oviducts 31a, 31b of a female patient. The clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the constriction device <NUM> constrict the oviducts 31a, 31b. (For the sake of clarity, the housing is not shown and the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> are exaggerated. ) In this embodiment, a control device includes an external control unit in the form of a hand-held wireless remote control <NUM>, and an implanted internal control unit <NUM>, which may include a microprocessor, for controlling the constriction and stimulation devices. The remote control <NUM> is operable by the patient to control the internal control unit <NUM> to switch on and off the restriction device.

The internal control unit <NUM> controls an implanted operation device <NUM> to move the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM>. An implanted source of energy <NUM>, such as a rechargeable battery, powers the operation device <NUM>. The internal control unit <NUM>, which may be implanted subcutaneously or in the abdomen, may also work as en energy receiver, i.e., for transforming wireless energy into electric energy and charging the implanted source of energy <NUM> (rechargeable battery) with the electric energy.

An implanted sensor <NUM> senses a physical parameter of the patient, such as the temperature, wherein the internal control unit <NUM> controls the constriction device <NUM> and/or the stimulation device <NUM> in response to signals from the sensor <NUM>. In this embodiment the sensor <NUM> is a hormone level sensor, wherein the internal control unit <NUM> controls the constriction device and/or stimulation device to change the constriction of the patient's oviduct <NUM> in response to the sensor <NUM> sensing a predetermined value of measured value. For example, the control unit <NUM> may control the constriction device and/or stimulation device to increase the constriction of the patient's oviduct <NUM> in response to the sensor sensing an increased or decreased hormone level. Alternatively or in combination, the remote control <NUM> controls the constriction device and/or a stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor <NUM>, in the same manner as the internal control unit <NUM>.

The remote control <NUM> may be equipped with means for producing an indication, such as a sound signal or displayed information, in response to signals from the sensor <NUM>. When the patient's attention is taken by such an indication indicating a release od the oviduct based on said sensor input. The patient may use the remote control to control the constriction device or stimulation device to pump eggs through the oviducts of the patient.

<FIG> show hydraulic operation means suited for operating the constriction device of the embodiments described above with reference to <FIG>. Specifically, <FIG> show the system of <FIG> provided with such means for hydraulic operation of the constriction device <NUM>. Thus, the housing <NUM> forms two hydraulic chambers 22a and 22b, in which the two clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> are slidable back and forth relative to the tubular tissue wall portion <NUM> of a patient's oviduct. The hydraulic operation means include an expandable reservoir <NUM>, such as an elastic balloon, containing hydraulic fluid, conduits 24a and 24b between the reservoir <NUM> and the hydraulic chambers 22a, 22b, and a two-way pump <NUM> for pumping the hydraulic fluid in the conduits 24a, 24b. The reservoir <NUM> is subcutaneously placed between the skin, shown with a solid line in the figure, and the normally fascial/muscular layer , shown with a dashed line. The control device <NUM> controls the pump <NUM> to pump hydraulic fluid from the reservoir <NUM> to the chambers 22a, 22b to move the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> against the wall portion <NUM>, whereby the tubular wall portion <NUM> is constricted, see <FIG>, and to pump hydraulic fluid from the chambers 22a, 22b to the reservoir <NUM> to move the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> away from the wall portion <NUM>, whereby the tubular wall <NUM> is released, see <FIG>.

Alternatively, the embodiment of <FIG> may be manually operated by applying suitable manually operable hydraulic means for distributing the hydraulic fluid between the expandable reservoir <NUM> and the hydraulic chambers 22a, 22b. In this case the pump <NUM> is omitted. Also in this case is the control device <NUM> only manual manipulation of the reservoir. An example is showed in Fig. 3C and 3D. In this particular embodiment is supplied a small looking of the reservoir wall (4b), but this is only one of many ways of solving this embodiment.

<FIG> schematically show a mechanically operable embodiment of the disclosure, comprising an open ended tubular housing <NUM> applied on the tubular tissue wall portion <NUM> of a patient's organ, a constriction device <NUM> arranged in the housing <NUM> and a control device <NUM> for controlling the constriction device <NUM>. A stimulation device (not shown) as described above is also provided in the housing <NUM>. The constriction device <NUM> includes a clamping element <NUM>, which is radially movable in the tubular housing <NUM> towards and away from the tubular wall portion <NUM> between a retracted position, see <FIG>, and a clamping position, see <FIG>, in which the clamping element <NUM> gently constricts the tubular wall portion <NUM>. Mechanical operation means for mechanically operating the clamping element <NUM> includes an electric motor <NUM> attached to the housing <NUM> and a telescopic device <NUM>, which is driven by the motor <NUM> and operatively connected to the clamping element <NUM>. The control device <NUM> controls the electric motor <NUM> to expand the telescopic device <NUM> to move the clamping element <NUM> against the wall portion <NUM>, whereby the tubular wall portion <NUM> is constricted, see <FIG>, and controls the motor <NUM> to retract the telescopic device <NUM> to move the clamping element <NUM> away from the wall portion <NUM>, whereby the wall portion <NUM> is released, see <FIG>.

