Anal incontinence disease treatment with controlled wireless energy supply

• US 6,471,635 B1
• Filed: 02/10/2000
• Issued: 10/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2000
• 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:
  US09/502,091
• Time in Patent Office: 992 Days
• Field of Search: 128/897-899, 600/29-32, 600/37, 600/593, 604/27, 604/28, 606/139-141, 606/151, 606/157, 606/201-203, 606/213, 606/228, 607/41, 623/23.65, 623/23.67
• US Class Current: 600/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0009 placed in or outside the body opening close to the surface of the body plugging an opening in the wall of a hollow or tubular organ A61B17/0057
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0036 implantable A61F2/0018 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/004 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source

Abstract

A anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus and method include and use an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the colon or engaging the rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or the rectum. A source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body and a control device for releasing wireless energy from the source of energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body are provided. The released wireless energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device, to enlarge or contract the restricted 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,

powered operation device adapted to be implanted in a patient for operating said restriction device,

a source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body,

a control device operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body to control said external source of energy to release wireless energy,

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in a patient and to transfer said wireless energy into storable energy, and

an internal source of energy adapted to be implanted in a patient and to store said storable energy and power said operation device with said storable energy,

wherein said control device controls said restriction device to close the fecal passageway to prevent feces from passing therethrough and enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient for controlling said restriction device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient for controlling said restriction device.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said internal control unit is programmable.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient'"'"'s body, said internal control unit being programmable by said external control unit.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said external control unit loads said internal control unit with data in accordance with a loading mode only authorized for a doctor.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said external control unit controls said internal control unit in accordance with a doctor mode only authorized for a doctor.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said external control unit controls said internal control unit in accordance with a patient mode permitted for the patient.

9. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said internal control unit is programmable for controlling said restriction device over time.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said internal control unit controls said restriction device over time in accordance with an activity schedule program.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said internal control unit comprises a microprocessor.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said operation device comprises hydraulic means and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in said hydraulic means.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control for controlling said valve.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a reservoir forming a fluid chamber with a variable volume connected to said hydraulic means, and said operation device distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means 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.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said operation device is adapted to be directly powered with said storable energy as said energy transfer device transfers said wireless energy into said storable energy.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said wireless energy is directly used for operation of said restriction device in a non-magnetic manner.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and said control device controls the fluid flow through said fluid motor.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said wireless energy is directly used for operation of said restriction device in a non-mechanical manner.

19. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an operation device for operating said restriction device, wherein said wireless energy directly or indirectly powers said operation device.

20. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said operation device comprises a motor.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said motor comprises a rotary motor, and said control device controls said rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said motor comprises a linear motor.

23. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said motor comprises an electric motor having electrically conductive parts made of plastics.

24. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said control device releases polarizable wireless energy from said external source of energy.

25. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said operation device comprises an electric motor and said released energy comprises electric energy.

26. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said control device shifts polarity of said released energy to reverse said operation device.

27. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said restriction device is operable by said operation device to perform a reversible function.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a reversing device adapted to be implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said control device controls said reversing device to reverse said function performed by said restriction device.

30. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in said hydraulic means.

31. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said mechanical reversing device comprises a switch.

33. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said reversing device comprises a gear box.

34. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said switch is operated by said released wireless energy.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said control device controls the operation of said switch by shifting polarity of said released energy operating said switch.

37. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said switch comprises an electric switch and said external source of energy supplies electric energy for the operation of said switch.

38. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said operation device comprises a motor, and said reversing device reverses said motor.

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

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said operation device comprises a motor for driving said pump.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, 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.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said hydraulic means, pump and conduit are devoid of any non-return valve.

43. The apparatus according to claim 42, 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.

44. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an stabilizer adapted to be implanted in the patient for stabilizing the energy released by said control device.

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the energy released by said control device comprises electric energy and said stabilizer comprises at least one capacitor.

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

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said switch directly or indirectly affects the supply of energy from said internal source of energy.

48. The apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said switch switches between an “

off”

mode, in which said internal source of energy is not in use, and an “

on”

mode, in which said internal source of energy supplies energy for the operation of said restriction device.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said switch is operable by said wireless energy released from said external source of energy.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control.

51. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said internal source of energy comprises an electric source of energy.

52. The apparatus according to claim 51, wherein said electric source of energy comprises at least one accumulator, at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery.

53. The apparatus according to claim 51, wherein said electric source of energy comprises an accumulator or a battery having a life-time of at least 10 years.

54. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said internal source of energy comprises a nuclear source of energy.

55. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said internal source of energy comprises a chemical source of energy.

56. The apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control for controlling said internal source of energy.

57. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein said switch is operable by said wireless energy from said external source of energy to switch between an “

off”

mode, in which said internal source of energy and remote control are not in use, and a “

standby”

mode, in which said remote control is permitted to control said internal source of energy to supply energy for the operation of said restriction device.

58. The apparatus according to claim 47, further comprising an energy storage device adapted to be implanted in the patient for storing said storable energy.

59. The apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said switch is operable by energy from said energy storage device to switch between an “

off”

mode, in which said internal source of energy is not in use, and an “

on”

mode, in which said internal source of energy supplies energy for the operation of said restriction device.

60. The apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said control device controls said energy storage device to operate said switch.

61. The apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control.

62. The apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said switch switches from an “

off”

mode, in which said internal source of energy is not in use, to an “

on”

mode, in which said internal source of energy supplies energy for the operation of said restriction device.

63. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein said control device controls said switch to switch between said “

on” and

“

off”

modes.

64. The apparatus according to claim 63, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control.

65. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said control device controls said operation device.

66. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein said operation device comprises a motor.

67. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said motor comprises a rotary motor, and said control device controls said rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

68. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said motor comprises a linear motor.

69. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and said control device controls said fluid motor.

70. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said motor comprises an electric motor having electrically conductive parts made of plastics.

71. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said operation device comprises an electric motor and said storable energy comprises electric energy.

72. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein said control device releases polarized energy from said external source of energy.

73. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein said control device shifts polarity of said storable energy to reverse said operation device.

74. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein said restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function.

75. The apparatus according to claim 74, further comprising a reversing device adapted to be implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

76. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said control device controls said reversing device to reverse said function performed by said restriction device.

77. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in said hydraulic means.

78. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

79. The apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said mechanical reversing device comprises a gear box.

80. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.

81. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein said switch is operable by said released wireless energy.

82. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein said control device controls the operation of said switch by shifting polarity of said released wireless energy.

83. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein said switch comprises an electric switch and said control device releases electric energy from said external source of energy for the operation of said switch.

84. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said operation device comprises a motor, and said reversing device reverses said motor.

85. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means.

86. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said operation device comprises a motor for driving said pump.

87. The apparatus according to claim 86, 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.

88. The apparatus according to claim 87, wherein said hydraulic means, pump and conduit is devoid of any non-return valve.

89. The apparatus according to claim 88, 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.

90. 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.

91. The apparatus according to claim 90, wherein said sensor comprises a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in said fecal passageway.

92. The apparatus according to claim 90, wherein said control device controls said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

93. The apparatus according to claim 92, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient, said internal control unit controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

94. The apparatus according to claim 92, wherein said control device comprises an external control unit controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

95. The apparatus according to claim 94, 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.

96. The apparatus according to claim 90, further comprising at least one sender adapted to be implanted in the patient for sending information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor.

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

98. The apparatus according to claim 97, wherein said internal communicator feeds data related to said restriction device.

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

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

101. The apparatus according to claim 100, wherein said restriction device is operable to open and close said fecal passageway.

102. The apparatus according to claim 100, wherein said restriction device steplessly controls the cross-sectional area of said fecal passageway.

103. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases wireless electric energy and said energy transfer device transfers said electric energy into kinetic energy for operation of said restriction device.

104. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said restriction device is directly operated with said kinetic energy, as said energy transfer device transfers said electric energy into said kinetic energy.

105. apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restriction device is non-inflatable.

106. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy for a determined time period.

107. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy in a determined number of energy pulses.

108. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy from said external source of energy in a non-invasive manner.

109. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling said restriction device.

110. The apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said remote control is capable of obtaining information on the condition of said restriction device and of controlling said restriction device in response to said information.

111. The apparatus according to claim 109, 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.

112. The apparatus according to claim 109, 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.

113. The apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said remote control is capable of sending information related to said restriction device from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof.

114. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein said remote control controls said restriction device in response to said information.

115. The apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said remote control transmits a carrier signal for carrying said control signal.

116. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

117. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said carrier signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.

118. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said control signal used with said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

119. The apparatus according to claim 109, 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.

120. The apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said control signal comprises an electric, magnetic or electric and magnetic field.

