Method for the treatment of gallstones

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct of a patient, that comprises an implantable constriction device for gently constricting (i.e. without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and a stimulation device for stimulating the wall portion of the tissue wall. A control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the wall portion, to cause contraction of the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to further influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct. The apparatus can be used for actively moving the gallstones in the lumen, with a low risk of injuring the biliary duct.

1 - 295 . (canceled) 
     
     
         296 . A gallstone treatment apparatus for treating a patient suffering from gallstones, the apparatus comprising:
 an implantable constriction device configured to constrict a wall portion of a tissue wall of the biliary duct of the patient to cause contraction of the wall portion and influence movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary tract,   an implantable energy source configured to provide energy for operation of the implantable constriction device, and   a control unit comprising at least one of: an implantable internal control unit and an external control unit configured to control the constriction device.   
     
     
         297 . The apparatus according to  claim 296 , further comprising an implantable sensor configured to sense at least one of a functional parameter of the apparatus and a physical parameter of the patient. 
     
     
         298 . The apparatus according to  claim 298 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the constriction device in response to signals from the sensor. 
     
     
         299 . The apparatus according to  claim 296 , further comprising a stimulation device configured to stimulate the tissue wall of the biliary duct. 
     
     
         300 . The apparatus according to  claim 299 , wherein the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the tissue wall with electric pulses. 
     
     
         301 . The apparatus according to  claim 299 , wherein the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the tissue wall with electric pulses to cause contraction of said tissue wall. 
     
     
         302 . The apparatus according to  claim 301 , wherein the control unit is programmed to control the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall over time in accordance with an activity schedule program. 
     
     
         303 . The apparatus according to  claim 301 , wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction device for stimulating the wall portion contacted by the constriction device. 
     
     
         304 . The apparatus according to  claim 303 , wherein the control unit comprises a clock functionality, wherein the control unit by the clock functionality is configured to control the stimulation device to deliver electric pulses during certain time periods of the day. 
     
     
         305 . The apparatus according to  claim 299 , wherein the stimulation device is integrated with the constriction device. 
     
     
         306 . The apparatus according to  claim 299 , wherein the stimulation device is separate from the constriction device.