Alternatively, the motor <NUM> may be omitted and the telescopic device <NUM> be modified for manual operation, as shown in <FIG>. Thus, a spring 30a may be provided acting to keep the telescopic device <NUM> expanded to force the clamping element <NUM> against the wall portion <NUM>. The mechanical operation means may include a subcutaneously implanted lever mechanism 29a that is operatively connected to the telescopic device <NUM>. The patient may push the lever mechanism 29a through the patient's skin 29b to pull the telescopic device <NUM> against the action of the spring 30a to the retracted position of the telescopic device <NUM>, as indicated in phantom lines. When the patient releases the lever mechanism 29a, the spring 30a expands the telescopic device <NUM>, whereby clamping element <NUM> is forced against the wall portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate in principle the function of the system of <FIG> when the system is applied on a portion <NUM> of a tubular tissue wall of a patient's oviduct. Thus, <FIG> shows the system in a non-clamping state, in which the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> are in their retracted positions and the wall portion <NUM> extends through the open ends of the housing <NUM> without being constricted by the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> shows the system in a clamping state, in which the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> have been moved from their retracted positions to their clamping positions, in which the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> gently constrict the wall portion <NUM> to a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion <NUM> is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the oviduct of the wall portion <NUM> is restricted. <FIG> shows the system in an optional stimulation state, in which the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> constrict the wall portion <NUM> and the electrical elements <NUM> of the stimulation device <NUM> electrically stimulate different areas of the wall portion <NUM>, so that the wall portion <NUM> contracts (thickens) and closes the oviduct.

When the system is in its optional stimulation state, it is important to stimulate the different areas of the wall portion <NUM> in a manner so that they essentially maintains their natural physical properties over time to prevent the areas from being injured. Consequently, the control device <NUM> controls the stimulation device <NUM> to intermittently stimulate each area of the wall portion <NUM> during successive time periods, wherein each time period is short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area. Furthermore, the control device <NUM> controls the stimulation of the areas of the wall portion <NUM>, so that each area that currently is not stimulated restores substantially normal blood circulation before it is stimulated again. To maintain over time the effect of stimulation, i.e., to keep the oviduct closed by maintaining the wall portion <NUM> contracted, the control device <NUM> controls the stimulation device <NUM> to stimulate one or more of the areas at a time and to shift the stimulation from one area to another over time. The control device <NUM> may control the stimulation device <NUM> to cyclically propagate the stimulation of the areas along the tubular wall portion <NUM>, for example, in accordance with a determined stimulation pattern. To achieve the desired reaction of the tissue wall during the stimulation thereof, the control device may control the stimulation device to, preferably cyclically, vary the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the fully restricted state shown in <FIG> can be obtained by purely mechanical means not involving electrical stimulation.

<FIG> show another embodiment of the disclosure which includes a tubular housing <NUM> and three elongate clamping elements 10a, 10b, 10c, which are radially movable in the tubular housing <NUM> towards and away from a central axis thereof between retracted positions, see <FIG>, and clamping positions, see <FIG>. The three clamping elements 10a-10c are symmetrically disposed around the central axis of the housing <NUM>. The stimulation device of this embodiment includes electrical elements 11a, <NUM> b, 11c that form a series of groups of elements extending longitudinally along the elongate clamping elements 10a-10c, wherein the electrical elements 11a - 11c of each group of electrical elements form a path of three electrical elements 11a, 11b and 11c extending circumferentially around the central axis of the housing <NUM>. The three electrical elements 11a - 11c of each group are positioned on the three clamping elements 10a-10c, respectively. Thus, the path of three electrical elements 11a-11c extends around the patient's organ. Of course, the number of electrical elements 11a-11c of each path of electrical elements can be greater than three, and several parallel rows electrical elements 11a-11c can form each path of electrical elements.

<FIG> schematically illustrate different states of operation of a generally designed system according to the present disclosure, when the system is applied on a wall portion of a oviduct designated BO. The system includes a constriction device and a stimulation device, which are designated CSD, and a control device designated CD for controlling the constriction and stimulation devices CSD. <FIG> shows the system in an inactivation state, in which the constriction device does not constrict the organ BO and the stimulation device does not stimulate the organ BO. <FIG> shows the system in a constriction state, in which the control device CD controls the constriction device to gently constrict the wall portion of the organ BO to a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the oviduct of the wall portion is restricted. <FIG> shows the system in a stimulation state, in which the control device CD controls the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the constricted wall portion, so that almost the entire wall portion of the organ BO contracts (thickens) and closes the oviduct.

<FIG> show how the stimulation of the constricted wall portion can be cyclically varied between a first stimulation mode, in which the left area of the wall portion (see <FIG>) is stimulated, while the right area of the wall portion is not stimulated, and a second stimulation mode, in which the right area of the wall portion (see <FIG>) is stimulated, while the left area of the wall portion is not stimulated, in order to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the constricted wall portion.

