Patent ID: 7691078

Claim:
A stent for use in the body of a patient, comprising: (a) a first segment locatable on the proximal side of the external sphincter of the patient and including a proximal portion, a distal end, and a lumen extending within the first segment, the proximal portion including at least one opening in communication with the lumen and an inflatable balloon, the inflatable balloon in communication with an inflation channel for conveying fluids to fill the balloon, the inflation channel extending between the inflatable balloon and a valve located on the distal end of the first segment, the valve controlling flow of fluid in and out of the inflation channel, the distal end terminating on the proximal side of the external sphincter when the stent is placed in the body of the patient; (b) a second segment locatable on the distal side of the external sphincter of the patient and including a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending within the second segment, the proximal end terminating on the distal side of the external sphincter when the stent is placed in the body of the patient; and (c) a connecting member disposed between the first and second segments and coupling together the first and second segments, the connecting member extending from the distal end of the first segment to the proximal end of the second segment with a smooth transition at the distal and proximal ends, the connecting member being sized to extend through the external sphincter and to allow normal operation of the external sphincter by the patient when the stent is placed in the body of the patient.