APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW IN A BODILY ORGAN

• US 20110087337A1
• Filed: 04/12/2010
• Published: 04/14/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kirk Promotion Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Kirk Promotion Ltd.
• Inventors: FORSELL, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 9,662,117 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/23.68
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/12 for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels, umbilical cord specially adapted for vas deferens or fallopian tubes A61F6/20; materials for ligaturing blood vessels A61L17/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0036 implantable A61F2/0018 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/004 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/045 Stomach, intestines
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0002 for data transfer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/001 for adjusting a diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/02 Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0509 Stomach and intestinal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36564 controlled by blood pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36578 controlled by mechanical motion of the heart wall, e.g. measured by an accelerometer or microphone
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37247 User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/403 for thermotherapy, e.g. hyperthermia

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid and/or other bodily matter in a lumen formed by a tissue wall of a patient'"'"'s organ 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 flow in the lumen, 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 flow in the lumen. The apparatus can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the lumen, or for actively moving the fluid in the lumen, with a low risk of injuring the organ. Such an organ may be the esophagus, stomach, intestines, urine bladder, urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, aorta, corpus cavernosum, exit veins of erectile tissue, uterine tube, vas deference or bile duct, or a blood vessel.

Claims

1. A flow control apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid and/or other matter in a fluid conduit formed by a conduit wall, the apparatus comprising:

an energizing device configured to influence the flow in the conduit, the energizing device including a stimulation device configured to stimulate a wall portion of the conduit wall, and

a control device operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to influence the flow in the conduit.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energizing device is configured to influence a flow of fluid and/or other bodily matter in a lumen formed by a tissue wall of a patient'"'"'s organ, the energizing device further including an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow in the lumen, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate 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 lumen.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the lumen is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the wall portion, so that the flow in the lumen is at least further restricted when the wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, and

the control device is adapted to calibrate the constriction device by controlling 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.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the lumen is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the lumen is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the lumen and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the lumen.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the lumen is substantially stopped, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the lumen is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to completely stop the flow in the lumen, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the lumen, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the wall portion and the constriction device to release the wall portion to restore the flow in the lumen.

8. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device in a first mode to constrict the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the lumen and to control the constriction device in a second mode to cease the constriction of the wall portion to restore flow in the lumen.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

10. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the lumen is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the flow in the lumen, or to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the lumen is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to increase the flow in the lumen.

11. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the lumen, such that the flow in the lumen remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the lumen, the control device controlling the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

13. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the wall portion, such that an area of the wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

14. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

15. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the wall portion and for stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the wall portion.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the patient'"'"'s organ such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the organ in the direction of the flow in the lumen and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion.

19. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

20. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the patient'"'"'s wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the organ in the direction of the flow in the lumen and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the flow in the lumen, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s organ, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s organ.

21. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the patient'"'"'s organ, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s organ, when the stimulation device is applied on the organ.

22. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the patient'"'"'s organ in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s lumen, when the stimulation device is applied on the organ, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the patient'"'"'s organ, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s organ, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 lumen, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s organ, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the flow in the lumen, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s organ.

23. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the wall portion, either by cooling the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion or by heating the wall portion, when the wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to at least restrict the flow in the lumen, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the lumen is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

24. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tissue wall portion of the organ extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the wall portion with respect to the direction of the flow in the lumen, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the wall portion such that the fluid and/or other bodily matter is actively moved in the lumen.

25. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the flow in the lumen, and the control device

is operable to control 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 fluid and/or other bodily matter in the lumen, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to close the lumen either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire wall portion to move the fluid and/or other bodily matter in the lumen.

26. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the wall portion and to simultaneously control 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 fluid and/or other bodily matter in the lumen.

27. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the wall portion such that the wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the wall portion to progressively constrict the wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the wall portion along the length of the wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion.

28. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of wall portions of the tissue wall to at least restrict the flow in the lumen, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions to move the fluid and/or other bodily matter in the lumen in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the organ to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions of the organ, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the wall portion constricted by the constriction element to close the lumen.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the wall portions of the series of wall portions.

30. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the organ to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions of the organ, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the wall portions constricted by the constriction elements to close the lumen, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the wall portions of the series of wall portions of the organ, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the wall portions of the series of wall portions of the organ, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the organ to constrict the latter.

31. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the wall portion of the organ at the upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the wall portion at the downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the lumen and to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the fluid or other bodily matter contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream or upstream in the lumen, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the lumen and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the upstream end to close the lumen, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the fluid and/or other bodily matter contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream in the lumen, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the lumen and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the downstream end to close the lumen, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the fluid and/or other bodily matter contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved upstream in the lumen.

32. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion of the organ wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the organ in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s lumen 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.

34. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the lumen, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the wall portion to move the fluid and/or other bodily matter in the lumen, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the wall portion.

35. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to restrict but not stop the flow in the lumen, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the wall portion to move the fluid and/or other bodily matter in the lumen.

36. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any wall portions of a series of wall portions, respectively, of the organ, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any wall portions of the series of wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions without completely closing the lumen, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted wall portions one after the other, so that the wall portions of the series of wall portions are successively contracted along the organ to move the fluid and/or other bodily matter in the lumen, or

to constrict all of the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the organ'"'"'s lumen.

Intestinal Dysfunction

463. The system according to claim 1, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted reversible.

More than One Restriction Area

585. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to propagate the stimulation of the areas in accordance with a determined stimulation pattern.

1152. A system comprising a device according to claim 1.

1153. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising at least one switch implantable in the patient for manually and non-invasively controlling The device.

1154. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising a hydraulic device having an implantable hydraulic reservoir, which is hydraulically connected to the device, wherein the device is adapted to be non-invasively regulated by manually pressing the hydraulic reservoir.

1155. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising a wireless remote control for non-invasively controlling the device.

1156. The system according to claim 1155, wherein the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter and/or receiver, further comprising an internal signal receiver and/or transmitter implantable in the patient for receiving signals transmitted by the external signal transmitter or transmitting signals to the external signal receiver.

1157. The system according to claim 1155, wherein the wireless remote control transmits at least one wireless control signal for controlling the device.

1158. The system according to claim 1157, wherein the wireless control signal comprises a frequency, amplitude, or phase modulated signal or a combination thereof.

1159. The system according to claim 1157, wherein the wireless remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying the control signal.

1160. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising a wireless energy-transmission device for non-invasively energizing implantable energy consuming components of the device with wireless energy.

1161. The system according to claim 1160, wherein the wireless energy comprises a wave signal selected from the following:

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 micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal and a gamma radiation signal.

1162. The system according to claim 1160, wherein the wireless energy comprises one of the following:

an electric field, a magnetic field, a combined electric and magnetic field.

1163. The system according to claim 1157, wherein the control signal comprises one of the following:

an electric field, a magnetic field, a combined electric and magnetic field.

1164. The system according to claim 1157, wherein the signal comprises an analogue signal, a digital signal, or a combination of an analogue and digital signal.

1165. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising an implantable internal energy source for powering implantable energy consuming components of the device.

1166. The system according to claim 1165, further comprising an external energy source for transferring energy in a wireless mode, wherein the internal energy source is chargeable by the energy transferred in the wireless mode.

1167. The system according to claim 1166, further comprising a sensor or measuring device sensing or measuring a functional parameter correlated to the transfer of energy for charging the internal energy source, and a feedback device for sending feedback information from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof, the feedback information being related to the functional parameter sensed by the sensor or measured by the measuring device.

1168. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising a feedback device for sending feedback information from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof, the feedback information being related to at least one of a physical parameter of the patient and a functional parameter related to the device.

1169. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising a sensor and/or a measuring device and an implantable internal control unit for controlling the device in response to information being related to at least one of a physical parameter of the patient sensed by the sensor or measured by the measuring device and a functional parameter related to the device sensed by the sensor or measured by the measuring device.

1170. The system according to claim 1169, wherein the physical parameter is a pressure or a motility movement.

1171. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising 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 device or the patient to the external data communicator and/or the external data communicator feeds data to the internal data communicator.

1172. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising a motor or a pump for operating the device.

1173. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising a hydraulic operation device for operating the device.

1174. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising an operation device for operating the device, wherein the operation device comprises a servo designed to decrease the force needed for the operation device to operate the device instead the operation device acting a longer way, increasing the time for a determined action.

1175. The system according to claim 1160, further comprising an operation device for operating the device, wherein the wireless energy is used in its wireless state to directly power the operation device to create kinetic energy for the operation of the device, as the wireless energy is being transmitted by the energy-transmission device.

1176. The system according to claim 1160, further comprising an energy-transforming device for transforming the wireless energy transmitted by the energy-transmission device from a first form into a second form energy.

1177. The system according to claim 1176, wherein the energy-transforming device directly powers implantable energy consuming components of the device with the second form energy, as the energy-transforming device transforms the first form energy transmitted by the energy-transmission device into the second form energy.

1178. The system according to claim 1176, wherein the second form energy comprises at least one of a direct current, pulsating direct current and an alternating current.

1179. The system according to claim 1176, further comprising an implantable accumulator, wherein the second form energy is used at least partly to charge the accumulator.

1180. The system according to claim 1176, wherein the energy of the first or second form comprises at least one of magnetic energy, kinetic energy, sound energy, chemical energy, radiant energy, electromagnetic energy, photo energy, nuclear energy thermal energy, non-magnetic energy, non-kinetic energy, non-chemical energy, non-sonic energy, non-nuclear energy and non-thermal energy.

1181. The system according to claim 1152, further comprising implantable electrical components including at least one voltage level guard and/or at least one constant current guard.

1182. The system according to claim 1160, further comprising a control device for controlling the transmission of wireless energy from the energy-transmission device, and an implantable internal energy receiver for receiving the transmitted wireless energy, the internal energy receiver being connected to implantable energy consuming components of the device for directly or indirectly supplying received energy thereto, the system further comprising a determination device adapted to determine an energy balance between the energy received by the internal energy receiver and the energy used for the implantable energy consuming components of the device, wherein the control device controls the transmission of wireless energy from the external energy-transmission device, based on the energy balance determined by the determination device.

1183. The system according to claim 1182, wherein the determination device is adapted to detect a change in the energy balance, and the control device controls the transmission of wireless energy based on the detected energy balance change.

1184. The system according to claim 1182, wherein the determination device is adapted to detect a difference between energy received by the internal energy receiver and energy used for the implantable energy consuming components of the device, and the control device controls the transmission of wireless energy based on the detected energy difference.

1185. The system according to claim 1160, wherein the energy-transmission device comprises a coil placed externally to the human body, further comprising an implantable energy receiver to be placed internally in the human body and an electric circuit connected to power the external coil with electrical pulses to transmit the wireless energy, the electrical pulses having leading and trailing edges, the electric circuit adapted to vary first time intervals between successive leading and trailing edges and/or second time intervals between successive trailing and leading edges of the electrical pulses to vary the power of the transmitted wireless energy, the energy receiver receiving the transmitted wireless energy having a varied power.

1186. The system according to claim 1185, wherein the electric circuit is adapted to deliver the electrical pulses to remain unchanged except varying the first and/or second time intervals.

1187. The system according to claim 1185, wherein the electric circuit has a time constant and is adapted to vary the first and second time intervals only in the range of the first time constant, so that when the lengths of the first and/or second time intervals are varied, the transmitted power over the coil is varied.

1188. The system according to claim 1168, further comprising an implantable internal energy receiver for receiving wireless energy, the energy receiver having an internal first coil and a first electronic circuit connected to the first coil, and an external energy transmitter for transmitting wireless energy, the energy transmitter having an external second coil and a second electronic circuit connected to the second coil, wherein the external second coil of the energy transmitter transmits wireless energy which is received by the first coil of the energy receiver, the system further comprising a power switch for switching the connection of the internal first coil to the first electronic circuit on and off, such that feedback information related to the charging of the first coil is received by the external energy transmitter in the form of an impedance variation in the load of the external second coil, when the power switch switches the connection of the internal first coil to the first electronic circuit on and off.

1189. The system according to claim 1168, further comprising an implantable internal energy receiver for receiving wireless energy, the energy receiver having an internal first coil and a first electronic circuit connected to the first coil, and an external energy transmitter for transmitting wireless energy, the energy transmitter having an external second coil and a second electronic circuit connected to the second coil, wherein the external second coil of the energy transmitter transmits wireless energy which is received by the first coil of the energy receiver, the system further comprising a feedback device for communicating out the amount of energy received in the first coil as a feedback information, and wherein the second electronic circuit includes a determination device for receiving the feedback information and for comparing the amount of transferred energy by the second coil with the feedback information related to the amount of energy received in the first coil to obtain the coupling factors between the first and second coils.

1190. The system according to claim 1189, wherein the energy transmitter regulates the transmitted energy in response to the obtained coupling factor.

1191. The system according to claim 1189, wherein external second coil is adapted to be moved in relation to the internal first coil to establish the optimal placement of the second coil, in which the coupling factor is maximized.

1192. The system according to claim 1191, wherein the external second coil is adapted to calibrate the amount of transferred energy to achieve the feedback information in the determination device, before the coupling factor is maximized.

39. An intestinal dysfunction treatment apparatus comprising an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one portion of the tissue wall of a patient'"'"'s intestines to influence the flow of intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway of the intestines, a stimulation device configured to stimulate the wall portion of the tissue wall, and a control device operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the wall portion, to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow of intestinal contents.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the intestinal passageway is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the wall portion, so that the flow in the intestinal passageway is at least further restricted when the wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

41. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

42. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, and

the control device is adapted to calibrate the constriction device by controlling 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 intestinal passageway is obtained.

43. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the intestinal passageway is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the intestinal passageway is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the intestinal passageway and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the intestinal passageway.

44. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the intestinal passageway is substantially stopped, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the intestinal passageway is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to completely stop the flow in the intestinal passageway, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the intestinal passageway, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the wall portion and the constriction device to release the wall portion to restore the flow in the intestinal passageway.

45. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device in a first mode to constrict the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the intestinal passageway and to control the constriction device in a second mode to cease the constriction of the wall portion to restore flow in the intestinal passageway.

46. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

47. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the intestinal passageway is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the flow in the intestinal passageway, or to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the intestinal passageway is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to increase the flow in the intestinal passageway.

48. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of the apparatus.

49. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the intestinal passageway, such that the flow in the intestinal passageway remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the intestinal passageway, the control device controlling the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

50. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the wall portion, such that an area of the wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

51. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

52. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the wall portion and for stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses.

53. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

54. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the wall portion.

55. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the patient'"'"'s intestines such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the intestines in the direction of the flow in the intestinal passageway and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion.

56. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

57. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the patient'"'"'s wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the intestines in the direction of the flow in the intestinal passageway and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the flow in the intestinal passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s intestines, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s intestines.

58. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the patient'"'"'s intestines, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s intestines, when the stimulation device is applied on the intestines.

59. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the patient'"'"'s intestines in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s intestinal passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the intestines, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the patient'"'"'s intestines, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s intestines, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 intestinal passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s intestines, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the flow in the intestinal passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s intestines.

60. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the wall portion, either by cooling the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion or by heating the wall portion, when the wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to at least restrict the flow in the intestinal passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the intestinal passageway is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

61. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the tissue wall portion of the intestines extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the wall portion with respect to the direction of the flow in the intestinal passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the wall portion such that the intestinal contents is actively moved in the intestinal passageway.

62. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the flow in the intestinal passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the intestinal passageway to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to close the intestinal passageway either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire wall portion to move the intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway.

63. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the intestinal passageway to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway.

64. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the wall portion such that the wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the intestinal passageway, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the wall portion to progressively constrict the wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the intestinal passageway, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the wall portion along the length of the wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion.

65. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of wall portions of the tissue wall to at least restrict the flow in the intestinal passageway, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the intestinal passageway, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions to move the intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the intestines to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions of the intestines, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the wall portion constricted by the constriction element to close the intestinal passageway.

66. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the wall portions of the series of wall portions.

67. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the intestines to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions of the intestines, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the wall portions constricted by the constriction elements to close the intestinal passageway, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the wall portions of the series of wall portions of the intestines, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the wall portions of the series of wall portions of the intestines, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the intestines to constrict the latter.

68. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the wall portion of the intestines at the upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the wall portion at the downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the intestinal passageway and to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the intestinal contents contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream or upstream in the intestinal passageway, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the intestinal passageway and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the upstream end to close the intestinal passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the intestinal contents contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream in the intestinal passageway, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the intestinal passageway and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the downstream end to close the intestinal passageway, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the intestinal contents contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved upstream in the intestinal passageway.

69. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion of the intestines wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

70. The apparatus according to claim 69, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the intestines in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s intestinal passageway on different sides of the intestines, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the wall portion.

71. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the intestinal passageway, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the wall portion to move the intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the wall portion.

72. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to restrict but not stop the flow in the intestinal passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the intestinal passageway, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the wall portion to move the intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway.

73. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any wall portions of a series of wall portions, respectively, of the intestines, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

74. The apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any wall portions of the series of wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

75. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions without completely closing the intestinal passageway, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted wall portions one after the other, so that the wall portions of the series of wall portions are successively contracted along the intestines to move the intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway, or

to constrict all of the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the intestinal passageway.

Urinary Dysfunction

76. A urinary dysfunction treatment apparatus comprising an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one portion of the tissue wall of patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis or urine bladder to influence the flow of urine, a stimulation device configured to stimulate the wall portion of the tissue wall, and a control device operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the wall portion, to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow of urine.

77. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the urinary passageway is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the wall portion, so that the flow in the urinary passageway is at least further restricted when the wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

78. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

79. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, and

the control device is operable to calibrate the constriction device by controlling 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 urinary passageway is obtained.

80. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the urinary passageway is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the urinary passageway is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the urinary passageway and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the urinary passageway.

81. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the urinary passageway is substantially stopped, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the urinary passageway is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to completely stop the flow in the urinary passageway, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the urinary passageway, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the wall portion and the constriction device to release the wall portion to restore the flow in the urinary passageway.

82. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device in a first mode to constrict the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the urinary passageway and to control the constriction device in a second mode to cease the constriction of the wall portion to restore flow in the urinary passageway.

83. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

84. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the urinary passageway is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the flow in the urinary passageway, or to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the urinary passageway is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to increase the flow in the urinary passageway.

85. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of The apparatus.

86. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the urinary passageway, such that the flow in the urinary passageway remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the urinary passageway, the control device controlling the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

87. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the wall portion, such that an area of the wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

88. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

89. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the wall portion and for stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses.

90. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

91. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the wall portion.

92. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder in the direction of the flow in the urinary passageway and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion.

93. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

94. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the patient'"'"'s wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder in the direction of the flow in the urinary passageway and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the flow in the urinary passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder.

95. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder, when the stimulation device is applied on the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder.

96. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s urinary passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 urinary passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the flow in the urinary passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder.

97. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the wall portion, either by cooling the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion or by heating the wall portion, when the wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to at least restrict the flow in the urinary passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the urinary passageway is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

98. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the tissue wall portion of the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the wall portion with respect to the direction of the flow in the urinary passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the wall portion such that the urine is actively moved in the urinary passageway.

99. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the flow in the urinary passageway, and the control device

is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the urinary passageway to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the urine in the urinary passageway, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to close the urinary passageway either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire wall portion to move the urine in the urinary passageway.

100. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the urinary passageway to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the urine in the urinary passageway.

101. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the wall portion such that the wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the urinary passageway, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the wall portion to progressively constrict the wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the urinary passageway, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the wall portion along the length of the wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion.

102. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of wall portions of the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder to at least restrict the flow in the urinary passageway, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the urinary passageway, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions to move the urine in the urinary passageway in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the wall portion constricted by the constriction element to close the urinary passageway.

103. The apparatus according to claim 102, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the wall portions of the series of wall portions.

104. The apparatus according to claim 102, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the wall portions constricted by the constriction elements to close the urinary passageway, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the wall portions of the series of wall portions, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder to constrict the latter.

105. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the wall portion of the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder at the upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the wall portion at the downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the urinary passageway

and to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the urine contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream or upstream in the urinary passageway, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the urinary passageway and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the upstream end to close the urinary passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the urine contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream in the urinary passageway, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the urinary passageway and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the downstream end to close the urinary passageway, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the urine contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved upstream in the urinary passageway.

106. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion of the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

107. The apparatus according to claim 106, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s urinary passageway on different sides of the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the wall portion.

108. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the urinary passageway, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the wall portion to move the urine in the urinary passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the wall portion.

109. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to restrict but not stop the flow in the urinary passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the urinary passageway, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the wall portion to move the urine in the urinary passageway.

110. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any wall portions of a series of wall portions, respectively, of the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

111. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any wall portions of the series of wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

112. The apparatus according to claim 111, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions without completely closing the urinary passageway, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted wall portions one after the other, so that the wall portions of the series of wall portions are successively contracted along the urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, or urine bladder to move the urine in the urinary passageway, or

to constrict all of the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the urinary passageway.

Obesity ABG

113. An obesity treatment apparatus comprising an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one portion of the tissue wall of a patient'"'"'s stomach to influence the food flow in a food passageway of the stomach, a stimulation device configured to stimulate the wall portion of the tissue wall, and a control device operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the wall portion, to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the food flow in the food passageway of the stomach.

114. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the food passageway is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the wall portion, so that the flow in the food passageway is at least further restricted when the wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

115. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

116. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, and

the control device is operable to calibrate the constriction device by controlling 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 food passageway is obtained.

117. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the food passageway is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the food passageway is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the food passageway and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the food passageway.

118. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the food passageway is substantially stopped, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the food passageway is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to completely stop the flow in the food passageway, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the food passageway, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the wall portion and the constriction device to release the wall portion to restore the flow in the food passageway.

119. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device in a first mode to constrict the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the food passageway and to control the constriction device in a second mode to cease the constriction of the wall portion to restore flow in the food passageway.

120. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

121. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the food passageway is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the flow in the food passageway, or to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the food passageway is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to increase the flow in the food passageway.

122. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of The apparatus.

123. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the food passageway, such that the flow in the food passageway remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the food passageway, the control device controlling the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

124. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the wall portion, such that an area of the wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

125. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

126. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the wall portion and for stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses.

127. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

128. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the wall portion.

129. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the patient'"'"'s stomach such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the stomach in the direction of the flow in the food passageway and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion.

130. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

131. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the patient'"'"'s wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the stomach in the direction of the flow in the food passageway and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the flow in the food passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s stomach, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s stomach.

132. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the patient'"'"'s stomach, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s stomach, when the stimulation device is applied on the stomach.

133. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the patient'"'"'s stomach in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s food passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the stomach, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the patient'"'"'s stomach, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s stomach, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 food passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s stomach, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the flow in the food passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s stomach.

134. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the wall portion, either by cooling the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion or by heating the wall portion, when the wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to at least restrict the flow in the food passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the food passageway is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

135. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the tissue wall portion of the stomach extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the wall portion with respect to the direction of the flow in the food passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the wall portion such that the food is actively moved in the food passageway.

136. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the flow in the food passageway, and the control device

is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the food passageway to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the food in the food passageway, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to close the food passageway either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire wall portion to move the food in the food passageway.

137. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the food passageway to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the food in the food passageway.

138. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the wall portion such that the wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the food passageway, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the wall portion to progressively constrict the wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the food passageway, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the wall portion along the length of the wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion.

139. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of wall portions of the stomach to at least restrict the flow in the food passageway, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the food passageway, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions to move the food in the food passageway in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the stomach to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the wall portion constricted by the constriction element to close the food passageway.

140. The apparatus according to claim 139, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the wall portions of the series of wall portions.

141. The apparatus according to claim 139, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the stomach to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the wall portions constricted by the constriction elements to close the food passageway, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the wall portions of the series of wall portions, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the stomach to constrict the latter.

142. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the wall portion of the stomach at the upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the wall portion at the downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the food passageway and to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the food contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream or upstream in the food passageway, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the food passageway and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the upstream end to close the food passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the food contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream in the food passageway, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the food passageway and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the downstream end to close the food passageway, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the food contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved upstream in the food passageway.

143. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion of the stomach wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

144. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the stomach in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s food passageway on different sides of the stomach, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the wall portion.

145. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the food passageway, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the wall portion to move the food in the food passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the wall portion.

146. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to restrict but not stop the flow in the food passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the food passageway, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the wall portion to move the food in the food passageway.

147. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any wall portions of a series of wall portions, respectively, of the stomach, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

148. The apparatus according to claim 147, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any wall portions of the series of wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

149. The apparatus according to claim 148, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions without completely closing the food passageway, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted wall portions one after the other, so that the wall portions of the series of wall portions are successively contracted along the stomach to move the food in the food passageway, or

to constrict all of the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the food passageway.

Obesity VBG

150. An obesity treatment apparatus for treating an obese patient surgically modified by any one of a group of operations called Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, wherein the stomach is compartmentalized into a smaller proximal compartment adjacent the esophagus and a larger distal compartment, the smaller proximal compartment communicating with the larger distal compartment through an outlet opening, the apparatus comprising an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one wall portion of the tissue wall of the patient'"'"'s stomach to influence the food flow in a food passageway extending in the smaller proximal compartment through the outlet opening, an implantable stimulation device configured to stimulate the wall portion of the tissue wall, and a control device operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the wall portion, to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the food flow in the food passageway.

151. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the food passageway is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the wall portion, so that the flow in the food passageway is at least further restricted when the wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

152. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

153. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, and

the control device is operable to calibrate the constriction device by controlling 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 food passageway is obtained.

154. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction to form a size of the outlet opening that restricts but does not stop the food flow in the food passageway, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the outlet opening is reduced to further restrict but not stop the food flow in the food passageway, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the food passageway and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the food passageway.

155. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to constrict the wall portion to form a size of the outlet opening that substantially stops the food flow in the food passageway, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the food passageway is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the outlet opening is closed to completely stop the food flow in the food passageway, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to open the outlet opening to allow food flow in the food passageway, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the wall portion and the constriction device to release the wall portion to restore the flow in the food passageway.

156. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device in a first mode to constrict the wall portion to close the outlet opening to stop the food flow in the food passageway and to control the constriction device in a second mode to cease the constriction of the wall portion to open the outlet opening to restore food flow in the food passageway.

157. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

158. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the food passageway is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the flow in the food passageway, or to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the food passageway is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to to open the outlet to allow food flow in the food passageway.

159. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of The Apparatus.

160. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to constrict the wall portion to form a size of the outlet opening that substantially stops the food flow in the food passageway, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the food passageway is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the food passageway, such that the flow in the food passageway remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the food passageway, the control device controlling the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

161. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the wall portion, such that an area of the wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

162. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

163. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the wall portion and for stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses.

164. The apparatus according to claim 163, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

165. The apparatus according to claim 163, wherein the wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the wall portion.

166. The apparatus according to claim 163, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the patient'"'"'s stomach such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the stomach in the direction of the flow in the food passageway and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion.

167. The apparatus according to claim 163, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

168. The apparatus according to claim 163, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the patient'"'"'s wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the wall portion of the stomach in the direction of the flow in the food passageway and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the flow in the food passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s stomach, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s stomach.

169. The apparatus according to claim 163, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the patient'"'"'s stomach, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s stomach, when the stimulation device is applied on the stomach.

170. The apparatus according to claim 163, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the patient'"'"'s stomach in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s food passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the stomach, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the patient'"'"'s stomach, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s stomach, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 food passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s stomach, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the flow in the food passageway, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s stomach.

171. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the wall portion, either by cooling the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion or by heating the wall portion, when the wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to form a size of the outlet opening that at least restricts the food flow in the food passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the outlet opening is reduced to at least further restrict but not stop, or to further restrict and stop the food flow in the food passageway.

172. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the tissue wall portion of the stomach extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the wall portion with respect to the direction of the flow in the food passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the wall portion such that the food is actively moved in the food passageway.

173. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the flow in the food passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the food passageway to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the food in the food passageway, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to close the food passageway either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire wall portion to move the food in the food passageway.

174. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the food passageway to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the food in the food passageway.

175. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the wall portion such that the wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the food passageway, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the wall portion to progressively constrict the wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the food passageway, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the wall portion along the length of the wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion.

176. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of wall portions of the stomach to at least restrict the flow in the food passageway, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the food passageway, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions to move the food in the food passageway in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the stomach to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the wall portion constricted by the constriction element to close the food passageway.

177. The apparatus according to claim 176, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the wall portions of the series of wall portions.

178. The apparatus according to claim 176, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the stomach to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the wall portions constricted by the constriction elements to close the food passageway, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the wall portions of the series of wall portions, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the stomach to constrict the latter.

179. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the wall portion of the stomach at the upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the wall portion at the downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the food passageway and to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the food contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream or upstream in the food passageway, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the food passageway and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the upstream end to close the food passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof,

whereby the food contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream in the food passageway, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the food passageway and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the downstream end to close the food passageway, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the food contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved upstream in the food passageway.

180. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion of the stomach wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

181. The apparatus according to claim 180, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the stomach in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s food passageway on different sides of the stomach, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the wall portion.

182. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the food passageway, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the wall portion to move the food in the food passageway, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the wall portion.

183. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to restrict but not stop the flow in the food passageway, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the food passageway, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the wall portion to move the food in the food passageway.

184. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any wall portions of a series of wall portions, respectively, of the stomach, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

185. The apparatus according to claim 184, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any wall portions of the series of wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

186. The apparatus according to claim 185, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions without completely closing the food passageway, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted wall portions one after the other, so that the wall portions of the series of wall portions are successively contracted along the stomach to move the food in the food passageway, or

to constrict all of the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the food passageway.

Male Sexual Dysfunction

187. A sexual dysfunction treatment apparatus for treating an impotent male patient comprising:

a stimulation device configured to stimulate at least one penile portion of the patient'"'"'s normal penile tissue or the prolongation thereof, and

a control device operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the penile portion to cause contraction thereof to at least restrict the blood flow leaving the penis to achieve erection.

188. The apparatus according to claim 187, further comprising an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict the penile portion to restrict the blood flow leaving the penis, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the penile portion constricted by the constriction device to at least further restrict the blood flow leaving the penis to achieve erection.

189. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the penile portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted penile portion is substantially unrestricted and the exit penile blood flow is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the penile portion, so that the exit penile blood flow is at least further restricted when the penile portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

190. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s penile portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

191. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s penile portion, and

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the penile portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the penile portion, and

the control device is operable to calibrate the constriction device by controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the penile portion while controlling the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the penile portion until the desired restriction of the exit penile blood flow is obtained.

192. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the penile portion, such that the exit penile blood flow is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted penile portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the exit penile blood flow is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted penile portion to stop the exit penile blood flow and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the penile portion to allow exit penile blood flow.

193. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the penile portion, such that the exit penile blood flow is substantially stopped, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted penile portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the exit penile blood flow is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted penile portion to completely stop the exit penile blood flow, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the penile portion to allow exit penile blood flow, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the penile portion and the constriction device to release the penile portion to restore the exit penile blood flow.

194. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device in a first mode to constrict the constricted penile portion to stop the exit penile blood flow and to control the constriction device in a second mode to cease the constriction of the penile portion to restore exit penile blood flow.

195. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

196. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s penile portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted penile portion is substantially unrestricted and the exit penile blood flow is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted penile portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the exit penile blood flow, or to stimulate the constricted penile portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the exit penile blood flow is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the penile portion to increase the exit penile blood flow.

197. The apparatus according to claim 187, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the penile portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of The apparatus.

198. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the penile portion, such that the exit penile blood flow is substantially stopped, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted penile portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the exit penile blood flow is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the penile portion, such that the exit penile blood flow remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the penile portion, the control device controlling the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

199. The apparatus according to claim 187, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the penile portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the penile portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the penile portion, such that an area of the penile portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

200. The apparatus according to claim 187, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the penile portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the penile portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

201. The apparatus according to claim 187, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s penile portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the penile portion and for stimulating the penile portion with electric pulses.

202. The apparatus according to claim 201, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the penile portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

203. The apparatus according to claim 201, wherein the penile portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the penile portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the penile portion.

204. The apparatus according to claim 201, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the patient'"'"'s penile portion such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the penile portion in the direction of the exit penile blood flow and the elements abut the respective areas of the penile portion.

205. The apparatus according to claim 201, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

206. The apparatus according to claim 201, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the penile portion such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the penile portion in the direction of the exit penile blood flow and the elements abut the respective areas of the penile portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the exit penile blood flow, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s penile portion, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted penile portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s penile portion.

207. The apparatus according to claim 201, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the patient'"'"'s penile portion, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s penile portion, when the stimulation device is applied on the penile portion.

208. The apparatus according to claim 201, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the patient'"'"'s penile portion in the direction of the exit penile blood flow, when the stimulation device is applied on the penile portion, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the patient'"'"'s penile portion, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s penile portion, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 exit penile blood flow, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s penile portion, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the penile portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the exit penile blood flow, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s penile portion.

209. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the penile portion, either by cooling the constricted penile portion to cause contraction of the penile portion or by heating the penile portion, when the penile portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the penile portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the penile portion to at least restrict the exit penile blood flow, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted penile portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the exit penile blood flow is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

Female Sexual Dysfunction

210. A sexual dysfunction treatment apparatus for treating a female patient comprising:

an implantable stimulation device configured to stimulate at least one portion of the patient'"'"'s female erectile tissue, and

a control device operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the erectile tissue portion to cause contraction thereof to at least restrict the venous blood flow leaving the erectile tissue to obtain engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue.

211. The apparatus according to claim 210, further comprising an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict the erectile tissue portion to restrict the venous blood flow leaving the erectile tissue, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the erectile tissue portion constricted by the constriction device to at least further restrict the venous blood flow leaving the erectile tissue to obtain engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue.

212. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the erectile tissue portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted erectile tissue portion is substantially unrestricted and the exit erectile blood flow is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the erectile tissue portion, so that the exit erectile blood flow is at least further restricted when the erectile tissue portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

213. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

214. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion, and

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the erectile tissue portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the erectile tissue portion, and

the control device is operable to calibrate the constriction device by controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the erectile tissue portion while controlling the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the erectile tissue portion until the desired restriction of the exit erectile blood flow is obtained.

215. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the erectile tissue portion, such that the exit erectile blood flow is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted erectile tissue portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the exit erectile blood flow is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted erectile tissue portion to stop the exit erectile blood flow and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the erectile tissue portion to allow exit erectile blood flow.

216. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the erectile tissue portion, such that the exit erectile blood flow is substantially stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted erectile tissue portion to completely stop the exit erectile blood flow, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the erectile tissue portion to allow exit erectile blood flow, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the erectile tissue portion and the constriction device to release the erectile tissue portion to restore the exit erectile blood flow.

217. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device in a first mode to constrict the constricted erectile tissue portion to stop the exit erectile blood flow and to control the constriction device in a second mode to cease the constriction of the erectile tissue portion to restore exit erectile blood flow.

218. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

219. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted erectile tissue portion is substantially unrestricted and the exit erectile blood flow is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted erectile tissue portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the exit erectile blood flow, or to stimulate the constricted erectile tissue portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the exit erectile blood flow is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the erectile tissue portion to allow the exit erectile blood flow.

220. The apparatus according to claim 210, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the erectile tissue portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of the apparatus.

221. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the erectile tissue portion, such that the exit erectile blood flow is substantially stopped, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted erectile tissue portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the exit erectile blood flow is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the erectile tissue portion, such that the exit erectile blood flow remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the erectile tissue portion, the control device controlling the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

222. The apparatus according to claim 210, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the erectile tissue portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the erectile tissue portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the erectile tissue portion, such that an area of the erectile tissue portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

223. The apparatus according to claim 210, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the erectile tissue portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the erectile tissue portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

224. The apparatus according to claim 210, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the erectile tissue portion and for stimulating the erectile tissue portion with electric pulses.

225. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the erectile tissue portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

226. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the erectile tissue portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the erectile tissue portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the erectile tissue portion.

227. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the erectile tissue portion in the direction of the exit erectile blood flow and the elements abut the respective areas of the erectile tissue portion.

228. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

229. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the erectile tissue portion such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the erectile tissue portion in the direction of the exit erectile blood flow and the elements abut the respective areas of the erectile tissue portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the exit erectile blood flow, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted erectile tissue portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion.

230. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion, when the stimulation device is applied on the erectile tissue portion.

231. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion in the direction of the exit erectile blood flow, when the stimulation device is applied on the erectile tissue portion, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion, or at least in part or completely around the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 exit erectile blood flow, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the erectile tissue portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the exit erectile blood flow, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s erectile tissue portion.

232. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the erectile tissue portion, either by cooling the constricted erectile tissue portion to cause contraction of the erectile tissue portion or by heating the erectile tissue portion, when the erectile tissue portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the erectile tissue portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the erectile tissue portion to at least restrict the exit erectile blood flow, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted erectile tissue portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the exit erectile blood flow is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

Pregnancy Control—

Egg Movement

233. A pregnancy control apparatus comprising:

a movement influence device configured to influence the movement of an egg appearing in the lumen of a uterine tube of a female patient, and

a control device operable to control the movement influence device to influence the movement of the egg in the lumen of the uterine tube.

234. The apparatus according to claim 233, wherein the movement influence device comprises an implantable constriction device configured to constrict at least one portion of the uterine tube wall, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to constrict the uterine tube wall portion to influence the movement of the egg in the uterine tube.

235. The apparatus according to claim 234, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to constrict the uterine tube wall portion to restrict the lumen of the uterine tube, such that the egg appearing in the lumen of the uterine tube is prevented from entering the uterine cavity, and to control the constriction device to release the uterine tube such that the egg is allowed to enter the uterine cavity.

236. The apparatus according to claim 234, wherein the movement influence device comprises an implantable stimulation device configured to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the uterine tube wall portion, to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further influence the movement of the egg appearing in the uterine tube.

237. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the constriction device is configured to gently constrict the uterine tube wall portion to restrict the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the uterine tube wall portion, to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further restrict the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube.

238. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the uterine tube wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted uterine tube wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the movement of the egg in the lumen of the uterine tube is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion, so that the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube is at least further restricted, when the uterine tube wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

239. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

240. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion, and wherein the control device is adapted to calibrate the constriction device by controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion while controlling the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion until the desired restriction of the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube is obtained.

241. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion, such that the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to stop the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion to allow egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube.

242. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion, such that the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube is substantially stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to completely stop the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion to allow egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion and the constriction device to release the uterine tube wall portion to restore the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube.

243. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

244. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted uterine tube wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, or to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion to allow the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube.

245. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of The apparatus.

246. The apparatus according to claim 237, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion such that the egg movement is stopped, and the control device is further operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the lumen of the uterine tube, such that the egg movement remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the lumen of the uterine tube, the control device being operable to control the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

247. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the uterine tube wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the uterine tube wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the uterine tube wall portion, such that an area of the uterine tube wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

248. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the uterine tube wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the uterine tube wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

249. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the uterine tube wall portion and for stimulating the uterine tube wall portion with electric pulses.

250. The apparatus according to claim 249, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the uterine tube wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

251. The apparatus according to claim 249, wherein the uterine tube wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the uterine tube wall portion.

252. The apparatus according to claim 249, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the uterine tube such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the uterine tube and the elements abut the respective areas of the uterine tube wall portion.

253. The apparatus according to claim 249, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

254. The apparatus according to claim 249, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the uterine tube wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the uterine tube and the elements abut the respective areas of the uterine tube wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s uterine tube, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted uterine tube wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube.

255. The apparatus according to claim 249, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the uterine tube, or at least in part or completely around the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube.

256. The apparatus according to claim 249, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the uterine tube, or at least in part or completely around the uterine tube, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted uterine tube wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube.

257. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, either by cooling the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion or by heating the uterine tube wall portion, when the uterine tube wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the uterine tube wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the uterine tube wall portion to at least restrict the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

258. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the uterine tube wall portion extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the uterine tube wall portion with respect to the direction of the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the uterine tube wall portion such that the egg is actively moved in the lumen of the uterine tube.

259. The apparatus according to claim 258, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable

to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the uterine tube to cause progressive contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to move the egg in the lumen of the uterine tube, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to close the lumen of the uterine tube either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the uterine tube wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire uterine tube wall portion to move the egg in the lumen of the uterine tube.

260. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion and to simultaneously control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the uterine tube to cause progressive contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to move the egg in the lumen of the uterine tube.

261. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the uterine tube wall portion such that the uterine tube wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the uterine tube, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the uterine tube wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the uterine tube wall portion to progressively constrict the uterine tube wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the uterine tube, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the uterine tube wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the uterine tube wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the uterine tube wall portion along the length of the uterine tube wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion.

262. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of uterine tube wall portions of the uterine tube to at least restrict the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions to move the egg in the lumen of the uterine tube in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the uterine tube to successively constrict the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the uterine tube wall portion constricted by the constriction element.

263. The apparatus according to claim 262, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions.

264. The apparatus according to claim 262, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the uterine tube to successively constrict the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the uterine tube wall portions constricted by the constriction elements, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the uterine tube to constrict the latter.

265. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the uterine tube wall portion at an upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the uterine tube wall portion at an downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the uterine tube wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the lumen of the uterine tube and to control the third constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby an egg contained in the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream or upstream in the lumen of the uterine tube, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the uterine tube wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion at the upstream end to close the lumen of the uterine tube, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby an egg contained in the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream in the lumen of the uterine tube, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion at the downstream end to close the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby an egg contained in the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved upstream in the lumen of the uterine tube.

266. The apparatus according to claim 234, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion, wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

267. The apparatus according to claim 266, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the uterine tube on different sides of the uterine tube, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the uterine tube wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the uterine tube wall portion.

268. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the lumen of the uterine tube, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the uterine tube wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the uterine tube wall portion to move the egg in the lumen of the uterine tube, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the uterine tube wall portion.

269. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the uterine tube wall portion to restrict but not stop the egg movement in the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen of the uterine tube, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the uterine tube wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion to cause the egg in the lumen of the uterine tube to move through the lumen.

270. The apparatus according to claim 236, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any uterine tube wall portions of a series of uterine tube wall portions, respectively, of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

271. The apparatus according to claim 270, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

272. The apparatus according to claim 271, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions without completely closing the lumen of the uterine tube, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portions one after the other, so that the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions are successively contracted along the uterine tube to move the egg in the lumen of the uterine tube, or

to constrict all of the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted uterine tube wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the lumen of the uterine tube.

Pregnancy Control Sperm Movement

273. A pregnancy control apparatus comprising:

a flow influence device configured to influence a flow of sperms appearing in the lumen of a uterine tube of a female patient, and

a control device operable to control the flow influence device to influence the flow of sperms in the uterine tube.

274. An apparatus according to claim 273, wherein the flow influence device comprises an implantable constriction device configured to constrict at least one portion of the uterine tube wall, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to constrict the uterine tube wall portion to influence the flow of sperms in the lumen of the uterine tube.

275. The apparatus according to claim 274, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the uterine tube to restrict the flow of sperms therein, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to constrict the uterine tube such that the flow of sperms in the uterine tube is stopped, and to control the constriction device to release the uterine tube such that the sperms appearing in the uterine tube are allowed to flow in the uterine tube.

276. An apparatus according to claim 274, wherein the flow influence device comprises an implantable stimulation device configured to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the uterine tube wall portion, to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further influence the flow of sperms in the uterine tube.

277. An apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the constriction device is configured to gently constrict the uterine tube wall portion to restrict the flow of sperms in the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the uterine tube wall portion, to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further restrict the flow of sperms in the uterine tube.

278. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the uterine tube wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted uterine tube wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion, so that the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube is at least further restricted when the uterine tube wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

279. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

280. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion, and wherein the control device is adapted to calibrate the constriction device by controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion while controlling the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion until the desired restriction of the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube is obtained.

281. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to stop the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion to allow sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube.

282. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube is substantially stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to completely stop the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion to allow sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion and the constriction device to release the uterine tube wall portion to restore the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube.

283. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

284. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted uterine tube wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, or to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion to allow the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube.

285. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the uterine tube wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of The apparatus.

286. The apparatus according to claim 277, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion such that the sperm flow is stopped, and the control device is further operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the lumen of the uterine tube, such that the sperm flow remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the lumen of the uterine tube, the control device being operable to control the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

287. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the uterine tube wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the uterine tube wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the uterine tube wall portion, such that an area of the uterine tube wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

288. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the uterine tube wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the uterine tube wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

289. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the uterine tube wall portion and for stimulating the uterine tube wall portion with electric pulses.

290. The apparatus according to claim 289, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the uterine tube wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

291. The apparatus according to claim 289, wherein the uterine tube wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the uterine tube wall portion.

292. The apparatus according to claim 289, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the uterine tube such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the uterine tube and the elements abut the respective areas of the uterine tube wall portion.

293. The apparatus according to claim 289, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

294. The apparatus according to claim 289, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the uterine tube wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the uterine tube and the elements abut the respective areas of the uterine tube wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s uterine tube, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted uterine tube wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube.

295. The apparatus according to claim 289, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the uterine tube, or at least in part or completely around the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube.

296. The apparatus according to claim 289, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the uterine tube, or at least in part or completely around the uterine tube, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted uterine tube wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, when the stimulation device is applied on the uterine tube.

297. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the uterine tube wall portion, either by cooling the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion or by heating the uterine tube wall portion, when the uterine tube wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the uterine tube wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the uterine tube wall portion to at least restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

298. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the uterine tube wall portion extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the uterine tube wall portion with respect to the direction of the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the uterine tube wall portion such that the sperms are actively moved in the lumen of the uterine tube.

299. The apparatus according to claim 298, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable

to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the uterine tube to cause progressive contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to move the sperms in the lumen of the uterine tube, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to close the lumen of the uterine tube either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the uterine tube wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire uterine tube wall portion to move the sperms in the lumen of the uterine tube.

300. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion and to simultaneously control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the uterine tube to cause progressive contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to move the sperms in the lumen of the uterine tube.

301. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the uterine tube wall portion such that the uterine tube wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the uterine tube, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the uterine tube wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the uterine tube wall portion to progressively constrict the uterine tube wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the uterine tube, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the uterine tube wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the uterine tube wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the uterine tube wall portion along the length of the uterine tube wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion.

302. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of uterine tube wall portions of the uterine tube to at least restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions to move the sperms in the lumen of the uterine tube in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the uterine tube to successively constrict the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the uterine tube wall portion constricted by the constriction element.

303. The apparatus according to claim 302, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions.

304. The apparatus according to claim 302, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the uterine tube to successively constrict the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the uterine tube wall portions constricted by the constriction elements, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the uterine tube to constrict the latter.

305. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the uterine tube wall portion at an upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the uterine tube wall portion at an downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the uterine tube wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the lumen of the uterine tube and to control the third constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby sperms contained in the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof are moved downstream or upstream in the lumen of the uterine tube, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the uterine tube wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion at the upstream end to close the lumen of the uterine tube, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby sperms contained in the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof are moved downstream in the lumen of the uterine tube, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portion at the downstream end to close the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby sperms contained in the uterine tube wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof are moved upstream in the lumen of the uterine tube.

306. The apparatus according to claim 276 wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s uterine tube wall portion, wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

307. The apparatus according to claim 306, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the uterine tube on different sides of the uterine tube, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the uterine tube wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the uterine tube wall portion.

308. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the lumen of the uterine tube, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the uterine tube wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the uterine tube wall portion to move the sperms in the lumen of the uterine tube, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the uterine tube wall portion.

309. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the uterine tube wall portion to restrict but not stop the sperm flow in the lumen of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the uterine tube wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen of the uterine tube, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the uterine tube wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the uterine tube wall portion to cause the sperms in the lumen of the uterine tube to move through the lumen.