It should be noted that the stimulation modes shown in <FIG> only constitute a principle example of how the constricted wall portion of the organ BO may be stimulated. Thus, more than two different areas of the constricted wall portion may be simultaneously stimulated in cycles or successively stimulated. Also, groups of different areas of the constricted wall portion may be successively stimulated.

<FIG> illustrate different states of operation of a modification of the general embodiment shown in <FIG>, wherein the constriction and stimulation devices CSD include several separate constriction/stimulation elements, here three elements CSDE1, CSDE2 and CSDE3. <FIG> shows how the element CSDE1 in a first state of operation is activated to both constrict and stimulate the organ BO, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is closed, whereas the other two elements CSDE2 and CSDE3 are inactivated. <FIG> shows how the element CSDE2 in a second following state of operation is activated, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is closed, whereas the other two elements CSDE1 and CSDE3 are inactivated. <FIG> shows how the element CSDE3 in a following third state of operation is activated, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is closed, whereas the other two elements CSDE1 and CSDE2 are inactivated. By shifting between the first, second and third states of operation, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined sequence, different portions of the organ can by temporarily constricted and stimulated while maintaining the oviduct of the organ closed, whereby the risk of injuring the organ is minimized. It is also possible to activate the elements CSDE1-CSDE3 successively along the oviduct of the organ to move fluids and/or other bodily matter in the oviduct.

<FIG> illustrate an alternative mode of operation of the modification of the general embodiment. Thus, <FIG> shows how the element CSDE7 in a first state of operation is activated to both constrict and stimulate the organ BO, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is closed, whereas the other two elements CSDE2 and CSDE3 are activated to constrict but not stimulate the organ BO, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is not completely closed where the elements CSDE2 and CSDE3 engage the organ BO. <FIG> shows how the element CSDE2 in a second following state of operation is activated to both constrict and stimulate the organ BO, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is closed, whereas the other two elements CSDE7 and CSDE3 are activated to constrict but not stimulate the organ BO, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is not completely closed where the elements CSDE1 and CSDE3 engage the organ BO. <FIG> shows how the element CSDE3 in a following third state of operation is activated to both constrict and stimulate the organ BO, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is closed, whereas the other two elements CSDE1 and CSDE2 are activated to constrict but not stimulate the organ BO, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is not completely closed where the elements CSDE1 and CSDE2 engage the organ BO. By shifting between the first, second and third states of operation, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined sequence, different portions of the organ can by temporarily stimulated while maintaining the oviduct of the organ closed, whereby the risk of injuring the organ is reduced. It is also possible to activate the stimulation of the elements CSDE1-CSDE3 successively along the oviduct of the organ BO to move fluids and/or other bodily matter in the oviduct.

This embodiment, with a combination of a mechanical or hydraulic partly restricting system and a stimulation system varying the stimulation position, is preferably used when one wants to close the oviduct for a longer period of time. The system is energy efficient because preferably only stimulation has to be changed in position and the oviduct is allowed to recover until the stimulation comes back to the same position again. If the restriction areas are placed closer to each other and maybe the mechanical or hydraulic restriction is continuous, a peristaltic like wave could be created in any direction in the oviduct. If the restriction is moved in consecutive order starting with the restriction closest to the ovary, no egg is squeezed in the restriction area. If the restriction is moved in the other direction towards the uterus, a movement device could be used to move any egg away from any new upcoming restriction area. Such a movement device could be the hydraulic or mechanical partly restricting device causing movements in the oviduct wall before the stimulation device close the area.

<FIG> is a pulse/time diagram showing a modification of the electric stimulation shown in <FIG>. Thus, the pulse combination of <FIG> is mixed with a pulse train combination having a first relatively long pulse train PTL of high frequency/low amplitude pulses, appearing simultaneously with the positive pulse PL of the pulse combination of <FIG>, and a second relatively short pulse train PTS of high frequency/low amplitude appearing simultaneously with the negative pulse PS of the pulse combination shown in <FIG>. As a result, the high frequency/low amplitudes pulse trains PTL and PTS are superimposed on the positive and negative pulses PL and PS of <FIG>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The pulse configuration of <FIG>, and variations thereof, is beneficial to use in connection with the stimulation of particular human organs, in order to achieve the desired stimulation effect. Preferably, the electric pulses form pulse trains, as illustrated in the Pulse/time diagrams P/t of <FIG>. The Pulse/time diagram P/t of <FIG> represents an individual area of the wall portion of the patient's tubular organ which is stimulated with a pulse train 18A. The pulse train 18A includes three initial negative pulses, each of which is of short duration and high amplitude (voltage), and one positive pulse of long duration and low amplitude following the negative pulses. After a delay to enable the area of the organ to restore substantially normal blood circulation, the pulse train 18A is repeated.

The Pulse/time diagram P/t of <FIG> represents another individual area of the wall portion, which is stimulated with a pulse train 18B having the same configuration as the pulse train 18A. The pulse trains 18A and 18B are shifted relative to each other, so that they partially overlap one another to ensure that the constricted wall portion always is stimulated to contract as desired.