121. The apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said control signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.

122. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein said remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying said digital or analog control signal.

123. The apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said control signal is transmitted in pulses by said wireless remote control.

124. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy from said external source of energy in a non-invasive manner.

125. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases magnetic energy.

126. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases electromagnetic energy.

127. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases kinetic energy.

128. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases thermal energy.

129. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy from said external source of energy in a mechanical manner.

130. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases non-magnetic energy.

131. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases non-electromagnetic energy.

132. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases non-kinetic energy.

133. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases non-thermal energy.

134. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy from said external source of energy in a non-mechanical manner.

135. A method of treating a human or animal having anal incontinence disease, comprising:

(a) surgically implanting in the human or animal an operable restriction device engaging the human'"'"'s or animal'"'"'s colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

(b) implanting an internal source of energy,

(c) providing a source of energy external to the human or animal,

(d) controlling the external source of energy from outside the human or animal to release wireless energy,

(e) transferring the released wireless energy into storable energy and storing the storable energy in the internal source of energy, and

(f) controlling the internal source of energy to release energy for operating the restriction device to restrict the fecal passageway to prevent feces from passing therethrough and enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

136. A method according to claim 135, further comprising implanting in the human or animal an operation device operatively connected to the restriction device and capable of operating the restriction device to adjust the restricted fecal passageway in response to supplied energy.

137. A method according to claim 136, further comprising using the released wireless energy to activate the implanted operation device.

138. A method according to claim 137, wherein the implanted operation device is activated to enlarge the fecal passageway at least once a day.

139. A method of treating a human or animal having anal incontinence disease, comprising the steps of:

placing at least two laparoscopical trocars in the human'"'"'s or animal'"'"'s body,

inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of the colon or rectum,

placing an operable restriction device in the dissected area, so that the restriction device engages the colon or engages the rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum,

providing a source of energy outside the human'"'"'s or animal'"'"'s body, controlling the external source of energy from outside the human'"'"'s or animal'"'"'s body to release wireless energy,

transferring the wireless energy into a different form of energy usable for operating the restriction device, and

using the different form of energy for operating the restriction device to restrict the fecal passageway to prevent feces from passing therethrough and enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

140. A method of treating a human or animal having anal incontinence disease, comprising the steps of:

placing at least two laparoscopical trocars in the human'"'"'s or animal'"'"'s body,

inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of colon or the rectum,

implanting an operable restriction device in the dissected area, so that the restriction device engages the colon or engages the rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon the or rectum,

implanting an energy transfer device,

providing an external source of energy,

controlling the external source of energy to release wireless energy, and

transferring the wireless energy by the energy transfer device into energy different than the wireless energy for operating the restriction device to restrict the fecal passageway to prevent feces from passing therethrough and enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

141. A method according to claim 140, further comprising implanting a stabilizer in the human or animal for stabilizing the energy transferred by the energy transfer device.

142. A method according to claim 140, wherein the energy transfer device transfers the wireless energy into electric energy.

143. 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,

an implantable powered operation device for operating said restriction device,

a source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body,

a control device operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body to control said external source of energy to release non-magnetic wireless energy for use in the powering of said operation device,

an implantable energy transfer device for transferring said non-magnetic wireless energy into another form of energy usable by said operation device,

wherein said control device controls said restriction device to close the fecal passageway to prevent feces from passing therethrough and enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

144. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit implantable in the patient for controlling said restriction device.

145. The apparatus according to claim 144, wherein said internal control unit comprises a microprocessor.

146. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a reservoir forming a fluid chamber with a variable volume connected to said hydraulic means, and said operation device distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means 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.

147. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said non-magnetic wireless energy released from said external source of energy is directly, during energy transfer, used for operation of said restriction device.

148. The apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said wireless energy directly or indirectly powers said operation device.

149. The apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said operation device comprises a motor.

150. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said motor comprises a rotary motor, and said control device controls said rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

151. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said motor comprises a linear motor.

152. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and said control device controls the fluid flow through said fluid motor.

153. The apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said control device shifts polarity of said released energy to reverse said operation device.

154. The apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said restriction device is operable by said operation device to perform a reversible function.

155. The apparatus according to claim 154, further comprising a reversing device implantable in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

156. The apparatus according to claim 155, wherein said control device controls said reversing device to reverse said function performed by said restriction device.

157. The apparatus according to claim 155, wherein said reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in said hydraulic means.

158. The apparatus according to claim 155, wherein said reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

159. The apparatus according to claim 158, wherein said reversing device comprises a gear box.

160. The apparatus according to claim 155, wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.

161. The apparatus according to claim 160, wherein said switch is operated by said released non-magnetic wireless energy.

162. The apparatus according to claim 161, wherein said control device controls the operation of said switch by shifting polarity of said released energy operating said switch.

163. The apparatus according to claim 161, wherein said switch comprises an electric switch and said external source of energy supplies electric energy for the operation of said switch.

164. The apparatus according to claim 161, wherein said operation device comprises a motor, and said reversing device reverses said motor.

165. The apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means.

166. The apparatus according to claim 165, wherein said operation device comprises a motor for driving said pump.

167. The apparatus according to claim 166, 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.

168. The apparatus according to claim 167, wherein said hydraulic means, pump and conduit are devoid of any non-return valve.

169. The apparatus according to claim 168, 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.

170. The apparatus according to claim 147, further comprising an implantable stabilizer for stabilizing the energy released by said control device.

171. The apparatus according to claim 170, wherein the energy released by said control device comprises electric energy and said stabilizer comprises at least one capacitor.

172. The apparatus according to claim 143, further comprising a switch implantable in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the operation of said restriction device.

173. The apparatus according to claim 143, further comprising at least one implantable sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

174. The apparatus according to claim 173, wherein said control device controls said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

175. The apparatus according to claim 174, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit implantable in the patient, said internal control unit controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

176. The apparatus according to claim 173, wherein said control device comprises an external control unit that stores information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor and is manually operated to control said restriction device based on said stored information.

177. The apparatus according to claim 173, further comprising at least one implantable sender for sending information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor.

178. The apparatus according to claim 143, further comprising an external data communicator and an internal data communicator implantable in the patient for communicating with said external communicator, wherein said internal communicator feeds data related to the patient back to said external communicator or said external communicator feeds data to said internal communicator.

179. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said restriction device is non-inflatable.

180. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling said restriction device.

181. The apparatus according to claim 180, wherein said remote control is capable of sending information related to said restriction device from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof.

182. The apparatus according to claim 180, 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.

183. The apparatus according to claim 180, wherein said control signal comprises an electric, magnetic or electric and magnetic field.

184. The apparatus according to claim 180, wherein said control signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.

185. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said control device releases energy from said external source of energy in a non-invasive manner.

186. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said control device releases non-thermal energy.

187. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said non-magnetic wireless energy comprises an electric field.

188. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said non-magnetic wireless energy is in the form of a digital, analog or digital and analog signal.

189. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said non-magnetic wireless energy comprises a wave signal, a sound signal or an ultrasound wave signal.

190. 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,

an implantable powered operation device for operating said restriction device,

a source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body,

a control device operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body to control said external source of energy to release electromagnetic wireless energy for use in the powering of said operation device,

an implantable energy transfer device for transferring said electromagnetic wireless energy into another form of energy usable by said operation device,

wherein said control device controls said restriction device to close the fecal passageway to prevent feces from passing therethrough and enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

191. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit implantable in the patient for controlling said restriction device.

192. The apparatus according to claim 191, wherein said internal control unit comprises a microprocessor.

193. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a reservoir forming a fluid chamber with a variable volume connected to said hydraulic means, and said operation device distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means 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.

194. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said electromagnetic wireless energy released from said external source of energy is directly, during energy transfer, used for operation of said restriction device.

195. The apparatus according to claim 194, wherein said wireless energy directly or indirectly powers said operation device.

196. The apparatus according to claim 194, wherein said operation device comprises a motor.

197. The apparatus according to claim 196, wherein said motor comprises a rotary motor, and said control device controls said rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

198. The apparatus according to claim 196, wherein said motor comprises a linear motor.

199. The apparatus according to claim 196, wherein said motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and said control device controls the fluid flow through said fluid motor.

200. The apparatus according to claim 194, wherein said control device shifts polarity of said released energy to reverse said operation device.

201. The apparatus according to claim 194, wherein said restriction device is operable by said operation device to perform a reversible function.

202. The apparatus according to claim 201, further comprising a reversing device implantable in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

203. The apparatus according to claim 202, wherein said control device controls said reversing device to reverse said function performed by said restriction device.

204. The apparatus according to claim 202, wherein said reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in said hydraulic means.