310. The apparatus according to claim 276, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any uterine tube wall portions of a series of uterine tube wall portions, respectively, of the uterine tube, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

311. The apparatus according to claim 310, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

312. The apparatus according to claim 310, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions without completely closing the lumen of the uterine tube, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted uterine tube wall portions one after the other, so that the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions are successively contracted along the uterine tube to move the sperms in the lumen of the uterine tube, or

to constrict all of the uterine tube wall portions of the series of uterine tube wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted uterine tube wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the lumen of the uterine tube.

Blood Flow Control

313. A blood flow control apparatus for controlling a flow of blood and/or other bodily matter in a patient'"'"'s blood vessel, the apparatus comprising an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one portion of the tissue wall of the blood vessel to influence the flow in the blood vessel, a stimulation device configured to stimulate the wall portion of the tissue wall, and a control device operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate 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 blood vessel.

314. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the blood vessel is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the wall portion, so that the flow in the blood vessel is at least further restricted when the wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

315. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

316. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, and

the control device is operable to calibrate the constriction device by controlling 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 blood vessel is obtained.

317. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the blood vessel is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the blood vessel is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the blood vessel and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the blood vessel.

318. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the blood vessel is substantially stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to completely stop the flow in the blood vessel, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the blood vessel, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the wall portion and the constriction device to release the wall portion to restore the flow in the blood vessel.

319. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device in a first mode to constrict the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the blood vessel and to control the constriction device in a second mode to cease the constriction of the wall portion to restore flow in the blood vessel.

320. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

321. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the blood vessel is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the flow in the blood vessel, or to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the blood vessel is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to increase the flow in the blood vessel.

322. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of the apparatus.

323. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the blood vessel is substantially stopped, and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the blood vessel is completely stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the blood vessel, such that the flow in the blood vessel remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the blood vessel, the control device controlling the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

324. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the wall portion, such that an area of the wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

325. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

326. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the wall portion and for stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses.

327. The apparatus according to claim 326, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

328. The apparatus according to claim 326, wherein the wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the wall portion.

329. The apparatus according to claim 326, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the patient'"'"'s blood vessel such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the blood vessel and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion.

330. The apparatus according to claim 326, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

331. The apparatus according to claim 326, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the patient'"'"'s wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the blood vessel and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the flow in the blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel.

332. The apparatus according to claim 326, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the blood vessel, or at least in part or completely around the blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel.

333. The apparatus according to claim 326, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the blood vessel, or at least in part or completely around the blood vessel, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the flow in the blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel.

334. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the wall portion, either by cooling the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion or by heating the wall portion, when the wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to at least restrict the flow in the blood vessel, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the blood vessel is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

335. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the tissue wall portion of the blood vessel extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the wall portion with respect to the direction of the flow in the blood vessel, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the wall portion such that the blood is actively moved in the blood vessel.

336. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the flow in the blood vessel, and the control device

is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the blood vessel to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the blood in the blood vessel, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion to close the blood vessel either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire wall portion to move the blood in the blood vessel.

337. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the wall portion and to simultaneously control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the blood vessel to cause progressive contraction of the wall portion to move the blood in the blood vessel.

338. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the wall portion such that the wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the blood vessel, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the wall portion to progressively constrict the wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the blood vessel, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the wall portion along the length of the wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion.

339. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of wall portions of the blood vessel to at least restrict the flow in the blood vessel, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the blood vessel, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions to move the blood in the blood vessel in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the blood vessel to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the wall portion constricted by the constriction element to close the blood vessel.

340. The apparatus according to claim 339, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the wall portions of the series of wall portions.

341. The apparatus according to claim 339, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the blood vessel to successively constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the wall portions constricted by the constriction elements to close the blood vessel, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the wall portions of the series of wall portions, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the blood vessel to constrict the latter.

342. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the wall portion of the blood vessel at the upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the wall portion at the downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the blood vessel and to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the blood contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream or upstream in the blood vessel, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the blood vessel and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the upstream end to close the blood vessel, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the blood contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved downstream in the blood vessel, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the flow in the blood vessel and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted wall portion at the downstream end to close the blood vessel, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby the blood contained in the wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof is moved upstream in the blood vessel.

343. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion of the blood vessel wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

344. The apparatus according to claim 343, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the blood vessel in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s blood vessel on different sides of the blood vessel, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the wall portion.

345. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the blood vessel, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the wall portion to move the blood in the blood vessel, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the wall portion.

346. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to restrict but not stop the flow in the blood vessel, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the blood vessel, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the wall portion to move the blood in the blood vessel.

347. The apparatus according to claim 313, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any wall portions of a series of wall portions, respectively, of the blood vessel, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

348. The apparatus according to claim 347, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any wall portions of the series of wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

349. The apparatus according to claim 348, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the wall portions of the series of wall portions without completely closing the blood vessel, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted wall portions one after the other, so that the wall portions of the series of wall portions are successively contracted along the blood vessel to move the blood in the blood vessel, or

to constrict all of the wall portions of the series of wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the blood vessel.

Vascular Aneurysm

350. A vascular aneurysm treatment apparatus for treating a vascular aneurysm of a blood vessel in a human or mammal patient, the apparatus comprising an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one portion of the tissue wall of the blood vessel extending along the aneurysm to reduce the bulge of the blood vessel caused by the aneurysm, a stimulation device for stimulating the wall portion of the blood vessel tissue wall, and a control device for controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the wall portion, to cause contraction of the wall portion to further reduce the bulge of the blood vessel and strengthen the blood vessel tissue wall.

351. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

352. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion, and

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, and

the control device is operable to calibrate the constriction device by controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion while controlling the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion until the desired reduction of the bulge of the aneurysm is obtained.

353. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the wall portion, such that the flow in the blood vessel is restricted but not stopped, and is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion such that the flow in the blood vessel is stopped and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the blood vessel.

354. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device in a first mode to constrict the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the blood vessel and to control the constriction device in a second mode to cease the constriction of the wall portion to restore flow in the blood vessel.

355. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

356. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s wall portion in a constricted state, in which the bulge of the aneurysm is reduced as desired, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the blood vessel is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to restore the flow in the blood vessel.

357. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of The apparatus.

358. The apparatus according to claim 350, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the blood vessel, the control device controlling the constriction device and/or stimulation device to adjust the constriction and/or contraction of the wall portion in response to signals from the sensor.

359. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the wall portion, such that an area of the wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

360. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

361. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the wall portion and for stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses.

362. The apparatus according to claim 361, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

363. The apparatus according to claim 361, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the patient'"'"'s blood vessel such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the blood vessel and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion.

364. The apparatus according to claim 361, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

365. The apparatus according to claim 361, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the patient'"'"'s wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the blood vessel and the elements abut the respective areas of the wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the flow in the blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel.

366. The apparatus according to claim 361, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the blood vessel, or at least in part or completely around the blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel.

367. The apparatus according to claim 361, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the blood vessel, or at least in part or completely around the blood vessel, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the flow in the blood vessel, when the stimulation device is applied on the blood vessel.

368. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the wall portion, either by cooling the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion or by heating the wall portion, when the wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the wall portion to at least reduce the bulge of the aneurysm, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the bulge of the aneurysm is further reduced.

369. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the wall portion such that the wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the blood vessel, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the wall portion to progressively constrict the wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the blood vessel, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the wall portion along the length of the wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion.

370. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s wall portion of the blood vessel wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

371. The apparatus according to claim 370, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the blood vessel on different sides of the blood vessel, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the wall portion.

372. The apparatus according to claim 350, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any wall portions of a series of wall portions, respectively, of the blood vessel, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

373. The apparatus according to claim 372, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any wall portions of the series of wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

Male Contraception

374. A male contraception apparatus for obtaining a time-limited sterility of a male mammalian individual comprising:

a flow influence device configured to influence a flow of sperms appearing in the lumen of a vas deference of a male patient, and

a control device operable to control the flow influence device to influence the flow of sperms in the vas deference.

375. An apparatus according to claim 374, wherein the flow influence device comprises an implantable constriction device configured to constrict at least one portion of the vas deference wall, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to constrict the vas deference wall portion to influence the flow of sperms in the lumen of the vas deference.

376. The apparatus according to claim 375, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the vas deference to restrict the flow of sperms therein, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to constrict the vas deference such that the flow of sperms in the vas deference is stopped, and to control the constriction device to release the vas deference such that the sperms appearing in the vas deference are allowed to flow in the vas deference.

377. An apparatus according to claim 374, wherein the constriction device is configured to gently constrict the vas deference wall portion to influence the flow of sperms in the lumen of the vas deference, the flow influence device comprises an implantable stimulation device configured to stimulate the vas deference wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the vas deference wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the vas deference wall portion, to cause contraction of the vas deference wall portion to further influence the flow of sperms in the vas deference.

378. An apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the constriction device is configured to gently constrict the vas deference wall portion to restrict the flow of sperms in the vas deference, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the vas deference wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the vas deference wall portion, to cause contraction of the vas deference wall portion to further restrict the flow of sperms in the vas deference.

379. The apparatus according to claim 378, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the vas deference wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted vas deference wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the vas deference wall portion, so that the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference is at least further restricted when the vas deference wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

380. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s vas deference wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

381. The apparatus according to claim 378, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s vas deference wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the vas deference wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the vas deference wall portion, and wherein the control device is adapted to calibrate the constriction device by controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the vas deference wall portion while controlling the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the vas deference wall portion until the desired restriction of the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference is obtained.

382. The apparatus according to claim 378, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the vas deference wall portion, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion to stop the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the vas deference wall portion to allow sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference.

383. The apparatus according to claim 378, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the vas deference wall portion, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference is substantially stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion to completely stop the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the vas deference wall portion to allow sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the vas deference wall portion and the constriction device to release the vas deference wall portion to restore the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference.

384. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

385. The apparatus according to claim 378, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s vas deference wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted vas deference wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, or to stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the vas deference wall portion to allow the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference.

386. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the vas deference wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of The apparatus.

387. The apparatus according to claim 378, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the vas deference wall portion to cause contraction of the vas deference wall portion such that the sperm flow is stopped, and the control device is further operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the lumen of the vas deference, such that the sperm flow remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the lumen of the vas deference, the control device being operable to control the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

388. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the vas deference wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the vas deference wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the vas deference wall portion, such that an area of the vas deference wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

389. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the vas deference wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the vas deference wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

390. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s vas deference wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the vas deference wall portion and for stimulating the vas deference wall portion with electric pulses.

391. The apparatus according to claim 390, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the vas deference wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

392. The apparatus according to claim 390, wherein the vas deference wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the vas deference wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the vas deference wall portion.

393. The apparatus according to claim 390, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the vas deference such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the vas deference and the elements abut the respective areas of the vas deference wall portion.

394. The apparatus according to claim 390, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

395. The apparatus according to claim 390, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the vas deference wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the vas deference and the elements abut the respective areas of the vas deference wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s vas deference, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted vas deference wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the vas deference.

396. The apparatus according to claim 390, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the vas deference, or at least in part or completely around the vas deference, when the stimulation device is applied on the vas deference.

397. The apparatus according to claim 390, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the vas deference, when the stimulation device is applied on the vas deference, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the vas deference, or at least in part or completely around the vas deference, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, when the stimulation device is applied on the vas deference, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted vas deference wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, when the stimulation device is applied on the vas deference.

398. The apparatus according to claim 378, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the vas deference wall portion, either by cooling the constricted vas deference wall portion to cause contraction of the vas deference wall portion or by heating the vas deference wall portion, when the vas deference wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the vas deference wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the vas deference wall portion to at least restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted vas deference wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

399. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the vas deference wall portion extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the vas deference wall portion with respect to the direction of the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the vas deference wall portion such that the sperms are actively moved in the lumen of the vas deference.

400. The apparatus according to claim 399, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire vas deference wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, and the control device is operable

to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the vas deference to cause progressive contraction of the vas deference wall portion to move the sperms in the lumen of the vas deference, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion to close the lumen of the vas deference either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the vas deference wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire vas deference wall portion to move the sperms in the lumen of the vas deference.

401. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the vas deference wall portion and to simultaneously control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the vas deference to cause progressive contraction of the vas deference wall portion to move the sperms in the lumen of the vas deference.

402. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the vas deference wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the vas deference wall portion such that the vas deference wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the vas deference, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the vas deference wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the vas deference wall portion to progressively constrict the vas deference wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the vas deference, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the vas deference wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the vas deference wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the vas deference wall portion along the length of the vas deference wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the vas deference wall portion.

403. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of vas deference wall portions of the vas deference to at least restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the vas deference wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen of the vas deference, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions to move the sperms in the lumen of the vas deference in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the vas deference to successively constrict the vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the vas deference wall portion constricted by the constriction element.

404. The apparatus according to claim 403, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions.

405. The apparatus according to claim 403, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the vas deference to successively constrict the vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the vas deference wall portions constricted by the constriction elements, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the vas deference to constrict the latter.

406. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the vas deference wall portion at an upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the vas deference wall portion at an downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the vas deference wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the vas deference wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the vas deference wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the lumen of the vas deference and to control the third constriction element to constrict the vas deference wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby sperms contained in the vas deference wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof are moved downstream or upstream in the lumen of the vas deference, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the vas deference wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the vas deference wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the vas deference wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion at the upstream end to close the lumen of the vas deference, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the vas deference wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby sperms contained in the vas deference wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof are moved downstream in the lumen of the vas deference, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the vas deference wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portion at the downstream end to close the lumen of the vas deference, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the vas deference wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby sperms contained in the vas deference wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof are moved upstream in the lumen of the vas deference.

407. The apparatus according to claim 375, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s vas deference wall portion, wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

408. The apparatus according to claim 407, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the vas deference on different sides of the vas deference, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the vas deference wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the vas deference wall portion.

409. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the lumen of the vas deference, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the vas deference wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the vas deference wall portion to move the sperms in the lumen of the vas deference, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the vas deference wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the vas deference wall portion.

410. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the vas deference wall portion to restrict but not stop the sperm flow in the lumen of the vas deference, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the vas deference wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen of the vas deference, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the vas deference wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the vas deference wall portion to cause the sperms in the lumen of the vas deference to move through the lumen.

411. The apparatus according to claim 377, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any vas deference wall portions of a series of vas deference wall portions, respectively, of the vas deference, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

412. The apparatus according to claim 411, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

413. The apparatus according to claim 411, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions without completely closing the lumen of the vas deference, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted vas deference wall portions one after the other, so that the vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions are successively contracted along the vas deference to move the sperms in the lumen of the vas deference, or

to constrict all of the vas deference wall portions of the series of vas deference wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted vas deference wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the lumen of the vas deference.

Gallstones

414. A gallstone trouble treatment apparatus for treating a patient suffering from gallstone trouble, comprising at least one implantable stimulation device configured to stimulate at least one portion of the tissue wall of a biliary duct of the patient, and a control device operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion to influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct.

415. The apparatus according to claim 414, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion to cause contractions of the tissue wall portion such that the contractions of the tissue wall portion actively move bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct.

416. The apparatus according to claim 414, further comprising at least two stimulation devices configured to stimulate at least two different portions of the tissue wall of the biliary duct, including the heptic ducts, the common bile duct, the cystic ducts and their sphincters.

417. The apparatus according to claim 414, further comprising an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict the tissue wall portion to influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the tissue wall portion, to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion to further influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct.

418. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the constriction device is configured to gently constrict the tissue wall portion to restrict the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the tissue wall portion, to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion to further restrict the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct.

419. The apparatus according to claim 418, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the tissue wall portion to a constricted state in which the blood circulation in the constricted tissue wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct is at least restricted, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion, so that the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct is at least further restricted when the tissue wall portion is kept by the constriction device in the constricted state.

420. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s tissue wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other.

421. The apparatus according to claim 418, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the patient'"'"'s tissue wall portion, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate or not to stimulate the tissue wall portion, while the control device controls the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the tissue wall portion, and wherein the control device is adapted to calibrate the constriction device by controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion while controlling the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the tissue wall portion until the desired restriction of the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct is obtained.

422. The apparatus according to claim 418, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the tissue wall portion, such that the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct is restricted but not stopped, and is operable

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct is further restricted but not stopped, or

to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion to stop the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the tissue wall portion to allow movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct.

423. The apparatus according to claim 418, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to adjust the constriction of the tissue wall portion, such that the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct is substantially stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion to completely stop the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the tissue wall portion to allow movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, or to control in the second mode the stimulation device to cease the stimulation of the tissue wall portion and the constriction device to release the tissue wall portion to restore the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct.

424. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the constriction device and/or stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

425. The apparatus according to claim 418, wherein the constriction device is designed to normally keep the patient'"'"'s tissue wall portion in a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted tissue wall portion is substantially unrestricted and the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct is at least restricted, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion to cause contraction thereof to further restrict but not stop the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, or to stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct is stopped, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the tissue wall portion to allow the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct.

426. The apparatus according to claim 414, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the tissue wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter of the patient or functional parameter of the apparatus.

427. The apparatus according to claim 418, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion such that the movement of bile and/or gallstones is stopped, and the control device is further operable to control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of the stimulation in response to a sensed parameter related to an increase of pressure in the lumen of the biliary duct, such that the movement of bile and/or gallstones remains stopped, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the patient that relates to the pressure in the lumen of the biliary duct, the control device being operable to control the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor, the physical parameter being related to a pressure in the patient'"'"'s body and the sensor being a pressure related sensor.

428. The apparatus according to claim 414, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the tissue wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate

each area of the different areas of the tissue wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period, or

the areas of the tissue wall portion, such that an area of the tissue wall portion that currently is not stimulated has time to restore substantially normal blood circulation before the stimulation device stimulates the area again.

429. The apparatus according to claim 414, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the tissue wall portion at a time by sequentially stimulating the different areas of the tissue wall portion, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another, or by shifting over time the stimulation from one area to another such that both areas are temporarily stimulated at the same time during the stimulation shift.

430. The apparatus according to claim 414, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to intermittently and individually electrically stimulate different areas of the patient'"'"'s tissue wall portion with electric pulses, and wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the tissue wall portion and for stimulating the tissue wall portion with electric pulses.

431. The apparatus according to claim 430, wherein the pulses form pulse trains, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to vary at least one of the following pulse parameters:

the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train, the off time periods between the pulse trains, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the pulse amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the frequency of the pulse trains, and the number of pulses of each pulse train, wherein at least a first area and a second area of the areas of the tissue wall portion are repeatedly stimulated with a first pulse train of the pulse trains and a second pulse train of the pulse trains, respectively, such that the first and second pulse trains over time are shifted relative to each other, and wherein the first area is stimulated with the first pulse train while the second area is not stimulated with the second pulse train, and vice versa, or the first and second pulse trains are shifted relative to each other such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

432. The apparatus according to claim 430, wherein the tissue wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the tissue wall portion including the muscle fibers with the electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the tissue wall portion.

433. The apparatus according to claim 430, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and a structure holding the electrical elements in a the fixed orientation relative to one another, the structure being integrated in or separate from the constriction device, and wherein the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements and the structure is applicable on the biliary duct such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the biliary duct and the elements abut the respective areas of the tissue wall portion.

434. The apparatus according to claim 430, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to electrically energize the electrical elements, preferably to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that a number or groups of the electrical elements are energized at the same time or such that the electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of the electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

435. The apparatus according to claim 430, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the elements are applicable on the biliary duct wall such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends along the biliary duct and the elements abut the respective areas of the tissue wall portion, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device

to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinally along the elongate pattern of electrical elements, or

to successively energize the electrical elements along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as, that of the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, when the stimulation device is applied on the patient'"'"'s biliary duct, or

to successively energize the electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted tissue wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when the stimulation device is applied on the biliary duct.

436. The apparatus according to claim 430, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that electrical elements currently energized form at least one group of adjacent energized electrical elements, wherein the elements in the group of energized electrical elements form a path of energized electrical elements, and wherein the path of energized electrical elements extends along the biliary duct, or at least in part or completely around the biliary duct, when the stimulation device is applied on the biliary duct.

437. The apparatus according to claim 430, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements and the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, the groups forming a series of groups extending along the biliary duct, when the stimulation device is applied on the biliary duct, the electrical elements of each group of electrical elements forming a path of elements extending along the biliary duct, or at least in part or completely around the biliary duct, and wherein the control device is operable to 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 movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, when the stimulation device is applied on the biliary duct, or

to successively energize the groups of electrical elements in the series of groups from a position substantially at the center of the constricted tissue wall portion in a direction opposite to and in the same direction as that of the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, when the stimulation device is applied on the biliary duct.

438. The apparatus according to claim 415, wherein the stimulation device is configured to thermally stimulate the tissue wall portion, either by cooling the constricted tissue wall portion to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion or by heating the tissue wall portion, when the tissue wall portion is constricted and contracted, to cause expansion of the tissue wall portion, and wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the tissue wall portion to at least restrict the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to cool the constricted tissue wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct is at least further restricted but not stopped, or further restricted and stopped.

439. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the tissue wall portion extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the tissue wall portion with respect to the direction of the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and wherein the control device is operable to control at least one of the constriction and stimulation devices to affect the tissue wall portion such that the bile and/or gallstones are actively moved in the lumen of the biliary duct.

440. The apparatus according to claim 439, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the entire tissue wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to restrict the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and the control device is operable

to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the biliary duct to cause progressive contraction of the tissue wall portion to move the bile and/or gallstones in the lumen of the biliary duct, or

to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion to close the lumen of the biliary duct either at the upstream end or the downstream end of the tissue wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the entire tissue wall portion to move the bile and/or gallstones in the lumen of the biliary duct.

441. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to vary the constriction of the tissue wall portion and to simultaneously control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the biliary duct to cause progressive contraction of the tissue wall portion to move the bile and/or gallstones in the lumen of the biliary duct.

442. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion and to simultaneously control the constriction device to vary the constriction of different areas of the tissue wall portion such that the tissue wall portion is progressively constricted in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the biliary duct, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to progressively stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion to cause progressive contraction thereof in harmony with the progressive constriction of the tissue wall portion performed by the constriction device, or

the control device is operable to control an elongated constriction element of the constriction device extending along the tissue wall portion to progressively constrict the tissue wall portion in the downstream or upstream direction of the lumen of the biliary duct, wherein the elongated constriction element comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of the tissue wall portion, when the constriction device constricts the tissue wall portion, and the stimulation device comprises a plurality of stimulation elements distributed along the contact surfaces, such that the stimulation elements stimulate the different areas of the tissue wall portion along the length of the tissue wall portion, when the control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion.

443. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict any one of a series of tissue wall portions of the biliary duct to at least restrict the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, the stimulation device is configured to stimulate the tissue wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen of the biliary duct, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to successively constrict the tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions to move the bile and/or gallstones in the lumen of the biliary duct in a peristaltic manner, and wherein the constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the biliary duct to successively constrict the tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions, and the stimulation device comprises at least one stimulation element positioned on the constriction element for stimulating the tissue wall portion constricted by the constriction element.

444. The apparatus according to claim 443, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction element along the tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions.

445. The apparatus according to claim 443, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the biliary duct to successively constrict the tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements for stimulating the tissue wall portions constricted by the constriction elements, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to cyclically move the constriction elements one after the other along the tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions, wherein the constriction device comprises a rotor carrying the constriction elements, and the control device is operable to control the rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions, and wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the biliary duct to constrict the latter.

446. The apparatus according to claim 417 wherein the constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting the tissue wall portion at an upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting the tissue wall portion at an downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting the tissue wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and the control device is operable to control the first, second and third constriction elements to constrict and release the tissue wall portions independently of one another, and wherein

the control device is operable to control the first or second constriction element to constrict the tissue wall portion at the upstream or downstream end thereof to close the lumen of the biliary duct and to control the third constriction element to constrict the tissue wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby bile and/or gallstones contained in the tissue wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof are moved downstream or upstream in the lumen of the biliary duct, the control device controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when the third constriction element constricts the tissue wall portion, or

the control device is operable to control the first constriction element to constrict the tissue wall portion at the upstream end thereof to restrict the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion at the upstream end to close the lumen of the biliary duct, and wherein the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the tissue wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby bile and/or gallstones contained in the tissue wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof are moved downstream in the lumen of the biliary duct, or

the control device is operable to control the second constriction element to constrict the tissue wall portion at the downstream end thereof to restrict the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct and to control the stimulation device to stimulate the constricted tissue wall portion at the downstream end to close the lumen of the biliary duct, and the control device is operable to control the third constriction element to constrict the tissue wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, whereby bile and/or gallstones contained in the tissue wall portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof are moved upstream in the lumen of the biliary duct.

447. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of the patient'"'"'s tissue wall portion, wherein the operation device mechanically or hydraulically operates the constriction device.

448. The apparatus according to claim 447, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device, and the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the biliary duct on different sides of the biliary duct, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the tissue wall portion between the clamping elements to constrict the tissue wall portion.

449. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to close the lumen of the biliary duct, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the tissue wall portion, and to control the constriction device to constrict the remaining part of the tissue wall portion to move the bile and/or gallstones in the lumen of the biliary duct, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion as the constriction device constricts the remaining part of the tissue wall portion.

450. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the constriction device is configured to constrict the tissue wall portion to restrict but not stop the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wall portion constricted by the constriction device to close the lumen of the biliary duct, either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the tissue wall portion, and to simultaneously control the constriction device to increase the constriction of the tissue wall portion to cause the bile and/or gallstones in the lumen of the biliary duct to move through the lumen.

451. The apparatus according to claim 417, wherein the constriction device comprises a plurality of separate constriction elements adapted to constrict any tissue wall portions of a series of tissue wall portions, respectively, of the biliary duct, and the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

452. The apparatus according to claim 451, wherein the stimulation device comprises stimulation elements positioned on the constriction elements, and wherein the control device is operable to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions constricted by the constriction elements.

453. The apparatus according to claim 451, wherein the control device is operable to control the constriction device to activate the constriction elements

to constrict the tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions without completely closing the lumen of the biliary duct, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate the constricted tissue wall portions one after the other, so that the tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions are successively contracted along the biliary duct to move the bile and/or gallstones in the lumen of the biliary duct, or

to constrict all of the tissue wall portions of the series of tissue wall portions, and to control the stimulation device to activate the stimulation elements to stimulate any constricted tissue wall portions in random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence to close the lumen of the biliary duct.

Pregnancy Promotion

454. A pregnancy control apparatus for promoting pregnancy comprising a restriction device configured to postoperatively be adjusted to restrict and release an oviduct of the patient.

455. The system according to claim 454, wherein the restriction device is configured to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and to release the restriction when convenient for the patient to get pregnant.

456. The system according to claim 455, wherein the restriction device is configured to provide a release of the oviduct when pregnancy is wanted.

457. The system according to claim 454, wherein the restriction device is adapted to provide a release of the oviduct when pregnancy is wanted.

458. The system according to claim 454, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted non-invasively from outside the patients body to restrict and release the oviduct passageway.

459. The system according to claim 454, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted by manual manipulation.

460. The system according to claim 454, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted by electrical or magnetic power.

461. The system according to claim 454, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted by hydraulic power.

462. The system according to claim 461, wherein the hydraulic power comprising at least one subcutaneously placed reservoir controlled by the patient.

464. The system according to claim 454, wherein said restriction device comprises a more than one restriction area, wherein said restriction device being adapted to change the restriction area over time.

465. The system according to claim 464, wherein the change of the restriction area is adapted to prevent any damage to the oviduct still keeping the oviduct closed accumulating any egg to at a defined time be released to pas down to the uterus, thus increasing the likelihood of pregnancy.

466. The system according to claim 464, comprising a hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas.

467. The system according to claim 466, comprising a hydraulic reservoir connected to said restriction device, wherein the hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas is connected to the reservoir with hydraulic fluid adapted to move fluid to or from the restriction device and further comprising at least one valve to direct the fluid individually to or from the restriction areas to restrict or release the restriction areas individually.

468. The system according to claim 466, comprising two or more hydraulic reservoirs connected one each to the different areas of said restriction device, wherein the hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas is connected to the two or more reservoirs with hydraulic fluid, said reservoirs is adapted to move fluid to or from said restriction areas individually to or from each of the connected restriction areas to restrict or release the restriction in the individual restriction area.

469. The system according to claim 466, wherein each of the hydraulic restriction areas is adapted to be restricted for a predetermined time period with some overlap in time and adapted to first restrict the restriction area closest to the ovary then changing restriction area to the next one towards the uterus.

470. The system according to claim 466, wherein each of the hydraulic restriction areas is adapted to be regulated by manual manipulation of said reservoirs.

471. The system according to claim 465, comprising a stimulation device with two or more restriction areas in combination with a hydraulic or mechanical restriction device.

472. The system according to of claim 464, wherein the change of the restriction area is adapted to cause a peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the direction towards the ovary to prevent the egg being transported down to the uterus.

473. The system according to claim 454, wherein the restriction device is adapted to effect a transport of the at least one egg to the uterus upon release of the oviduct.

474. The system according to claim 473, wherein the restriction device is adapted to cause a peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the direction towards the uterus.

475. A system according to claim 454, adapted to have more than two restricting areas and varying the restricting area while at least one restricting area is closed when the device being in restriction mode.

476. A system according to claim 475, 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 two consecutive restriction areas thereby adapted to restrict without interfering with any accumulated egg.

Peristaltic Like Wave Oviduct Wall Movements

477. The device according to claim 454, wherein the restriction device is adapted to only partly restricting the oviduct and to create peristaltic wave like movements of a part of the oviduct(s) wall to prevent the transport of an egg in an oviduct to the uterus of the human or mammal patient, and therefore accumule at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and wherein the spermie is able to reach the egg during the time the egg is accumulated because the oviduct is only partly restricted, and the restriction device further adapted to release the egg, controlled from outside the body, to allow the at least on egg in the oviduct a transport to the uterus.

478. The device according to claim 454, wherein the change of the restriction area is adapted to cause a peristaltic wave like wave in the direction towards the ovary to prevent the egg being transported down to the uterus.

479. The device according to claim 477, comprising a hydraulic device adapted to cause said peristaltic wave like restriction wave

480. The device according to claim 477, comprising a mechanical device adapted to cause said peristaltic wave like restriction wave.

481. The device according to claim 477, comprising a stimulation device adapted to cause said peristaltic wave like restriction wave.

482. The device according to claim 481, wherein the device is adapted to cause another peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the opposite direction towards the uterus.

483. The device according to claim 477, wherein the device is adapted to be adjusted by manual manipulation.

484. The device according to claim 477, wherein the device is adapted to be adjusted by electrical or magnetic power.

485. The device according to claim 477, wherein the restriction areas is only partly restricted to allow the spermie to reach the egg and the device adapted to prevent the egg to temporary reach the uterus with the peristaltic wave, to accumulate the egg temporary in the oviduct to allow increased likelihood for pregnancy to prolong the time period the egg being reachable by the spermie.

486. The device according to claim 477, wherein the restriction areas is completely restricted to prevent the egg to temporary reach the uterus, to accumulate the egg temporary in the oviduct to allow increased likelihood for pregnancy when released.

487. The device according to claim 454, wherein the restriction device is adapted to and intended to repeatedly every month repeat the post-operational and non-invasive regulation of the device actively reversible to prevent transport of an egg from the ovary to the uterus in the oviduct of the patient and reverse the function by allowing the normal transport of the egg from the ovary to the uterus.

Movement Device

488. The device according to any of claim 464, comprising a movement device adapted to move the egg out of a varied upcoming new restricted area before a new area is restricted.

489. The device according to claim 488, wherein the movement device is the same device as the restriction device, adapted to work differently when restricting or causing movements of the egg or, wherein the movement device is different device adapted to cause movement of the egg.

490. The device according to any of claim 488, wherein the movement device cases vibration or wave like movements in the oviduct wall thereby causing movements of the egg.

491. The system according to any of claim 488, wherein the movement device comprises at least one of:

a. mechanical movement device,

b. a hydraulic movement device,

c. a stimulation device, and

d. a combination thereof.

Pregnancy Inhibition

492. A pregnancy control apparatus for avoiding pregnancy comprising a restriction device configured to postoperatively be adjusted to restrict and release an oviduct of the patient.

493. The system according to claim 492, wherein the restriction device is configured to provide a restriction of the oviduct to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct.

494. The system according to claim 493, wherein the restriction device is configured to provide a release of the oviduct only when pregnancy is wanted or not possible.

495. The system according to claim 494, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted non-invasively from outside the patient'"'"'s body to restrict and release the oviduct passageway.

496. The system according to claim 495, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted by manual manipulation.

497. The system according to claim 492, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted by electrical or magnetic power.

498. The system according to claim 492, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted by hydraulic power.

499. The system according to claim 498, wherein the hydraulic power comprises at least one subcutaneous reservoir controlled by the patient.

500. The system according to claim 492, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted reversibly.

501. The system according to claim 492, wherein the restriction device 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.

502. The system according to claim 501, wherein the predetermined period of time is between 2 and 30 days.

503. The system according to claim 492, wherein said restriction device comprises more than one restriction area, wherein said restriction device being adapted to change the restriction area over time.

504. The system according to claim 503, wherein the change of the restriction area is adapted to prevent any damage to the oviduct still keeping the oviduct closed avoiding any egg to pas down to the uterus, thus avoiding pregnancy.

505. The system according to claim 503, comprising a hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas.

506. The system according to claim 505, comprising a hydraulic reservoir connected to said restriction device, wherein the hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas is connected to the reservoir with hydraulic fluid adapted to move fluid to or from the restriction device and further comprising at least one valve to direct the fluid individually to or from the restriction areas to restrict or release the restriction areas individually.

507. The system according to claim 505, comprising two or more hydraulic reservoirs connected one each to the different areas of said restriction device, wherein the hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas is connected to the two or more reservoirs with hydraulic fluid, said reservoirs is adapted to move fluid to or from said restriction areas individually to or from each of the connected restriction areas to restrict or release the restriction in the individual restriction area.

508. The system according to claim 505, wherein each of the hydraulic restriction areas is adapted to be restricted for a predetermined time period with some overlap in time and adapted to first restrict the restriction area closest to the ovary then changing restriction area to the next one towards the uterus.

509. The system according to claim 505, wherein each of the hydraulic restriction areas is adapted to be regulated by manual manipulation of said reservoirs.

510. The system according to claim 503, comprising a stimulation device with two or more restriction areas in combination with a hydraulic or mechanical restriction device.

511. The system according to claim 510, wherein the hydraulic or mechanical restriction device is only partly restricting the oviduct and the stimulation device stimulates to completely restrict the oviduct.

512. The system according to claim 511, wherein the stimulation device stimulates different areas of the oviduct to vary the area of the oviduct that is completely restricted.

513. The system according to claim 503, wherein the change of the restriction area is adapted to cause a peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the direction towards the ovary to prevent the egg being transported down to the uterus.

514. The system according to claim 503, comprising a movement device adapted to move the egg out of a varied upcoming new restricted area before a new area is restricted.

515. The system according to claim 514, wherein the movement device is the same device as the restriction device, adapted to work differently when restricting or causing movements of the egg, or wherein the movement device is a different device than the restriction device, adapted to cause movement of the egg.

516. The system according to claim 514, wherein the movement device cases vibration or wave like movements in the oviduct wall thereby causing movements of the egg.

517. The system according to claim 514, wherein the movement device comprises at least one of:

a. mechanical movement device,

b. a hydraulic movement device,

c. a stimulation device, and

d. a combination thereof.

518. The system according to claim 492, wherein the restriction device comprises at least one of:

a. a mechanical restriction device.

b. a hydraulic restriction device,

c. a stimulation device, and

d. a combination thereof.

519. The system according to claim 492, comprising a control device adapted to control the restriction device from outside the body of the patient.

520. The system according to claim 519, wherein the control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the body of the patient, wherein the control of the restriction device is made by said internal control unit.

521. The system according to claim 520, comprising a sensor sensing at least one physical parameter and/or a functional parameter of the restriction device.

522. The system according to claim 521, wherein the internal control unit controls the restriction device to restrict said oviduct based on information from said sensor.

523. The system according to claim 522, wherein an internal control unit controls the restriction device to restrict said oviduct based on information from said sensor.

524. The system according to claim 520, comprising a sensor sensing at least one functional parameter of the restriction device, wherein the control device controls the restriction device based on information from said sensor.

525. The system according to claim 521, wherein said sensor is adapted to sense a hormone level or a temperature.

526. The system according to claim 524, wherein said sensor is adapted to sense an electrical parameter or a pressure related to the restriction device.

Temporary Male Contraception

527. A male contraception apparatus for obtaining temporary sterility of a male mammalian individual comprising an implantable restriction device configured to restrict the patient'"'"'s vas deference in the region downstream the ampulla during a controlled period, the restriction device thereby being capable of preventing sperms to reach the urethra, and a control device operable to control the operation of the restriction device.

528. The apparatus according to claim 527, wherein the restriction device comprises a constriction device for constricting at least one portion of a tissue wall of vas deference downstream the ampulla to stop the flow in the vas deference.

529. The apparatus according to claim 527, wherein the restriction device comprises a constriction device for constricting at least one portion of a tissue wall of vas deference downstream the ampulla to stop the flow in the vas deference.

530. The apparatus according to claim 529, wherein the constriction device is adjustable, and further comprising an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the constriction of a wall portion of vas deference.

531. The apparatus according to claim 530, wherein the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device.

532. The apparatus according to claim 530, wherein the operation device hydraulically operates the constriction device.

533. The apparatus according to claim 530, wherein the operation device operates the restriction device in a non-magnetic and/or non-manual manner.

534. The apparatus according to claim 530, wherein the operation device is a manual operation device adapted to be non-invasively operated.

535. The apparatus according to claim 530, wherein the operation device comprises an electrically powered operation device.

536. The apparatus according to claim 535 wherein the operation device comprises a motor.

537. The apparatus according to claim 536 wherein the operation device comprises a servo system.

538. The apparatus according to claim 531, wherein the constriction device comprises at least two elongated clamping elements extending along the organ in the direction of flow in the patient'"'"'s vas deference 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.

539. The apparatus according to claim 532, wherein the operation device comprises hydraulic means for hydraulically adjusting the constriction device and a reverse servo operatively connected to the hydraulic means.

540. The apparatus according to claim 532, wherein the restriction device comprises a non-inflatable mechanical constriction device and the operation device comprises hydraulic means that hydraulically adjusts the mechanical constriction device.

541. The apparatus according to claim 527, wherein the restriction device comprises a stimulation device for stimulating a wall portion of the tissue wall of vas deference in the region downstream the ampulla to contract said wall portion to influence the flow in vas deference.

542. The apparatus according to claim 541, wherein a control device controls the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to stop the flow in the vas deference and controls the stimulation device in a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion to allow flow in the vas deference.

543. The apparatus according to claim 542, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to adjust the intensity of the stimulation of the wall portion in response to at least one of a sensed functional parameter of the apparatus and a physical parameter of the patient.

544. The apparatus according to claim 543, further comprising a sensor for sensing a functional parameter of the apparatus or a physical parameter of the patient'"'"'s body and wherein the control device controls the stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor.

545. The apparatus according to claim 527 wherein the control device is operable by the patient.

546. The apparatus according to claim 545, wherein the control device comprises a manually operable switch for switching on and off the stimulation device, the switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually operated from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

547. The apparatus according to claim 545, wherein the control device comprises a hand-held wireless remote control operable by the patient to switch the restriction of the restriction device on and off.

548. The apparatus according to claim 541, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the wall portion, such that at least two of the areas are stimulated at different points of time.

549. The apparatus according to claim 548, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate each area of the different areas of the wall portion during successive time periods, each time period being short enough to maintain over time satisfactory blood circulation in the area until the lapse of the time period.

550. The apparatus according to claim 549, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to cyclically propagate the stimulation of the areas along the wall portion in the same or opposite direction of the flow in the patient'"'"'s vas deference.

551. The apparatus according to claim 549, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to intermittently stimulate the areas with the pulses.

552. The apparatus according to claim 549, wherein the wall portion includes muscle fibers and the stimulation device stimulates the wall portion including the muscle fibers with electric pulses, to cause contraction of the muscle fibres to contract the wall portion.

553. The apparatus according to claim 549, wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrical element for engaging the wall portion and for stimulating the wall portion with electric pulses.

554. The apparatus according to claim 549, wherein the stimulation device comprises a structure holding the electrical elements in the fixed orientation.

555. The apparatus according to claim 527, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to cool the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion.

556. The apparatus according to claim 555, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to cool the constricted wall portion to cause contraction thereof, such that the flow in the vas deference is restricted.

557. The apparatus according to claim 542, wherein the control device comprises an internal control unit implantable in the patient for controlling the stimulation device.

558. The apparatus according to claim 557 wherein the internal control unit is programmable.

559. An apparatus according to claim 527, wherein the restriction device comprises a constriction device and a stimulation device, and wherein the control device is adapted to control the constriction device and the stimulation device to in combination restrict vas deference.

560. The apparatus according to claim 539, wherein the reverse servo comprises at least two implantable reservoirs comprising hydraulic fluid, wherein the reverse servo comprises a first subcutaneously implantable regulation reservoir, wherein the reverse servo further comprises a second implantable servo reservoir, and wherein the servo reservoir and the regulation reservoir are in fluid connection.

561. The apparatus according to claim 560, wherein the servo reservoir directly controls the expansion/contraction of the constriction device.

562. The apparatus according claim 560, wherein the servo reservoir indirectly controls the expansion/contraction of the constriction device, wherein the reverse servo further comprising a third reservoir adapted to be implanted in the abdomen or retroperitoneum or pelvic region and being operatively connected to the servo reservoir for displacing hydraulic fluid of said third reservoir to operate the constriction device.

563. The apparatus according to claim 562, wherein the third reservoir has a larger volume than the first reservoir.

564. The apparatus according to claim 562, wherein the third reservoir is in fluid connection with the constriction device.

Female Sexual Dysfunction

565. A female sexual dysfunction treatment apparatus, comprising a stimulation device configured to stimulate a female patient'"'"'s erectile blood flow passageway to increase the amount of blood in the female erectile tissue and thereby obtaining engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue by affecting the erectile blood flow passageway.

566. The apparatus according to claim 565, comprising a stimulation device that is able to restrict the blood flow passageway leaving the female erectile tissue.

567. The apparatus according to claim 566, wherein said stimulation device engages at least one venous blood vessel leading from said female erectile tissue or corpus cavernosum or vestibular bulbs or a muscle affecting such blood flow that drains the female erectile tissue and is adapted to temporarily and at least partially restrict the cross-sectional area of such erectile blood flow passageway that drains the female erectile tissue.

568. The apparatus according to claim 565, comprising two or more stimulation devices post-operatively and non-invasively adjustable.

569. The apparatus according to claim 566, further comprising an implantable control unit for adjusting the stimulation device to temporarily contract the female erectile tissue to restrict the blood flow leaving the female erectile tissue.

570. The apparatus according to claim 565, comprising a control device comprising an implanted control unit adapted to control and adjust electrical parameters of said stimulation device, wherein said control unit is programmable from outside the female patients body.

571. The apparatus according to claim 565, wherein the stimulation device comprising at least one electrical electrode to stimulate the female erectile tissue to achieve engorgement of said female erectile tissue.

572. The apparatus according to claim 565, wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one elongated stimulation member adapted to form the stimulation member into at least a substantially closed loop around a portion of the female erectile tissue, the loop defining a stimulation opening.

573. The apparatus according to claim 571, wherein the stimulation device comprises at least two stimulation device electrodes.

574. The apparatus according to claim 565, wherein the stimulation device adapted to increase the arterial blood flow reaching the female erectile tissue causing engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue.

575. The apparatus according to claim 574, wherein the flow of blood is increased by enlarging the cross-sectional area of the blood flow passageway, comprising said at least one artery.

576. The apparatus according to claim 574, wherein said stimulation device, comprising a heating member causing engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue.

577. The apparatus according to claim 574, wherein said stimulation device stimulates a muscle related to said blood flow reaching the female erectile tissue.

578. The apparatus according to claim 577, wherein said stimulation device is adapted to stimulate said muscle, to cause relaxation of said muscle to increase said arterial blood flow.

579. The apparatus according to claim 578, wherein said stimulation device is adapted to stimulate said muscle excessively to relax said muscle.

580. The apparatus according to claim 566, wherein said stimulation device stimulates a muscle related to said blood flow leaving the female erectile tissue.

581. The apparatus according to claim 577, wherein said stimulation device is adapted to stimulate said muscle, to cause contraction of said muscle to restrict said erectile blood flow passageway.

582. The apparatus according to claim 566, wherein said stimulation device is powered.

583. The apparatus according to claim 565, comprising a control device, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to shift over time the stimulation from one area of one wall portion of the erectile blood flow passageway to another.

584. The apparatus according to claim 583, wherein said control device controls the stimulation device to cyclically propagate the stimulation to areas along the wall in the same or opposite direction of the flow in the patient'"'"'s erectile blood flow passageway.

586. The apparatus according to claim 584, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to intermittently and individually stimulate different areas of the erectile blood flow passageway with pulses.

587. The apparatus according to claim 586, wherein said pulses form pulse trains.

588. The apparatus according to claim 587, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to vary the off time periods between the individual pulses of each pulse train or to vary the off time periods between the pulse trains.

589. The apparatus according to claim 587, wherein the control device controls the stimulation device to vary the width of each pulse of the pulse trains or to vary the frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains.

590. The apparatus according to claim 565, wherein said stimulation device comprises at least one electrical electrode for engaging at least one portion of the wall of the erectile blood flow passageway and stimulating at least one portion of the wall thereof with electric pulses.

591. The apparatus according to claim 590, wherein the stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical elements.

592. The apparatus according to claim 591, wherein the stimulation device comprises a structure holding the electrical elements in the fixed orientation.

593. The apparatus according to claim 591, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to energize said electrical elements, such that said electrical elements are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of said electrical elements are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

594. The apparatus according to claim 591, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to successively energize said electrical elements from a position substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements, when said stimulation device is applied on the erectile blood flow passageway.

595. The system according to claim 565, further comprising at least one switch implantable in the patient for manually and non-invasively controlling the apparatus.

Female Sexual Dysfunction—

Blood Flow

596. A female sexual dysfunction treatment apparatus, comprising a device configured to increase the amount of blood in the female erectile tissue and thereby obtaining engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue.

597. The apparatus according to claim 596, wherein the adjustment device comprises an expandable cavity in the restriction device adapted to contract the female erectile tissue upon expansion of the cavity and release the female erectile tissue upon decreasing volume of the cavity, and the operation device is adapted to distribute hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to expand the cavity, and to distribute hydraulic fluid from the cavity to the reservoir to decrease the volume of the cavity.

598. The apparatus according to claim 597, wherein the reservoir defines a chamber for said predetermined amount of fluid and the operation device is adapted to change the size of the chamber.

599. The apparatus according to claim 598, wherein the reservoir comprises first and second wall portions of the reservoir and wherein said operation device is adapted to provide relative displacement between the first and second wall portions of the reservoir, in order to change the volume of the chamber

600. The apparatus according to claim 599, wherein the operation device is adapted to provide said relative displacement in response to the pressure in the reservoir.

601. The apparatus according to claim 600, wherein the operation device comprises a pressure controlled hydraulic operation device.

602. The apparatus according to claim 601, further comprising an alarm adapted to generate an alarm signal in response to the lapse of a predetermined time period during which the pressure controlling the hydraulic operation device exceeds a predetermined value.

603. The apparatus according to claim 599, wherein the first and second wall portions of the reservoir are displaceable relative to each other by at least one device selected from the group consisting of a magnetic device, a hydraulic device, an electric control device and a manual manipulation device.

604. The apparatus according to claim 599, comprising a conduit placed between said reservoir and said cavity, wherein said fluid is permitted free flow all the way from the reservoir via the conduit to the cavity or the opposite direction.

605. The apparatus according to claim 597, wherein the operation device comprises a pump adapted to pump fluid between the reservoir and the cavity of the restriction device.