<FIG> show another embodiment of the disclosure that controls blood flow in a blood vessel <NUM>, comprising a constriction device with two clamping elements 20a and 20b, a stimulation device in the form of two thermal stimulation elements 21a and 21b integrated in the clamping elements 20a, 20b, respectively, and a control device <NUM> for controlling the clamping elements 20a, 20b and stimulation elements 21a, 21b. The clamping elements 20a and 20b are movable towards and away from each other in the same manner as described above in connection with the embodiment according to <FIG>. The thermal stimulation elements 21a and 21b, which may include Pertier elements, are positioned on the clamping elements 20a, 20b, so that the thermal elements 21a are facing the thermal elements 21b. <FIG> shows how the clamping elements 20a, 20b constrict the blood vessel <NUM>, so that the blood flow is restricted. <FIG> shows how the control device <NUM> controls the thermal stimulation elements 21a, 21b to cool the wall of the blood vessel <NUM>, so that the wall contracts and closes the blood vessel <NUM>. To release the blood vessel <NUM>, the control device <NUM> controls the thermal stimulation elements 21a, 21b to heat the wall of the blood vessel <NUM>, so that the wall expands.

<FIG> show a hydraulically operable elongated constriction device in the form of a band <NUM> having an expandable/contractible cavity <NUM>, which is in fluid communication with an adjustable reservoir <NUM> containing hydraulic fluid. <FIG> illustrates when the band is in a non-constriction state, whereas <FIG> illustrates when the band is in a constriction state, in which the cavity <NUM> is expanded by hydraulic fluid supplied by the reservoir <NUM>.

31A, 31B, 31C and 31D are block diagrams of four differently operated hydraulic constriction devices. Fig. 31A shows the band <NUM> of <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> of which is in fluid communication with a reservoir <NUM>. Fig. 31B shows the embodiment of <FIG>, in which the cavity <NUM> of the band <NUM> is in fluid communication with the reservoir <NUM> via an operation device in the form of a two-way pump <NUM>. <FIG> shows an operation device in the form of a reverse servo system with a first closed system controlling a second system. The reverse servo system comprises an adjustable fluid supply reservoir <NUM> and an adjustable servo reservoir <NUM>. The servo reservoir <NUM> controls a larger adjustable reservoir <NUM> which in connection with the band <NUM> applied around a portion of tubular tissue wall of a patient's organ varies the volume of the cavity <NUM> of the band <NUM>, which in turn varies the constriction of the wall portion. <FIG> shows an embodiment identical to the embodiment of <FIG>, except that the larger reservoir <NUM> is omitted. Instead, the servo reservoir <NUM> is in fluid communication with the cavity of the band <NUM>.

In all of the above embodiments according to Figs. 12A through 10B, stimulation devices may be provided to form constriction/stimulation units, in which the stimulation devices include a multiplicity of electrical elements <NUM> (indicated in Figs. 12A - <NUM>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) positioned on the constriction devices.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a fluid supply device including a bellows reservoir <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM>, the size of which is variable by an operation device comprising a remote controlled electric motor <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> and the motor <NUM> are placed in a housing <NUM>. Moving a large wall <NUM> varies the chamber <NUM>. The wall <NUM> is secured to a nut <NUM>, which is threaded on a rotatable spindle <NUM>. The spindle <NUM> is rotated by the motor <NUM>. A battery <NUM> placed in the housing <NUM> powers the motor <NUM>. A signal receiver <NUM> for controlling the motor <NUM> is also placed in the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the battery <NUM> and the signal receiver <NUM> may be mounted in a separate place. The motor <NUM> may also be powered with energy transferred from transmitted signals.

Where applicable, the fluid supply device of <FIG> may be used for supplying hydraulic fluid for the operation of the constriction devices described in this specification. For example, the fluid supply device of <FIG> may be substituted for the reservoir <NUM> in the embodiment according to <FIG>.

<FIG> show a reverse servo including a rectangular housing <NUM> and an intermediate wall <NUM>, which is movable in the housing <NUM>. A relatively large, substantially cylindrical bellows reservoir <NUM> is arranged in the housing <NUM> and is joined to the movable intermediate wall <NUM>. Another cylindrical bellows reservoir <NUM>, which is substantially smaller than reservoir <NUM>, is arranged in the housing <NUM> at the other side of the intermediate wall <NUM> and is also joined to the wall <NUM>. The small bellows reservoir <NUM> has a fluid supply pipe <NUM> and the large bellows reservoir <NUM> has a fluid supply pipe <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when a small amount of hydraulic fluid is conducted through the supply pipe <NUM> into the small bellows reservoir <NUM>, the small bellows reservoir <NUM> expands and pushes the movable intermediate wall <NUM> towards the large bellows reservoir <NUM>. As a result, the large bellows reservoir <NUM> is contracted by the intermediate wall <NUM>, whereby a large amount of hydraulic fluid is forced out of the large bellows reservoir <NUM> through the supply pipe <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

