Inventors:
Jean P. Angelchik - Phoenix AZ
International Classification:
A61B 1900, A61F 100
Abstract:
A method for preventing gastro esophageal reflux when the gastro esophageal junction is positioned above the diaphragm. The method comprises positioning a generally C-shaped cushion prosthesis about the distal esophagus, adjusting the free ends of the prosthesis at a spacing to permit normal expansion of the esophagus during swallowing and fixing the free ends of the prosthesis in the adjusted position to maintain the prosthesis in operative position around the distal esophagus adjacent to the gastric fundus when the gastro esophageal junction is positioned above the diaphragm and to maintain the adjusted spacing of the free ends. The inside diameter of the prosthesis generally corresponds to the normal outside diameter of the distal esophagus, and the C-shaped member is deformable to permit adjustment of the spacing of the free ends at a selected distance.