606. The apparatus according to claim 605, wherein the pump comprises a first activation member for activating the pump to pump fluid from the reservoir to the cavity of the restriction device and a second activation member for activating the pump to pump fluid from the cavity to the reservoir.

607. The apparatus according to claim 606, wherein at least one of the activation members is adapted to operate or stop to operate when subjected to a predetermined external pressure.

608. The apparatus according to claim 606, wherein at least one of the first and second activating members are operable by at least one device selected from the group consisting of a magnetic device, a hydraulic device, a electric control device and a manual manipulation device.

609. The apparatus according to claim 596 wherein a restriction device comprises an element to be placed on one side of the female erectile tissue, and an adjustment device is adapted to squeeze said female erectile tissue between the element and other human tissue.

610. The apparatus according to claim 609 wherein the restriction device comprises at least one elongated restriction member adapted to form the restriction member into at least a substantially closed loop around a portion of the female erectile tissue, the loop defining a restriction opening, whereby the adjustment device is adapted to adjust the restriction member in the loop to change the size of the restriction opening.

611. The apparatus according to claim 610, wherein the restriction device comprises at least two elongated restriction members to be formed into at least substantially closed loops around the female erectile tissue.

612. The apparatus according to claim 610, wherein the adjustment device is adapted to adjust the longitudinal extension of the elongated restriction member in said loop to change the size of the restriction opening.

613. The apparatus according to claim 612, wherein the restriction member comprises a main portion and two elongated end portions, and the adjustment device is adapted to establish longitudinal relative displacement between the end portions of the restriction member, such that the size of the restriction opening is adjusted

614. The apparatus according to claim 612, wherein the elongated restriction member is longitudinally resilient and the adjustment device is adapted to longitudinally contract the resilient restriction member.

615. The apparatus according to claim 614, wherein the elongated restriction member comprises a substantially non-resilient main portion and an end portion forming an elongated helical spring.

616. The apparatus according to claim 609, wherein the restriction device comprises at least two frame elements which are foldable towards each other by the adjustment device.

617. The apparatus according to claim 609, wherein the elongated restriction member is elastic and varies in thickness as seen in a cross-section thereof, and the adjustment device is adapted to turn the restriction member around the longitudinal extension thereof.

618. The apparatus according to claim 609, wherein the restriction device comprises at least two elements to be placed on different sides of the female erectile tissue, and the adjustment device is adapted to squeeze the female erectile tissue between the elements to restrict the blood flow leaving the female erectile tissue, and to release the female erectile tissue from the elements to increase the blood flow leaving the female erectile tissue.

619. The apparatus according to claim 609 wherein the restriction device comprises at least two articulated clamping elements to be positioned on opposite or different sides of the female erectile tissue, and the adjustment device is adapted to turn the clamping elements toward each other to clamp the female erectile tissue between the clamping elements to restrict the blood flow leaving the female erectile tissue.

620. The apparatus according to claim 609 wherein the restriction device is adapted to bend a portion of the female erectile tissue.

621. The apparatus according to claim 609, wherein the restriction device is adapted to rotate a portion of the female erectile tissue.

623. The apparatus according to claim 596, wherein a stimulation device comprises a heating member causing engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue.

624. The system according to claim 596, further comprising at least one switch implantable in the patient for manually and non-invasively controlling the apparatus.

625. The system according to claim 596, further comprising a hydraulic device having an implantable hydraulic reservoir, which is hydraulically connected to the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be non-invasively regulated by manually pressing the hydraulic reservoir.

626. The system according to claim 596, further comprising a wireless remote control for non-invasively controlling the apparatus.

627. The system according to claim 596, further comprising a wireless energy-transmission device for non-invasively energizing implantable energy consuming components of the apparatus with wireless energy.

628. The system according to claim 627, wherein the wireless energy comprises one of the following:

an electric field, a magnetic field, a combined electric and magnetic field.

629. The system according to claim 596, further comprising an implantable internal energy source for powering implantable energy consuming components of the apparatus.

630. The system according to claim 629, further comprising an external energy source for transferring energy in a wireless mode, wherein the internal energy source is chargeable by the energy transferred in the wireless mode.

631. The system according to claim 630, further comprising a sensor or measuring device sensing or measuring a functional parameter correlated to the transfer of energy for charging the internal energy source, and a feedback device for sending feedback information from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof, the feedback information being related to the functional parameter sensed by the sensor or measured by the measuring device.

632. The system according to claim 596, further comprising 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 apparatus or the patient to the external data communicator and/or the external data communicator feeds data to the internal data communicator.

633. The system according to claim 596, further comprising a motor or a pump for operating the apparatus.

634. The system according to claim 627, further comprising a control device for controlling the transmission of wireless energy from the energy-transmission device, and an implantable internal energy receiver for receiving the transmitted wireless energy, the internal energy receiver being connected to implantable energy consuming components of the apparatus for directly or indirectly supplying received energy thereto, the system further comprising a determination device adapted to determine an energy balance between the energy received by the internal energy receiver and the energy used for the implantable energy consuming components of the apparatus, wherein the control device controls the transmission of wireless energy from the external energy-transmission device, based on the energy balance determined by the determination device.

Intestinal Disorder—

Artificial Reservoir

622. A system according to claim 622 comprising an implantable device that comprises a heating member for temporarily raising the temperature of the smooth muscle surrounding the artery thereby increasing the blood flow in said artery.

635. A system for treating a patient having a disorder related to the patient'"'"'s intestine, comprising an artificial reservoir adapted for receiving and temporarily collecting therein intestinal contents and further adapted to remain within the patient'"'"'s body when emptying the reservoir, wherein the system further comprises an at least partly artificial flow control device implantable in the patient'"'"'s body and adapted to control flow of the intestinal contents from the reservoir, wherein the system comprises at least one conduit connected to the reservoir and adapted to be introduced into a surgically divided intestinal opening in the intestine to hold an intestinal wall portion on the outside of the conduit, the system further comprising a flexible sleeve adapted to be placed onto the intestine when the reservoir is implanted, so as to extend over the intestinal wall portion and the conduit such that at least part of the intestinal wall portion is located intermediate the sleeve and the outer surface of the conduit, wherein the sleeve is adapted to increase the strength of the connection between the system and the patient'"'"'s intestine against forces, resulting from the peristaltic movement of the intestine, which tend to pull on the intestine, when said artificial intestine section is long term implanted.

636. The system of claim 635, wherein the sleeve comprise a non-absorbable structure on the inside of the sleeve towards the intestinal portion for in-growth of fibrotic tissue.

637. The system of claim 635, wherein the flexible sleeve is adapted to be mounted on the outer surface of the conduit rolled upon itself and adapted to be unrolled such that a part of the intestine is located intermediate the sleeve and the conduit,

638. The system of claim 635, wherein said conduit has a bulge formed on the outside thereof adapted to hold a section of the intestine by inserting an end of the conduit into the artificial intestinal opening so that the intestine extends over the bulge from one side of the bulge, and

further comprising a blocking ring adapted to be placed over the intestine towards the bulge from the respective other side of the bulge such that the intestine is located intermediate the conduit'"'"'s outer surface and the blocking ring to increase the strength of the connection against forces which result from the peristaltic movement of the intestine which tend to pull on the intestine.

639. The system of claim 638, wherein the flexible sleeve is elastic and made of a material providing a friction relative to the blocking ring large enough to allow the blocking ring to move towards the bulge along with the flexible sleeve when forces from the peristaltic movement of the intestine are pulling on the intestine.

649. The system of claim 635, wherein the artificial reservoir comprising a holding device adapted to be mounted to the peritoneum, when implanted, to prevent large movements and movement forces acting on the connection between the intestine section and the patient'"'"'s intestine against forces resulting from peristaltic movements and movement of the human body.

650. The system of claim 635, wherein the sleeve adapted to increase the strength of the connection between the intestine section and the patient'"'"'s intestine against axial forces resulting from peristaltic movements of the intestine which tend to pull on the intestine, comprising resorbable non-polymeric material.

651. The system of claim 635, wherein the flow control device comprises at least one valve.

652. The system of claim 651, wherein the at least one valve includes an exit valve preventing intestinal contents flow from the reservoir in its closed position.

653. The system of claim 652, wherein the exit valve is a normally closed valve.

654. The system of claim 651, wherein the flow control device comprises an entry valve allowing intestinal contents to flow towards the reservoir in its open position.

655. The system of claim 654, wherein the entry valve is a normally open valve.

656. The system of claim 654, wherein the exit valve and the entry valve are adapted to cooperate such that when one of the two valves is closed, the respective other valve is open, and vice versa.

657. The system of claim 651, wherein at least one of the valve or valves, respectively, is adapted to being permanently implanted inside the patient'"'"'s intestine.

658. The system of claim 651, wherein at least one of the valve or valves, respectively, has an upstream open end and has a downstream open end in fluid connection with the upstream open end, wherein the upstream open end is adapted to being connected to a surgically created opening of the patient'"'"'s intestine and the downstream open end is adapted to being connected to either one of a surgically created opening of the patient'"'"'s intestine and a surgically created stoma.

659. The system of claim 651, wherein at least one of the valve or valves, respectively, has an upstream open end and has a downstream open end in fluid connection with the upstream open end, wherein the upstream open end is adapted to being connected to a surgically created opening of the patient'"'"'s intestine and the downstream open end is adapted to being surgically connected to either one of the patient'"'"'s anus or tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus.

660. The system of claim 651, wherein at least one of the valve or valves, respectively, is adapted to being implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body outside a section of the patient'"'"'s intestine and comprises at least one element adapted to act on the intestine section from the outside thereof so as to prevent intestinal contents flow through the intestine section.

661. The system of claim 635, comprising a passage in flow communication with the reservoir and adapted to being connected to a surgically created lateral opening in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine, said passage being arranged for transferring intestinal contents to and from the reservoir.

662. The system of claim 651, wherein the at least one valve comprises a compartment with a variable volume adapted to open and close the valve by changing the compartment'"'"'s volume.

663. The system of claim 662, wherein the at least one valve comprises at least one passage for filling and emptying the compartment with hydraulic fluid.

664. The system of claim 660, wherein the at least one valve comprises at least one electrical stimulation device adapted to electrically stimulate muscle or neural tissue of an intestine section so as to cause at least partial contraction of the intestine section.

665. The system of claim 664, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate different portions of the intestine section over time.

666. The system of claim 665, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate, over time, the different portions of the intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction opposite to natural intestinal contents flow or in any predetermined stimulation pattern.

667. The system of claim 664, wherein the at least one valve comprises a constriction device for at least partly constricting the intestine section mechanically or hydraulically.

668. The system of claim 667, wherein the stimulation device and the constriction device are adapted to act on the same intestine section so as to keep the intestine section closed.

669. The system of claim 649, wherein said holding device is adapted to hold a suture or stapler mounted through the peritoneal wall.

670. The system of claim 649, wherein said holding device comprising a part intended for placement outside the peritoneum, when implanted, adapted to pass through the peritoneal wall and hold said intestinal section.

671. The system of claim 635, wherein the flow control device comprises a pump for emptying the reservoir.

672. The system of claim 671, wherein the pump is adapted for emptying the reservoir by squeezing the reservoir.

673. The system of claim 671, wherein the pump and the reservoir are separate from each other and wherein the pump is adapted to being implanted in the patient'"'"'s body separate from but in close proximity to the reservoir so as to act on the reservoir from the outside thereof.

674. The system of claim 671, wherein the pump and the reservoir are fixedly connected to one another.

675. The system of claim 674, wherein the reservoir is formed by a bellow, said bellow having an end wall closing the bellow at one end thereof, said end wall making part of the pump such that a volume of the bellow can be reduced upon advancement of said end wall.

676. The system of claim 671, wherein the pump and the reservoir are separate from each other and wherein the pump is adapted to being implanted in the patient'"'"'s body outside the patient'"'"'s intestine, wherein the pump comprises at least one electrical stimulation device adapted to electrically stimulate muscle or neural tissue of an intestine section so as to cause at least partial contraction of the intestine section, wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrode adapted to apply electric pulses to the intestine section.

677. The system of claim 676, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate different portions of the intestine section over time and to pump intestinal contents along the intestine section by, over time, stimulating the different portions of the intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow.

678. The system of claim 671, wherein the pump comprises a constriction device for at least partly constricting the intestine section.

679. The system of claim 678, wherein the constriction device is adapted to pump intestinal contents along the intestine section by, over time, constricting different portions of an intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow.

680. The system of claim 677, wherein the stimulation device is combined with a constriction device for at least partly constricting the intestine section mechanically so as to pump intestinal contents along the intestine section by, over time, stimulating the different portions of the intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow, when constriction of the intestine section caused by the constriction device is released at the respective portions.

681. The system of claim 671, wherein the pump is manually drivable and comprises an actuator for manually driving the pump, the actuator being arranged for subcutaneous implantation so as to be operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

682. The system of claim 635, comprising at least one motor arranged for automatically driving one or more elements of the system including the flow control device.

683. The system of claim 635, adapted to receive wireless energy, comprising an implanted chargeable accumulator, further comprising a feedback subsystem adapted to wirelessly send feedback information related to the energy to be stored in the implanted accumulator from inside the human body to the outside thereof, wherein the system is adapted to use the feedback information for adjusting the amount of wireless energy transmitted by the energy transmitter.

684. The system of claim 683, wherein the feedback information is related to an energy balance which is defined as the balance between wireless energy received inside the human body and energy consumed by the at least one energy consuming part.

685. The system of claim 684, wherein the feedback information is related to an energy balance which is defined as the balance between a rate of wireless energy received inside the human body and a rate of energy consumed by the at least one energy consuming part.

686. The system of claim 635, comprising a manually operable switch for activating any part of the system, the switch being arranged for subcutaneous implantation so as to be operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

687. The system of claim 635, comprising a physical or functional parameter sensor adapted to directly or indirectly sense a physical parameter of the patient or a functional parameter of the system.

688. The system of claim 687, wherein the physical or functional parameter sensor is adapted to sense at least one of the following physical parameters of the patient:

a pressure within the reservoir, a pressure within the patient'"'"'s intestine, an expansion of the reservoir, a distension of an intestinal wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine, a movement of the intestinal wall.

689. The system of claim 687, further comprising an intestinal contents collecting device to be temporarily applied from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

690. The system of claim 689, wherein the collecting device comprises a front open end adapted to be applied towards said exit valve so as to provide a flow passage from the exit valve towards the collecting device.

691. The system of claim 690, wherein the collecting device front open end is adapted to be applied to said exit valve so as to open the valve and thereby provide the flow passage towards the collecting device.

692. The system according to claim 635, wherein the first and second passage is adapted to connect to an divided intestinal portion such that intestinal mesentery connected thereto is opened in such a way that supply of blood through the mesentery to the dissected intestinal area is maintained on both sides of the divided intestinal portion, wherein an upstream part of the intestine with a first intestinal opening and a downstream part of the intestine with a second intestinal opening with the mesentery still maintaining a tissue connection between the upstream and downstream intestine parts and the connection of the first and second passage are adapted to take such mesentery in account to allow free blood supply, when implanted.

693. The system according to claim 692, wherein the downstream intestinal part is adapted to be advanced through the abdominal wall and skin and, thereby achieving an intestinal stomy.

694. The system according to claim 692, wherein the downstream intestinal part is adapted to be connected to

the patient'"'"'s anus or tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus,

advancing the downstream end of the upstream natural intestine section through the patient'"'"'s anus, and

suturing the cross-sectional opening of the upstream natural intestine section to the patient'"'"'s anus or tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus.

695. The system according to claim 692, wherein the intestinal openings is created in the patient'"'"'s small intestine.

Intestinal Disorder—

Accumulator

696. A system comprising an artificial intestine section adapted to being implanted inside a patient'"'"'s body along with an accumulator for accumulating energy,

wherein said intestine section has a first open end portion and a second open end portion in flow communication with one another, at least the first open end portion being adapted to being connected to a surgically created opening in the patient'"'"'s intestine, wherein the system comprises at least one conduit connected to the artificial intestine section and adapted to be introduced into a surgically divided intestinal opening in the intestine to hold an intestinal wall portion on the outside of the conduit, the system further comprising a flexible sleeve adapted to be placed onto the intestine, when the intestine section is implanted, so as to extend over the intestinal wall portion and the conduit such that at least part of the intestinal wall portion is located intermediate the sleeve and the outer surface of the conduit, wherein the sleeve is adapted to increase the strength of the connection between the intestine section and the patient'"'"'s intestine against axial forces resulting from peristaltic movements of the intestine and which tend to pull on the intestine, when said artificial intestine section is long term implanted, and

wherein said accumulator is adapted to be charged wirelessly with energy and arranged to supply energy directly or indirectly to at least one energy consuming part of said artificial intestine section.

697. The system of claim 696, wherein at least the first open end portion is adapted to being connected to a lateral opening surgically created in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine.

698. The system of claim 697, wherein at least the first open end portion comprises a shoulder portion formed around the end portion for lateral connection to the patient'"'"'s intestinal wall.

699. The system of claim 698, wherein at least a part of the shoulder portion extends laterally from the artificial intestine section by 3 mm to 20 mm.

700. The system of claim 698, wherein the shoulder portion has a curved cross section, so as to generally conform to an intestinal wall when laterally attached thereto.

701. The system of claim 698, wherein the shoulder portion is split into an upper and a lower shoulder portion with a gap between the upper and lower shoulder portions adapted to accommodate intestinal wall tissue therein, wherein the lower shoulder portion is adapted to being placed inside the patient'"'"'s intestine through a surgically created lateral opening in the intestinal wall and wherein the upper shoulder portion is adapted to being placed outside the intestinal wall.

702. The system of claim 696, wherein the sleeve adapted to increase the strength of the connection between the intestine section and the patient'"'"'s intestine against axial forces resulting from peristaltic movements of the intestine which tend to pull on the intestine, thus comprising non-resorbable material.

703. The system of claim 702, wherein the upper shoulder portion and the lower shoulder portion each have a surface area facing the intestinal wall, with the surface area of the upper shoulder portion being larger than the surface area of the lower shoulder portion.

704. The system of claim 698, wherein the shoulder portion is adapted to being connected to the patient'"'"'s intestinal wall by gluing.

705. The system of claim 698, wherein the shoulder portion is adapted to being connected to the patient'"'"'s intestinal wall by sewing or stapling.

706. The system of claim 698, wherein the shoulder portion is adapted to being connected to the patient'"'"'s intestinal wall by stapling.

707. The system of claim 696, wherein the artificial intestine section comprising a holding device adapted to be mounted to the peritoneum, when implanted, to prevent large movements and movement forces acting on the connection between the intestine section and the patient'"'"'s intestine against forces resulting from peristaltic movements and movement of the human body.

708. The system of claims 698, wherein a surface to be facing the patient'"'"'s intestinal wall has a in-growth layer allowing in-growth of living tissue.

709. The system of claims 698, wherein the shoulder portion or holding device comprises at least one biocompatible material selected from the following group of materials:

titanium, stainless steel, ceramics, biocompatible polymer, other biocompatible polymer material.

710. The system of claim 709, wherein the biocompatible polymer material comprises at least one polymer of the following group of polymers:

polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, polyurethane, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

711. The system of claim 696, wherein at least the first open end portion is adapted to being connected to a cross-sectional opening surgically created in the patient'"'"'s intestine.

712. The system of claim 711, wherein at least the first open end portion comprises

a conduit having an outer surface with at least one bulge extending outwardly from the conduit'"'"'s outer surface in a circumferential direction of the conduit about at least a part of the conduit'"'"'s circumference, and

a blocking ring loosely fitting over the outer surface of the conduit with a clearance between the outer surface and the blocking ring for mounting intestinal tissue within the clearance, said blocking ring having an inner cross sectional diameter which is smaller than or substantially identical to an outer cross sectional diameter of the at least one bulge so as to prevent the blocking ring from slipping over the bulge when intestinal tissue is mounted within the clearance.

713. The system of claim 712, wherein at least the first open end portion comprises said flexible sleeve adapted to axially extend and closely fit around at least part of said outer surface of the conduit.

714. The system of claim 711, wherein the second open end portion comprises

a conduit having an outer surface and

a flexible sleeve adapted to axially extend and closely fit around at least part of said outer surface of the conduit.

715. The system of claim 713, wherein said flexible sleeve is mounted on said outer surface either folded or rolled upon itself or so as to be foldable upon itself.

716. The system of claim 713, wherein at least one of the sleeve and the first open end portion comprises a multilayer material.

717. The system of claim 713, wherein at least one of the sleeve and the first open end portion comprises an ingrowth layer allowing ingrowth of living tissue.

718. The system of claim 717, wherein the ingrowth layer has a net-like structure.

719. The system of claim 718, wherein the ingrowth layer is made from Dacron®

.

720. The system of claims 711, wherein at least one of the first and second open end portions are adapted to being connected to a surgically created cross-sectional opening in the patient'"'"'s intestine, so as to form an intermediate intestine section.

721. The system of claims 697, wherein at least one of the first and second open end portions are adapted to being connected to a surgically created lateral opening in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine, so as to form a by-pass intestine section.

722. The system of claim 720, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to a portion of a patient'"'"'s small intestine.

723. The system of claim 720, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to a portion of a patient'"'"'s large intestine.

724. The system of claim 722, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to an artificial stoma, so as to form an intestine end section.

725. The system of claim 722, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to the patient'"'"'s rectum or anus or to tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus, so as to form an intestine end section.

726. The system of claim 696, wherein at least one of the sleeve and the first open end portion is made from a biocompatible material.

727. The system of claim 726, wherein the biocompatible material of the open end portion comprises at least one material of the following group of materials:

titanium, stainless steel, ceramics, biocompatible polymer material, other polymer material.

728. The system of claim 727, wherein the biocompatible polymer material comprises at least one polymer of the following group of polymers:

polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, polyurethane, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

729. The system of claim 696, wherein said at least one energy consuming part of the artificial intestine section comprises at least one element adapted to directly or indirectly interact with intestinal contents contained in the artificial intestine section between the first and second open end portions thereof.

730. The system of claim 729, wherein the energy consuming part comprises a flow control device adapted to control flow of intestinal contents from the artificial intestine section through the second open end portion.

731. The system of claim 730, wherein the flow control device is adapted to prevent flow of intestinal contents from the artificial intestine section through the second open end portion.

732. The system of claim 730, wherein the flow control device comprises at least one valve, including an exit valve preventing intestinal contents flow through the second open end portion in its closed position, wherein the exit valve is a normally closed valve.

733. The system of claim 723, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to an artificial stoma, so as to form an intestine end section.

734. The system of claim 730, wherein the flow control device comprises an entry valve allowing intestinal contents to flow through the first open end portion into the artificial intestine section in its open position, wherein the entry valve is a normally open valve.

735. The system of claim 723, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to the patient'"'"'s rectum or anus or to tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus, so as to form an intestine end section.

736. The system of claim 732, wherein the exit valve and the entry valve are adapted to cooperate such that when one of the two valves is closed, the other valve is open, and vice versa.

737. The system of claim 730, wherein the flow control device comprises at least one valve, and wherein the at least one valve comprises a compartment with a variable volume adapted to open and close the valve by changing the compartment'"'"'s volume.

738. The system of claim 737, wherein the at least one valve comprises at least one passage for filling and emptying the compartment with hydraulic fluid.

739. The system of claim 737, wherein the compartment has at least one flexible wall defining an opening, the opening being adapted to close upon increase of the compartment'"'"'s volume.

740. The system of claim 732, wherein the at least one valve is a flap valve.

742. The system of claim 696, further comprising at least one extra valve adapted to control flow of intestinal contents in a natural section of a patient'"'"'s intestine upstream and/or downstream the artificial intestine section, wherein the extra valve is adapted to being implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body outside a section of the patient'"'"'s natural intestine and comprises at least one element adapted to act on the natural intestine section from the outside thereof so as to prevent intestinal contents flow through the natural intestine section.

743. The system of claim 742, wherein the extra valve comprises at least one electrical stimulation device adapted to electrically stimulate muscle or neural tissue of the natural intestine section so as to cause at least partial contraction of the natural intestine section.