For example, the reverse servo of <FIG> may be used in the embodiment of <FIG>, wherein the small bellows reservoir <NUM> corresponds to the small servo reservoir <NUM> and the large bellows reservoir <NUM> corresponds to the large reservoir <NUM>. Also, the reverse servo of <FIG> may be used in the embodiment of <FIG>, wherein the small bellows reservoir <NUM> is connected to the adjustable reservoir <NUM>, and the large bellows reservoir <NUM> is connected to the cavity <NUM> of the band <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a hydraulically operable constriction device <NUM> of the system of the disclosure, which is similar to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, except that the hydraulic system is designed differently. Thus, the constriction device <NUM> includes a relatively small inflatable cavity <NUM>, which is in fluid communication with a reservoir <NUM> containing hydraulic fluid, and a relatively large cavity <NUM>, which is displaceable by small cavity <NUM>. Small cavity <NUM> is adapted to displace large cavity <NUM> to constrict the patient's tubular wall portion when small cavity <NUM> is inflated and to displace large cavity <NUM> to release the wall portion when small cavity <NUM> is deflated. Thus, a relatively small addition of hydraulic fluid from reservoir <NUM> to small cavity <NUM> causes a relatively large increase in the constriction of the wall portion.

Large cavity <NUM> is defined by a contraction element in the form of a big balloon <NUM>, which may be connected to an injection port (not shown) for calibration of the volume of large cavity <NUM>. Adding fluid to or withdrawing fluid from the injection port with the aid of a syringe calibrates the volume of balloon <NUM>. Small cavity <NUM> is defined by a small bellows <NUM> attached to an annular frame <NUM> of constriction device <NUM> and at the opposite end is attached to balloon <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrate the operation of constriction device <NUM>, when annular frame <NUM> is applied around the tubular wall portion of the patient's organ. Referring to <FIG>, when small cavity <NUM> is deflated bellows <NUM> pulls balloon <NUM> inwardly into annular frame <NUM>, so that constriction device <NUM> constricts the wall portion. Referring to <FIG>, when small cavity <NUM> is inflated bellows <NUM> pulls balloon <NUM> out of annular frame <NUM>, so that constriction device <NUM> releases the wall portion.

As mentioned above, the constriction device and stimulation device can co-operate to actively move the egg in the oviduct of a patient's organ. This can be achieved using the constriction/stimulation unit shown in <FIG>. Thus, in accordance with a first cooperation option, the clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the constriction device constricts the wall portion <NUM> without completely closing the oviduct, whereby the flow in the oviduct is restricted, and the control device <NUM> controls the electrical elements <NUM> to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the oviduct to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion <NUM> to move the egg in the oviduct.

In accordance with a second cooperation option, the constriction device constricts the wall portion so that the flow in the oviduct is restricted, and the control device <NUM> controls a few electrical elements <NUM> at one end of the elongate clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> to stimulate the constricted wall portion <NUM> to close the oviduct either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion <NUM>. With the oviduct closed in this manner, the control device <NUM> controls the constriction device to increase the constriction of the wall portion, whereby the egg in the oviduct is moved downstream or upstream of the wall portion <NUM>.

In another embodiment of the invention for performing the second cooperation option, the constriction device constricts the wall portion so that the flow in the oviduct is restricted, and the control device <NUM> controls the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion while the constriction device varies the constriction of the different areas of the wall portion, such that the wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the oviduct. 16A - 16E show different operation stages of such an alternative embodiment, which comprises a constriction device <NUM> including two elongate constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> having convex surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> that abut a length of the wall portion <NUM> on mutual sides thereof, and a multiplicity of electrical elements <NUM> (such as electrodes) that are positioned on the convex surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The control device <NUM> controls the electrical elements <NUM> during operation of the constriction device <NUM> and controls the elongate constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> to move relative to the tubular wall portion <NUM> so that the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> progressively constrict the wall portion <NUM>, as appears from Figs. 16A to 16D.

Thus, in an initial position of the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> shown in Fig. 16A, the wall portion is not constricted by the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> and the electrical elements <NUM> are not energized. Starting from this initial position, the control device <NUM> controls the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> to swing the left ends of the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> toward the wall portion (indicated by arrows) to constrict the tubular wall portion <NUM>, see Fig. 16B, while energizing the electrical elements <NUM>, so that the electrical elements <NUM> that contact the wall portion <NUM> contract the latter. Fig. <NUM> C shows how the oviduct of the tubular wall portion <NUM> is completely closed by the thickened wall portion <NUM>. Then, as shown in Fig. 16C, the control device <NUM> controls the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> to move so that their right ends are moving towards each other (indicated by arrows), while the convex surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> are rolling on each other with the contracted wall portion <NUM> between them, see Fig. 16D. As a result, the bodily matter in the oviduct of the organ is forced to the right (indicated by a white arrow). When the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> have rolled on each other to the position shown in Fig. 16E, the control device <NUM> controls the right ends of the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> to move away from each other (indicated by arrows in Fig. 16E) to the initial position shown in Fig. 16A. The operation stages described according to Figs. 16A to 16E can be cyclically repeated a number of times until the desired amount of bodily matter has been moved in the oviduct of the organ in a peristaltic manner.