205. The apparatus according to claim 202, wherein said reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

206. The apparatus according to claim 205, wherein said reversing device comprises a gear box.

207. The apparatus according to claim 202, wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.

208. The apparatus according to claim 207, wherein said switch is operated by said released electromagnetic wireless energy.

209. The apparatus according to claim 208, wherein said control device controls the operation of said switch by shifting polarity of said released energy operating said switch.

210. The apparatus according to claim 208, wherein said switch comprises an electric switch and said external source of energy supplies electric energy for the operation of said switch.

211. The apparatus according to claim 207, wherein said operation device comprises a motor, and said reversing device reverses said motor.

212. The apparatus according to claim 194, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means.

213. The apparatus according to claim 212, wherein said operation device comprises a motor for driving said pump.

214. The apparatus according to claim 213, 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.

215. The apparatus according to claim 214, wherein said hydraulic means, pump and conduit are devoid of any non-return valve.

216. The apparatus according to claim 215, 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.

217. The apparatus according to claim 190, further comprising a switch implantable in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the operation of said restriction device.

218. The apparatus according to claim 190, further comprising at least one implantable sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

219. The apparatus according to claim 218, wherein said control device controls said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

220. The apparatus according to claim 219, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit implantable in the patient, said internal control unit controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

221. The apparatus according to claim 218, wherein said control device comprises an external control unit that stores information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor and is manually operated to control said restriction device based on said stored information.

222. The apparatus according to claim 218, further comprising at least one implantable sender for sending information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor.

223. The apparatus according to claim 194, further comprising an implantable energy transfer device adapted to transfer said wireless energy into non-wireless energy and an implantable stabilizer for stabilizing said non-wireless energy.

224. The apparatus according to claim 223, wherein said non-wireless energy comprises electric energy and said stabilizer comprises at least one capacitor.

225. The apparatus according to claim 190, further comprising an external data communicator and an internal data communicator implantable in the patient for communicating with said external communicator, wherein said internal communicator feeds data related to the patient back to said external communicator or said external communicator feeds data to said internal communicator.

226. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said restriction device is non-inflatable.

227. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling said restriction device.

228. The apparatus according to claim 227, wherein said remote control is capable of sending information related to said restriction device from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof.

229. The apparatus according to claim 227, 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.

230. The apparatus according to claim 227, wherein said control signal comprises an electric, magnetic or electric and magnetic field.

231. The apparatus according to claim 227, wherein said control signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.

232. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said control device releases energy from said external source of energy in a non-invasive manner.

233. The apparatus according to claim 190, further comprising an implantable energy transfer device adapted to transfer said wireless energy into non-thermal energy.

234. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said electromagnetic wireless energy comprises an electromagnetic field.

235. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said electromagnetic wireless energy is in the form of a digital, analog or digital and analog signal.

236. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said electromagnetic wireless energy comprises a wave signal comprising one of 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.

237. A method of treating a human or animal having anal incontinence disease, comprising:

(a) surgically implanting in the human or animal an operable restriction device engaging the human'"'"'s or animal'"'"'s colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway,

(b) providing a source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body,

(c) controlling the external source of energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to release non-magnetic wireless energy,

(d) transferring said non-magnetic wireless energy into a different form of energy,

(e) using the different form of energy to operate the restriction device, and

(f) controlling the restriction device to restrict the fecal passageway to prevent feces from passing therethrough and enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

238. A method of treating a human or animal having anal incontinence disease, comprising:

(a) surgically implanting in the human or animal an operable restriction device engaging the human'"'"'s or animal'"'"'s colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway,

(b) providing a source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body,

(c) controlling the external source of energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to release electromagnetic wireless energy,

(d) transferring said electromagnetic wireless energy into a different form of energy,

(e) using said different form of energy to operate the restriction device, and

(f) controlling the restriction device to restrict the fecal passageway to prevent feces from passing therethrough and enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.

239. A method of treating a human or animal having anal incontinence disease, comprising:

(a) surgically implanting in the human or animal an operable restriction device engaging the human'"'"'s or animal'"'"'s colon or rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway,

(b) providing a source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body,

(c) implanting a control unit in the human or animal,

(d) controlling the external source of energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to release wireless energy,

(e) transferring said wireless energy into a different form of energy,

(f) using the different form of energy to operate the restriction device, and

(g) controlling by the implanted control unit the restriction device to restrict the fecal passageway to prevent feces from passing therethrough and enlarge the fecal passageway to allow feces to readily pass therethrough.