744. The system of claim 742, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to pump intestinal contents along the natural intestine section by, over time, stimulating the different portions of the natural intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow.

745. The system of claim 729, wherein said at least one energy consuming part of the artificial intestine section comprises a pump for advancing intestinal contents through the second open end portion to outside the artificial intestine section.

746. The system of claim 696, wherein the artificial intestine section comprises a reservoir between the first and second open end portions for receiving and temporarily collecting therein intestinal contents supplied through the first open end portion, and wherein the pump is adapted for emptying the reservoir through the second open end portion.

747. The system of claim 746, wherein the reservoir is formed by a bellow, said bellow having an end wall closing the bellow at one end thereof, said end wall making part of the pump such that a volume of the bellow is reduced upon advancement of said end wall.

748. The system of claim 747, wherein the bellow is made of a resilient material so as to urge the bellow into a normally expanded position.

749. The system of claim 746, wherein the pump comprises a movable piston, with a front end of the piston affecting the reservoir such that a volume of the reservoir is reduced upon advancement of the piston.

750. The system of claim 749, wherein the piston is spring loaded so as to urge the piston into a normally retracted position.

751. The system of claim 746, wherein the pump is adapted for being permanently arranged inside the reservoir.

752. The system of claim 746, wherein the reservoir has a flexible wall and the pump is adapted for emptying the reservoir by squeezing the reservoir.

753. The system of claim 752, wherein the pump includes a constriction device adapted to alternately constrict and release sections of the reservoir so as to pump intestinal contents along the reservoir by, over time, constricting different sections of the reservoir in a wave like manner.

754. The system of claim 753, wherein the reservoir has a tube-like form and the pump is a roller pump acting on the tube-like reservoir from the outside thereof.

755. The system of claim 696, wherein said at least one energy consuming part of the artificial intestine section comprises at least one motor arranged for automatically driving at least one further energy consuming part of the artificial intestine section.

756. The system of claim 755, wherein the system comprises a valve for intestinal flow control, wherein the at least one motor is arranged for driving at least one of the valve or valves, respectively, between closed and open positions.

757. The system of claim 755, wherein the at least one motor is arranged for driving a pump.

758. The system of claim 755, comprising a manually operable switch for activating the at least one motor, the switch being arranged for subcutaneous implantation so as to be operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

759. The system of claim 755, wherein the motor is arranged to be driven by electric or electromagnetic energy.

760. The system of claim 696, comprising galvanic coupling elements between the accumulator and the energy consuming part for transmitting energy to the energy consuming part in contacting fashion.

761. The system of claim 696, comprising an implantable wireless energy transmitter and an implantable wireless energy receiving device for wirelessly transmitting energy from the accumulator to the energy consuming part.

762. The system of claim 761, wherein the energy consuming part is adapted to directly transform the wirelessly transmitted energy from the accumulator into kinetic energy.

763. The system of claim 761, wherein the energy consuming part comprises a transforming device for transforming the wirelessly transmitted energy from the accumulator into electric energy.

764. The system of claim 696, comprising an implantable energy transforming device for transforming wirelessly transmitted energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body into energy to be stored in the accumulator and further comprising a wireless energy transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to said implantable energy transforming device.

765. The system of claim 764, wherein the implantable energy transforming device transforms wireless energy into electric energy and the energy consuming part is adapted to be driven with the electric energy, as said energy transforming device transforms the wireless energy into the electric energy.

766. The system of claim 764, wherein the energy transmitter is adapted to generate an electromagnetic field, electric field or magnetic field.

769. The system of claim 764, wherein the energy transmitter is adapted to transmit energy by at least one wireless energy signal.

770. The system of claim 769, wherein the wireless energy signal comprises an electromagnetic wave signal, including at least one of an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a microwave signal, an X-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.

771. The system of claim 770, wherein the wireless energy signal comprises a sound or ultrasound wave signal.

772. The system of claim 769, wherein the wireless energy signal comprises a digital or analog signal or a combination thereof.

773. The system of claim 764, comprising a feedback subsystem adapted to wirelessly send feedback information related to the energy to be stored in the accumulator from inside the human body to the outside thereof, wherein The system is adapted to use the feedback information for adjusting the amount of wireless energy transmitted by the energy transmitter.

774. The system of claim 773, wherein the feedback information is related to an energy balance which is defined as the balance between an amount of wireless energy received inside the human body and an amount of energy consumed by the at least one energy consuming part.

775. The system of claim 774, wherein the feedback information is related to an energy balance which is defined as the balance between a rate of wireless energy received inside the human body and a rate of energy consumed by the at least one energy consuming part.

776. The system of claim 696, wherein the accumulator comprises a rechargeable battery.

777. The system of claim 696, wherein the accumulator comprises a capacitor.

778. The system of claim 696, wherein the accumulator is adapted for being implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body fixedly connected to the artificial intestine section.

779. The system of claim 696, wherein the accumulator is adapted for being implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body distant to the artificial intestine section.

780. The system of claim 696, comprising a primary energy source for charging the accumulator with energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

781. The system of claim 780, wherein the primary energy source is adapted to being mounted on the patient'"'"'s body.

782. The system of claim 696, further comprising a control unit adapted to directly or indirectly control one or more elements of the system.

783. The system of claim 782, comprising an exit valve, wherein the control unit is adapted to control opening of the exit valve.

784. The system of any of claims 782, comprising an entry valve, wherein the control unit is adapted to control closing of the entry valve.

785. The system of claim 784, wherein the control unit is adapted to control opening of the exit valve and closing of the entry valve such that when one of the two valves is closed, the other valve is open, and vice versa.

786. The system of claim 782, wherein the control unit is adapted to control actuation of the pump.

787. The system of claim 782, wherein the control unit is operable by the patient.

788. The system of claim 782, wherein at least part of the control unit is implantable in the patient'"'"'s body.

789. The system of claim 788, comprising a manually operable switch for activating the control unit, the switch being arranged for subcutaneous implantation so as to be operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

790. The system of claim 782, wherein the control unit comprises a first part adapted for implantation in the patient'"'"'s body and a second part adapted to cooperate with the first part from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

791. The system of claim 790, comprising an implantable energy transforming device for transforming wirelessly transmitted energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body, and a wireless energy transmitter, wherein the control unit is adapted to transmit data from the second part of the control unit to the implantable first part of the control unit in the same manner as energy is transmitted by said wireless energy transmitter from outside the patient'"'"'s body to said implantable energy transforming device.

792. The system of claim 790, wherein the second part of the control unit is adapted to wirelessly transmit a control signal to the implantable first part of the control unit for controlling the at least one energy consuming part from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

793. The system of claim 790, wherein the implantable first part of the control unit is programmable via the second part of the control unit.

794. The system of claim 790, wherein the implantable first part of the control unit is adapted to transmit a feedback signal to the second part of the control unit.

795. The system of claim 696, further comprising a physical parameter sensor adapted to directly or indirectly sense a physical parameter of the patient.

796. The system of claim 795, wherein the physical parameter sensor is adapted to sense at least one of the following physical parameters of the patient:

a pressure within the artificial intestine section, a pressure within the patient'"'"'s natural intestine, an expansion of the artificial intestine section, a distension of an intestinal wall of the patient'"'"'s natural intestine, a movement of the patient'"'"'s intestinal wall.

797. The system of claim 696, further comprising a functional parameter sensor adapted to directly or indirectly sense a functional parameter of the system.

798. The system of claim 797, wherein the functional parameter sensor is adapted to sense at least one of the following functional parameters of the system:

a pressure against a part of the system such as the artificial intestine section, a distension of a part of the system such as a wall of the artificial intestine section, an electrical parameter such as voltage, current or energy balance, a position or movement of a movable part of the system.

799. The system of claim 798, comprising an indicator coupled to the sensor, the indicator being adapted to provide a signal when the sensor senses a value for the parameter beyond a predetermined threshold value.

800. The system of claim 799, wherein the signal comprises at least one of the following types of signals:

a sound signal, a visual signal.

Intestinal Disorder—

Artificial Intestine

801. An artificial intestine section adapted to be implanted inside a patient'"'"'s body, said intestine section having a first open end portion and a second open end portion in flow communication with one another, wherein at least the first open end portion is adapted to being connected to a surgically created lateral opening in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine, wherein the artificial intestine section comprising at least one element adapted to directly or indirectly interact with intestinal contents contained in the artificial intestine section between the first and second open end portions thereof, wherein the at least one element comprises at least an artificial reservoir between the first and second open end portions for receiving and temporarily collecting therein intestinal contents supplied through the first open end portion, wherein said second open end portion is adapted to receive intestinal contents for emptying said reservoir.

802. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to a surgically created stomy.

803. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to the patient'"'"'s rectum or anus or to tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus.

804. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to a patient'"'"'s small intestine.

805. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to a patient'"'"'s large intestine.

806. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein both the first and second open end portions are adapted to being connected to a surgically created lateral opening in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine or wherein the first and second open end portions are connected differently, one to a surgically created lateral opening of the intestine and one to a surgically created divided cross-sectional opening.

807. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein at least the first open end portion comprises a shoulder portion formed around the end portion for lateral connection to the patient'"'"'s intestinal wall.

808. The artificial intestine section of claim 807, wherein at least a part of the shoulder portion extends laterally from the artificial intestine section by 3 mm to 20 mm.

809. The artificial intestine section of claim 807, wherein the shoulder portion has a curved cross section, so as to generally conform to an intestinal wall when laterally attached thereto.

810. The artificial intestine section of claim 807, wherein the shoulder portion is split into an upper and a lower shoulder portion with a gap between the upper and lower shoulder portions adapted to accommodate intestinal wall tissue therein.

811. The artificial intestine section of claim 810, wherein the lower shoulder portion is adapted to being placed inside the patient'"'"'s intestine through a surgically created lateral opening in the intestinal wall and wherein the upper shoulder portion is adapted to being placed outside the intestinal wall.

812. The artificial intestine section of claim 811, wherein the upper shoulder portion and the lower shoulder portion each have a surface area facing the intestinal wall, with the surface area of the upper shoulder portion being larger than the surface area of the lower shoulder portion.

813. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein at least the first open end portion is adapted to being connected to the patient'"'"'s intestinal wall by gluing.

814. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein at least the first open end portion is adapted to being connected to the patient'"'"'s intestinal wall by sewing or stapling.

815. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein the artificial intestine section comprising a holding device adapted to be mounted to the peritoneum, when implanted, to prevent large movements and movement forces acting on the connection between the intestine section and the patient'"'"'s intestine against forces resulting from peristaltic movements and movement of the human body

816. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein at least the first open end portion is made from a biocompatible material.

817. The artificial intestine section of claim 816, wherein the biocompatible material of the open end portion comprises at least one material of the following group of materials:

titanium, stainless steel, ceramics, biocompatible polymer material.

818. The artificial intestine section of claim 817, wherein the biocompatible polymer material comprises at least one polymer of the following group of polymers:

polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, polyurethane, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

819. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein at least the first open end portion comprises a multilayer material.

820. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein at least the first open end portion comprises an ingrowth layer allowing ingrowth of living tissue.

821. The artificial intestine section of claim 820, wherein the ingrowth layer has a net-like structure.

822. The artificial intestine section of claim 821, wherein the ingrowth layer is made from Dacron®

.

823. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, further comprising at least one separate valve adapted to directly or indirectly interact with intestinal contents contained in the normal intestine.

824. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein the at least one element comprises an artificial reservoir between the first and second open end portions for receiving and temporarily collecting therein intestinal contents supplied through the first open end portion is adapted to be emptied to move intestinal contents out through the second open end portion.

825. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, wherein the at least one element comprises a flow control device adapted to control flow of intestinal contents from the artificial intestine section through the second open end portion.

826. The artificial intestine section of claim 825, wherein the flow control device is adapted to prevent flow of intestinal contents from the artificial intestine section through the second open end portion.

827. The artificial intestine section of claim 825, wherein the flow control device comprises at least one valve, including an exit valve preventing intestinal contents flow through the second open end portion in its closed position.

828. The artificial intestine section of claim 827, wherein the exit valve is a normally closed valve.

829. The artificial intestine section of claim 827, wherein the flow control device comprises an entry valve allowing intestinal contents to flow through the first open end portion into the artificial intestine section in its open position.

830. The artificial intestine section of claim 829, wherein the entry valve is a normally open valve.

831. The artificial intestine section of claim 828, wherein the exit valve and the entry valve are adapted to cooperate such that when one of the two valves is closed, the other valve is open, and vice versa.

832. The artificial intestine section of claim 827, wherein the at least one valve comprises a compartment with a variable volume adapted to open and close the valve by changing the compartment'"'"'s volume.

834. The artificial intestine section of claim 801, further comprising at least one extra valve adapted to control flow of intestinal contents in a natural section of a patient'"'"'s intestine upstream and/or downstream the artificial intestine section, wherein the extra valve is adapted to being implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body outside a section of the patient'"'"'s natural intestine and comprises at least one element adapted to act on the natural intestine section from the outside thereof so as to prevent intestinal contents flow through the natural intestine section.

835. The artificial intestine section of claim 834, wherein the extra valve comprises at least one of:

at least one electrical stimulation device adapted to electrically stimulate muscle or neural tissue of the natural intestine section so as to cause at least partial contraction of the natural intestine section and one hydraulic or mechanic constriction device to restrict the natural intestine section.

836. The artificial intestine section of claim 835, wherein the stimulation device or constriction device is adapted to pump intestinal contents along the natural intestine section by, over time, stimulating the different portions of the natural intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow.

837. The artificial intestine section of claim 825, wherein the flow control device comprises a pump for advancing intestinal contents through the second open end portion to outside the artificial intestine section.

838. The artificial intestine section of claim 837, wherein the pump is adapted for emptying the reservoir.

839. The artificial intestine section of claim 838, wherein the reservoir is formed by a bellow, said bellow having an end wall closing the bellow at one end thereof, said end wall making part of the pump such that a volume of the bellow is reduced upon advancement of said end wall.

840. The artificial intestine section of claim 839, wherein the bellow is made of a resilient material so as to urge the bellow into a normally expanded position.

841. The artificial intestine section of claim 838, wherein the pump comprises a movable piston, with a front end of the piston affecting the reservoir such that a volume of the reservoir is reduced upon advancement of the piston.

842. The artificial intestine section of claim 838, wherein the pump is adapted for being permanently arranged inside the reservoir.

843. The artificial intestine section of claim 838, wherein the reservoir has a flexible wall and the pump is adapted for emptying the reservoir by squeezing the reservoir.

844. The artificial intestine section of claim 839, wherein the pump includes a constriction device adapted to alternately constrict and release sections of the reservoir so as to pump intestinal contents along the reservoir by, over time, constricting different sections of the reservoir in a wave like manner.

845. The artificial intestine section of claim 844, wherein the reservoir has a tube-like form and the pump is a roller pump acting on the tube-like reservoir from the outside thereof.

846. The artificial intestine section of claim 825, wherein the at least one element comprises at least one motor arranged for automatically driving at least one energy consuming parts of the flow control device.

847. The artificial intestine section of claim 846, wherein said flow control device comprising at least one valve including, wherein the at least one motor is arranged for driving at least one of the valve or valves, respectively, between closed and open positions.

848. The artificial intestine section of claim 846 comprising a pump for moving intestinal contents in said artificial section, wherein the at least one motor is arranged for driving the pump.

849. The artificial intestine section of claim 846, comprising a manually operable switch for activating the at least one motor, the switch being arranged for subcutaneous implantation so as to be operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

850. The artificial intestine section of claim 815, wherein said holding device is adapted to pass through the peritoneal wall and hold said intestinal section, comprising a flange intended for placement outside the peritoneum or the holding device being adapted to hold sutures and staplers passing through the peritoneal wall, when implanted, to hold said artificial intestine section.

851. A system comprising the artificial intestine section of claim 801, and further comprising an energy source for supplying energy directly or indirectly to at least one energy consuming part of the system.

852. The system of claim 851, wherein the energy source comprising an implantable accumulator, wherein the accumulator comprises one or more of a rechargeable battery and a capacitor.

853. The system of claim 851, wherein the energy source comprises a wireless energy transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to the at least one energy consuming part.

854. The system of claim 851, wherein the energy source comprises a wireless energy transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to the at least one energy consuming part, wherein the system further comprising a feedback subsystem adapted to wirelessly send feedback information related to the energy to be stored in the accumulator from inside the human body to the outside thereof, wherein the system is adapted to use the feedback information for adjusting the amount of wireless energy transmitted by the energy transmitter.

855. The system of claim 854, wherein the feedback information is related to an energy balance which is defined as the balance between an amount of wireless energy received inside the human body and an amount of energy consumed by the at least one energy consuming part.

856. The system of claim 854, wherein the feedback information is related to an energy balance which is defined as the balance between a rate of wireless energy received inside the human body and a rate of energy consumed by the at least one energy consuming part.

857. A system comprising an artificial intestine piece of claim 801, further comprising a control unit adapted to directly or indirectly control one or more elements of the system.

858. The system of claim 857, comprising an exit valve, wherein the control unit is adapted to control opening of the exit valve.

859. The system of claim 858, comprising an entry valve, wherein the control unit is adapted to control closing of the entry valve.

860. The system of claim 858, wherein the control unit is adapted to control opening of the exit valve and closing of the entry valve such that when one of the two valves is closed, the other valve is open, and vice versa.

861. The system of claim 857, comprising a manually operable switch for activating the control unit, the switch being arranged for subcutaneous implantation so as to be operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

862. The system of claim 857, wherein the control unit comprising a first and second part, wherein the second part of the control unit is adapted to wirelessly transmit a control signal to an implantable first part of the control unit for controlling the at least one energy consuming part from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

863. The system of claim 862, wherein the implantable first part of the control unit is programmable via the second part of the control unit.

864. The system of claim 862, wherein the implantable first part of the control unit is adapted to transmit a feedback signal to the second part of the control unit.

865. A system comprising an artificial intestine piece of claim 801, further comprising a physical parameter sensor adapted to directly or indirectly sense a physical parameter of the patient.

866. The system of claim 865, wherein the physical parameter sensor is adapted to sense at least one of the following physical parameters of the patient:

a pressure within the artificial intestine section, a pressure within the patient'"'"'s intestine, an expansion of the artificial intestine section, a distension of an intestinal wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine, a movement of the intestinal wall.

Intestinal Disorder—

Pump Internal

939. The apparatus according to claim 866, wherein said control device controls said constriction device to provide a constriction of the selected portion that is displaced along the intestines to move intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines.

940. The apparatus according to claim 939, wherein said constriction device comprises at least one elongated constriction element extending along the intestines, and said control device controls said constriction device, such that said elongated constriction element progressively constricts the selected portion to move intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines.

941. The apparatus according to claim 940, wherein said elongated constriction element comprises a contact surface dimensioned for contacting a length of the selected portion of the intestines.

942. The apparatus according to claim 941, wherein said contact surface is convex, and said control device controls said constriction device, such that said convex contact surface of said constriction element rolls on and progressively constricts the selected portion of the intestines.

943. The apparatus according to claim 940, wherein said constriction device comprises two elongated constriction element extending along the intestines at opposite sides thereof, and said control device controls said constriction device, such that elongated constriction elements co-operate with each other to progressively constrict the selected portion to move intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines.

944. The apparatus according to claim 943, wherein said elongated constriction elements comprise contact surfaces dimensioned for contacting a length of the selected portion of the intestines at opposite sides thereof.

945. The apparatus according to claim 944, wherein said contact surfaces are convex, and said control device controls said constriction device, such that said convex contact surfaces of said constriction elements rolls on and progressively constricts the selected portion of the intestines.

946. The apparatus according to claim 942, wherein said constriction element is adapted to change between a constriction state, in which said convex surface is capable of rolling along and constricting the selected portion of the intestines, and a release state, in which said convex surface is released from the selected portion of the intestines.

947. The apparatus according to claim 940, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating the muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause contraction of the intestines, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion as said elongated constriction element progressively constricts the selected portion.

948. The apparatus according to claim 947, wherein said stimulation device comprises at least one electrode adapted to stimulate the muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines with electric pulses.

949. The apparatus according to claim 948, comprising a plurality of electrodes longitudinally distributed on a surface of said elongated constriction element contacting the selected portion of the intestines.

950. The apparatus according to claim 949, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to energize said electrodes successively along said elongated constriction element to cause progressive contraction of the selected portion of the intestines.

833. The artificial intestine section of claim 833, wherein the at least one valve comprises at least one passage for filling and emptying the compartment with hydraulic fluid.

867. An apparatus for treating a patient having a disorder related to the passageway of the patient'"'"'s intestines, the apparatus comprising a pump for implantation in the patient operable on at least one selected portion of the intestines to pump intestinal contents through the passageway of the intestines, wherein said pump includes a constriction device adapted to alternately constrict and release the selected portion to at least substantially reduce the volume of the passageway of the intestines along the selected portion and release the selected portion to increase the volume of the passageway of the intestines along the selected portion, such that intestinal contents is displaced through the passageway of the intestines.

640. The system of claim 935, comprising a first passage in flow communication with the reservoir and adapted to being connected to a surgically created first opening of the patient'"'"'s intestine, said first passage being arranged for transferring intestinal contents to the reservoir, and further comprising a second passage in flow communication with the reservoir, said second passage being arranged for transferring intestinal contents from the reservoir.

641. The system of claim 640, wherein the second passage is adapted to being surgically connected to a surgically created stoma.

642. The system of claim 640, wherein the second passage is adapted to being surgically connected to the patient'"'"'s anus or to tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus.

643. The system of claim 640, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to a portion of a patient'"'"'s small intestine.

644. The system of claim 640, wherein the second open end portion is adapted to being connected to a portion of a patient'"'"'s large intestine.

645. The system of claim 640, wherein the second passage is adapted to being surgically connected to a second surgically created opening of the patient'"'"'s intestine.

646. The system of claim 645, wherein the second passage is adapted to being connected to a lateral opening in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine.

647. The system of claim 640, wherein the first passage is adapted to being connected to a lateral opening in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine.

648. The system of claim 640, wherein at least the first passage is adapted to being bonded, sewn or stapled to the patient'"'"'s intestine.

741. The system of claim 969, wherein the sleeve adapted to increase the strength of the connection between the intestine section and the patient'"'"'s intestine against axial forces resulting from peristaltic movements of the intestine which tend to pull on the intestine, comprising resorbable non-polymeric material

767. The system of claim 969, wherein said holding device is adapted to hold a suture or stapler mounted through the peritoneal wall.

768. The system of claim 969, wherein said holding device comprising a part intended for placement outside the peritoneum, when implanted, adapted to pass through the peritoneal wall and hold said intestinal section.

868. The apparatus according to claim 867, further comprising a control device for controlling said pump to operate said constriction device to alternately constrict and release the selected portion, such that intestinal contents is moved through the passageway of the intestines.

869. The apparatus according to claim 868, wherein said control device is operable by the patient.

870. The apparatus according to claim 869, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control.

871. The apparatus according to claim 867, wherein the patient'"'"'s intestines are surgically modified ending in a natural or an artificial stoma, and said pump is adapted to pump intestinal contents out from the patient'"'"'s body through the stoma.

872. The apparatus according to claim 867, wherein the selected portion of the intestines ends at the patient'"'"'s anus and said pump is adapted to pump intestinal contents out from the patient'"'"'s body through the anus.

873. The apparatus according to claim 867, further comprising an engagement device attached to said pump and adapted to engage said pump with tissue related to the patient'"'"'s abdominal cavity.

874. The apparatus according to claim 873, wherein said engagement device is adapted to engage said pump with the patient'"'"'s abdominal wall.

875. The apparatus according to claim 867, further comprising an elastic protective tubing at least partially covering the selected portion of the intestines, wherein said constriction device constricts both said protective tubing and the selected portion.

876. The apparatus according to claim 867, further comprising an implantable support for supporting the selected portion of the intestines as said constriction device constricts the selected portion.

877. The apparatus according to claim 867, wherein said constriction device is adapted to constrict the selected portion against a tissue or a bone of the patient'"'"'s body.

878. The apparatus according to claim 867, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause at least partial contraction of the selected portion.

879. The apparatus according to claim 878, wherein said stimulation device comprises at least one electrode adapted to stimulate muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestinal tissue with electric pulses.

880. The apparatus according to claim 878, wherein said stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrodes separate from or integrated with said constriction device.

881. The apparatus according to claim 880, wherein said electrodes form a series of electrodes along the selected portion of the intestines.

882. The apparatus according to claim 876, further comprising a control device for controlling said stimulation device.

883. The apparatus according to claim 882, wherein said stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrodes separate from or integrated with said constriction device, and said control device controls said stimulation device to variably energize said electrodes along the selected portion to cause partial contractions of the selected portion that over time change their positions on the selected portion.

884. The apparatus according to claim 883, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to energize said electrodes in accordance with a preset scheme.

885. The apparatus according to claim 883, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to energize said electrodes, such that a number or groups of said electrodes are progressively energized in a direction upstream or downstream of the intestines.

886. The apparatus according to claim 883, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to energize said electrodes, such that said electrodes are energized one at a time in sequence or groups of said electrodes are sequentially energized, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

887. The apparatus according to claim 868, wherein said constriction device comprises at least one constriction element for constricting and releasing the selected portion and said control device controls said constriction element to alternately constrict and release the selected portion.

888. The apparatus according to claim 887, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause at least partial contraction of the selected portion, wherein said constriction element is elongated and said control device is adapted to control said stimulation device to successively stimulate the selected portion where said elongated constriction element constricts the selected portion, such that the selected portion constricted by said constriction element is progressively contracted, whereby intestinal contents is displaced in the passageway of the intestines in a peristaltic manner.

889. The apparatus according to claim 887, wherein said constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting and releasing the selected portion at an upstream end thereof, and a second constriction element for constricting and releasing the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and said control device controls said first and second constriction elements to alternately constrict and release the selected portion independently of one another.

890. The apparatus according to claim 889, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said upstream first constriction element to constrict the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion, and

ii. control said second constriction element to constrict the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to move intestinal contents contained in the selected portion downstream in the passageway of the intestines.

891. The apparatus according to claim 889, wherein said control device is adapted to:

control said first and second constriction elements to release the selected portion to allow intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines upstream of the selected portion to enter the selected portion.

892. The apparatus according to claim 888, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause at least partial contraction of the selected portion.

893. The apparatus according to claim 891, wherein said stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrodes forming a series of electrodes along a surface of at least one of said constriction elements of said constriction device, said surface contacting the selected portion of the intestines and said electrodes being adapted to stimulate muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion with electric pulses.

894. The apparatus according to claim 891, wherein said stimulation device is adapted to electrically stimulate the selected portion where one of said first constriction element and said second constriction element constricts the selected portion.

895. The apparatus according to claim 891, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said upstream first constriction element to gently constrict the selected portion to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion,

ii. control said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion where said first constriction element constricts the selected portion to cause contraction of the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion, and

iii. control said second constriction element to constrict the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to move intestinal contents contained in the selected portion downstream in the passageway of the intestines.

896. The apparatus according to claim 895, wherein said control device is adapted to control said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion where said second constriction element constricts the selected portion to reduce the volume of the passageway of the intestines.

897. The apparatus according to claim 896, wherein said control device is adapted to control said stimulation device to successively stimulate the selected portion where said second constriction element constricts the selected portion, such that the selected portion constricted by said second constriction element is progressively contracted, so that intestinal contents is displaced in the passageway of the intestines in a peristaltic manner.

898. The apparatus according to claim 887, wherein said constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting and releasing the selected portion at an upstream end thereof, a second constriction element for constricting and releasing the selected portion at a downstream end thereof, and a third constriction element for constricting and releasing the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, and said control device controls said first, second and third constriction elements to alternately constrict and release the selected portion independently of one another.

899. The apparatus according to claim 898, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said upstream first constriction element to constrict the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion,

ii. control said downstream second constriction element to release the selected portion, and

iii. control said third constriction element to constrict the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to move intestinal contents contained in the selected portion downstream in the passageway of the intestines.

900. The apparatus according to claim 899, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said downstream second constriction element to constrict the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the downstream end of the selected portion,

ii. control said upstream first constriction element to release the selected portion, and

iii. control said third constriction element to release the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to allow intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines upstream of the selected portion to enter the selected portion.

901. The apparatus according to claim 898, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause at least partial contraction of the selected portion.

902. The apparatus according to claim 901, wherein said stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrodes forming a series of electrodes along a surface of at least one of said constriction elements of said constriction device, said surface contacting the selected portion of the intestines and said electrodes being adapted to stimulate muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion with electric pulses.

903. The apparatus according to claim 901, wherein said stimulation device is adapted to electrically stimulate the selected portion where one of said first constriction element and said second constriction element constricts the selected portion.

904. The apparatus according to claim 901, wherein said stimulation device is adapted to electrically stimulate the selected portion where said third constriction element constricts the selected portion.

905. The apparatus according to claim 901, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said upstream first constriction element to gently constrict the selected portion to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion,

ii. control said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion where said first constriction element constricts the selected portion to cause contraction of the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion,

iii. control said downstream second constriction element to release the selected portion, and

iv. control said third constriction element to constrict the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to move intestinal contents contained in the selected portion downstream in the passageway of the intestines.

906. The apparatus according to claim 905, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said downstream second constriction element to gently constrict the selected portion to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines at the downstream end of the selected portion,

ii. control said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion where said second constriction element constricts the selected portion to cause contraction of the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the downstream end of the selected portion,

iii. control said upstream first constriction element to release the selected portion, and

iv. control said third constriction element to release the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to allow intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines upstream of the selected portion to enter the selected portion.

907. The apparatus according to claim 905, wherein said control device is adapted to control said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion where said third constriction element constricts the selected portion to reduce the volume of the passageway of the intestines.

908. The apparatus according to claim 907, wherein said control device is adapted to control said stimulation device to successively stimulate the selected portion where said third constriction element constricts the selected portion, such that the selected portion constricted by said third constriction element is progressively contracted, so that intestinal contents is displaced in the passageway of the intestines in a peristaltic manner.

909. The apparatus according to claim 887, wherein said constriction element is adapted to be maintained in a rest position, in which said constriction element gently constricts the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines, when said pump is not in operation.

910. The apparatus according to claim 909, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause at least partial contraction of the selected portion.

911. The apparatus according to claim 910, wherein said constriction element is adapted to be maintained in a rest position, in which said constriction element gently constricts the selected portion to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines, when said pump is not in operation, and said control device controls said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion where said constriction element constricts the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines.

912. The apparatus according to claim 910, wherein said rest position allows for sufficient blood circulation in the blood vessels of the selected portion of the intestines, such that the intestinal tissues of the selected portion maintain their integrity following long exposure to said constriction element constricting the selected portion.

913. The apparatus according to claim 901, wherein said first, second and third constriction elements are adapted to be maintained in a rest position, in which at least one of said constriction elements gently constricts the selected portion to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines, when said pump is not in operation, and said control device controls said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion where said constriction element constricts the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines.

914. The apparatus according to claim 913, wherein said rest position allows for sufficient blood circulation in the blood vessels of the selected portion of the intestines, such that the intestinal tissues of the selected portion maintain their integrity following long exposure to said constriction element constricting the selected portion.

915. The apparatus according to claim 887, wherein said constriction device comprises a first constriction element for constricting and releasing the selected portion at an upstream end thereof and a second constriction element for constricting and releasing the selected portion at a downstream end thereof, and said control device controls said first and second constriction elements to alternately constrict and release the selected portion independently of each other.

916. An apparatus according to claim 915, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause at least partial contraction of the selected portion.

917. An apparatus according to claim 916, wherein said stimulation device is adapted to electrically stimulate the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to cause contraction of the selected portion to reduce the volume of the passageway of the intestines.

918. An apparatus according to claim 917, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said upstream first constriction element to constrict the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion,

ii. control said downstream second constriction element to release the selected portion, and

iii. control said stimulation device to successively stimulate the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to cause progressive contraction of the selected portion, so that intestinal contents is displaced in the passageway of the intestines in a peristaltic manner.

919. The apparatus according to claim 918, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said downstream second constriction element to constrict the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the downstream end of the selected portion,

ii. control said upstream first constriction element to release the selected portion, and

iii. control said stimulation device to cease stimulating the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to allow intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines upstream of the selected portion to enter the selected portion.

920. The apparatus according to claim 917, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said upstream first constriction element to gently constrict the selected portion to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion,

ii. control said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion where said first constriction element constricts the selected portion to cause contraction of the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion,

iii. control said downstream second constriction element to release the selected portion, and

iv. control said stimulation device to successively stimulate the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to cause progressive contraction of the selected portion, so that intestinal contents is displaced in the passageway of the intestines in a peristaltic manner.

921. The apparatus according to claim 920, wherein said control device is adapted to:

i. control said downstream second constriction element to gently constrict the selected portion to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines at the downstream end of the selected portion,

ii. control said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portion where said second constriction element constricts the selected portion to cause contraction of the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the downstream end of the selected portion,

iii. control said upstream first constriction element to release the selected portion, and

iv. control said stimulation device to cease stimulating the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to allow intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines upstream of the selected portion to enter the selected portion.

922. The apparatus according to claim 868, wherein said constriction device is adapted to constrict any portions of a series of selected portions of the intestines to close the passageway of the intestines, and said control device controls said constriction device to successively constrict the selected portions of the series of selected portions to move intestinal contents downstream in the passageway of the intestines in a peristaltic manner.

923. The apparatus according to claim 922, wherein said constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the intestines to successively constrict the selected portions of the series of selected portions.

924. The apparatus according to claim 923, wherein said control device controls said constriction device to cyclically move said constriction element along the selected portions of the series of selected portions.

925. The apparatus according to claim 922, wherein said constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the intestines to successively constrict the selected portions of the series of selected portions.

926. The apparatus according to claim 925, wherein said control device controls said constriction device to cyclically move said constriction elements one after the other along the selected portions of the series of selected portions.

927. The apparatus according to claim 926, wherein said constriction device comprises a rotor carrying said constriction elements, and said control device controls said rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the selected portions of the series of selected portions.

928. The apparatus according to claim 927, wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the intestines to constrict the selected portions thereof.

929. The apparatus according to claim 878, wherein said stimulation device is adapted to electrically stimulate the muscle tissue of any portions of a series of selected portions of the intestines to cause contraction of the intestines, further comprising a control device for controlling said constriction device and said stimulation device to co-operate, such that intestinal contents is moved through the passageway of the intestines.

930. The apparatus according to claim 929, wherein said constriction device is adapted to constrict any portions of the series of selected portions to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines, said stimulation device is adapted to stimulate the selected portion constricted by said constriction device to close the passageway of the intestines, and said control device controls said constriction device to successively constrict the selected portions of the series of selected portions to move intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines in a peristaltic manner while controlling said stimulation device to stimulate the selected portions.

931. The apparatus according to claim 930, wherein said control device controls said stimulation device to successively stimulate the selected portions to cause successive contractions thereof in harmony with the successive constrictions of the selected portions performed by the constriction device.

932. The apparatus according to claim 930, wherein said constriction device comprises at least one constriction element that is moveable along the intestines to successively constrict the selected portions of the series of selected portions, and said stimulation device comprises at least one electrode positioned on said constriction element and adapted to stimulate muscle tissue of the selected portion of the intestinal tissue with electric pulses.

933. The apparatus according to claim 932, wherein said control device controls said constriction device to cyclically move said constriction element along the selected portions of the series of selected portions while controlling said stimulation device to energize said electrode.

934. The apparatus according to claim 932, wherein said constriction device comprises a plurality of constriction elements, each of which is moveable along the intestines to successively constrict the selected portions of the series of selected portions, and said stimulation device comprises electrodes positioned on said constriction elements.

935. The apparatus according to claim 934, wherein said control device controls said constriction device to cyclically move said constriction elements one after the other along the selected portions of the series of selected portions while controlling said stimulation device to energize said electrodes.

936. The apparatus according to claim 935, wherein said constriction device comprises a rotor carrying said constriction elements, and said control device controls said rotor to rotate such that each constriction element cyclically constricts the selected portions of the series of selected portions.

937. The apparatus according to claim 936, wherein each constriction element comprises a roller for rolling on the intestines to constrict the selected portions thereof.

938. The apparatus according to claim 934, wherein said plurality of electrodes are distributed along a surface in relation to at least one of said constriction elements of said constriction device, said surface contacting the intestines as said constriction element constricts any one of the selected portions.

951. The apparatus according to claim 867, further comprising at least one implantable releasable closure adapted to engage the selected portion of the intestines to close the passageway of the intestines when said pump is not in operation, and to release the selected portion to open the passageway of the intestines when said pump is in operation.

952. The apparatus according to claim 951, wherein said closure is adapted to at least partially constrict the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines when said pump is not in operation.

953. The apparatus according to claim 951, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause at least partial contraction of the selected portion.

954. The apparatus according to claim 953, wherein said closure is adapted to at least partially constrict the selected portion to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines, when said pump is not in operation, and said stimulation device is adapted to electrically stimulate muscle or neural tissue of the intestines to cause contraction of the intestines where said closure constricts the intestines to close the passageway of the intestines.

955. The apparatus according to claim 954, further comprising a control device for controlling said stimulation device.

956. The apparatus according to claim 955, wherein said control device controls said closure and said stimulation device to co-operate, to allow for sufficient blood circulation in the blood vessels of the constricted intestines, such that intestinal tissues maintain their integrity following long exposure to said closure, when said pump is not in operation.

957. The apparatus according to claim 954, wherein said stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrodes separate from or integrated with said closure.

958. The apparatus according to claim 957, wherein said electrodes form a series of electrodes along the intestines.

959. The apparatus according to claim 957, wherein said plurality of electrodes are distributed along a surface of said closure contacting the intestines.

960. The apparatus according to claim 867, wherein said constriction device is adapted to be maintained in a rest position, in which it keeps the selected portion at least partially constricted, when said pump is not in operation.

961. The apparatus according to claim 960, wherein said constriction device constricts the selected portion in said rest position no more than to allow for sufficient blood circulation in the blood vessels of the constricted intestines, such that intestinal tissues maintain their integrity following long exposure to said constriction device.

962. The apparatus according to claim 960, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause at least partial contraction of the selected portion.

963. The apparatus according to claim 962, wherein said constriction device constricts the intestines to at least substantially decrease the cross-sectional area of the passageway of the intestines, when said constriction device is in said rest position, and said stimulation device is adapted to electrically stimulate the intestines where said constriction device constricts the intestines to cause contraction of the intestines to close the passageway of the intestines.

964. The apparatus according to claim 867, further comprising an artificial intestinal piece adapted to be surgically joined to the patient'"'"'s intestines to form part of the passageway of the intestines and to form at least part of the selected portion of the intestines to be constricted by said constriction device.

965. The apparatus according to claim 964, wherein said artificial intestinal piece is adapted to be integrated with the patient'"'"'s intestines between two ends thereof.

966. The apparatus according to claim 964, wherein said constriction device operates only on the artificial intestinal piece.

967. The apparatus according to claim 964, wherein said constriction device constricts said artificial intestinal piece in order to discharge intestinal contents through an intestinal stoma located downstream of said artificial intestinal piece.

968. The apparatus according to claim 964, wherein said artificial intestinal piece is adapted to end at a stoma.

969. The apparatus according to claim 964, wherein said artificial intestinal piece is adapted to be joined directly or indirectly to the patient'"'"'s anus.

970. The apparatus according to claim 964, wherein said constriction device constricts said artificial intestinal piece to close the passageway of the intestines when the pump is not in operation.

971. The apparatus according to claim 967, wherein said constriction device is adapted to radially expand at least a section of the selected portion of the intestines to form an expanded chamber of the passageway of the intestines along the selected portion, and to axially constrict the expanded section of the selected portion to at least substantially reduce the volume of the chamber, such that intestinal contents is displaced through the passageway of the intestines.

972. The apparatus according to claim 971, wherein said constriction device is adjustable between a rest position, in which it does not expand the section of the selected portion, and an expansion position, in which it expands the section of the selected portion.

973. The apparatus according to claim 972, wherein said constriction device is provided with a material that allows growth of fibrotic tissue for externally joining said constriction device with the wall of the selected portion of the intestines, whereby said constriction device pulls the wall of the selected portion radially outwardly, when said expansion device is in its expansion position, to form the expanded section of the selected portion.

974. The apparatus according to claim 971, further comprising a stimulation device for electrically stimulating muscle or neural tissue of the selected portion of the intestines to cause at least partial contraction of the selected portion.

975. The apparatus according to claim 974, wherein said stimulation device is adapted to electrically stimulate the expanded section of the selected portion, when said constriction device is in its expansion position, to cause axial contraction of the expanded section of the selected portion.

976. The apparatus according to claim 975, wherein said stimulation device comprises at least one electrode adapted to stimulate muscle or neural tissue of the expanded section of the selected portion with electric pulses.

977. The apparatus according to claim 976, wherein said stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrodes separate from or integrated with said constriction device.

978. The apparatus according to claim 977, wherein said electrodes form at least one series of electrodes extending around the expanded section of the selected portion of the intestines.

979. The apparatus according to claim 977, further comprising a control device for controlling said stimulation device to variably energize said electrodes along the expanded section of the selected portion to cause partial contractions of the selected portion that over time change their positions on the selected portion.

980. The apparatus according to claim 869, wherein said pump is manually operable.

981. The apparatus according to claim 980, further comprising a subcutaneously implantable actuator operatively connected to said constriction device of said pump, wherein said actuator is manually actuatable for operating said constriction device.

982. The apparatus according to claim 981, wherein said constriction device is hydraulically operable and said actuator is hydraulically connected to said hydraulically operable constriction device.

983. The apparatus according to claim 982, wherein said actuator comprises a manually compressible resilient reservoir for hydraulic fluid used for operating said constriction device.

984. The apparatus according to claim 983, further comprising a reverse servo hydraulically interconnecting said reservoir and said hydraulically operable constriction device.

985. The apparatus according to claim 983, wherein said reservoir is hydraulically connected to said constriction device, such that when said reservoir is manually compressed said constriction device constricts the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to move intestinal contents contained in the selected portion downstream in the passageway of the intestines and when said resilient reservoir is manually released and restores its uncompressed shape, said constriction device releases the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to allow intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines upstream of the selected portion to enter the selected portion.

986. The apparatus according to claim 985, wherein said constriction device comprises a constriction element and a hydraulic bellows device that operates said constriction element to constrict the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof, when said bellows device is expanded.

987. The apparatus according to claim 986, wherein said compressible resilient reservoir is hydraulically connected to said bellows device, such that said bellows device is expanded when said reservoir is manually compressed and retracted when said reservoir is manually released and restores its uncompressed shape.

988. The apparatus according to claim 983, wherein said constriction device comprises a first hydraulically operable sub-device for constricting and releasing the selected portion at an upstream end thereof, a second hydraulically operable sub-device for constricting and releasing the selected portion at a downstream end thereof, and a third hydraulically operable sub-device for constricting and releasing the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof.

989. The apparatus according to claim 988, wherein said reservoir is hydraulically connected to said first, second and third sub-devices, such that when said reservoir is manually compressed said upstream first sub-device constricts the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the upstream end of the selected portion, said downstream second sub-device releases the selected portion, and said third sub-device constricts the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to move intestinal contents contained in the selected portion downstream in the passageway of the intestines.

990. The apparatus according to claim 989, wherein said reservoir is hydraulically connected to said first, second and third sub-devices, such that when said resilient reservoir is manually released and restores its uncompressed shape, said downstream second sub-device constricts the selected portion to close the passageway of the intestines at the downstream end of the selected portion, said upstream second sub-device releases the selected portion, and said third sub-device releases the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends thereof to allow intestinal contents in the passageway of the intestines upstream of the selected portion to enter the selected portion.

991. The apparatus according to claim 988, wherein said first sub-device of said constriction device comprises a first constriction element and a first hydraulic bellows device that operates said first constriction element to constrict the selected portion at the upstream end when said first bellows device is expanded, said second sub-device of said constriction device comprises a second constriction element and a second hydraulic bellows device that operates said second constriction element to release the selected portion at the downstream end when said second bellows device is expanded, and said third sub-device of said constriction device comprises a third constriction element and a third hydraulic bellows device that operates said third constriction element to constrict the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends when said third bellows device is expanded, wherein said compressible resilient reservoir is hydraulically connected to said first, second and third bellows devices, such that said bellows devices are expanded when said reservoir is manually compressed and retracted when said reservoir is manually released and restores its uncompressed shape.

992. The apparatus according to claim 991, wherein said first bellows device operates said first constriction element to release the selected portion at the upstream end when said first bellows device is retracted, said second bellows device operates said second constriction element to constrict the selected portion at the downstream end when said second bellows device is retracted, and said third bellows device operates said third constriction element to release the selected portion between the upstream and downstream ends when said third bellows device is retracted.

993. The apparatus according to claim 981, wherein said constriction device is mechanically operable and said actuator is mechanically connected to said mechanically operable constriction device.

994. The apparatus according to claim 868, wherein said pump is powered.

995. The apparatus according to claim 994, wherein said control device comprises a manually operable switch for starting and stopping said powered pump, said switch being adapted for subcutaneous implantation in the patient.

996. The apparatus according to claim 994, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control for controlling said pump.

997. The apparatus according to claim 994, further comprising a wireless energy transmitter adapted to transmit wireless energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body for directly or indirectly powering said pump.

998. The apparatus according to claim 997, further comprising an implantable energy-transforming device for transforming the transmitted wireless energy into electric energy.

999. The apparatus according to claim 998, wherein said pump is directly powered with the electric energy, as said energy-transforming device transforms the transmitted wireless energy into the electric energy.

1000. The apparatus according to claim 998, further comprising an implantable accumulator adapted to store the electric energy produced by said energy-transforming device, wherein said control device controls said accumulator to release energy for powering said pump.

1001. The apparatus according to claim 1000, wherein said accumulator comprises a capacitor or a rechargeable battery.

1002. The apparatus according to claim 1000, further comprising an implantable charge meter for measuring the charge of said accumulator, wherein said control device is adapted to produce an indication in response to said charge meter.

1003. The apparatus according to claim 868, further comprising an implantable sensor adapted to directly or indirectly sense a physical parameter of the patient or a functional parameter of the apparatus.

1004. The apparatus according to claim 1003, wherein said control device is adapted to produce an indication in response to said sensor sensing a value of said physical parameter exceeding a threshold value, when said pump is not in operation.

1005. The apparatus according to claim 1004, wherein said physical parameter is the volume of the intestinal contents in the selected portion of the intestines.

1006. The apparatus according to claim 1004, wherein said physical parameter is the distension of the intestinal wall or the pressure in the selected portion of the intestines.

1007. The apparatus according to claim 1004, wherein said indication comprises a sound signal or displayed information.

1008. The apparatus according to claim 1003, wherein said control device is adapted to produce an indication in response to said sensor sensing a value of said functional parameter of the apparatus exceeding a threshold value, when said pump is in operation.

1009. The apparatus according to claim 867, further comprising an external data communicator intended to be outside the patient'"'"'s body and an internal data communicator implantable in the patient for communicating with the external communicator, wherein said internal data communicator feeds data related to the patient back to said external data communicator or said external data communicator feeds data to said internal data communicator.

Intestinal Reservoir—

Flow Control

1010. A system for treating a patient having a disorder related to a patient'"'"'s intestine and a reservoir for receiving and temporarily collecting therein intestinal contents, the reservoir being formed from surgically modified intestine that has been cut along a mutual contact line of laterally adjacent sections of a bent portion of intestine and connected so that the resulting upper and lower halves of the intestine form an intestinal wall of the reservoir, wherein the system comprises an artificial flow control device implantable in the patient'"'"'s body and adapted to control flow of the intestinal contents from said reservoir, the flow control device comprising at least one pump adapted to act on said intestinal wall so as to reduce the reservoir'"'"'s volume, thereby emptying the reservoir.

1011. The system according to claim 1010, wherein the at least one pump comprises a pump adapted to be implanted outside the reservoir with components of the pump adapted for implantation in surgically created folds of said intestinal wall of the reservoir.

1012. The system according to claim 1010, wherein the at least one pump comprises a pump adapted to be implanted outside the reservoir with components of the pump adapted for implantation inside the patient'"'"'s body adjacent the reservoir.

1013. The system according to claim 1010, wherein the at least one pump comprises a pump comprises an electrical stimulation type pump with at least one electrical stimulation device adapted to electrically stimulate a muscle or neural tissue of said intestinal wall so as to cause at least partial contraction thereof.

1014. The system according to claim 1013, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to apply electric pulses to said intestinal wall.

1015. The system according to claim 1014, wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrode adapted to apply the electric pulses to said intestinal wall.

1016. The system according to claim 1013, wherein the electrical stimulation type pump is adapted to pump intestinal contents along the reservoir by, over time, electrically stimulating different portions of said intestinal wall in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow.

1017. The system according to claim 1015, wherein the electrical stimulation apparatus comprises two or more electrodes adapted to electrically stimulate a muscle or neural tissue of said intestinal wall, and wherein said electrical stimulation apparatus comprises at least one holding device carrying said two or more electrodes at different positions relative to the reservoir, when implanted.

1018. The system according to claim 1017, wherein said at least one holding device has a length of 5 cm or more.

1019. The system according to claim 1017, wherein at least one of;

the at least one holding device with the two or more electrodes is adapted to be invaginated in the intestinal wall or embedded in a flexible web.

1020. The system according to claim 1013, wherein the electrical stimulation apparatus is formed as an integral unit on at least one side of the reservoir.

1021. The system according to claim 1013, wherein the electrical stimulation type pump is adapted to span an area larger than 4.5 cm×

6 cm.

1022. The system according to claim 1017, wherein said two or more electrodes of said electrical stimulation device is adapted to be arranged in two planes to accommodate the reservoir between the two planes.

1023. The system according to claim 1010, comprising a constriction type pump for mechanically or hydraulically constricting the reservoir by acting from outside on said intestinal wall and adapted to pump intestinal contents along a section of the reservoir by, over time, constricting different sections of the reservoir in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow.

1024. The system according to claim 1016, comprising a constriction type pump for mechanically or hydraulically constricting the reservoir by acting from outside on said intestinal wall, wherein the electrical stimulation type pump is combined with the constriction type pump so as to pump intestinal contents along the reservoir by, over time, electrically stimulating different portions of said intestinal wall and simultaneously constricting respective sections of the reservoir in the direction of natural intestinal contents flow.

1025. The system according to claim 1023, wherein the stimulation type pump is adapted to pump intestinal contents along the reservoir in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow by, over time, stimulating different portions of the intestinal wall in a wave like manner when constriction of the reservoir caused by the constriction device is released.

1026. The system according to claim 1010, wherein the at least one pump comprises a pump adapted to act on said intestinal wall from the outside of the reservoir so as to empty the reservoir by squeezing the reservoir from the outside thereof.

1027. The system according to claim 1026, wherein the at least one pump comprises an electrically driven hydraulic pump, a hydraulically acting member for acting on said intestinal wall from the outside of the reservoir, and an artificial reservoir, wherein the electrically driven hydraulic pump is adapted to pump hydraulic fluid from the artificial reservoir to the hydraulically acting member.

1028. The system according to claim 1027, wherein the hydraulically acting member is adapted to be placed in relation to said reservoir made by the intestine to reduce the volume of said reservoir to empty said reservoir, when implanted.

1029. The system according to claim 1027, wherein the hydraulically acting member comprises a plurality of hydraulic chambers.

1030. The system according to claim 1029, wherein the hydraulic chambers are hydraulically interconnected and the first and last chambers are hydraulically connected to the artificial reservoir.

1031. The system according to claim 1030, wherein the hydraulic chambers are interconnected by holes acting as throttles for the fluid.

1032. The system according to claim 1030, comprising one or more actively controlled valves between interconnected hydraulic chambers.

1033. The system according to claim 1029, wherein one or all of the hydraulic chambers are arranged such that they are hydraulically isolated from the respective other hydraulic chambers and connected to the hydraulic pump via individual hydraulic control lines.

1034. The system according to claim 1029, wherein one or all of the hydraulic chambers are arranged such that they can be hydraulically isolated from the respective other chambers by individually controlling respective valves within a hydraulic path.

1035. The system according to claim 1027, wherein the electrically driven hydraulic pump is adapted to evacuate the hydraulically acting member by applying negative pressure.

1036. The system according to claim 1027, comprising at least one valve between the hydraulically acting member and the artificial reservoir, which, when in an appropriate operational position, allows the hydraulic fluid to passively flow from the hydraulically acting member back into the artificial reservoir when the reservoir fills with intestinal contents and which, when in an appropriate other position, prevents the hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulically acting member back into the artificial reservoir when the intestinal reservoir is being emptied.

1037. The system according to claim 1026, wherein the at least one pump comprises at least one mechanically acting member for acting on said intestinal wall from the outside of the reservoir and an electrical motor adapted to drive the mechanically acting member for emptying the reservoir.

1038. The system according to claim 1037, wherein the mechanically acting member is a roller adapted to be rolled over the reservoir for emptying the reservoir.

1039. The system according to claim 1038, comprising two of said rollers adapted to act simultaneously on opposite sides of the reservoir.

1040. The system according to claim 1038, comprising at least one of said rollers adapted to act on one side of the reservoir against a counteracting plate adapted to be arranged on an opposite side of the reservoir.

1041. The system according to claim 1038, comprising at least two tracks for guiding the roller when driven by the electrical motor.

1042. The system according to claim 1041, wherein the at least two tracks each have a bent end portion so arranged that it directs away from the reservoir when implanted.

1043. The system according to claim 1010, wherein the flow control device further comprises an exit valve adapted to be implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body downstream from the reservoir outside a section of the patient'"'"'s intestine and wherein the exit valve comprises a hydraulic or mechanical constriction device for constricting the intestine section so as to keep the intestine section closed.

1044. The system according to claim 1010, wherein the flow control device further comprises at least one exit valve adapted to be implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body downstream from the reservoir outside a section of the patient'"'"'s intestine and comprises at least one electrical stimulation device adapted to electrically stimulate muscle or neural tissue of the intestine section so as to cause at least partial contraction of the intestine section in order to prevent intestinal contents flow through the intestine section.

1045. The system according to claim 1044, wherein the stimulation device of the exit valve comprises at least one electrode adapted to apply electric pulses to the intestine section.

1046. The system according to claim 1044, wherein the exit valve comprises a hydraulic or mechanical constriction device adapted to be implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body outside a section of the patient'"'"'s intestine for at least partly constricting the intestine section.

1047. The system according to claim 1046, wherein the stimulation device of the exit valve is combined with the constriction device of the exit valve so that the stimulation device and the constriction device can act on the same intestine section in order to keep the intestine section closed.

1048. The system according to claim 1047, wherein the constriction device of the exit valve in its normal condition constricts the intestine section only partly.

1049. The system according to claim 1047, wherein the stimulation device of the exit valve is adapted to pump intestinal contents along the intestine section in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow by, over time, stimulating different portions of the intestine section in a wave like manner, when constriction of the intestine section caused by the constriction device of the exit valve is released.

1050. The system according to claim 1044, wherein the stimulation device of the exit valve is adapted to stimulate, over time, different portions of the intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction opposite to natural intestinal contents flow.

1051. The system according to claim 1010, wherein the flow control device further comprises an entry valve adapted to be implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body upstream from the reservoir to control flow of intestinal contents into the reservoir.

1052. The system according to claim 1051, wherein the entry valve is adapted to be implanted outside a section of the patient'"'"'s intestine and comprises a hydraulic or mechanical constriction device for constricting said intestine section so as to keep the intestine section closed.

1053. The system according to claim 1010, wherein the pump comprises a motor for driving the pump.

1054. The system according to claim 1053, wherein the motor comprises a servo drive.

1055. The system according to claim 1010, comprising a manually operable actuator for activating the motor from outside the patient'"'"'s body, said actuator being adapted for subcutaneous implantation.

1056. The system according to claim 1010, comprising an energy source including energy storage means for supplying energy directly or indirectly to at least one energy consuming part of The system.

1057. The system according to claim 1056, wherein the energy storage means is adapted for being implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body.

1058. The system according to 1056, wherein the energy source comprises a wireless energy transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to the at least one energy consuming part.

1059. The system according to claim 1056, wherein the energy source comprises a wireless energy transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to the energy storage means.

1060. The system according to claim 1010, comprising a control unit adapted to directly or indirectly control one or more elements of the system.

1061. The system of claim 1010, a first intestinal passage way in flow communication with the reservoir arranged for transferring intestinal contents to the reservoir, and a second intestinal passage way in flow communication with the reservoir, the second passage way being arranged for transferring intestinal contents from the reservoir.

1062. The system of claim 1061, wherein the second passage way is adapted to being surgically connected to a surgically created stoma and wherein said pump is adapted to pump intestinal contents out through said stoma.

1063. The system of claim 1061, wherein the second passage way is adapted to being surgically connected to the patient'"'"'s anus or to tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus and wherein said pump is adapted to pump intestinal contents out through the patient'"'"'s anus or to tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus.

1064. The system of claim 1061, wherein the reservoir is made of the small intestine, wherein the pump is adapted to act onto to the small intestine to pump intestinal contents out from said reservoir.

1065. The system of claim 1061, wherein the reservoir is made of the large intestine, wherein the pump is adapted to act onto to the large intestine to pump intestinal contents out from said reservoir.

1066. The system of claim 1064, wherein the second passage way includes at least to a part the small intestine.

1067. The system of claim 1064, wherein the second passage way includes at least to a part the large intestine.

1068. The system of claim 1064, wherein the second passage way is connected to an artificial intestinal piece, when implanted.

1069. The system according to claim 1010, wherein the reservoir has an upstream part of the intestine reservoir with a first intestinal opening and a downstream part of the intestine reservoir with a second intestinal opening.

1070. The system according to claim 1069, wherein the downstream intestinal part is adapted to be advanced through the abdominal wall and skin and, thereby achieving an intestinal stomy.

1071. The system according to claim 1069, wherein the downstream intestinal part is adapted to be connected to the patient'"'"'s anus or tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus.

1072. The system according to claim 1069, wherein the downstream intestinal part is connected to an artificial intestinal piece, when implanted.

1073. The system according to claim 1072, wherein said artificial intestinal piece comprising a valve for controlling the flow of intestinal contents.

1074. The system according to claim 1072, wherein said artificial intestinal piece is adapted to be connected to the patient'"'"'s small intestine.

1075. The system according to claim 1072, wherein said artificial intestinal piece is adapted to be connected to the patient'"'"'s large intestine.

1076. The system of claim 1010, wherein the pump comprising a mounting device adapted to be mounted to the peritoneum.

1077. The system of claim 1076, wherein said mounting device is adapted to pass through the peritoneal wall and hold said intestinal section, comprising a flange intended for placement outside the peritoneum

1078. The system of claim 1076, wherein the mounting device being adapted to hold sutures and staplers passing through the peritoneal wall, when implanted, to hold said artificial intestine section.

Intestinal Reservoir—

Single Opening

1129. The system of claim 1028, wherein the feedback information is related to an energy balance which is defined as the balance between a rate of wireless energy received inside the human body and a rate of energy consumed by the at least one energy consuming part.

1079. A system for treating a patient having a disorder related to the patient'"'"'s intestine, comprising an artificial reservoir adapted for receiving and temporarily collecting therein intestinal contents and further adapted to remain within the patient'"'"'s body when emptying the reservoir, wherein the system further comprises an at least partly artificial flow control device implantable in the patient'"'"'s body and adapted to control flow of the intestinal contents in the intestine, wherein said reservoir comprises a single opening, said opening being adapted to be connected to a surgically created opening in the patient'"'"'s intestine when implanted so as to be in flow communication with the intestine, wherein the reservoir is adapted for receiving and temporarily collecting therein intestinal contents as well as emptying the intestinal contents from the reservoir through said single opening, the system further comprising an implantable pump for emptying the reservoir, wherein said pump is adapted to be controlled from outside the human body.

1080. The system of claim 1079, further comprising a flexible sleeve adapted to be placed lateral onto the intestine or onto a surgically divided end portion of the intestine, when the reservoir is implanted.

1081. The system of claim 1079, wherein the sleeve comprising a net structure on the inside of the sleeve towards the intestinal portion for in-growth of fibrotic tissue.

1082. The system of claim 1079, wherein the single opening comprising a conduit, wherein said conduit having a bulge formed on the outside thereof adapted to hold a section of the intestine by inserting the conduit into the artificial intestinal lateral or end opening so that the intestine extends over the bulge from one side of the bulge, and

further comprising a blocking ring adapted to be placed over the intestine towards the bulge from the respective other side of the bulge such that the intestine is located intermediate the conduit'"'"'s outer surface and the blocking ring to improve the strength of the connection against forces which result from the peristaltic movement of the intestine tending to pull on the intestine.

1083. The system of claim 1082, wherein the flexible sleeve is elastic and made of a material having a friction large enough to allow the blocking ring to move towards the bulge to block forces from the peristaltic movement of the intestine tending to pull on the intestine, when at least part of the intestine is located intermediate the sleeve and the conduit.

1084. The system of claim 1082, wherein the single opening of the reservoir comprises a first passage in flow communication with the reservoir and adapted to being connected to a surgically created opening of the patient'"'"'s intestine, said first passage being arranged for transferring intestinal contents to the reservoir, and a second passage identical with the first passage due to the single opening of the reservoir arranged for transferring intestinal contents from the reservoir.

1085. The system of claim 1084, wherein the second passage is adapted to being surgically connected to a surgically created stoma.

1086. The system of claim 1084, wherein the second passage is adapted to being surgically connected to the patient'"'"'s anus or to tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus.

1087. The system of claim 1084, wherein the single opening is adapted to being connected to a portion of a patient'"'"'s small intestine.

1088. The system of claim 1084, wherein the single opening is adapted to being connected to a portion of a patient'"'"'s large intestine.

1089. The system of claim 1084, wherein the flow control device comprising at least one valve for closing the normal intestine.

1090. The system of claim 1089, wherein the second passage is adapted to being connected to a lateral opening in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine.

1091. The system of claim 1084, wherein the first passage is adapted to being connected to a lateral opening in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine.

1092. The system of claim 1084, wherein at least the first passage is adapted to being bonded to the patient'"'"'s intestine.

1093. The system of claim 1084, wherein at least the first passage is adapted to be sewn or stapled to the patient'"'"'s intestine.

1094. The system of claim 1079, comprising a holding device adapted to be mounted to the peritoneum to hold at least one of the reservoir or pump.

1095. The system of claim 1079, wherein the flow control device comprises at least one valve adapted to be placed onto the intestine downstream the connection between the single opening and the intestine, when implanted.

1096. The system of claim 1095, wherein the at least one valve includes an exit valve preventing intestinal contents flow from the reservoir out from the body.

1097. The system of claim 1096, wherein the exit valve is a normally closed valve.

1098. The system of claim 1095, wherein the flow control device comprises an entry back flow valve adapted to be placed upstream the connection between the single opening and the intestine allowing intestinal contents to flow towards the reservoir in its open position, when implanted.

1099. The system of claim 1098, wherein the entry valve is a normally open valve.

1100. The system of claim 1098, wherein the exit valve and the entry valve are adapted to cooperate such that when one of the two valves is closed, the respective other valve is open, and vice versa.

1101. The system of claim 1095, wherein at least one of the valve or valves, respectively, is adapted to being permanently implanted inside the patient'"'"'s intestine.

1102. The system of claim 1080, wherein the sleeve adapted to increase the strength of the connection between the reservoir and the patient'"'"'s intestine against axial forces resulting from peristaltic movements of the intestine which tend to pull on the intestine, comprising non-resorbable material e.

1103. The system of claim 1080, wherein the sleeve adapted to increase the strength of the connection between the intestine section and the patient'"'"'s intestine against axial forces resulting from peristaltic movements of the intestine which tend to pull on the intestine, comprising resorbable non-polymeric material.

1104. The system of claim 1079, wherein said flow control device comprising at least one valve, wherein at least one of the valve or valves, respectively, is adapted to being implanted inside the patient'"'"'s body outside a section of the patient'"'"'s intestine and comprises at least one element adapted to act on the intestine section from the outside thereof so as to prevent intestinal contents flow through the intestine section.

1105. The system of claim 1079, comprising a passage in flow communication with the reservoir and adapted to being connected to one of;

a surgically created lateral opening in a wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine, when implanted, and in a surgically divided end opening of the intestine, when the intestine with the surgically divided end opening is sutured on it'"'"'s lateral side to downstream intestine, said passage being arranged for transferring intestinal contents to and from the reservoir.

1106. The system of claim 1095, wherein the at least one valve comprises a compartment with a variable volume adapted to open and close the valve by changing the compartment'"'"'s volume.

1107. The system of claim 1106, wherein the at least one valve comprises at least one passage for filling and emptying the compartment with hydraulic fluid.

1108. The system of claim 1104, wherein the at least one valve comprises at least one electrical stimulation device adapted to electrically stimulate muscle or neural tissue of an intestine section so as to cause at least partial contraction of the intestine section.

1109. The system of claim 1108, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate different portions of the intestine section over time.

1110. The system of claim 1109, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate, over time, the different portions of the intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction opposite to natural intestinal contents flow or in any predetermined stimulation pattern.

1111. The system of claim 1108, wherein the at least one valve comprises a constriction device for at least partly constricting the intestine section mechanically or hydraulically.

1112. The system of claim 1111, wherein the stimulation device and the constriction device are adapted to act on the same intestine section so as to keep the intestine section closed.

1113. The system of claim 1094, wherein said holding device is adapted to pass through the peritoneal wall and hold said intestinal section, comprising a flange intended for placement outside the peritoneum.

1115. The system of claim 1079, wherein the flow control device comprises a pump for emptying the reservoir.

1116. The system of claim 1115, wherein the pump is adapted for emptying the reservoir by squeezing the reservoir.

1117. The system of claim 1115, wherein the pump and the reservoir are separate from each other and wherein the pump is adapted to being implanted in the patient'"'"'s body separate from but in close proximity to the reservoir so as to act on the reservoir from the outside thereof.

1118. The system of claim 1115, wherein the pump and the reservoir are fixedly connected to one another.

1119. The system of claim 1118, wherein the reservoir is formed by a bellow, said bellow having an end wall closing the bellow at one end thereof, said end wall making part of the pump such that a volume of the bellow can be reduced upon advancement of said end wall.

1120. The system of claim 1115, wherein the pump and the reservoir are separate from each other and wherein the pump is adapted to being implanted in the patient'"'"'s body outside the patient'"'"'s intestine, wherein the pump comprises at least one electrical stimulation device adapted to electrically stimulate muscle or neural tissue of an intestine section so as to cause at least partial contraction of the intestine section, wherein the stimulation device comprises at least one electrode adapted to apply electric pulses to the intestine section.

1121. The system of claim 1120, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate different portions of the intestine section over time and to pump intestinal contents along the intestine section by, over time, stimulating the different portions of the intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow.

1122. The system of claim 1115, wherein the pump comprises a constriction device for at least partly constricting the intestine section.

1123. The system of claim 1122, wherein the constriction device is adapted to pump intestinal contents along the intestine section by, over time, constricting different portions of an intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow.

1124. The system of claim 1121, wherein the stimulation device is combined with a constriction device for at least partly constricting the intestine section mechanically so as to pump intestinal contents along the intestine section by, over time, stimulating the different portions of the intestine section in a wave like manner in a direction of natural intestinal contents flow, when constriction of the intestine section caused by the constriction device is released at the respective portions.

1125. The system of claim 1115, wherein the pump is manually drivable and comprises an actuator for manually driving the pump, the actuator being arranged for subcutaneous implantation so as to be operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

1126. The system of claim 1079, comprising at least one motor arranged for automatically driving one or more elements of The system including the flow control device.

1127. The system of claim 1079, adapted to receive wireless energy, comprising an implanted chargeable accumulator, further comprising a feedback subsystem adapted to wirelessly send feedback information related to the energy to be stored in the implanted accumulator from inside the human body to the outside thereof, wherein The system is adapted to use the feedback information for adjusting the amount of wireless energy transmitted by the energy transmitter.

1128. The system of claim 1127, wherein the feedback information is related to an energy balance which is defined as the balance between wireless energy received inside the human body and energy consumed by the at least one energy consuming part.

1130. The system of claim 1079, comprising a manually operable switch for activating any part of The system, the switch being arranged for subcutaneous implantation so as to be operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

1131. The system of claim 1079, comprising a physical or functional parameter sensor adapted to directly or indirectly sense a physical parameter of the patient or a functional parameter of The system.

1132. The system of claim 1131, wherein the physical or functional parameter sensor is adapted to sense at least one of the following physical parameters of the patient:

a pressure within the reservoir, a pressure within the patient'"'"'s intestine, an expansion of the reservoir, a distension of an intestinal wall of the patient'"'"'s intestine, a movement of the intestinal wall.

1133. The system of claim 1079, further comprising an intestinal contents collecting device to be temporarily applied from outside the patient'"'"'s body.

1134. The system of claim 1133, wherein the collecting device comprises a front open end adapted to be applied towards said exit valve so as to provide a flow passage from the exit valve towards the collecting device.

1135. The system of claim 1134, wherein the collecting device front open end is adapted to be applied to said exit valve so as to open the valve and thereby provide the flow passage towards the collecting device.

1136. The system according to claim 1079, wherein the first and second passage is adapted to connect to an divided intestinal portion such that intestinal mesentery connected thereto is opened in such a way that supply of blood through the mesentery to the dissected intestinal area is maintained on both sides of the divided intestinal portion,

wherein an upstream part of the intestine with a first intestinal opening and a downstream part of the intestine with a second intestinal opening with the mesentery still maintaining a tissue connection between the upstream and downstream intestine parts and the connection of the first and second passage are adapted to take such mesentery in account to allow free blood supply, when implanted.

1137. The system according to claim 1136, wherein the downstream intestinal part is adapted to be advanced through the abdominal wall and skin and, thereby achieving an intestinal stomy.

1138. The system according to claim 1136, wherein the downstream intestinal part is adapted to be connected to the patient'"'"'s anus or tissue adjacent the patient'"'"'s anus.

1139. The system according to claim 1136, wherein the intestinal openings is created in the patient'"'"'s small intestine.

1140. The system according to claim 1136, wherein the intestinal openings is created in the patient'"'"'s large intestine.

Aneurysm Stimulation

1141. A stimulation device for treating a vascular aneurysm of a human or mammal patient comprising:

—

at least one implantable electrode adapted to placed in close connection to the aneurysm, the at least one electrode being adapted to provide an electrical stimulation pulse on a wall portion of the aneurysm.

1114. The system of claim 1144, wherein the holding device being adapted to hold sutures and staplers passing through the peritoneal wall, when implanted, to hold said artificial intestine section.

1142. The device according to claim 1141, wherein the at least one electrode is adapted to stimulates multiple stimulation points.

1143. The device according to claim 1141, wherein at least two electrodes are provided and wherein groups of stimulation points are controllable to be individually stimulated.

1144. The device according to claim 1141, further comprising a pulse generator adapted to generate positive and negative electrical stimulation pulses.

1145. The device according to claim 1141, wherein the electrical stimulation pulses have a constant current.

1146. The device according to claim 1141, further comprising a stimulation device for delivering the electrical stimulation pulse as pulse train stimulation with breaks to allow the vessel to rest.

1147. The device according to claim 1141, further comprising a stimulation device for delivering the electrical stimulation pulse at different time intervals.

1148. The device according to claim 1141, further comprising a stimulation device for delivering the electrical stimulation pulse as a pulse width modulated stimulation pulse.

1149. The device according to claim 1141, further comprising a stimulation device for delivering the electrical stimulation pulse during the systolic phase.

1150. The device according to claim 1141, further comprising a monitoring system for detecting an expansion of the aneurysm.

1151. The device according to claim 1150, wherein said monitoring system increases intensity and or position of the stimulation, when detecting an expansion of the aneurysm.