Alternatively, only one of the constriction elements <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided with a convex surface, whereas the other constriction element has a plane surface that abuts the wall portion. It is also possible to use a single constriction element with a convex surface that presses the tubular portion <NUM> of the organ against a bone of the patient.

<FIG> schematically shows a general embodiment of the system of the disclosure, in which energy is transferred to energy consuming components of the system implanted in the patient. The system of <FIG> comprises an implanted constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>, which is operable to gently constrict a portion of a tubular tissue wall of a patient's organ and to stimulate different areas of the constricted portion to cause contraction of the wall portion. The constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> is capable of performing a reversible function, i.e., to constrict and release the wall portion, so that the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> works as an artificial sphincter.

A source of energy <NUM> is adapted to supply energy consuming components of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> with energy via a power supply line <NUM>. A wireless remote control or a subcutaneously implanted switch operable by the patient to switch on or off the supply of energy from the source of energy may be provided. The source of energy may be an implantable permanent or rechargeable battery, or be included in an external energy-transmission device, which may be operable directly by the patient or be controlled by a remote control operable by the patient to transmit wireless energy to the energy consuming components of the constriction/stimulation unit. Alternatively, the source of energy may comprise a combination of an implantable rechargeable battery, an external energy-transmission device and an implantable energy-transforming device for transforming wireless energy transmitted by the external energy-transmission device into electric energy for the charge of the implantable rechargeable battery.

<FIG> shows a special embodiment of the general embodiment of <FIG> having some parts implanted in a patient and other parts located outside the patient's body. Thus, in <FIG> all parts placed to the right of the patient's skin <NUM> are implanted and all parts placed to the left of the skin <NUM> are located outside the patient's body. An implanted energy-transforming device 111A of the system is adapted to supply energy consuming components of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> with energy via the power supply line <NUM>. An external energy-transmission device <NUM> of the system includes a wireless remote control transmitting a wireless signal, which is received by a signal receiver incorporated in the implanted energy-transforming device 111A. The implanted energy-transforming device 111A transforms energy from the signal into electric energy, which is supplied via the power supply line <NUM> to the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

The system of <FIG> may also include an implanted rechargeable battery for energizing energy consuming implanted components of the system. In this case, the implanted energy-transforming device 111A also charges the battery with electric energy, as the energy-transforming device transforms energy from the signal into the electric energy.

A reversing device in the form of an electric switch <NUM>, such as a microprocessor, is implanted in the patient for reversing the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>. The wireless remote control of the external energy-transmission device <NUM> transmits a wireless signal that carries energy and the implanted energy-transforming device 111A transforms the wireless energy into a current for operating the switch <NUM>. When the polarity of the current is shifted by the energy-transforming-device 111A the switch <NUM> reverses the function performed by the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure including the energy-transforming device 111A, the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> and an implanted operation device in the form of a motor <NUM> for operating the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is powered with energy from the energy-transforming device 111A, as the remote control of the external energy-transmission device113 transmits a wireless signal to the receiver of the energy-transforming device 111A.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure including the energy-transforming device 111A, the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> and an implanted assembly <NUM> including a motor/pump unit <NUM> and a fluid reservoir <NUM>. In this case the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> is hydraulically operated, i.e., hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> to constrict the wall portion, and hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit <NUM> back from the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM> to release the wall portion. The implanted energy-transforming device 111A transforms wireless energy into a current, for powering the motor/pump unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure comprising the external energy-transmission device <NUM>. that controls the control unit <NUM> to reverse the motor <NUM> when needed, the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>, the constriction device of which is hydraulically operated, and the implanted energy-transforming device 111A, and further comprising an implanted hydraulic fluid reservoir <NUM>, an implanted motor/pump unit <NUM>, an implanted reversing device in the form of a hydraulic valve shifting device <NUM> and a separate external wireless remote control 111B. The motor of the motor/pump unit <NUM> is an electric motor. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the external energy-transmission device <NUM>, the implanted energy-transforming device 111A powers the motor/pump unit <NUM> with energy from the energy carried by the control signal, whereby the motor/pump unit <NUM> distributes hydraulic fluid between the reservoir <NUM> and the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>. The remote control 111B controls the shifting device <NUM> to shift the hydraulic fluid flow direction between one direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> to constrict the wall portion, and another opposite direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit <NUM> back from the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM> to release the wall portion.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure including the energy-transforming device 111A and the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>. A control unit <NUM>, an accumulator <NUM> and a capacitor <NUM> are also implanted in the patient. A separate external wireless remote control 111B controls the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls the energy-transforming device 111A to store electric energy in the accumulator <NUM>, which supplies energy to the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control 111B, the control unit <NUM> either releases electric energy from the accumulator <NUM> and transfers the released energy via power lines, or directly transfers electric energy from the energy-transforming device 111A via the capacitor <NUM>, which stabilizes the electric current, for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

