Anal incontinence treatment with wireless energy supply

• US 6,461,292 B1
• Filed: 02/10/2000
• Issued: 10/08/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Obtech Medical AG (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Obtech Medical AG (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Forsell, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaver, Kevin
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cadugan, Joseph A.
• Application Number:
  US09/502,092
• Time in Patent Office: 971 Days
• Field of Search: 128/897-898, 600/29.32, 600/37, 600/593, 604/27-28, 606/139-141, 606/151, 606/157, 606/201-203, 606/213, 606/228, 607/41
• US Class Current: 600/31
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1355 Automated control means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00539 hydraulically
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0036 implantable A61F2/0018 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/004 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0001 Means for transferring electromagnetic energy to implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0003 Apparatus for the treatment of obesity; Anti-eating devices surgical instruments or methods for treatment of obesity, devices specially adapted therefor A61B17/00; hollow or tubular parts of organs A61F2/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source

Abstract

An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus and method include and use an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the colon or rectum to form a restricted. An energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body is provided. An implanted energy transfer device transfers the energy of a first form transmitted by the energy transmission device into energy of a second form, which is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to open and close the fecal passageway.

Claims

1. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy, said restriction device being operable in response to the second form energy to vary the restriction of the restricted fecal passageway, and

an operation device adapted to be implanted in the patient for operating said restriction device,

wherein the second form energy is used for powering said operation device to operate said restriction device to close the fecal passageway to prevent feces to pass therethrough and to enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restriction device is electrically operated, and the second form energy comprises electric energy.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising electric conductors connected to said energy transfer device, whereby said energy transfer device is capable of supplying an electric current via said conductors.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said energy transfer device is capable of supplying a direct current, a pulsating direct current or a combination of a direct current and pulsating direct current via said conductors.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said energy transfer device is capable of generating a current exceeding 1 μ

A when transferring the first form energy transmitted by said energy transmission device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said energy transfer device is capable of supplying an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current via said conductors.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transfer device is capable of supplying a frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated signal.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transfer device is capable of supplying an analog, digital or a combination of an analog and digital signal.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an implanted operation device for operating said restriction device, wherein said energy transfer device powers said operation device with said energy of a second form.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said operation device comprises a motor.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a control device, wherein said motor comprises a rotary motor, and said control device controls said rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said motor comprises a linear motor.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a control device, wherein said motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and said control device controls the said fluid motor.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said motor comprises an electric motor having electrically conductive parts made of plastics.

15. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said operation device comprises a motor for driving said pump.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said operation device comprises a fluid conduit between said pump and said hydraulic means of said restriction device, and a reservoir for fluid, said reservoir forming part of said conduit.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said hydraulic means, pump and conduit is devoid of any non-return valve.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said reservoir forms a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and said pump distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means of said restriction device by reduction of the volume of said chamber and withdraws fluid from said hydraulic means to said chamber by expansion of the volume of said chamber.

20. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a control device for controlling said operation device.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said control device shifts polarity of the second form energy to reverse said operation device.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said operation device comprises an electric motor and the second form energy comprises electric energy.

23. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a reversing device adapted to be implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said control device controls said reversing device to reverse said function by said restriction device.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid flow in said hydraulic means.

27. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said reversing device comprises a gear box.

29. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the second form energy comprises electric energy and said switch is operable by the electric energy.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said control device controls the operation of said switch by shifting polarity of the electric energy.

32. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said operation device comprises hydraulic means and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in said hydraulic means.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, further comprising a wireless remote control for controlling said valve.

34. The apparatus according to claims 9, further comprising an operation device adapted to be implanted in the patient for operating said restriction device.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said operation device comprises a motor.

36. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means.

37. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transfer device forms a flat and thin sheet, and has a volume of less than 2000 cm³.

38. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transfer device comprises at least one semiconductor.

39. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an energy storage device adapted to be implanted in the patient for storing the second form energy and for supplying energy for operation of said restriction device.

40. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said energy storage device comprises an accumulator.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the second form energy comprises electric energy and said energy storage device comprises an electric accumulator.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said electric accumulator comprises at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery.

43. The apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising a switch adapted to be implanted in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the operation of said restriction device.

44. The apparatus according to claim 43, further comprising a source of energy adapted to be implanted in the patient, wherein said switch is operated by the second form energy supplied by said energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which said source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which said source of energy supplies energy for the operation of said restriction device.

45. The apparatus according to claim 43, further comprising a source of energy adapted to be implanted in the patient, and a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of said source of energy, wherein said switch is operated by the second form energy supplied by said energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which said remote control is prevented from controlling said source of energy and said source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which said remote control is permitted to control said source of energy to supply energy for the operation of said restriction device.

46. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switch adapted to be implanted in the patient for switching the operation of said restriction device.

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, further comprising a source of energy adapted to be implanted in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of said restriction device, wherein said switch is operated by the second form energy supplied by said energy transfer device to switch from an off mode, in which said source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which said source of energy supplies energy for the operation of said restriction device.

48. The apparatus according to claim 46, further comprising a source of energy adapted to be implanted in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of said restriction device, and a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of said implanted source of energy, wherein said switch is operated by the second form energy supplied by said energy transfer device to switch from an off mode, in which said remote control is prevented from controlling said source of energy and said source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which said remote control is permitted to control said source of energy to supply energy for the operation of said restriction device.

49. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transmission device transmits the first form energy by at least one wireless signal.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said signal comprises a wave signal.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein said wave signal comprises an electromagnetic wave signal including one of an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.

52. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein said wave signal comprises a sound wave signal.

53. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said signal contains radiant energy.

54. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said signal comprises a digital or analog signal, or a combination of a digital and analog signal.

55. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first form energy transmitted by said energy transmission device comprises an electric field.

56. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said electric field is transmitted in pulses or digital pulses, or a combination of pulses and digital pulses by said energy transmission device.

57. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first form energy transmitted by said energy transmission device comprises a magnetic field.

58. The apparatus according to claims 57, wherein said magnetic field is transmitted in pulses or digital pulses, or a combination of pulses and digital pulses by said energy transmission device.

59. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transfer device transfers the first form energy into a direct current or pulsating direct current, or a combination of a direct current and a pulsating direct current.

60. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transfer device transfers the first form energy into an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current.

61. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second form energy comprises a frequency or amplitude modulated signal, or a combination of a frequency and amplitude modulated signal.

62. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second form energy comprises an analog or a digital signal, or a combination of an analog and digital signal.

63. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pulse generator adapted to be implanted in the patient for generating electrical pulses from the second form energy.

64. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor adapted to be implanted in the patient for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

65. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein said sensor comprises a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in said fecal passageway.

66. The apparatus according to claim 64, further comprising a control device for controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

67. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient for controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

68. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said internal control unit directly controls said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

69. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient'"'"'s body for controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

70. The apparatus according to claim 69, wherein said external control unit stores information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor and is manually operated to control said restriction device based on said stored information.

71. The apparatus according to claim 64, further comprising at least one sender adapted to be implanted in the patient for sending information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor.

72. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling said restriction device.

73. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said remote control is capable of obtaining information on the condition of said restriction device and to control said restriction device in response to said information.

74. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said remote control comprises a control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient for controlling said restriction device.

75. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein said control unit comprises a microprocessor.

76. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter or transceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transceiver adapted to be implanted in the patient.

77. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal receiver or transceiver and at least one internal signal transmitter or transceiver adapted to be implanted in the patient.

78. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said remote control is capable of sending information related to said restriction device from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof.

79. The apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said remote control controls said restriction device in response to said information.

80. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said remote control comprises a control signal transmitter for transmitting said control signal, and said energy transmission device comprises said control signal transmitter, whereby the first form energy is transmitted by said control signal.

81. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said energy transmission device transmits the first form energy by at least one signal separate from said control signal.

82. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said remote control transmits a carrier signal for carrying said control signal.

83. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said energy transmission device transmits the first form energy by at least one signal, which is used as a carrier signal for said control signal transmitted by said remote control.

84. The apparatus according to claim 83, wherein said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

85. The apparatus according to claim 83, wherein said carrier signal comprises digital, analog or a combination of digital and analog waves.

86. The apparatus according to claim 83, wherein said control signal used with said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

87. The apparatus according to claim 83, wherein said control signal used with said carrier signal is digital, analog or combined digital and analog.

88. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said control signal comprises a wave signal comprising one of a sound wave signal including an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal including an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal and a laser light signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.

89. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said control signal comprises an electric or magnetic field, or a combined electric and magnetic field.

90. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said control signal comprises a digital, analog or combined digital and analog control signal.

91. The apparatus according to claim 90, wherein said remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying said digital or analog control signal.

92. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second form energy second form used for operating said restriction device is wirelessly transmitted by said energy transfer device.

93. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient for controlling said restriction device.

94. The apparatus according to claim 93, wherein said control unit is programmable for controlling said restriction device in accordance with a program.

95. The apparatus according to claim 94, wherein said control unit controls said restriction device over time in accordance with an activity schedule program.

96. The apparatus according to claim 94, further comprising an external wireless remote control for programming said control unit.

97. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an external data communicator and a data communicator adapted to be implanted in the patient for communicating with said external communicator, wherein said implantable data communicator feeds data related to said restriction device back to said external communicator or said external communicator feeds data to said implantable data communicator.

98. The apparatus according to claim 97, wherein said implantable data communicator feeds data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.

99. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restriction device controls the cross-sectional area of the fecal passageway.

100. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restriction device is noninflatable.

101. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy energy comprises magnetic energy.

102. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy comprises kinetic energy.

103. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy comprises sound energy.

104. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second form energy comprises chemical energy.

105. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy comprises radiant energy.

106. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy comprises electromagnetic energy.

107. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy comprises photo energy.

108. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy comprises nuclear energy.

109. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy comprises thermal energy.

110. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy is non-magnetic.

111. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy is non-kinetic.

112. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy is non-chemical.

113. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy is non-sonic.

114. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy is non-nuclear.

115. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy is non-thermal.

116. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stabilizer adapted to be implanted in the patient for stabilizing the second form energy.

117. The apparatus according to claim 116, wherein said energy of a second form comprises electric current and said stabilizer comprises a capacitor.

118. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transmission device functions differently from said energy transfer device.

119. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transmission device functions similar to said energy transfer device.

120. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restriction device is directly operated with the second form energy, as said energy transmission device transmits the first form energy .

121. The apparatus according to claim 120, wherein said energy transfer device directly operates said restriction device with the second form energy in a non-magnetic manner.

122. The apparatus according to claim 120, wherein said energy transfer device directly operates said restriction device with the second form energy in a non-mechanical manner.

123. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transfer device is adapted to be implanted subcutaneously or in the abdomen of the patient.

124. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transfer device is adapted to be implanted in the thorax or in the cephalic region of the patient.

125. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy transfer device is adapted to be implanted in an orifice of the patient'"'"'s body and under the mucosa or intraluminar outside the mucosa of the orifice.

127. An implanting method, comprising the steps of:

providing an anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus according to claim 1, cutting an opening in a patient'"'"'s mucosa in an orifice of the patient'"'"'s body, and implanting the energy transfer device in the patient'"'"'s body through the opening.

128. An implanting method, comprising the steps of:

providing an anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus according to claim 1, cutting an opening in a patient'"'"'s skin, and implanting the energy transfer device in the patient'"'"'s body through the opening.

129. A laparascopical implanting method, comprising the steps of:

providing an anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus according to claim 1, placing at least two laparascopic cannula within a patient'"'"'s body, and implanting the energy transfer device in the patient'"'"'s body by using the at least two laparascopic cannula.

126. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body, and

an activatable source of energy adapted to be implanted in the patient,

wherein said source of energy is activated by wireless energy transmitted by said energy transmission device, to supply energy which is used for operating said restriction device to close the fecal passageway to prevent feces to pass therethrough and to enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

130. A laparoscopic surgical method of implanting in a patient an anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising the steps of:

a) placing at least two laparoscopic trocars within the patient'"'"'s body,

b) using a dissecting tool inserted through the laparoscopic trocars, dissecting the region of the colon or rectum,

c) introducing an operable restriction device of the apparatus through the trocars,

d) placing the restriction device in engagement with the rectum or colon to create a restricted stoma therein,

e) implanting in the patient an energy transfer device of the apparatus,

f) transferring by the energy transfer device wireless energy of a first form into energy of a second form different than the first form energy, and

g) operating the restriction device with the second form energy to close the stoma to prevent feces to pass therethrough and to enlarge the stoma to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

131. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy, said restriction device being operable in response to the second form energy to vary the restriction of the restricted fecal passageway,

a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling said restriction device,

wherein said remote control comprises a control signal transmitter for transmitting said control signal and said energy transmission device comprises said control signal transmitter, whereby the first form energy is transmitted by said control signal.

132. The apparatus according to claim 131, wherein said control signal comprises a wave signal.

133. The apparatus according to claim 132, wherein said wave signal comprises an electromagnetic wave signal including one of an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.

134. The apparatus according to claim 132, wherein said wave signal comprises a sound wave signal.

135. The apparatus according to claim 131, wherein said control signal comprises a digital or analog signal, or a combination of a digital and analog signal.

136. The apparatus according to claim 131, wherein the first form energy transmitted by said energy transmission device comprises an electric field.

137. The apparatus according to claim 131, wherein the first form energy transmitted by said energy transmission device comprises a magnetic field.

138. The apparatus according to claim 137, wherein said magnetic field is transmitted in pulses or digital pulses, or a combination of pulses and digital pulses by said energy transmission device.

139. The apparatus according to claim 131, further comprising at least one sensor adapted to be implanted in the patient for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

140. The apparatus according to claim 139, further comprising a control device for controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

141. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy, said restriction device being operable in response to the second form energy to vary the restriction of the restricted fecal passageway, and

a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling said restriction device,

wherein said energy transmission device transmits the first form energy by at least one signal, which is used as a carrier signal for said control signal transmitted by said remote control.

142. The apparatus according to claim 141, wherein said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

143. The apparatus according to claim 141, wherein said carrier signal comprises digital, analog or a combination of digital and analog waves.

144. The apparatus according to claim 141, wherein said control signal used with said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

145. The apparatus according to claim 141, wherein said control signal used with said carrier signal is digital, analog or combined digital and analog.

146. The apparatus according to claim 141, wherein said signal comprises a wave signal.

147. The apparatus according to claim 146, wherein said wave signal comprises an electromagnetic wave signal including one of an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.

148. The apparatus according to claim 141, wherein the first form energy transmitted by said energy transmission device comprises an electric field.

149. The apparatus according to claim 141, further comprising at least one sensor adapted to be implanted in the patient for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

150. The apparatus according to claim 149, further comprising a control device for controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

151. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy,

an energy storage device adapted to be implanted in the patient for storing the second form energy and for supplying energy for operation of said restriction device, and

a switch adapted to be implanted in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the supply of energy from said energy storage device,

wherein said switch is inoperable by permanent magnets.

152. The apparatus according to claim 151, wherein said restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function.

153. The apparatus according to claim 152, further comprising a reversing device adapted to be implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

154. The apparatus according to claim 153, wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.

155. The apparatus according to claim 151, further comprising a stabilizer adapted to be implanted in the patient for stabilizing the energy of the second form.

156. The apparatus according to claim 155, wherein said energy of a second form comprises electric current and said stabilizer comprises a capacitor.

157. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy,

an energy storage device adapted to be implanted in the patient for storing the second form energy and for supplying energy for operation of said restriction device,

a switch adapted to be implanted in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the supply of energy from said energy storage device, and

a source of energy adapted to be implanted in the patient,

wherein said switch is operable by the second form energy supplied by said energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which said source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which said source of energy supplies energy for the operation of said restriction device.

158. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy,

an energy storage device adapted to be implanted in the patient for storing the second form energy and for supplying energy for operation of said restriction device,

a switch adapted to be implanted in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the supply of energy from said energy storage device,

a source of energy adapted to be implanted in the patient, and

a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of said source of energy,

wherein said switch is operated by the second form energy supplied by said energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which said remote control is prevented from controlling said source of energy and said source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which said remote control is permitted to control said source of energy to supply energy for the operation of said restriction device.

159. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy, and

an energy storage device adapted to be implanted in the patient for storing the second form energy and for supplying energy for operation of said restriction device.

160. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the second form energy comprises electric energy and said energy storage device comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

161. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function.

162. The apparatus according to claim 161, further comprising a reversing device adapted to be implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

163. The apparatus according to claim 161, further comprising a control device for controlling said reversing device to reverse said function performed by said restriction device.

164. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

165. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy is non-thermal.

166. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said restriction device is directly operated with the second form energy, as said energy transmission device transmits the first form energy.

167. The apparatus according to claim 159, herein said energy transfer device directly operates said restriction device with the second form energy in a non-magnetic manner.

168. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy comprises sound energy.

169. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein one of the first form energy and the second form energy comprises photo energy.

170. The apparatus according to claim 159, further comprising a stabilizer adapted to be implanted in the patient for stabilizing the energy of the second form.

171. The apparatus according to claim 170, wherein said energy of a second form comprises electric current and said stabilizer comprises a capacitor.

172. The apparatus according to claim 159, further comprising at least one sensor adapted to be implanted in the patient for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

173. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the first form energy transmitted by said energy transmission device comprises an electric field.

174. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the first form energy transmitted by said energy transmission device comprises a magnetic field.

175. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said energy transfer device transfers the first form energy into a direct current or pulsating direct current, or a combination of a direct current and a pulsating direct current.

176. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said energy transfer device transfers the first form energy into an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current.

177. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said energy storage device comprises an accumulator.

178. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said energy of a second form comprises electric energy and said energy storage device comprises an electric accumulator.

179. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said remote control comprises an implanted control unit for controlling said restriction device.

180. The apparatus according to claim 179, wherein said control unit comprises a microprocessor.

181. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy,

a switch adapted to be implanted in the patient for switching the operation of said restriction device, and

a source of energy adapted to be implanted in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of said restriction device,

wherein said switch is operable by the second form energy supplied by said energy transfer device to switch from an off mode, in which said source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which said source of energy supplies energy for the operation of said restriction device.

182. The apparatus according to claim 181, further comprising a stabilizer adapted to be implanted in the patient for stabilizing the energy of the second form.

183. The apparatus according to claim 182, wherein the energy of the second form comprises electric current and said stabilizer comprises a capacitor.

184. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy,

a switch adapted to be implanted in the patient for switching the operation of said restriction device,

a source of energy adapted to be implanted in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of said restriction device, and

a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of said source of energy,

wherein said switch is operable by the second form energy supplied by said energy transfer device to switch from an off mode, in which said remote control is prevented from controlling said source of energy and said source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which said remote control is permitted to control said source of energy to supply energy for the operation of said restriction device.

185. An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in a patient to engage the colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring energy of the first form transmitted by said energy transmission device into energy of a second form, different than the first form energy,

wherein said restriction device is adapted to be directly operated to vary the restriction of the restricted fecal passageway, in response to the second form energy transferred by said energy transfer device, as said energy transmission device transmits the first form energy.

186. The apparatus according to claim 185, wherein said operation device comprises a motor.

187. The apparatus according to claim 185, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means.

188. The apparatus according to claim 185, wherein said restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function.

189. The apparatus according to claim 188, further comprising a reversing device adapted to be implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

190. The apparatus according to claim 189, wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.

191. The apparatus according to claim 185, further comprising a stabilizer adapted to be implanted in the patient for stabilizing the second form energy.

192. The apparatus according to claim 191, wherein the energy of the second form comprises electric current and said stabilizer comprises a capacitor.

193. The apparatus according to claim 185, wherein the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

194. A surgical method of implanting in a patient an anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus, comprising the steps of:

a) dissecting the region of the colon or rectum,

b) implanting an operable restriction device in engagement with the rectum or colon to create a restricted stoma therein,

c) implanting an energy transfer device of the apparatus,

d) transferring by the energy transfer device wireless energy of a first form into energy of a second form different than the first form energy, and

e) operating the restriction device with the second form energy to close the stoma to prevent feces to pass therethrough and to enlarge the stoma to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.