In accordance with one alternative, the capacitor <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG> may be omitted. In accordance with another alternative, the accumulator <NUM> in this embodiment may be omitted.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure including the energy-transforming device 111A, the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>. A battery <NUM> for supplying energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> and an electric switch <NUM> for switching the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> are also implanted in the patient. The switch <NUM> is operated by the energy supplied by the energy-transforming device 111A to switch from an off mode, in which the battery <NUM> is not in use, to an on mode, in which the battery <NUM> supplies energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure identical to that of Fig. <NUM>, except that a control unit <NUM> also is implanted in the patient. A separate external wireless remote control 111B controls the control unit <NUM>. In this case, the switch <NUM> is operated by the energy supplied by the energy-transforming device 111A to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control 111B is prevented from controlling the control unit <NUM> and the battery <NUM> is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control 111B is permitted to control the control unit <NUM> to release electric energy from the battery <NUM> for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure identical to that of Fig. <NUM>, except that the accumulator <NUM> is substituted for the battery <NUM> and the implanted components are interconnected differently. In this case, the accumulator <NUM> stores energy from the energy-transforming device 111A. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control 111B, the implanted control unit <NUM> controls the switch <NUM> to switch from an off mode, in which the accumulator <NUM> is not in use, to an on mode, in which the accumulator <NUM> supplies energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure identical to that of Fig. <NUM>, except that the battery <NUM> also is implanted in the patient, and the implanted components are interconnected differently. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control 111B, the implanted control unit <NUM> controls the accumulator <NUM>, which may be a capacitor, to deliver energy for operating the switch <NUM> to switch from an off mode, in which the battery <NUM> is not in use, to an on mode, in which the battery <NUM> supplies electric energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

Alternatively, the switch <NUM> may be operated by energy supplied by the accumulator <NUM> to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control 111B is prevented from controlling the battery <NUM> to supply electric energy and the battery <NUM> is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the wireless remote control 111B is permitted to control the battery <NUM> to supply electric energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure identical to that of Fig. <NUM>, except that a motor <NUM>, a mechanical reversing device in the form of a gearbox <NUM> and a control unit <NUM> for controlling the gearbox <NUM> also are implanted in the patient. A separate external wireless remote control 111B controls the implanted control unit <NUM> to control the gearbox <NUM> to reverse the function performed by the constriction device (mechanically operated) of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure identical to that of Fig. <NUM>, except that the implanted components are interconnected differently. Thus, in this case, the battery <NUM> powers the control unit <NUM> when the accumulator <NUM>, suitably a capacitor, activates the switch <NUM> to switch to an on mode. When the switch <NUM> is in its on mode the control unit <NUM> is permitted to control the battery <NUM> to supply, or not supply, energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the disclosure identical to that of Fig. <NUM>, except that a gearbox <NUM> that connects the motor <NUM> to the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM> that controls the energy-transforming device 111A to power the motor <NUM> also are implanted in the patient. There is a separate external wireless remote control 111B that controls the control unit <NUM> to reverse the motor <NUM> when needed.

Optionally, the accumulator <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be provided in the embodiment of Fig. <NUM>, wherein the implanted control unit <NUM> controls the energy-transforming device 111A to store the transformed energy in the accumulator <NUM>. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control 111B, the control unit <NUM> controls the accumulator <NUM> to supply energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>.

Those skilled in the art will realise that the above various embodiments according to <FIG> could be combined in many different ways. For example, the energy operated switch <NUM> could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, the hydraulic shifting device <NUM> could be incorporated in the embodiment of <FIG>, and the gearbox <NUM> could be incorporated in the embodiment of Fig. <NUM>. The switch <NUM> may be of a type that includes electronic components, for example a microprocessor, or a FGPA (Field Programmable Gate Array) designed for switching. Alternatively, however, the energy operated switch <NUM> may be replaced by a subcutaneously implanted push button that is manually switched by the patient between "on" and"off'.

Alternatively, a permanent or rechargeable battery may be substituted for the energy-transforming devices 111A of the embodiments shown in Figs. <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG> shows basic parts of a remote control of the system of the disclosure for controlling the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>. In this case, the stimulation device of the constriction/stimulation unit stimulates the wall portion with electric pulses. The remote control is based on wireless transmission of electromagnetic wave signals, often of high frequencies in the order of <NUM> - <NUM>, through the skin <NUM> of the patient. In <FIG>, all parts placed to the left of the skin <NUM> are located outside the patient's body and all parts placed to the right of the skin <NUM> are implanted.

An external signal-transmission device <NUM> is to be positioned close to a signal-receiving device <NUM> implanted close to the skin <NUM>. As an alternative, the signal-receiving device <NUM> may be placed for example inside the abdomen of the patient. The signal-receiving device <NUM> comprises a coil, approximately <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM> in diameter, wound with a very thin wire and tuned with a capacitor to a specific high frequency. A small coil is chosen if it is to be implanted under the skin of the patient and a large coil is chosen if it is to be implanted.

in the abdomen of the patient. The signal transmission device <NUM> comprises a coil having about the same size as the coil of the signal-receiving device <NUM> but wound with a thick wire that can handle the larger currents that is necessary. The coil of the signal transmission device <NUM> is tuned to the same specific high frequency as the coil of the signal-receiving device <NUM>.

The signal-transmission device <NUM> is adapted to send digital information via the power amplifier and signal-receiving device <NUM> to an implanted control unit <NUM>. To avoid that accidental random high frequency fields trigger control commands, digital signal codes are used. A conventional keypad placed on the signal transmission device <NUM> is used to order the signal transmission device <NUM> to send digital signals for the control of the constriction/stimulation unit. The signal transmission device <NUM> starts a command by generating a high frequency signal. After a short time, when the signal has energized the implanted parts of the control system, commands are sent to operate the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> in predefined steps. The commands are sent as digital packets in the form illustrated below.

The commands are sent continuously during a rather long time period (e.g., about <NUM> seconds or more). When a new constriction or release step is desired, the Count byte is increased by one to allow the implanted control unit <NUM> to decode and understand that another step is demanded by the signal transmission device <NUM>. If any part of the digital packet is erroneous, its content is simply ignored.

Through a line <NUM>, an implanted energizer unit <NUM> draws energy from the high frequency electromagnetic wave signals received by the signal-receiving device <NUM>. The energizer unit <NUM> stores the energy in a source of energy, such as a large capacitor, powers the control unit <NUM> and powers the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> via a line <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> comprises a demodulator and a microprocessor. The demodulator demodulates digital signals sent from the signal transmission device <NUM>. The microprocessor receives the digital packet, decodes it and sends a control signal via a signal line <NUM> to control the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM> to either constrict or release the wall portion of the patient's organ depending on the received command code.

<FIG> shows a circuitry of an embodiment of the disclosure, in which wireless energy is transformed into a current. External components of the circuitry include a microprocessor <NUM>, a signal generator <NUM> and a power amplifier <NUM> connected thereto. The microprocessor <NUM> is adapted to switch the signal generator <NUM> on/off and to modulate signals generated by the signal generator <NUM> with digital commands. The power amplifier <NUM> amplifies the signals and sends them to an external signal-transmitting antenna coil <NUM>. The antenna coil <NUM> is connected in parallel with a capacitor <NUM> to form a resonant circuit tuned to the frequency generated by the signal generator <NUM>.

Implanted components of the circuitry include a signal receiving antenna coil <NUM> and a capacitor <NUM> forming together a resonant circuit that is tuned to the same frequency as the transmitting antenna coil <NUM>. The signal receiving antenna coil <NUM> induces a current from the received high frequency electromagnetic waves and a rectifying diode <NUM> rectifies the induced current, which charges a storage capacitor <NUM>. The storage capacitor <NUM> powers a motor <NUM> for driving the constriction device of the constriction/stimulation unit <NUM>. A coil <NUM> connected between the antenna coil <NUM> and the diode <NUM> prevents the capacitor <NUM> and the diode <NUM> from loading the circuit of the signal-receiving antenna <NUM> at higher frequencies. Thus, the coil <NUM> makes it possible to charge the capacitor <NUM> and to transmit digital information using amplitude modulation.

A capacitor <NUM> and a resistor <NUM> connected in parallel and a diode <NUM> form a detector used to detect amplitude modulated digital information. A filter circuit is formed by a resistor <NUM> connected in series with a resistor <NUM> connected in series with a capacitor <NUM> connected in series with the resistor <NUM> via ground, and a capacitor <NUM>, one terminal of which is connected between the resistors <NUM>,<NUM> and the other terminal of which is connected between the diode <NUM> and the circuit formed by the capacitor <NUM> and resistor <NUM>. The filter circuit is used to filter out undesired low and high frequencies. The detected and filtered signals are fed to an implanted microprocessor <NUM> that decodes the digital information and controls the motor <NUM> via an H-bridge <NUM> comprising transistors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The motor <NUM> can be driven in two opposite directions by the H-bridge <NUM>.

The microprocessor <NUM> also monitors the amount of stored energy in the storage capacitor <NUM>. Before sending signals to activate the motor <NUM>, the microprocessor <NUM> checks whether the energy stored in the storage capacitor <NUM> is enough. If the stored energy is not enough to perform the requested operation, the microprocessor <NUM> waits for the received signals to charge the storage capacitor <NUM> before activating the motor <NUM>.

Alternatively, the energy stored in the storage capacitor <NUM> may only be used for powering a switch, and the energy for powering the motor <NUM> may be obtained from another implanted energy source of relatively high capacity, for example a battery. In this case the switch is adapted to connect the battery to the motor <NUM> in an on mode when the switch is powered by the storage capacitor <NUM> and to keep the battery disconnected from the motor <NUM> in a standby mode when the switch is not powered.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for treating a female mammal or human patient to avoid pregnancy, the system comprising a restriction device adapted to be postoperatively adjusted to restrict and cease restricting a lumen of an oviduct of the patient, wherein the restriction device is adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct.