AU2017200415A1 - Device and method for embryo control - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for treating a female patient to affect pregnancy comprising a restriction device (2) adapted to postoperatively restrict and release an oviduct (31a, 31b) of the patient. Fig. 2B Zla5 5 33 34 ---- 5 (Ile Fig. 2B

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EMBRYO CONTROL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to medical devices and treatment and, more particularly, to a device and a method for embryo control of a female patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many women have difficulties getting pregnant. Older age when trying to get pregnant with lower fertility rate is one main reason.

Artificial insemination is one way to promote pregnancy and this way has increased dramatically the last few years. However, this method is not always easy and safe and is furthermore very expensive, particularly when repeated, which often is the case.

Although uterus is prepared to receive an embryo for approximately three days it seems that the right timing is of outmost importance when fertility goes down.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Accordingly, the invention provides a pregnancy control system for affecting pregnancy of a female mammal or human patient, comprising: an implantable restriction device adapted to be implanted outside an oviduct of the patient and to be postoperatively adjusted to restrict the lumen of the oviduct; an implantable stimulation device adapted to stimulate a wall of the oviduct to cause contraction thereof; wherein at least one of the implantable restriction device and the implantable stimulation device is operable to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct and to cease restricting the oviduct lumen to admit the egg in the oviduct to be transported to the uterus.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising ”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

In a preferred aspect the invention provides a pregnancy control system for affecting pregnancy of a female mammal or human patient, comprising: an implantable restriction device adapted to be implanted outside an oviduct of the patient and to be postoperatively adjusted to restrict the lumen of the oviduct of the patient to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct and to cease restricting the oviduct lumen to admit the egg in the oviduct to be transported to the utems, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be noninvasively adjusted from outside the patient's body to restrict and cease restricting the oviduct lumen, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be reversibly adjusted by hydraulic power means comprising at least one hydraulic reservoir hydraulically connected to the restriction device to provide distribution of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic reservoir and restriction device.

Advantageously, at least in a preferred form the present invention provides a device and a method for embryo control of a female patient.

The inventive device allows the egg from the ovary to be retained in the oviduct for a couple of days to be able to achieve the right timing for egg release and thereby increasing the likelihood to get pregnant with up to 10 times. A respective restriction pregnancy device is placed on the two oviducts to restrict and release the oviduct, thereby effecting the above mentioned retaining of the egg·

To reduce any possible risk of the egg being to the wall of the oviduct the restriction device may be combined with a movement device. Such a device may comprise a vibrating device or a stimulating device. The stimulation device may create a peristaltic like wave in the oviduct. For example, a vibrating device may be provided, which causes vibrations in a hydraulic fluid or mechanically causes vibrations in the wall of the oviduct. Another embodiment is an electrical stimulation device causing contractions or stimulation waves in the upstream direction of the oviduct. The device may also be replaced by a device not permitting the flow of the egg down to the uterus but without any full restriction. This may be created by using a device causing a peristaltic like wave in the oviduct in the direction of the ovary, thus without fully closing the oviduct instead preventing further transport of the egg down to the uterus by the wave, but still allowing the sperm to reach the egg. Any possible device without restriction at all or in any combinations of partly restriction or vibration or stimulation may be used. This will then allow the egg to be accumulated in the oviduct and allowing conception to take place over a longer period of time.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of promoting pregnancy of a female patient, comprising the steps of restricting an oviduct of the patient to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and releasing the restriction to admit the at least on egg in the oviduct to allow a transport of the at least one egg to the uterus.

The restriction device is adapted to provide a restriction of the oviduct to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct and to provide a release of the oviduct after accumulating the egg normally up to three days when pregnancy is wanted to achieve right timing for pregnancy.

The restriction device may be adapted to be adjusted from outside the patients body to restrict and release the oviduct passageway, preferable adjusted from outside the patients body noninvasively.

It may also be adjusted by manual manipulation or adapted to be adjusted by electrical or magnetic power or adapted to be adjusted by hydraulic power. The hydraulic power may comprising at least one subcutaneously placed reservoir controlled by the patient.

The restriction device may of course preferable be adapted to be adjusted reversible.

The system is adapted to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and releasing the restriction when convenient for the patient to increase the likelihood to get pregnant. The predetermined period of time is adapted to be between 0 and 2 days repeated very month until pregnancy is achieved or preferable a predetermined period between 8 and 12 hours.

All embodiments and features described below may if possible be used for both, be adapted to be used with the apparatus, and being used with any of the methods described below.

Flow restriction

The device of the present kv<$#n Is well suited lor the controlling the flow of eggs into the uterus of a female patient Basically the device could foe performed is! eight different principle ways; ~ Bsriraufie restrictions, - Mechanical restrictions,, - Combination of any hydraulic of mechanical restriction device wt^-a:-stim0lati<»i''deviGe''ibr' restricting, and ~ Stimdaticn device alone, * Vary the restriction area. Any of these in any rinhbmation could be used to over time vary the restriction area of the oviduct fern one portion to another one and later back again.

Several different areas could be involved in such a system to vary the 'restriction poriion/area. This would allow the oviduct to recover the restricted area still 9 longer period. s Using a moving device. When the restriction area bdngunpyed letwiem^fllTOat areas, specially when the restriction is moved upstream towards die-ovary, it may be convenient to pse a moving device, to avoid any egg being squeezed in a new upstream restriction area and by mistake being released tor iorifoer downstream transportation when the restriction being released and moved further upstream. The moving device may be adapted to create a movement of the oviduct wall to create a movement of any egg placed in the new upcoming restricted area. This could be caused by any of the above mentioned restriction devices, mechanical, hydraulicof stimulation device alone or in my combination, but may also be a separate device which also may fee a mechanical, a hydraulic or a stimulation device, In one embodiment the moving device cause vibrations. ~ Peristaltic like wave movement of the ovidnet wall towards the ovary. Another principle is to stop tlm egg reaching the uterus by creating peristaltic wave like movements of the ovidnot wall

Such peristaltic wave like movements upstream direction towards the ovary may stop flow of any egg towards restricting the ovidnet to allow any sperm to pass and also - like wave movement of the oviduct wall towards the uteres by being able to cause movement of the egg down to uterus with a down stream peristaltic wave*

These areas will he outlined below. iiieisTgsta^gi

Wherethe operation device hydraulically operates the constriction device of the restriction or combined testrietiooAdmuiafiQU unit (d), ft includes hydraulic means tor adjusting the device.

In an embodiment of the iftventions the hydraulic means comprise a reservoir and an expandahle/cpntmedfcle cavity in the constriction devied, wherein d® operation device distributes hydraulic fluidSmut dm reservoir to expand the cavity hydraulic fluid from tire cavity to the reservoir to contract the cavity. Tlie carity may he defined by a baboon of die constriction device that abuts the tissue wall portion of the patients organ, so that the patienTs wall poriion rs constricted upon expansion of the cavity and Messed upon contraction of the cavity.

Alternatively, tire cavity may he defined by a hollows that displaces a relatively large contraction element of the constriction device, for example a large balloon that abuts the wall portion, so that the patient’swall portion is constricted upon contraction of the bellows and released upon expansion of the bellows. Thus, a relatively small addition of hydraulic fluid to the bellows causes a relatively large increase in the eoustrietibn of the wall portion. Such a bellows may also be replaced by a suitably designed piston/eyfinder mechanism.

Where the hydraulic means comprises a cavity in the amsriietion device, the apparatus of the invention can he designed in accordance with the options listed below. 1} The reservoir comprises first and second wall portions, and the operation device displaces the first and second wall portions mlaiive to each other to change the volume of the reservoir, such that fluid is distributed •ftem'fereservuhr^^C'.Pa^tyj-or fiem the cavity to the reservoir. la) Tie first and second wall portions of the fesenmir are displaceable relative to each other by at least one of a magnetic device, a hydraulic device or an electriccontrol device, j) The appatatas comprises a fluid eonduh between the reservoir and the cavity, wherein the reservoir forms pari of the conduit, The conduit and reservoir and apparatus are devoid of any non-return valve. The reservoir forms a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and distributes fluid from the chamber to the cavity by a reduction in the volume of the chamber and withdraws fluid from the cavity by an expansion of the volume of the chamber. The apparatus further comprises a motor for driving the reservoir, comprising a movable wall of the reservoir for changing the vol ume of the chamber.

Is a special embodiment of the invention, the operation device comprises a reverse servo operatively connected to the hydrsolie means. The term “reverse servo” is to be understood as a mechanism that transfers a strong force acting on a moving element having a short stroke 'into a weak force acting on another moving element having a long stroke; i.e , the reverse function of a normal servo mechanism. Thus, minor changes in the amomtt of fluid in a smaller reservoir could he transferred by the reverse servo into major changes in the amount of iuM In a larger reservoir. The reverse servo is particularly suited lor manual opemdon

Preferably a manually operated reservoir could be placed subcutaneously for manual manipulation thereof

Mechanical restriction

Where the operation device mechanically operates the device or the resUictiou/stimiiiaiion iinit (d|, it may be non-inilatable. Furthermore, the operation device may comprise a servo device, which may include a gearbox. The term “servo normal definition of a servo mechanism,, i, a., an automatic device that controls large amounts of power by means Of very small amounts of power, but may alternatively or additionally encompass the defini iron of a mechanism that transfers a weak force acting on a moving element having a long stroke into a strong force aeting on another moving element having a #ait Stroke. Preferably, theoperation device operates the constriction device in a nonmagnetic and/or non-mannai manner. A motot may he operatively connected to the operation device. The operation device may be operable to perform at least one reversible fenction and the motor may be capable of reversing the function.

Combination of mechanical or hydraulic device and a stimtdation device

The present invention provides an advantageous combination of mstrictlon and simulation devices, which results in a two-stage influence on the flow of eggs in the lumen of the oviduct device may gently constrict fife tissue wall of the oviduct wall by applying» relatively weak force against .the wall portion, and the stimulation device may stimulate the Constricted wall portion to achieve the desired final inEuenee on the how in the luroen. the phrase “gently constricting a portion of the tissue wair is to be Understood as restricting the wall portion without substantially hampering the blood circulation in fee tissue wall,

In accordance with a first Sow restriction option, the control device controls the constriction device to constrict the wali portion, such that flow in the lumen is restricted or stopped, and controls the stimulation device to stinfelate the constricted wall portion to cause routiaetiou thereof such that flow in the lumen is further restricted or more safely stopped. More precisely, a control device may control the stimulation device in a first mode to stimulate the constricted wall portion to fufthet restrict or stop the flow in the lumen and tot. a) control the stimulation device lit a second mode to cease the stimulation of the wail portion to increase the Sow in the lumen; or b) control the stimulation and constriction devices In the second mode to cease the stimulation of the wall portion and release the wall portion to restore the how in the lumen.

Thus both a method for controlling the flow in the lumen and an apparatus adapted to control the flow in the lumen may he implemented according to different embodiments and features in any combination described in this document, d) Stimulation device alone, which could both 1) restrict by stimulation and 2) also creating peristaltic wave like movements to if a) upstream, stop flow without fully mstrieting the oviduct and also b) being able to cause rooveineoi of the egg down to uterus with a down stream peristaltic wave;

Preferably, the stimu1ati©e;tievtee. I.s adapted to stimulate different areas of tire wall portion as the device restricts the wall portion, and fbe control device controls the stimulation device to Intermittently and individually stimulate the areas of the wall portion- This intermittent and individual stimulation of different areas of the wall portion of the oviduct allows tissue of the wall norma! blood circulation during the operation of the apparatus of the invention.

The Mmtilation Of different areas may be used both for closing the lumen In a safe Way but also be used for creating a peristaltic wave in the oviduct

Movement of the eng in fbe oviduct lumen la one embodiment the device is adapts to constrict the wall portion to restrict or vary the Sow id the lumen, and the control devlee controls fee stimoiahoo device to progressively stimulate the constricted wall portion, in the dowmstremn or upstream direetion of the lumen. to cause to move the egg downstreams in the lumen or prevent further to the uterus.

The device Is preferable controlled from ofossde the body in a manual way. The device may also he powered. A control device may be supplied. The control device suitably controls the device or the stimulation device dr r^tdetjordstimulatioa unit from outside the patient· s body. Preferably, the control device is operable by the patient, Tor example, the control device may comprise a manually operable switch for switching on and off the eonstrieireiVstimulatiors unit, wherein the switeh is adapted for snbcutaneons implantation in the patient to he manually or magnetically operated from outside the patient* s body. Alternatively, the control device may comprise a feandfoeld wireless remote control, which is conveniently operable by the patient to switch on and off the constriction/stlmulation unit. The wireless remote control may also fee designed for application on the patient* s body like a wratwateh, Such a wristwatch type of remote control may emit a control signal that follows the patient’s body to implanted signal responsive means of the apparatus.

In a preferred- embodiment of the invention, the constri ction device is adjustable to enable adjustment of the constriction of the wall portion ns desired, wherein the control device eonirels the the constriction of the wall portiere The control device may control foe^ constriction and stimulation devices independently of each other, and simuitanoouriy, Optionally, the control device may control the stimulation device to stimulate, or to not stimulate the wall portion While the control device controls the constriction device to change the constriction of the wall portiere

Initially, the constriction device may he calibrated fey using tbe control deviee to control the simulation device to stimulate the-wall portion, while controlling the coOstrietidn device to adjust the eonstrietion of the wall portion until the desired restriction of foe flow in the lumen is obtained.

Regarding Stimulation alone or In combination with a device

Tire control device may control the stimulation device to stimulate one or more of the areas of the wall portion at a titne, tor exampleby seqtfontklly stimnlating the different areas. Furthermore, the control device may control foe stimulation devi ce to cyclically propagate the stimulation of the areas along the wal l portion, preferably in accordance withadetemuned stimulation pattern. To achieve foe desired reaction of the tissue wall during the stimulation thereof, the control device may control the simulation device to, preferably cyclically, vary the intensify of the stimulation of the wdl portion.

In a preferred embodiment of fbe invention, the control device controls the stimulation device to imermittehtly stimulate the areas of the wall portion with: pulses that preferably form pulse trams. At least a first area and a second area of the areas of the wall portion may be repeatedly stimul ated with a first pulse train and a second pulse train, respect!vely, such that the fesf and second poise trains over time are shifted relative to each other. For example, the first area may he stimulated with the first pulse train, while the second area Is not stimulated with said second pulse train, and vice versa. Alternatively, the first' and second pulse trains may bo shifted relative to each other, such that the first and second pulse trains at least partially overlap each other.

The pulse trains can he configured in many different, ways. Thus, the control device may control the stimulation devi ce to vary the amplitudes of the pulses of the pulse trains, the duty cycle of the individual pulses ofeach pulse train, the width of each pulse of the pulse trains, the length of each pulse train, the repetition frequency of the pulses of the pulse trains, the repetition JfeifUchcy of the pulse trains, the number of pulses of each pulse train, and/or the off time pepods Between the pulse trains. Several pulse trains of different configurations may be emplo^d to achieve the desired effect.

In ease the coniroi device controls the stimulation device to vary the o0ftnre periods between pulse trains that stimulate the respective area of the wail portion. It is also possible to eontiol each off time period between pulse trains to last long enough to restore substantially normal blood circulation in five area when the latter is not stimulated during tire o#time periods.

An electric stimulation device sui tably composes at least one, preferably a plurality of electrical elements, such as electrodes, forengaging and ftimulafingidie wall portion with electric pulses, Optionally, the electrical elements may be placed in a fixed orientation relative to one anntheoThe control device controls the electric stimulation device to: electrically energiae the electrical dements, one at a time, or groups of electrical elements at a time-Preferably, the control device controls the electric stimulation device to cyclically energize each element with electric pulses. Optionally, the control device may control the stimulation device to energize the electrical elements, such that the electrical elemen ts aid energirred one at a time in sequence, or such that a number or groups of die electiieal elements are energized at the same time, Also, groups of electrical elements may be segaentially ener^Eed, either randomly or in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

The electrical elements may fonts any f aticm ©f electrical elements* Preferably, the electrical elements form an elongate pattern of electrical elements, wherein the electrical elements are applicable on the patient’s wall of the organ, such that the elongate pattern of electrical elements extends letigth wlse along the wall of the organ, and the elements abet the respective areas of the wall portion. The elongate pattern of elec trical elements may incl ude one or more ro ws of electri cal elements extending lengthwise along the wall of the organ. Bach row of electrical elements may form a Straight hell zig-zag path of electrical elements, or any form of paihf The control device may control the stimulation device to successively energize the electrical elements longitudinaily along the elongate pattern of electrical elements in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as that Of the How in· the patient’s Inmen.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical elements form a plurality of groups of elements, wherein the groups form a series of groups extending along the patient’s organ in.the Sow direction in the patient’s lumen. The electrical elements of each gmop of electrical elements may ions a path of elements extending at least in part around the patienTs organ, In a first alternative, the electrical elements of each group of electrical; elements may form more than two paths of elements extending on dillerent sides of the pad ends organ, preferably substantially transverse to the flow direction in the patient’s lumen. The control device may eontml ttic stimulation device to energize the groups of electrical elements In the series of groups in random, or in accordance with a predetermined pattern. 4ftematiyeiy, the control device may control the stimulation device to successively energize the groups of electri cal elements in the series of groups in a direction opposite to, or in the same direction as that of the flow in the patient’s lumen, or in both said dimeHons starting from a posi tion substantially at the center of the constricted wall portion. For example, groups of energized electrical elements may fomt advancing waves Of energized electrical elements, as described above; that is, she control device may control the stimulation device to energize the groups of electrical elements, such that energized cleetrical elements form two weaves of energized electrical elements that simultaneously advance from the center of the constricted wall portion in two opposite directions towards both ends of the elongate pattern of electrical elements.

Sensor

The control devi ce may control the stimulation device to change the stimulation of the wall portion in response to a sensed physical parameter pf the patient or functional parameter of the device. For example, the control device may control the stimulation device to increase the intensity of foe stimulation of foe wall portion in response to a sensed pressure increase: in the oviduct, such that the low in foe oviduct remains stopped. Any sensor for sensing a physical parameter of the patient, such as a pressure in foe patient's body that relates to the pressure in the ovidiiet may he provided, wherein foe eontrol device controls the stimulation device in response to signals hom the sensor. Such a sensor may for example sense the pressure ip the patient s abdomen, the pressure against the implanted constriction device or the pressure on the tissue wall of the bodily organ.

For example, a hormone level sensor may he is used for eontrfolihg flow of the egg.

Sensor Controlled Restrietfon and/or Stimulation Device

As mentioned above, foe device may comprise at least one imfoafoable sensor, wherein foe control device controls foe constriction device and/or the stimulationdevice in response to signals horn the sensor, Generally, the sensor directly or mdirectiy senses at least one physical parameter of foe pati ent or at least one fonfoional paimiefor pf the device, or at least one functional parameter of a medical implant in the patient.

The system is further preferable adapted to send feedback information form inside the body to the outside thereof to gi ve feed hack related to any fonetional parameter of foe device or physical parameter o f the patient.

The fonetional parameter of the device may be correlated to foe transfer of energy for charging the internal energy .source mentioned In other places.

The functional parameter of the device may be the energy balance, foebalance between the energy received and the energy used mcluidii^n0<^foated'by.foe'^fo^b6 Md the energy balance could also include the balance between an energy reception rate and an energy using including accumulating rate.

Many fofferent kinds of sensor for sensing physical parameters may be used.

The control device may comprise an implantable internal control unit that directly controls foe constriction device and/or stimulation device In response to signals fern the sensor. The eontrol device may further comprise a wireless remote eontrol adapted to set control parameters of the internal control unit horn outside the patient without mechanically penetrating foe patient At least one of the control parameters, which is settable by the m0le^';«^fo;'<»«.tmT#'fopph5^c4:-0t' funcrional parameter, Suitably, the internal control ia»t includes die above mentioned dock mechanism, whereinthe wireless muote control also is adapted to set the dock mechanism.

Alternatively, the control device may comprise ah external control unit outside the patient’s body tor controlling die constriction device and/or dfedation device in response to signals from the season

Adjustable Constriction Device

In several dilative ernbodiments of the invenrion, the constriction device is adiestable. la these embodiments* there Is an operation device for operating the adjustable constriction device to change the eonstnciion of the patient ’s tissne wall portion, and the eonstrldion and stimtdaittondevio^:f0^''ai'<^i^ehon/stimokdpfivhiPftt Preferably, the constriction and :§hhtnltdildn^yieesof^'^n^iiiction/$dmulatiQn noli are integrated in a single piece suitable for implantation, The constriction deviee of the unit comprises contact surfaces dimensioned to contact a length of a tissue wall portion of a patient’s or^,':tkd'^e^^a»|d#lhn device of the unit comprises a plurality of stimulation elements provided on and distributed along die contact surfaces. When the control deviee controls die stimulation device to stim ulate the wall portion,, ί^©''^ίΐβιήΐ3ίιοή··βί6ίροηΐ8. stimulate diflerent areas of the wail portion along the length ofthe wall portion. The stimulation elements preferably aimprise electric elements, as described above* for simulating the wail portion with electric pulses, However* in most applt cations of the pmsent invention, other kinds of stirnul aiions, such as thermal stimulation, could be suitable to employ.

The operation device operates the adjustable constriction device of tile consmction/stinmlation unit in a manner that depends on the design of the constriction device, as will he explained by the following examples of embodiments. 1) The constriction deviee comprises at least two elongated clamping elements havi ng the contact surfaces and attending along the wall portion Oh different sides of the organ, and the operation device operates the clamping elements to clamp the wall portion between the clamping: elements m constrict the Wall portion Of the organ. 2) The constrietion device comprises Che elongate clamping element having the contact surfaces and extending along the wall portion oh one side of the organ, and the operation device operates the clamping clement to clamp the wall portion between the clamping element and the bene or tissue of the patient to eohstrief the wall portion. 3} Hie constriction device comprises at least two engagement elements having the contact surfaces and positioned on different sides of the organ* and the operation deviee rotates the engagement elements, such that the engagement elements engage and eonstoct the wall portion of'the organ. 4) The constriction device comprises at least two artiosiated clamping elements having the contact snrlaces and positioned on di fferent sides of the organ, and the operation device moves the clamping eiemehts tdwards each other to clamp the wall portion of the organ between the clamping: elements., to constrict the wall portion. $) The eonstrietion device comprises at least two separate clamping elements having the contact surfaces, at least one of the clamping elements being pivoted, such that it may turn in a plane in which the loop of the constri ction member extends, and the operation device turn s the pivoted: clamping element to change die size of the constriction opening. 6) The constriction device comprises at least one elongated constriction member having the contact surfaces, and forming means for harming the constriction member into at least a substantially closed loop around the organ, wherein the loop defines a constriction opening. The operation device operates the constriction member in the loop to change the size of the constriction opening. da) The elongated constriction member comprises a belt having the contact surfaces, and the operation device operates the belt to change the longgfodmal extension of the belt in the loop to change the size of the constriction opening. The forming means may form the .constriction member or belt into a loop having at least one predetermined size. 6b) The elongated eonstrietion member is operable to change the size of the constriction confinement sdrfaceof the constriction device is changed, or, ahematively, is unchanged. 6e)13ie elongated ainstriction member is elastic and varies in iliickness as seen in a cross-section tliere tlirough, and is operable to tom around the longitudinal^extension of the constriction member. 6d) The elongated constriction member comprises two substamMly or partly semi-eireular ifame elements having the·. contact surfaces and hinged together, such that the semi-circular elements are swingable relati ve to each other from a folly open statein which they substantially or partly term a circle fo a folly folded state in which they substantially form; a semi «circle. 7) The: Constriction device is adapted to bend the wall portion of the organ to eoasinet the latter, 1« the above opted embodiments (1) to (7), it is important that the constriction device is designed to constrict said length of the tissue wail portion of the patient’s organ. For this purpose, the constriction device may include two dr mote of the described constriction elements/members to be applied in a row along said l ength of the wall portion, wherein said row extends in the direction of Sow in the oviduct of the organ. Freterably, .such eoristrieiion elements/members are nendnflatable and mechameally operable or adjustable.

In the above noted embodiments (!) to .(7), the operation device may either mechanically or hydraulically adjust the constriction device of the eonstriction/siiffiulation unit. the operation device may comprise an eleciricaiiy powered operation device for operating the constriction device. For many applications of the present mvenrion, the operation device suitably operates the eonstrietion deviee, such that the thron^i-Sow area of the oviduct assumes a size in the constricted state that enables the stimulation device to contract the wail portion such that the flow in the oviduct is stopped.

Where the operation device mechanically operates the constriction device of the eonstrietiotPstimnlation unit, it may be ndnrinflataMe;. Furthermore, the operation device may comprise a servo device, which maT inclyde a gearbox. The term “servo device” encompasses the normal definition of a servo mechanism, i,e.s an automatic device that controls large amounts of power by means of very small amounts of power, butmay alternatively or additionally encompass the definition of a a weak hade acting on a moving element having a long stroke into a strong force acting on another moving clement having a short stroke, Freferablyj the bpeidtion device operates the constriction device In a non~magnette. and/or.non-manual· manner. A motor may be operatively connected to the operation device. The operation device may he opembie to perfdrTn at least one reversible ihaetlpP and the motor may be capable of reversing the fimetioh.

Where the operation device hydraulically operates dm constriction device of the constriction/stiniulation unit, it includes hydraulic means for 'adjusting the constriction device.

In an embodiment of the a reservoir and art ^pand^le/contraetible eavity in the operation device distributes hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to expand the cavity, and distributes hydraulic fluid from the cavity to the reservoir to contract the cavity- The cavity may be defined by a balloon of the constriction device that abuts the tissue wall portion of the patient*a organ, so that the patient s Wall portion is constricted upon expansion of the cavity and released upon coalracilon of the cavity.

Alternatively, the cavity may be deflned hy a hollows that displaces a relatively large contraction dement of the cooshietion device^ for example a large balloon that abuts the wall portion, so that the patient 's wall portion is constricted upon contraction of the bellows and luicased upon expansion of the bellows. Thus, a relatively small addition of hydraulic fluid to the bellows causes a relatively large increase in the constriction of the wall portion. Such a bellows may also be Replaced by a suitably designed pision/eyliuder mechanism.

Where the hydrau l ic means comprises a cavity in the constricfioh device, the device of the invention can be designed in accordance with the options listed below. 1) Tire reservoir comprises first and second wall portions, and il^op&amp;sft&amp;n device displaces tire first and second wall portions relative to each other to change the volume of the reservoir, such that fluid is distributed from the reservoir to the cavity, or irons the cavity to the reservoir, la) The first and second wall portions ef^::t^wok^d%laceable:retatiye to each other by at least one of a magnetic device., a hydraulic device or an electric control device. :¾) The operation device comprises a pump for pumping fluid between the reservoir and the cavity. 2a) The pump comprises a first activation member for activating the pump to pump fluid from the reservoir to the cavity and a second activation member for activating the pump to pump fluid froth tbe cavity to the reservoir, 2a I) The first and second aefi vation members are operable by manual manipulation thereof, 2a2) At least one of the activation members operates when subjected to an external psedetennined pressure. 2a3) At least one ofthe first and second aetivaiing members is operable by magnetic means, hydraulic means, or electric control means. lb) The device comprises a fluid conduit between the pump and the cavity, wdierein^ ihe#se?vok fcrms part of the conduit. The conduit and pump are devoid of any nonreturn valve. The reservoir forms a fluid chfsmber ^^a'V«riable'Volum%;i9Si4 the pump dlsinbufes fluid horn the chamber to the cavity' by a reduction in the volume of the chamber and withdraws fluid fhom the cavity by an.expansion of the volume of the chamber, The device further composes a motor for driving the pump, wherein the pump·comprisesa movable wail of the reservoir for changing the volume of the chamber. in all of dte #ove noted embodiments 1 to 2b where the hydraulic means comprises an expandable cavity in the constriction device, the cavity can he exchanged by a eyhnder/pistpa mechanism Tor adjusting the conshiction device. In this case, the operatiion device distnbntes hydraulic fluid between the^ resetvoir and the cylinder/piston mechanism to adjust the constriction device.

In a special embodiment of the invention, the operation device comprises a reverse servo operati vely connected to the hydraulic means. The tern ‘Teverse servo” is to be understood as a mechanism that transfers a strong force acting on a moving element having a short stroke; into a weak force acting on another moving element having a long stroke; he., the reverse function of a normal servo mechanism. Thus, minor changes in the amount of thud in a smaller reservoir could he transferred by the reverse servo into major changes in the amount of fluid in a largjBr'S^ervpirhT^^^esavo is particularly suited for manual operation thereof.

Preferably, the reverse servo comprises an expandable servo reservoir containing servo fluid and a fluid supply reservoir hydraulically connected to the servo reservoir to form a closed conduit device for the servo fluid. The expandable servo reservoir has first and second wall portions, which are displaceable relative to each other in response to a change in the volume of the expandable servo reservoir.

In accordance with a first alternative, 'the first and second wall portions of the servo reservoir are operatively connected to the hydraulic means. The reverse servo distributes fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the expandable the volume of the servo reservoir, whereby the hydraulic means is operated to adjust the constriction device. )h accordance With a second alternati ve, there is provided implantable mam containing a predetermined amount of hydraulic fluid, wherein the reverse servo is operable to distribute hydraulic fluid between the main reservoir and the hydraulic means to adjust the constriction levies*, More specifically, fhe main reservoir is provided with first and second wall portions operatively connected to the first and second wall portions of the expandable servo reservoir, such feat the volume of the main reservoir is changed when the volume of the expandable Servo reservoir is changed. Thus, when the reverse servo distributes servo fluid between the fired supply reservoir and the expandable servo reservoir to change the volume of the main reservoir, hydraulic fluid is distributed: from the main reservoir to the hydraulic means, or from the hydnsnlie:metuis;in:'&amp;e:'nmn re^^oib^-^yiaJtageonsl^ihe servo and main reservoirs are dimensioned, such that when the volume of the servo reservoir is changed by a relatively small volume of the main reservoir Is changed by a relatively large amount of hydranhe fluid.

In bot h of the above-desefibed aitemafi ves, the fluid supply pservoirinay have first and second wall portions, which arc displaceable relative to each other to change the volume of the fluid supply reservoir to distribute servo fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the expandable servo reservoir. Thefirst and second wall portions of the fluid supply reservoir may be displaceable relativeto each other by manual manipulation, afnagnetic device, a bydfaulie device, or an elecirte control device to change the volume of the fluid supply reservoir to distribute servo fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and tire expandable servo reservoir.

In all of the above noted embodiments 1 to 2b where the hydrauberneans comprises an expandable cavity in the constriction device, or in embodiments where the hydraulic means comprises a hydraulically operable mechanical1 construction, the operation device may include the reverse servo described above, In a further embodiment of the inven tion, the hydraulic means include first and second hydraulically interconnected expandable/eontractihle pservoirs. The first reservoir is operatively connected to the constriction device, such that the constriction device changes the constriction of the patient’s wall portion upon expansion or con traction of the fifst Pservoir. By ehar^i^^e'Mteip'of'fliee second reservoir hydraulic fluid is distributed between the two pservoirs, so that the first reservoir is either expanded or contracted. This· embodiment requires no non-retum valve in, the fluid communication conduiIs between the two reservoirs, which Is beneficial to long-term operation of the hydraulic means.

Alternatively, the hydraulic means may include first and second hydraulically interconnected pisfon/eyiindef mechanisms instead of dm first and second reservoirs described above, The first pistonfeyhnder mechanism is opemtively emtneeted to the eonsmefion device, such that the constriction device changes the constriction of the patient’ s wall ροτήφ.ιφ$:.?φ^ίόη of the first pistoii/cyhnder rneeliaoism. By operating the second .pisten/cyiin$es rneehanisin hydraulic fluid is distributed between the two pistoO/cylmder mechanisms, m that the first pisfonfoylinder meehanistn adjusts the eensfoctfoh device.

Where the constrietfori device does not include an. expatidable/coniractible cavityf the constriction device may comprise at least two elongated clamping elements having the above* mentioned contact surfaces and extending along the wall portion 00 different sides of the prgatt. The hydranhe means, which may include the reverse servo described above, hydraulically moves the elongated clamping elements towards the wall portion to constrict the Wall portion. Fof cxamples the constriction device may have hydraulic chambers in which the pimping elements slide back and forth, and the hydraulic means may also include a pump and an implantable reservoir containing hydraulic fluito The pomp distributes hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the chambers to move the clamping elements against the wall portion, and distributes hydraulic fluid bom the chambers to the reservoir to move the clamping elements away from the wall portion.

More than one restriction area

The restriction device independentof which type or combination of types preferable comprises a more than one restriction area being adapted to change the restriction area over time. Hits will prevent any damage to foe oviduct still fepmg the ovdduct dosed avoiding any egg to pas down to the uterus thus avoiding pregnancy. in one embodiment the system comprising a hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction or more reservoirs with hydraulic fluid, said reservoirs adapted to he reflated to move fluid from said reservoirs individually to ceeh of the connected restriction areas, ft is possible to use only one reservoir if valves instead control to which restriction the hydraulic fluid is acting on. lie hydraulic restriction ar#s Is adapted id be restricted for a predetemrined time period preferable with some overlap in time and adapted to first restrict toe restriction area closest to the ovary then changing restriction area towards the uterus. ’This way therestriction may all the time be kept but without risking to have any egg to pas when changing restriction area both because of the overlap in restriction and also because restriction is started first closest to the ovary where the egg is released.

The hydraulic restriction areas may be adapted to be regelated by manual manipulation thereof

The system may also he adapted to have the changes of the restriction area cause a peristaltic wave like restriction wavein ihe dh^tion towards the ovary to prevent the egg being transported down to the uterus, This peristaltic wave may be caused by any of the different types of restriction devices or combinations described eariien This wave could prevent tire egg being transported down to the uterus also without folly restricting the oviduct. This would then allow the sperm to reach the egg during the accumulation period of a few days, thus increasing likelihood of pregnancy even further.

Tire restriction device may also be adapted to effecta transport of the at least one egg to the uterus upon release of the oviduct This may be with a peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the opposite direction towards the uterus. A system of mcreasMg likelihood of pregnancy may he adapted to restrict a first part or area of an oviduct of the patient to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released hum the ovary In the oviduct for a predetenninecl period of time, and adapted to restrict a second part of the o viduct and thereafter release the restriction of the first part and also later release the restriction of the second part, thereby allowtransport of the egg down to the uterus or the system may further he adapted to also restrict a third part of the oviduct aid releasethe restriction of the second part also it may further he adapted to release the restriction of the third- part thereby allow transport of the egg down to the uterus or the system may he adapted to restrict a fourth pari of the oviduct and release the restriction of the third part, finally it may fee further adapted to release the restriction of die fourth part, thereby allow transport of the egg down to the uterus*

The number of restriction areas has no limitexcept practical size Issues-and tbe restriction time period Is piefemble divided between the restriction areas. Either the restriction area is moved from the ovary and further down towards the uterus step bv step thus avoiding any interference with-any accumulated egg being involved in 'any restriction area if a certain overlap in time is ftiMlled between the consecutive restrictionareas in use or the restriction areas are moved both up- and down-stream then preferable Using a pm Yemeni device to move: the egg in the oviduct to avoid any egg being squeezed in any restricrion area when·restriction are moved towaMs the ovary or having the peristaltic' like wave moving towards the ovary keeping the egg accumulated in the oviduct without fully restricting the same.

Preferable 4 hydraulic restriction device 0¾ partly restricting the oviduct is used maybe in combination with a stimulation device to cause the peristaltic wave hi the oviduct. With the stimulation device it is then possible to move the restriction area.. The hydraulic device may for example have the movement function to cause the movements necessary.

Any combination is possible of mechanical hydraulic or stimulation device or separate use of the same.

In summary preferable more than two restricting areas is used and varying the restricting area while at least one restricting area is closed when the device being in restriction mode,

If the device is adapted to restrict the first part of the oviduct closest to the ovary it will allow the second restriction being restricted without egg.

There are no limit how many areas could be restricted except practical and slae issues.

Moving ip restriction from the ovary and down towards the uterus is then the preferred way of doing it for example three restrictions could share a time period of three clays with one day each to not risking to in any way damage the oviduct, A system adapted to restrict the restriction areas in consecutive order starting with the restriction area, part of the oviduct, closest to. fhe"'6vary new area one step closer to the uterus and further adapted to overly in time the rertrietion of more than one restriction area will allow to restrict without mlerteriug with any accumulated egg,

PBMSTAUflC LIKE WAVE OVIDUCT WALL MOVEMENTS

The restriction device may be adapted to only partly restrict the oviduct and to create peristalti c wave like movements of a pari of the oviduct(s) wall to prevent the transport of an egg in an oviduct to the uterus of the human or mammal patient, and therefore accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the ovkluct for a predetermined period of time, and wherein the sperm is able to reach the egg dming the time the egg is accumulated because the oviduct is only partly restricted, and the restriction device further adapted to release the egg, controlled from outside the. body» to allow the at least on egg m the oviduct a transport to the Uterus.

The device is then preferable adapted to comprise at least one restricted area adapted to at least partly restrict and change the restriction area over time most likely adapted to comprise two or more restricted areas adapted to at least partly restrict dllletent poriiofts of the oviduct and change fee restriction area oyer time*

The change of fee restriction area may fee adapted to cause a peristaltic wave like wave in the direction towards the ovary to prevent the egg being transported down to the uterus.

The restriction device may comprise a hydraulic device or a mechanical device or a stimulation device adapted to cause said peristaltic wa^ like resdicSiou wave.

The device is adapted to allow a transport of fee at learn one egg to the uterus upon release of the oviduct and may even cause a another pedataldc wave like restriction wave in the opposite direction towards the uteres,

The device is adapted to he adjusted which could he done by manual manipulationor eleetrieal or magnetic power.

The restriction areas is only partly restricted to allow the sperm to reach the egg and the device adapted to prevent the egg to temporary reach the uterus with the peristaltic wave, to accumulate the egg temporary in the oviduct to allow increased likelihood forgregnancy to prolong the time period the egg being reachable by fee sperm.

When the reshietion areas is completely restricted to prevent the egg to temporary reach the uterus, the timing of the release of the egg is crucial after having accumulated fee egg temporary in the oviduct the whole procedure to allow increased likelihood for pregnancy when released,

The restrictiou deviee is adapted to and intended to repeatedly every month repeat fee posh operational and non4nvastve regulation of feedevice actively reversible to prevent transport of an egg from fee Ovary to fee uterus in the ovidnet of the patient and reverse the function by allowing fee norma! transport of the egg ftom fee ovary to the uteres until pregnancy has been achieved.

The device may comprise a mechanical device or a hydraulic device or a stimulation device adapted to cause said peristaltic like wave towards fee ovary,

Restriction embodiments

The restriction device may comprises a mechanical restriction device or a hydraulic restriction device or a stimalaiiott deviee or a stimulation device In combination with a mechanical or hydraulic restriction device or any other combination.

The method may include a hydraulic restriction device comprising a reservoir, for moving gas ortfeid foor from said restriction deviee and wherein said resereoiris placed sutwuianeously for L being reached by the patients hand for ii moving fluid manually to or from said restriction device

Preferable two or more reservoirs could be used for restricting different areas, starting with the area closest to the ovary.

Method movemeaf device

The nmvenrent device is adapted to move the egg out of a varied- upcoming new restricted area before a new area Is restricted useful if the restriction need to be moved also in the direction towarfs the ovary in which case the egg could slip through if being sgueexed by one restriction area and later released.

The movement device may beThe same device as the restrietion device, adapted to work differently when restricting or causing: mo vements of the egg or it may be a different deviee as the msirietion device adapted to work differently when restricting or causing movements of the egg.

The movement device may cause vibration or wave like movements in the oviduct wall thereby causing movements of the egg.

FURTH ER METHODS A method of promoting pregnancy of a female mammal or human patienfr may comprise the following steps: hestricting an oviduct of the patient postoperativety to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary In the oviduct for a predetermined period of fimej: and releasing the restriction to admit any egg in foe oviduct a transport to the uterus contebllmgthe testricting and nrieping procedures front outsidethe patients body.

In this and ^^r'p^ho#:^''|»tdetissjp^<y''|^od of time is adapted to avoid pregnancy and may be between 0 and 2 days or preferable 8--12 hours. A method for pI«pmgtai)4::^nfeolIifig:b^:;to^Isaded restriction devices promoting pregnancy in a human or mammal patient, the method comprising the steps of: «inserting a needle like tube into the abdomen of the patients body, ~ «sing the tube like needle like to fill the abdomen with gas thereby expanding the abdominal cavity, - placing at least two laparoscopic trocars in the patient's body, - inserting a camera through one of the trocars into fee abdomen, - inserting at least one dissecting tool ferongh a trocar and dissecting an area of at least, one portion of fee two oviducts of fee patient, - placing two implanted .restriction devices, on each of fee two oviducts ~ afeu&amp;ting fee restriction devices after fee operation at a time convenient to get pregnat thus, - the $x>m outside the patients body and - posrioperati vely restricting and releasing the two oviducts to inerepe tbe likelihood of getti ng pregnant.

Both methods abo^ve could when restrieting the oxbdoet comprising fee following steps: - mstrietihg a brst pari or area of an oviduet of fee patient to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from fee ovary in the oviduet for a predeterarined period of time, and - restricting a second part of the oviduct - releasing fee restriction of fee first part - allowing the oviduct shorter restriction periods a t each restriction area.

May also comprise fee steps ori r- releasing the restriction of the second part - allowing transport of the egg down to the uterus

May also comprise the steps of: ~ restricting a third part: of the oviduct - releasing the restriction of the second part - allowing the oviduct shorter restriction periods at each restriction area.

May also comprise the steps of: ~ releasing the restriction of the third pari - allowing transport piths egg down, to the uterus May also comprise the steps of; -restricting a fourth part, of the oviduct - releasing the restriction of the third pari - allowing the oviduct shorter restriction periods at each restriction area.

May also comprise the steps of: * releasing the restriction of the fourth part ~ allowing transport of the egg down to the uterus

In both these methods normally if the restricted fi rst part of the oviduct, being closer to die ovary'' this is, - allowing the second restriction being restricted without interfering with, any accumulated egg.

Normally these methods, - having more than two restricting: areas and - varying-the restricting area while - keeping at least one restricting area closed when restriction being wished in a preferred embodiment; the restriction areas being restricted in consecutive order starting with the restriction area, part of the oviduct, closest to the ovary thereafter - restricting any new area one step closer to the uterus * overlapping in .time the restriction of More than one restriction area thereby, ~ repricing without interfering with any accumulated egg A method may of course restriction area porfoperariyely to allow &amp;e oviduct to recover or avoid any damage from the restriction while »keeping the oviduct restricted.

Another method; pi promoting pregnancy Of a ifeaale patient, comprising the following steps : preventing the transport of an egg in an Oviduct to the uterus of the human or mammal patient. accumulating at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct tor a predetermined period of time, by «- casing a peristaltic like restriction wave m&amp;ve&amp;mt of a part: of the ©viduct(s) wall preventing the egg being transported down to the uterus while only partly restricting die oviduct, and * allowing the spermie to reach the egg during the time the eggis accumulated, and »releasing the egg post-operativeiy controlled from the outside the human body to admit the at least on egg in the oviduct to allow a transport of the at least one egg to the uterus. A method for placing the device above and controlling the Implanted device promoting pregnancy in a human or mammal patient, the; method comprising the steps oh - inserting a tube like needle into the abdomen of the patients body, - using the tube like needle like to ill the abdomen with gas thereby expanding the abdominal cavity, «placing at least two laparoscopic trocars in the patient’s body, -inserting a camera through one of the trocars into the abdomen, " inserting at least one disseeiing tool through a trocar and dissecting an area of at least one portion of the two oviducts of the patient - plaeing two parts of the implanted device, one each on the two oviduets * iflmsliing the operation and Withdrawing fee iHstri.sments alter eventual suturing and feeresfter postoperat ively' ~ adjusting the device after the operation at a time relevant to get pregnat, - outside the patients body and thereby ~ easing a perMaiiic hke wave movement of a part of the oviduet(s) wall towards the ovary preventing the egg being transported down to the uterus without fully restricting the oviduct, thereby - preventing flow of any egg to reach the uterus in the two oviducts for a predetermined period pf time and thereby accumulating any egg released from the ovary in the oyidnct(s) by ~ allowing the spermte to reach the egg during the time the egg is accumulated - releasing any egg in the oviduct from outside the body to allow the egg to In a normal way be transported down to the uterus.

Movement device: method

Another method of preventing pregnancy of a female human or mammal patient may be provided* comprising the following steps: - restricting a first part of an oviduct' of the patien t to provide a resdictioa to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and « moving the accumulated egg by said moyem^t^devi^:¢my¾^e:oviduα' towards the ovary from the restriction area, - allowing a second pari of the -oviduct closer to the o vary beihg restricted without Interfering with any accumulated egg - releasing fee restriction of the first part - repeating the restriction of fee first part * releasing the restriction of the second part - allowing fee oviduct to recover between restriction intervals.

Preferably followed by; ” repeating moving any accumulated egg by said movement device away in the oviduct towards the ovary from the restricted first area, repeating - allowing a second part of the oviduct closer to the ovary feeing restricted without interfering with any accumulated egg, further repeating - releasing the restriction ofthe first part - repeating the complete procedure allowing the ovtducA-lo-t^y^fe^eem'iS^ofiop·· intervals,

Prefhrahle also the restriction areas is adapted to be varied between three or mare areas always keeping the oviduct closed.

Said movement device may comprise a vibrating device, for causing a vibration of at least a part ofthe wall of said oviduct causing /movement of any accumulated egg, said movement being repeated^

Said movement device may comprise a mechanical device or a hydraulic device or a stimulation device or a combined device.

Design of control device

The control device suitably controls the constriction and /or stimulation unit from outside the patient’s body. Preferably, the control device is operable by the patient. For example, the control manually operable switch for switching on and off the comtriciiomstimulation unit, wherein the switch is adapted &amp;r subcutaneous implantation in the patient to be manually or magnetically operated front outside the patient* s body. Alternatively, the comrid device may comprise a hand-held wifeless remote control, which is conveniently operable by the patient to switch on and off

The wireless remote control may also he designed far application on the patient -s body lifee a wristwatch. Such a wristwatch type of remote control may emit a eont^ the patieofs body to implanted signal responsive means of the device.

Where the control device wirelessly controls the constriction/stimnlatidn unit horn outside the pariem's body, the wireless control function is preferably performed in a hon-magnetic manacr, Le., the control device controls the constriction device of the constrietion/stlmulation unit in a non-magnetic manner. The patient may use the remote control to control the tmnstrimion^siimulafion nhit to adjust the stimulation intensi ty and/or adjus t the constriction of the wall portion. The wireless remote control may comprise at least one ex terna! signal transmitter or transceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transceiver huplaniahle in lire wireless remote control preferably transmits at least signal for controlling the coiistiiction/stimulation anil The control signal may comprise a feequency, amplitude, phase modulated signal or a eombmation ihereofi and may he an analogue or a digital signal, or a combination of an analogue and digital signal. The remote control may transmit an dectromagaetie carrier wave signal for carrying the digital or analogue control signal. Also die carrier Signal may comprise digital, analogue or a combination of digital and analogue signals.

Any of the above control signals may comprise wave signal s, for example a sound wave signal, an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal, an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal or a gamma radiation signal, Alternatively^ the control signal may comprise an electric or magnetic field, or a combined electric and: magnetic held.

As mentioned above, the control signal may follow the patient’s body to implanted signal responsive means of the device.

The control device may include a programmable internal control unit, such as a microprocessor, Implantabl e in the patient lor controlling the consWictiosi/Stimnlation tplt The control device may fethef include an external control unit intended to be outside the patient’s body, wherein the internaleontmlonit is programmable by the external control unit. For example, the internal control unit may be programmable tor eontrolling the Constricdomstimnlation unit over time, suitably in accordance with an activity schedule program . The device of the invention may comprise an external data communicator and an implantable internal data communicator communicating with the external data communicator, Wherein the internal to the to the external data communicator or the external data communicator feeds data to the internal data communicator,

Source of Energy

The present invention also presents a solution for supplying energy for use in connection with the operation of the constrietion/Minfolatfon unit. Thus, in a broad sense, the present invention provides an device for controlli ng a flow of egg in a oviduct formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ, wherein the device comprises an implantable constriction device for gently constricting: a poriipn of the tissue wall to influence the flo w in the oviduct, a stimulation device for intermiliently and individoally stimnlaiing different areas of the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the Wall portion* to cause contraction of the wall portion to., further influence the flow In the oviduct, wherein the constriction and stimulation devices form an operable eonstrieiion/stimulation unit, a source of energy and a control device operable from outside the patient’s body to control the source of energy to release energy tor use in connection with the operation of the constricticuvstimulation unit In a simple form of theinva^ti(mr:foe'^Ureetpf;jedn^^:'Sudi. as a battery or accumulator, is implantable in tire patient’s body*

In a more sophisticated form of the invention, which i s preferable, the source Of energy is external to thepatienfis body and the control: device : controls the external source of energy to release wireless energy, In this sophisticated form of the invention* the device comprises an energy-transmission device that transmits the released wireless energy from outside the patient’s body to Inside the patient 's body. Among many things the wireless energy may comprise electromagnetic energy, an electric field, an eleeriomagnetie field or a magnetic field, or a combination thereof, or eleetmmagnetic waves. The energy-fransnfission device may toansmlf Wireless energy for direct use in eondedim^wifh^e'c^ie^OJSvof^ l#tvsfri<dipn^iauldfioa unit, as the wireless energy. her example, where an .electric motor or pump operate® the amstriction device, wdrele^ energy m the form of a magnetic or m electromagnetic field may be used or pump.

Thus, the motor or pump is running directly energy. This maybe achieved in two different Ways: a) using"a transforming device implanted in the patient to transform the wireless energy into preferably electric energy, and powering tlte motor or punip Wifo the transfonned energy, or b) using the wirelessly transmitted energy to directly power the motor or pump. Preferably wireless energy in the form of an electromagnetic or magnetic field is used to directly influence specific components of the motor or pump to create kinetic energy for dri ving the motor or pump .

Such components may include coils integrated in the motor or pump, or materials Influenced by magnetic fields* or permanent magnets*'Wherein foe magnetic or elecmmiagnetic field influences the coils to generate a currem for driving the motor or pump, or influences the material or permanentmagnets to create fcinefie energy for driving the motor or pump.

Preferably, the eoergyfonnsmisslon device transmits energy by at least one wireless signal, 'suitably a wave signal. The wave signal may comprise an electromagnetic wave 'signal meloding One of ap infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a microwave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal, Alternatively, the wave signal may comprise a sound· or ultrasound wave signal. The wireless signal may be a digital or analogue signal, or a combination of a digital and analogue signal.

Transforming Wireless Energy

In accordance with a particular embodiment of ^e/Inv^^o^M'-im^lantabiO/enirargy·' transihrcnmg deviee is provided for transforming wireless energy of a first form transmitted by the energy-transmission device into energy of a seeoiKi fcmg which typically is different from tlfe energy of the first form. The eonstriedonMniiilation mtit is opcaable in response to the energy of the second form. For example, first form may comprise sound waves, whereas the energy of the second form may comprise eleetric energy. In this ease, the energy-iransforming device may meiude a piezo-efeetrie element for transforming the sound waves into electric energy. Optionally, one ofthe energy of the first form and the energy of the second form may eomprise magnetic energy, kinetic energy, sound energy, chemical energy, radiant energy, electromagnetic energy, photo energy, nuclear energy or thermal energy. Prefer ably, one of the energy of the first form, and the energy of the second form is nonmagnetic, non-kinetie, nna-drenticaf non-sonic, non-nnelear or non-thermal. llte enefgy-transffosnmg device may function differently from or similar to the energy-transmission dewee. in a special embodiment, the energy-transforming device comprises at least one element, such as at least one semiconductor, having a positive region and a negative region, when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted hy the energy-transmission device, wherein the element is capable of creating an energy field between the positive and negative regions, and the energy fieM produces the energy of 'the second^form. More specifically, the element may comprise an electrical junction element, which is capable of inducing an electric field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy-transmission device, whereby foe energy of the second form comprises electrie energy.

The energy-transforming device may transform the energy of the first form directly or indirectly into the energy of the second form . An Implantable motor or pump for operating ' be provided» wherein the motor ®;ptfsp is poweredbyfoe energy of the second form. The constriction device may he operable to pei&amp;miat least one reversible function and the motor may be capable of reversing the function. For exam pie, the control, device may shift polarity of the energy of the second form to reverse the motor.

The energy-transforming device may directly power the motor or pump with the transformed energy, as the energy of the second form is being transformed from the energy of the first form, Preferably, the eitergy4ransferming device directly Q^ep^:.^e.mnstriction/stimakfion unit With the energy of the second form hr a non-magnetie,non-thennal or non-mechanical manner.

Normally, the eonstrietiQn/shmtdtdion unit comprises electrle components that are energised with electrical energy. Other implantable electric components of die device may be at least one voltage level goard or at eurrentguard, Therefore, fhe energy- transtorming device may transform the energy of the first form into a direct current or pulsating direct entrant, or a comhination of a direct current and pulsating direct current Alternatively, the encrgy-tinhsibrmhig device may transform the energy of the first form into an alternating current or a combination ofa direct and alternating ernrent

The device of the invention may comprise an internal source of energy bhplantsble in. the patient Far supplying energy for the operation of the consirittfionMimuiation unit. The device may further comprise an implantable switch operable to switch from, an “off5 mode, in which the internal source of energy is not in use, td an *onn the internal source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the consifiehoo/stimulation uuit, and/or for .^e^gi^%ihipl.anfedl electronic components of the device. The awitch may be operable by the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy-transmission device or by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy-hmisfonmug device, The described switch arrangement reduces power consumption of the device between operations.

The ihiefual source of energy may store the energy of the second form supplied by the energy^transfonuing device, In this ease, the infernal source of enetgy suitably comprises an accumulator, such as at least one capacitor dr at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery. Where the internal source of energy is. a rechargeable battery it may be charged only at times convenient for the patient for example #hen the patient is sleeping. Alternatively, the internal source of energy may supply energy lor foe operation of the constrictiom'stimulaiion unit but not. he used for storing the energy of the second form, in this· alternative, the internal source of energy may he a hatiery and the switch described above may or May not fee provided.

Suitably, the device of the invention comprises an implantable stabiliser for stabilizing the energy of the second form , Where the energy of the second foim is MeMtie energy the stabilizer suitably comprises at least one capacitor.

Hie energy- transforming device may be designed tor implamaiion subctttaneoesly in the abdomen, thorax or cephalic region of the.patieM. Aiter«ativeiy, d may fee designed for implantation in an orifice of the patient’s body and under Me macesa or inn-amosenlarly outside the mucosa of the orifice;

Although foe constiiction/stimMation unit in the embodiments described above is designed as S single piece, which is most practical for implantation, it should be noted that as an alternative the constriction device and stimulation device could fee designed as separate pieces. Any one of the constriction and stimulation Units described above may alternatively be replaced fey two or more separate constriction/stimulation elements, which are controlled Independently of one another.

Where the a device is used for controlling the How of eggs info the uterus of a female, the device comprises φ device for constricting each one of the female’s uterine tubes to restrict the passageway thereof, and a control device for controlhug said constriction device to constrict the uterine tube such that an egg appearing is the passagevvay of the uterine tube is preventedfoom entering the uterine cavity, and to release the uterine tube such that an egg existing in the passageway of the uterine tube is allowed to enter the uterine cavity. The constri ction device may gently constrict at least one portion of the tissue wall of the uterine tube to restrict the passageway thereof! and an implantable stimulation device may be provided for stimulating the tissue wall portion, wherein the control device controls said stimulation device to stimulate foe tissue watlgorifon, as said constriction device constricts the tissue wall: portion, to cause contraction of the issue wall portion to further restrict foe passageway of the uterine tube;

Alternatively, the egg flow control device comprises an implantable constricion device for gently constricting at least one portion of the tissue wall of each one of the female’s uterine tubes to restrict the passageway thereof a stimulation device for stimulating the tissue Wall portion of the uterine tube, and a control device for cohirolling said stimulation device to stiMulate the tissue wall portion, as said constriction device constricts the tissue wall portion. to cause emrtraetion of the tissue wall .^rtion to .strict the passageway of the uterine tube to piovem mi egg existing in the uterine tube flom entering the uterine cavity.

Alternatively* the egg: Sow control device comprises art implantable stimulation device for 'Stimulating a portion of the tissue wall of each one. of the females uterine tubes, and a control device for controlling said stimulation device to stimulate the tissue wail portion of the uterine tube to cause contraction of the tissue wall portion, such that the passageway of the uterine tube is restricted to prevent an egg appearing in the uterine tube from entering foe uterine cavity, and to cease stimulating the tissue wall portion of the uterine tube to allow an egg existing in the passageway of the uterine tube to enter the uterine cavity.

The present in vention also pro vides a method for using an de vice as described above to control a flow of egg in a oviduct formed by a tissue null of a patient's organ, the method comprising; providing a wireless remote control adapted to control the constriction device and/or stimulation:device from outside the patient's body, and operating the wireless remote control by the patient, when the patient wants to influence the flow of egg in the oviduct.

The presen t invention also provides a method for controlling a flow of egg in a oviduct formed by a tissue wall of a patient’s organ, the method comprising: a) gently constricting at least one portion of the tissue wall to Influence tlfo flow in the oviduct, and b) stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the oviduet,

ΒΚΙΒΕ DESCRIPTION QP THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1A illustrates a deviceaccordingto the invention applied on the oviducts of a female patient,wherein' devices are in a non-restrieting operating state.

Mg, I B is a view similar to that of Fig, 1 A, but wherein devices are in a restricting operating states

Fig. 2A illustrates a device according to the invention with remote control applied on the oviducts of a feniaie patient, wherein devices are in a aon^restriming operating state.

Fig, 2B is a view similar to thatofiFig, : 2A, but wherein 4^ices a re^rictmg operating slate.

Fig, 3 A Is a schematic view of a hydraulic operation means wi th a subcutaneously placed reservoir soiled ior operating the device of the embodiments oCFig, I A , 1B.

Fig, 3B shows dm embodiment of'Fig, 3A with the constriction device constricting a tissue wail of a patient’s oviduct. fig. 4A is a seheunafieview of mechanical operation means salted for operating the constriction device of the embodiments of Figs. 2»! 1.

Mg, 43 shows the embodiment of Fig, 4A with the constriction device constricting a tissue wall of a patient’s organ.

Fig. 4C shows a modification of the embodiment of Fig, 4B.

Figs* §4, SB and 5C are cmss-sections of the different states of operations with the device applied on a tissne wall of a pafienFs organ.

Figs. ^.6B'and-^.8m.^o^rS@tdi0nsofat^pdtfi<^oa::iof;^e.mi^imc®.t-0f.Fi;ig* 2 showing different states of operations with the detdoe applied on a tissue wall of a patient’s organ,

Pigs, 74, 7B, 7C, 70 and 7i schematically illustrate different states of operation of a general embodiment of an device according to the present invention,

Figs,: 7Fi7G and 7H illustrate diffident states of operation of a modification of the general embodiment

Figs, 71, 7K and 7L illnstrate an alternative mode of operation of the modification of the general embodiment.

Fig, $4 is a pulse/timediagram showing electric stimulation pulses generated by the device of the invention for stimulating a tissue wall of a patient’s organ. fig. SB is pulse/time diagram showing a modification of the electric stimulation shown in Fig, SAcin which pulses of mixed Ifegueneics and/or amplitudes are employed,

Figs, SC and 8D show two pulse/time diagrams* respectively, representing electric stimulation of two different areas ofike tissue wall with pulses forming pulse teams. fig, 9A is a longitudinal cross-section of an embodiment of the device of the invention iuciudiag a tlieimai sdimuktion device^ wherein the device is constricting· a tissue wall of a patientk oviduct

Pig, 9B is the same embodiment of Fig, 9A with the thermal stimulation device activated, tig, 10A Is a schematic view of a hydraulically operable inflatable constriction device: fetuse id accordance with, the invention.

Fig, 10B is the same embodiment shewn in Fig. I0A with the constriction device inflated. figs, 11 A? hi B511C and.]ID. are block d|agrams illustrating lour different principles for hydraulic operationof the constriction device shown in Fig. IDA,

Fig, 12 is a emssrSeciouid view of a reservoir having a variable volume controiled by a remote control motor.

Figs. 13 A .and 13B are perspective views of a reverse servo in accordance with a particular embodiment of the hydraulic operation principle shown in fig. 11C,

Fig. 14 is a schematic view of another hydraulically operable csmstActioo device for use in. aeCoMsaee Adth die invention.

Fig, I SA illustrates the constriction device of Fig, 34 in a constricted state,

Fig. ISB illustrates the constriction device of Fig. 14 in a released state.

Fig, lb is a schematic block diagram illustrating a general embodiment of the device of the invention^ in which energy i s transferred to energy consuming components of the device implanted in the patient

Figs, 17 to 28 are schemaric block diagrams illustrating twelve embodiments*, respectively, based on the general embediment shown in Fig, 37, wherein wireless energy is transmitted from outside a patient’s body to energy consuming components of the device implanted i n the patient

Fig. 29 is a block diagram illustmtlng control components of an emhodiment of the invention.

Fig. 30 is a schematic view of exemplary circuitry of an embodiment of the invention, in which wireless energy is transformed into a current.

DETAILED DBSCRf ΓΠ0Μ: OF THE INVENTION

Referring ip the drawing figures, Eke reference numerals designate i&amp;mtical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures.

Figs, 1A and 1B illustrates a first embodiment of device for treating a female patient to promote pregnancy applied on the o viducts 31a, 3 l b of a femMo psfientc Clamping elements 5, 6 of a restriction or constriction device 2 constrict the oviducts '3 fa, 3lh. (For the sake of clarity, the housing is not shown and the clamping elements 5,6 are exaggerated,} hi this embodiment a control device includes a sobontaneously ilnpianted push button that is manually switched by the patient between A>n,s and A>fF·, Tins control device will he described in more detail below with mlerenoe to figs.. 3 A AND3B, Such a-manually operable push button may also be. provided in combination with a remote control as an emergency button to allow the patient to stop the operafion of the device in ease of emergency or malfunction. Such a remote control will he described below with refeenee to Figs, 2A and 2B. This device could also be &amp;lly manually· controlled by manual manipulation of fer example a hydraulic reservoir controlling a hydraulic device such as described in Fig. 3A-3D Of 15A and 15B or 1OA and 108 or any of 11A -1 I D, Please observe that only a reservoir moving fluid manually as in Pig, 3Cand 3D may he used to .-adjust the device. This reservoir may he controlled in such a way that the change Of the reservoir volume Will be stable after the manual manipulation of the reservoir wall has taken place. In this particular ease is showed a looking device hut many different ways may be used, Small amount of fluid in the reservoir may also ease a larger movement of the device as described in Some of the embodiments above.

Figs. 2A and 2B illustrates an alternative embodiment applied on the ovid ucts 31 a, 31b of a female patient. The clamping elements S, 6 of the constriction device 2 constrict the oviducts 31 a, 3 lb. (For the sake of clarity, the housing is not shown and the clamping elements Sp6 are exaggerated,} In this embodiment, a control device includes an external control unit in the form of a hand-held wireless remote control 32, and an implanted internal control unit 33, which may include a mietopfueessoo for controlling the cmosiriciioh and stimulation devices. The remote control 32 is operable by the patient to control the iniemal control unit 33 to switch oh and off the device,

Tlte internal control unit 33 controls an implanted operation device 34 to move the clamping Clements 5,6, An implanted source of energy 3S, such as a rechargeable battery powers the operation device 34. The internal control unit 33, which may be implanfed suheutaneously or

In the abdomen, may also work as en energy receiver, i.e., for transfornhng wireless energy into 'el<#iiC'^^;and.;charp^g the implanted source ofenergy 35 {reehaj^ahfe ^ttery) with the eleetric energy.

An implanted sensor 36 senses -a-physical parameter of the patient, such as the temperature, vfoetsip the internal etmtrol unit 3.3 controls the constriction device 2 and/or the stimulation device 3 in response to signals from the sensor 36, In this embodiment the sensor 36 is a hormone level, sensor* wherein the intents! control unit 33 controls the constriction device and/or stimulation device to change the eonstrietion of the patient’s oviduet 31 in response to the sensor 36 sensing a predetermined value of measured value. For example, the control unit 33 rnay control the constriction device and/or stimulation device to increase the constriction of foe patient ’s oviduct 31 in response to the sensor sensing an increased or decreased hormone level Alternatively or in combination, the remote control 32 controls the constriction deviceund/or a stimulation device in response to signals from the sensor 36, in the same manner as the internal control unit 33,

The remote control 32 may be etpipped with means for producing an indication, such as a sound signal or displayed information, in response to stpmls fean foe sensor 36, When foe patient’ s attention Is taken by such an indication indicating a release of the oviduct based on said sensor input. The patient may use the remote control to control the constriction device or stimfoadon device fo pump eggs through the oviducts of foe patient.

Ftp. 3 A and 3B show hyfoanlic operation .means suited for esperatiug foeconstriction device of the emfoxliments described above with reference to Figs. 1A and IB. Specif call y, Figs. 3 Λ and 3B show foe device of Ft p, 1A arid IB provided with such means for hydraulic operation of the eonsirietion device 2 , Thus, foe housing 1 forms two hydraulic chambers 22 a and 22h. in which the two clamping dements 5,6 are slidable back and forth rel ative to the tubular tissue wall portion 8 of a patient’s oviduct. The hydraulic operation means include an expandable reservoir 23, such as an elastic balloon, containinghydr^ifoSu|dj:^hdtats''248 and 24b between the reservoir 23 and the hydraulic chambers 22a, 22b, and a two-way pump 25 for pumping the hydraulic fluid in foe conduits 24a, 24b. The reservoir 23 is subcutaneously placed between the skin, shown with a solid line In the figure, and the normally fascial/muscular layer, 'shown with a dashed line. The control device 4 controls the pump 25 to pump hydraulic fluid from the reservoir 23 to the chambers 22a, 22b to move the clamping elements 5,6 against foe wall portion &amp;, whereby the tubular wall portion 8 is constricted, see Fig, 30, and to pump 22a, 22b to the tesepdlr 23 to move the clamping elements 5,6 away ίιοιριφρ: wall tabular wall 8 is released, see Fig, 3 A.

Alternatively the embodiment of Figs* 3 A and 3B may fee manually operated by applying statable manually operable hydmube means for distributing the hydtauhe fluid between the expandable reservoir 23 and the hydmulie chambers 22a, 22fe. In this ease the pump 25 is emitted* Also in this case is tfeeeontiel device 4 only manual mmupulation of the reservoir.

Aft example is showed in Fig, 3Cand 3D, in this particulm embodiment is supplied a small looking of the reservoir wall (4b), but this is only one of many ways of solving this embodiment,

Figs, 4A and 4B schematically show a mechanically operable embodiment of the invention, comprising an open ended tubular bousing 26 applied on the tubular tissue wail portion 8 of a patient’s organ, a constriction device 27 arranged in the hoesing 26 and a control device 4 for controlling the constriction device 27, A stimulation device (not showm} as described aferiveis also provided in the bousing 26, The constriction device 27 includes a clamping element 28, whichis radially movable in the tubular bousing 26 towards and away trom tfee tubular wall portion 8 betrveea a retracted position, see Fig, 4A, and a clamping position, see Fig, 4Bf in wMeh the clamping element 28 gendy constricts the tubular wail portion 8; Mcchanieai operation means for mechanically operating the clamping element 28 includes- an electric motor 29 attached to the housing 26 and a ieleseopie device 30, which is driven bv the motor 29 and operatively connected to the clamping element 28, The control device 4 controls the electric motor 29 to expand the telescopic device 30 to move the damping dement 28 against the wall portion 8, whereby the tubular wall portion 8 is constricted, see Fig, 4B, and controls the motor 29 to retract the te!escopkdeviee30 to nmve dm clamping element 28 away font the wall portion 8, whereby the wail portion 8 is released, see Fig. 4A.

Alternatively the motor 29 may be omitted and the telescopic device 36 fee modihed for manual operation, as shown in Fi g. 40. Thus, a spring 30s may be provided acting to beep the telescopic device 30 expanded to force tire clamping element 28 against the wall portion8; The mechanical operation means may indude a subcutaneously implanted lever mechanism 29a that is operatively connected to the telescopic device 30. The patient may push the lever mechanism 29a through the patient’s skin 29fe to pull the telescopic device 30 against the action of the spring 30a to the retracted position of the telescopic device 30, as indicatedin phantom lines. When the patient releases the lever mechanism 29a, the spring 36a expands the telescopic device 30, whereby clamping element 28 is forced against the wall portion 8,

Figs. 5 A ~ SC Illustrate 1¾ principle the function of the device of Fig. 1 when fee device is applied on a portion 8 of a tabular tissue wall ofu patieufs oviduct. Thus, Fig. 5A shows fee device in a non-damping state, in which fee clamping elements 5,6 are in feeif refected positions and fee Avail portion 8 extends through fee open ends of fee housing 1 without being constricted by fee clamping elements 5, C Fig. SB shows fee deviee in a elainping state^ in which fee clamping elements 5,0 have been moved from them retracted positions to their damping positions, In which fee damping elements 5,6 gently eonsMet the wall porhon 8 fe a constricted state, in which fee bloodcirculation in the eonstrieted wail portion 8 is substantially unrestricted md fee flow in fee oviduct of fee wall portion 8 is restricted. Fig. SC shows fee device in an optional stimulation state, in whitfe fee clampmg elernents S, &amp; ermfeaet the wall portion 8 and fee electrical elements 7 of fee stimulation device 3 electrically stimulatedifferent areas of the wall portion 8, so that feu Avail portion-8 contracts Ifeiekens) and closes fee oviduct.

When fee device is in its optional stimulation state, it is important ta stimulate fee differunt areas of fee wall portion 8 in a manner so feat they essentially maintains feetr natural physical properties over time to prevent fee areas from being injured, Consequently, the control device 4 controls the stimulation device 3 to intermittently stimulate each area of fee Avail portion § during successive time periods. Wherein each time period is short enough to maintain over time safrsfaciory blood circulation in the area. Furthermore, the control device 4 controls the stimulation of fee areas of the wall portion 8, so that each area feat enrrenriy is not strmtdated restores substantially normal Mood circulation before if is stimulated again. To maintain over time fee effect of stimulation, he., to keep fee oviduct dosed by mainiainmg fee wall portion •8 contracted, the control device 4 controls fee stimulation device 3 to stimulate one dr more of the areas at a time and to shift fee stimulation from one area to another o ver time. The control device 4 may control fee stimulation device 3 to eyelicaily propagde feesfimnlafron of fee areas along fee tubular wall portion 8, for example. in accordance wife a determined stimulation pattern. To achieve fee desired reaction of fee tissue wafl during the stimulation fecreof fee control device may control fee stimulation device to, preferably cyclically, vary fee intensity of the stimulation of fee wall portion 8,

It will be appreciated feat fee fully restricted state shown in Fig. JO. can he obtained by purely mechanical means not involving electrieal stimulation.

Figs. 6A - 6C show another embodiment of the invention which includes a tabular housing F and three elongate clamping elements 10a, 10% Hie, which are radially movable in the tubular housing 9 towards aid away from a central axis thereof between retmeted positions, see Fig, 6A, and damping positions, see Fig, 68, The three clamping elements lCla~10c are symmetrically disposed around the central axis of the housing 9. The stimulation device of this embodiment includes electrical dements I la, I I h, 1le that form a series of groups of elements extendingiongitndinally along the elongate clamping elements iOa-lOe, wherein the electrical demend I la - lie of each group of electrical elements toon a path of three electrical elements 1 la, lib and 11c extending circumferentially around the central axis of the housing 9. The three electrical elements I la - 1 le of each group are positioned on the three clamping elements lOarlOc, respectively. Thus, the path of three electrical elements 1 labile extends around the patient’s organ. Of course, the numher of electrical elements ITadTeef each path of electrical elements can be greater than three, and several parallel rows electrical elements 1 la-1 le can Term each path of electrical dements.

Figs, 7 A, 7B and 7C schematically Illustrate different states of operation of a generally designed device according to the present invention, when the device is applied on a wall portion of an oviduct designated BO, The device includes a constriction device and a stimulation device, which are designated CSO, and a control device designated CD for controlling the constriction aid stimulation devices CSD. Mg. 7A shows the device in an inactivation slate, in which the constriction device does not constrict the organ BO and the 'stimulation device does not stimulate the organ BO, Mg. 7B shows the device in a constriction, state, in which Me conttol device CD controls the constriction device to gently constrict the Wall portion of the organ BO to a constricted state, in which the blood circulation in the constricted wall |X>rtion is substantially unrestricted and the flow in the oviduct of the wall portion is restricted. Mg, 7C shows the device in a stimulation stale, in which the control device CD controls the stimulation device to stimulate different areas of the constricted wall portion, so that almost the en tire wall portion of the organ BO con tracts (tbicheiis) and closes the oviduct.

Figs. 7D and 7B show how the stimulation of the Constricted wall portion can be cychcaily varied between a firstsimulation mode, in which the leff area of dle wa^l portion (see Fig, 7D) is stimulated, while the right area of the wall portion is not stimul ated, and a second stimulation mode, in which the right area of the wall portion (see Ffg, 7E) is stimulated, while the left area of the wall portion is not stimulated, in order to maintain over lime satisfactory blood clteulaiion in the constricted wall portion,

It should be note! the! the stimulation modes shown in Figs. 7D and 7E only constitute a principle exampleofhow the constricted wall portion pf fee organ BO may be giimdated. Thus, more than two different areas ofthe constricted wall |x>rtion may he riPuliaoeously stimulated tn cycles or successi vely stipulated. Al^, groups t%e; constricted wall portion may he successively stimulated*

Figs. 7F» 7G and 7S illustrate different states of operation of a modificationof the general embodiment shown m Figs. 7A-7E, wlpmm the con^rietion and stimulation devices CSD include several separate consthction/stimulation dements, here three elements CSDEI, CSDE2 and CSDE3. Fig. 7F shows how die dement CS.DE! in a first state ofoperation is activated to both constrict and stimulate the organ BO, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is closed, whereas the other two elements CSOE2 and G5DB3 are inactivated. Fig. 70 shows how the element CSDB2 in a second following state of operation is activated, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is closed, whereas foe other two elements CSDEI and 0SDE3 are inactivated. Fig, 7H shows how the element CSBB3 in a following third state of operation is activated,, so that the oviduct of the organ BO is dosed, whereas the other two elements CSDEI and CSDE2 are inactivated:. By shilling between the first, second and third states of operation, either randomly or in accordance with a predetennined: seguence, -different' portions of the organ can by temporarily constricted and stimulated while maintaming the oviduct of the organ closed, whereby the risk of injuring the organ is minimized. It is also possible to activate the elements CSBE DCS DE3: successi vely along the oviduct of the organ to move fluids and/or other bodily foatter In the oviduct.

Figs. 71, ?K and ?L illustrate an alternative mode ofoperation of the mmhllcation ofthe general embodiment, Thus, Fig. 71 shows hew the element CSDE? in a first state of operation is activated to both constrict and stimulate the organ BO, so that foe oviduct ofthe organ BQ is closed, whereas the other two elefochts CSDB2 and CSDE3 are activated to constrict but not stimulate foe organ BO, so that foe oviduct of foeorgan BQ is not completelyclosed where the elements CSDE2 and CSBE3 engage the Organ BO, Fig, IK shows how the elemetd CS0E2 in a second following state of operation Is activated to both constrict and stimulate the organ BO, so that the oviduct ofthe organ BO Is closed, whereas foe other two elements CSQB7 and CSQE3 are activated to con$^et:bt^4pt$fopd^h:fod:'0l^jtol^,':so'thaf foe oviduct of the organ BO is not completely cl0S©d:'W^mihB^l<en^i^.iOIOEi and GSBE3 engage the organ BO. Fig, 7L shows how the e!ernent €SDE3 In a following third state of operation Is activated to both constrict and stimulate the organ BO, so that foe oviduct of the whereas the other two elements CS.OE1 and CSDE2 are activated to constrict hut not stimulate the organ BCk so that the oviduct of the organ BO is not completely closed where the elements £§BET and CSDE2 engage the organ BO, By shitting between the first, second and third states of operation, either randomly or i® accordance with a predetermined sequence, different portions of the organ can by temporarily stimulated while maintaining the o viduct of the Organ closed, whereby the risk of injuring the organ is reduced. It is also possible to; activate the stimulation of the elements 0SBBlrijSf>E3 successively along the oviduct of the organ BO to move fluids and/or other bodily matter in the oviduct.

This embodiment, with a combination of a mechanical or hydmolte partly restricting system and a stimulation system varying the stim^ is preferable used when one wants to close the oviduct in a safe way. The system is energy eiBcieiit hecanse preterahle only stimulation need to be changed in position and the oviduct allows to recover until the stimulation comes hack to the same position again. If the restriction areas closer to each other and maybe the mechanical or hydraulic restriction is continuous* a peristaltic like wave could he created in any direction in the oviduct, If the restriction is moved in consecutive order starting with the restriction closestrto the ovary, no egg may he squeezed in the restriction area. If restriction are moved in the other direction towards the uterus a moyetneni device could he used to move any egg away from any new upcoming restriction area, Such a movement device could be the hydraulic or mechanical partly restricting device causing movements in the Oviduct wall before the stimulation device close the area. filg. SB 1$ a pulsedime diagram showing a modification of the electric stimulation shown in Fig. 8 A, Thus, the pulse combination, of Fig. 8A Is mixed with a pulse train combination having a first relativel y long pulse train FTL of high iequeney/!ow amplitude pulses, appearing simultaueously with the positive pulse Ft of the pulse combination of Fig. 8 A, and a second relatively short pulse train FIS of high Ifequency/knv amplitude appearing simultaneously with the negati ve pulse PS of the pulse combination shown in Fig. 8A, As a result the high frequency/IoW amplitudes pulse trains FTL and PTS are superimposed on the positive and negative pulses PL and PS of Fig. 8A, as illustrated in Fig. SB, The pulse configuration of Fig. SB, and variations feereof,is beneficial to use in connection with the stimulation of pedicular human organs/in otder to achieve the desired stimulation effect

Preferably, the electric pulses form pulse trains, as illustrated in the Pulsnlime diagrams fi/inf Figs. 80 and 80. The Fulse/rimedia^mF/i of Fig. 9A represents an individualarea of the wall portion of the patienris tubular organ, which is stimulated with a pul se train ISA. The pulse train negative pulses, each of which is of shot! duration and hi^ amplitude (voltage); atM one positive pulse of long duration and low amplitude following the negative pulses, After a delay to enable the area of the organ to .restore substantially noonal blood ek^dadon, the pulse train ISA is repeated.

The Pulsedim# digram PA of Fig. :lDtepr«5ea|s^agp#^:i»div»d«at area of the wall portion, which a pMse train 18B having the same configuration as the poise train 18A. The pulse trains 18Λ and 188 are shifted relative to each other, so that they partially overlap one ane^^dp'^t^«;ttef%0i0onsttiiked^w^t^0ition.always is stimulated to cohlpet as desired.

Figs. 9A and 98 show another embodiment of the invention that controls blood flow in a Mood vessel 19, composing clamping dements 20a and 20b, a stimulation device in the iorm offwo thermafstimulatipn elements 21a and 21b integrated in the clamping elements 200,.2¾ resgemlvely, and a control device 4Jhr controlling the clamping elements 20a, 20fe and stimulation elements 21a, 21 h. The clamping elements 20a and 20b are movable towards and away tom each other in the same manner as described above In connection with the embodiment according to logs. 5A-S&amp; The thermal stimulation elements 21 a and 21 b, which may Include Pertier elements, are positioned on the clamping elements 20a, 20b, so that the thermal elements 21 a are facing the thermal elements 21b. Fig. 11A shows how the clamping elements 20a, 20h constrict the blood vessel 19, sothat the blood Sow is restricted. Fig, ΠΒ shows how the control device 4 controls the thermal stimulation elements 25a, 21b to coo! the wall of the blood vessel 19, so that the wall eoptfacis add closes the blood vessel 19. To release the blood vessel 19, the control device 4 controls the thermal stimnlation elements 21 a, .21 b to heat the wall of the blood vessel 19, so that the Wait expands.

Figs. 10A and 10B show a hydraulically operable elongated constriction device in the form of a: band 72 hayipg an expandablefconiraetible cavity 73,, which is in fluid commnnication with an adjustable reservoir 74 containing hydraulic tluid. Fig. 10A illustrates when the band is in a non-constriction state, whereas Fig. 10B illustrates when the hand is in a constriction state, in Which the cavity 73 is expanded by hydraulic fluid supplied by the feservoir 74.

Figs. 31 A, 118, 310 arid 310 are b lock diagrams of tour ditorently ppemted hydraulic constriction devices, Fig. 31A shows the band 72 of Fig. 10 A, the cavity 73 of which is in fluid eosnmuoieatioo with a feservoir 75. Fig, 318 shows the embodiment of Fig, 10A, in which the cavity 73 of the band 72 is ib ftmd communieadop with the mservoir 74 via an operation device in ihe term of a twp~way pump 76, Fig, i 1C shows ah operation device in the form of a reverse servo device with &amp; first closed device controlling &amp; second device. Hie· reverse: servo device comprises aft ac|usiable fluid supply reservoir 7? and an adjustable servo reservoir 78, The servo reservoir 78 controls a larger adjustable reservoir 79 which in connection with the baird 72 applied around a poriion of tubular tissue wall of a patient’s organ, varies the volume of the cavi ty 73 of the band 72, which in turn varies the constriction of the wall portion. Fig, I I D shows an embodiment identical to the embodiment of Fig, I 1C,, except that the larger reservoir 79 is omitted, Instead, the servo mservoir 78 is in fluid communication with the cavity of the band 72, in all of the abo ve embodiments according to Figs, 12 A through Ι0Β, stimulation devices maybe provided to form constrictionMimuIdtlon units, in which the stimulation dexdces include a multiplicity of electrical elements 7 (indicated in Figs, 13¾ — 15,18,20 ~ 23,26 -1: I B) positioned on the eonsiriciion devices.

Fig, 12 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid supply device including a bellows reservoir 80 defining a chamber 81, the sixe of which is variable by an operation device comprising a remote controlled electric motor 82, The reservoir 80 and the motor 82 are placed in a housing 83, Moving a lat'ge w^l 84 varies the chamber 81, The wall 84 is secured to a nut 85, whichis threaded on a rotatable spindle 86. The spindle 86 is rotated by the motor 82, A battery 89 placed in the housing S3 |mwets the motor 82, A signal receiver 90 for controlling the motor 82 is also placed in the housing 83, Alternatively, the battery 89 and the signal receiver 90 may be mounted in a separate place. The motor 82 may also be powered with energy transferred from transmitted signals.

Where applicable, the fluid supply device of Fig, 12 may be used for supplying hydraulic fluid for the operation of the constriction devices described in tMs spedficatiom For example, the fluid supply device of Fig, 12 may be substituted for die reservoir 74 inthe embodiment according to Fig, I0A,

Figs, BA and 13B show a reverse servo Including a rectangular housing'91 and an intermediate wall 92, which is movable in the housing 9L A relatively large, substantially cyl indrical bellows reservoir 93 is arranged in the housing 91 and is joined to the movable intermediate wal l 92, Another cylindrical bellows reservoir 94, which is substantially smaller than reservoir 93, % arranged in the housing 91 at the other side of the lntennediafe wall 92 and is also joined to the wall 92, The small bellows reservoir 94 has a fluid supply pipe 95 and the large bellows reservoir 93 has a fluid supply pipe 96.

Referring to Fig. 13 A, when a small amount of hydraulic fluid is conducted through the supply pipe 95 Into the small bellows reservoir 94, the small bellows reservoir 94 expands and pushes the mo vable the large bellows reservoir 93, As ο result, the large bellows reservoir 93 is contracted by the luiermediate wall 92, whereby a large amouut of hydmuik fluid is forced out of the large bellows reservoir 93 through the supply pipe 96, as shown in Fig. 138;.

For example, the reverse servo of Figs, 13 A. and 13B may he used in the embodiment of Fig. 116, wherein the small bellows reservoir 94 corresponds to the small servo reservoir 78 and the large bellows reservoir 93 corresponds to the large reservoir 79, Also, the reverse servo of Figs. 13 A: and 13 B may be used in the embodiment of Fig, XOA and 10% wherein the small : bellows reservoir 94 is connected to the adjustable reservoir 74, and the large bellows reservoir 93 is connected to the eavity 73 of the band 72,

Fig. 14 schematically shows a hydrauMoally operable constriction device 97 of the device of the myehtion, winch is similar to the embodiment shown in Fig, 10A, exeept tliat the hydraelle device is designed diSemnlly. "Fhus, the constriction device 97 includes a relatively small inflatable eavity 98, which is in fluid communication with a reservoir 99 contamlng hydraulic fluids and a relati vely large eavity 100, which is displaceable by small cavity 98. Small eavity 98 is adapted to displace large eavity 100 to constrict the patient’s tubular wall portion when small cavity 98 is inflated ai^.tO'displaoel£a^::c^ty'i:'OD;lo''M^e::tbe wall portion when small cavity 98 is deflated.films, a relatively small addition of hydraul ic fluid from reservoir 90 to small cavity 98 causes a relati vely large increase in the constriction of the wall portion.

Large eavity 100 is defined by &amp;,c»Mi»c&amp;6a: dement hukedbrat ctf-aHg.bidldscaadO'L which may he connected to an infection port (not shown) tor calibration of the volume of large cavity 100. Adding fluid to or withdrawing fluid tan the injection port with the aid of a %ringe eaibrates the volume of balloon 101. Small cavity 98 i s defined by a small bellows 102 attached to an annular flame 103 of eon^fietion deviee fl? and at fire opposite end is attached to balloon 101.

Figs, ISAand MB sehematicaliy illusimte taoperation of ennstaiion device 97, when annular flume 103 is applied around the tubular wall portion of the patient’s organ, Referring to Fig. ISA, when small eavity 98 is deflated bellows 102 pulls balloon 101 inwardly into annular frame 103, so flmt constriction device 97 constriem the wall portion, Refemng to Fig, 1513* when gavlty 9S is inflated bellows 102 pulls balloon 101 out of annuiar frame 103, so that constriction device 97 releases the wall portion:,

As mentioned abtwe, tlm constriction device arid srimuiatioo device can co-operate to actively move the egg in the oviduct of a patienris organ, TMs cam fee achieved using the efenstdctioo/stimolation oait shown in Fig. 2, Titos, in acpmdance with a first eoopemtion option, the damping elements 5,6 of the constriction device constricts the wall portion 8 without completely closing the oviduct, wherry theflowisllaeevidtoet.is restricted, and the control device 4 controls the electrical eiments 7 to pmgressively Simulate the constricted wall portion in the downstreamor upstream direction of the oviduct, to cause progressi ve contraction of the wall portion 8 to move tlte egg in the oviduct.

In accordance with a Second cooperation Ophoa» the constriction device constricts die wall portion so that the Sow in the oviduct is restricted, and the control device 4 controls a few electrical elemen ts 7 at one end of the elongate clamping elements 1, 6 to simulate the constricted wail portion 8 to dose die oviduct either at an upstream end or a downstream end of the wall portion 8, With the oviduct closed in this manner, the control device 4 controls the constriction device to increase the constriction of the wall portion, whereby the egg in the oviduct is moved downstream: or upstream of the wall portion 8.

In another ernbodimoftt^of the invention for performing the second constriction device constricts the wall, portion so that the Sow in the oviductis restricted, and the eontroi device 4 dintrols the stimulation device to stimulate the constrictedwall portion while the conririetion deyice varies the constriction of the di fferent areas of the wall portion, such that the wall portion is progress! veiy constricted m the downstream or upstream direction of the oviduct Figs. 16A - 16B show different operation stages of such an alternative embodiment, which comprises a constriction device 104 inclodisg two elongate constrictioh elements 105,106 having convex surfaces 107,108 that abut a length of the wall portion 8 on mutual sides thereof and a m ultiplicity of electrical elements 7 (suets as elecirodes) that are positioned on the convex, surfaces 107,108. The control device 4 controls the electrical clemenfs 7 during operation of die constriction device 104 and controls the elongate constriction elements 105, 106 to move relative to the tubular wall portion 8 so that the constri ction elements 105,106 progressively constrict the wall portion 8, as appears from Figs...16A to 16D.

Thus, in an initial position of the constriction elements 105,106 sho%vn in Fig, 16A, the wall portion is dot constricted by the constriction elements 105,106 and the electrical elements 7 are not energize*! Starting from this Initial position, the control device 4 controls the constriction elements 105, 106 :10 swing the lei ends of foe consfociion elements 105, 106 toward the wait portion (indicated by arrows)· to constrict foe inboiar wall portion 8, see Fig. 16% white energizing the electrical elements % so that the electrical elements 7 that contact the watt portion 8 contract the tatter. Fig. I# € shows how the oviduct of the tubular wall portion 8 is completely closed fey the thickened wait portion 8, Then, as show® to Fig. |6C, the control device 4 controls the constriction: elements 105,106 to move so that their right ends am moving towards each other (indicated by arrows), white the convex sarfaoes 107, 108 of the constriction elements 108,IM are rolling on eachother with the contacted wall portion 8 between them, see Fig. 16X2. Asa result, the bodily matter in the oviduct of the organ is forced to the right (indicated bya white arrow). When theconstriction «defoenis 105, 106 have rolled on each other to the porition shown in Fig. 16E, the control device 4 controls the tight ends of foe constriction elements 105.106 to move away from each other (indicated hy axTOws in Fig, !6E) to the initial position shown in Fig. 16A. The operation stages described aecording to Figs. 16A to I dE can be cyclically repeated a mmsher of times onhl the desired amount of bodily matter has been moved in foe oviduct of foe organ in a peristaltie manner.

Alternatively, only one of the constriction elements 168,106 can be provided with a convex surface* whereas the other constriction element has a plane stnlaee that abuts foe wait portion. It is also possible to use a single constriction element with a convex surface that presses the tubul ar portion 8 of foe organ against a hone of the patient, .Fig, 16 schematically shows a general embodiment of the device of the Invention, in which energy i s transferred' to energy consuming components of the device impl anted in the patient The device of Fig. 16 comprises an implanted eonstriction/stimnIntion -unit t ip, which, is operable fo gently portion of a tubular tissue wail of a patient* s organ and to stimulate different areas of foe constricted portion to cause contraction of the wail portion.

The cohsiricfton device of tho.cpp|Mcdon/sfonbliifo^i'-unit 110 is capable of perforhiing a reversible function, he., to constrict and release the wall portion, so that foe constriotion/stimnlation unit 1 10 works as an artificial sphincter, A source of energy 111 is adapted to supply energy consuming components of the constriction/stHnuiaiion unit 110 with energy via:4 power supply line 112, A Wireless remote control or a subcutaneously implanted switch operable by foe patient to switch on. or off foe supply of energy from the source of energy may be provided. Ifoe sdhrCC of energy may be an implantable permanent or battery, or be included man external energy- transmission device, y^i^mayMofmble-t^recfiy'by the patient or be controlled by a remote control operable % the patient to transmit wireless energy to the energy eansatmng components of the Aliematively, the source of energy may comprise a combination of an implantable rechargeable battery, an external energy-transmission device and an implantableyme^-b^^^^g device for transforming wireless energy transmitied by the external energy-traosmissipn device Into electric energy for the charge o f the implantable rechargeable battery.

Fig; IF shows a special embodiment of the general embodiment of Fig. l b having some parts implanted in a patient and other parts ideated outside the patient's body. Thus, in Fig, 17 all parts placed to the right of the patient’s skin 109 are implanted and all pmts placed to the left of the skin 109 are located outside the patient's body. An Implanted etmrgy-transiorming device 13 ! A of the device is adapted to supply energy consuming components of the constriction/stimulation unit 110 with energy via the power supply line 112, An external energy-transniisslon device 111 of the device includes a wirel ess remote control trsnsmitting a yrtrcless signal, which is received by a signal receiver ineorpoifoed in the implanted energy imnsfotming device 11. LA, The implanted energy-transformmg device 111. A transforms energy hom the signal into electric energy,which is supplied via foe power supply line 112 to tire constriction/stimulation unit 110,

The device of Fig, 17 may also include an implanted rechargeable battery for energizing energy consuming implanted components of the device. In this case, the implanted energy-iransfolinmg device 11 I A also charges the battery with electric energy, as foe energytransforming device transforms energy bom foe signal into the eleefoe ener^, A reversing device in foe forra of an electric switch 114, such, as a microprocessor, is Implaiibad in the patient for reversing the constriction device of foe constriction/stimulation unit 110, The wireless remote controlof foe external energy-tmasmission device 113 transmits a wireless signal that carries energy and the implanted energy-transforming device 111A tnmsforms the wireless energy into a current for operating the switch 114, When foe polarity Of foe current is shifted by the energv'-tmnsforming--device 11 i A the switch 114 reverses foe fonetton informed by the constriction device of foe eonstriction/stimnlation unit 110,:

Fig, 18 shows m embodiment of the invention Including: the energy-transforming device 11 ..1 A, the eohstnction/stimulatibn unit 110 and an implanted operation device m foe form of a motor 115 for operating the eonprietion device of lie eoosfrietion/srimuladon unitI 10* The motor 115 is powered with energy from iho eoergym'ansfomiing ^vice Π i A, as the remote control of the external energy-transmission device!M transmits a wireless signal to the receiver of -the energydmnslhrmmg device ill A.

Fig, 19 shows an embodiment of the invention including the energy-transforming device 1 It A, the eonsfricion/stimnlstion unit I I D and an implanted assembly 1 id incinding a motor/pomp Unit 11 ? and a fluid reservoir 118. in this ease the constriction device of the etmshiclion/$^^n!iEdion;omf':i 10 is hydraulically operated, i,e,5 hydraulic- fluid Is pumped by the motor/pnmp unit 1 It from the reservoir ITS to the consMetiosdstimnlation unit 110 to constrict the wail portion, and hydraulic fluid is pumped by the nmtor/pump unit 117 back from the eonsirietien/sfimulation tmii 110 to the mservoir 118 to release the wall portion. The implanted energy-transiorming device 111A transforms wireless energy into a current, for powering the moinripump unit 117,

Fig, 20' shows an embodiment of the invention comprising the external energyrtr&amp;mnrisson device 11 T^fltat controls the control .'unit 122 to reverse the motor 115 when needed, the unit 110, the constriction device·-.of whichis hydraulically operated, and the implanted energy-transfcrming device 111 A, and further comprising an Implanted hydrardic fhnd mservoir 119> an implanted mofor/pump miif 120, an implanted reversing devieeintheform ofa h)^ranlicomlveshifhngdevlce l2i and a separate external wireless remote control 1 O B, The motor of the motoripnmp unit 120 is mr electric motor, la response to a control signal horn the wi reless remote control of the external energyvtransmission device III, the imjdaoied ^ 11A powers the motor/pnmp unit 120 with energy riom tire energy carried by the control signal, whereby the motor/punrp mnt 120 distributes hydraulic fluid between the reservoir 110 and the constriction device of the eonstfietion^timuJafion. unit 110. The remote control 111© controls the shifting device 121 to shift the 'hydraulic fluid flow direction between one direction in which the fluid is pumped by the mdipr/pump unit 120 from the reservoir 119 to the constriction device of the cxmstrictioo/stimulation unit 110 to constrict die w^all portion, and another opposite direction in which the fluid Is pumped hy the motoripianp unit 120 hack from the eonshdetion device of the consiriction/srimuiation unit lit) to the reservoir 119 to release the wall portion.

Fig. 21 shows an embodiment of the invention ineluding the energy-iransfonning device 1.UA and the eonstrietion/stimulation unit ί!0, A control unit 122, an aceumulaior 123 and a capacitor 124 are also implanted in the patient. A separate external wireless remote control 11 IB coxitrols the control unit 122. The ephttOt in# 122 controls the eeergy-ttansfbrmtng device il l A to store electric energy in theaccumulator 123, which supplies energy to the :^n§trietl0h/sdmtih^Oi3. unit 110. In response to a control sipial ttom the wireless remote control 11 IB, the control «nit 123 itonr the aeeumnliUttt 123 and transfers the released energy via power lines, or directly transfers electrie energy from the energyttransfotmmg device 111A via the eapacitor 124, whi# stabilises foe electric current, for the operation of the epnstdenon/shrntiiation unit 110.

In accordance with one alternative the capacitor 124 in the embodiment ofFig. 21 may he omitted. In accordance with another' alternative, the accumulator 123 in this embodiment may be omitted*

Big. 22 shows an embodiment of the invention including the energy-transforming deviee II I A, the amstticlion^tnnulatton unit 110. A battery 125 for supplying energy forth©.; operation of the.:c^irt^ctton/stimnlaiioe:unit 110 and an electric switch 120 for switching the operation of the eonstriction/stimnlatlon unit 110 are also implanted In the patient, The switch 126 is operated fey the energy supplied hy the energy-transforming deviee 111A to switch from an off mode, in which the battery' 125 Is not in use, to an on mode, is-which the battery 125 supplies energy for the operation of the constriction/stimulation unit 110.

Fig, 23 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that ofFig, 43, except that a control unit 122 also Is implicated In the patient A separate external wireless remote eontrxri 11 IB controls the control unit 122. In this case, the switch 126 is operated by the energy supplied hy foe energy-transfornnng device 111A to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control 11 I B is prevented from controlling the control uni t 122 and the battery 125 is not In use, to a standby mode, In which the remote control 11 IB Is permitted to control the control unit 122 to release electric energy from foe battery 125 for the operation of the eonstrietion/stimnlation unit 110,

Fig. 24 shows an embodiment of the Invention identical to that of Fig. 44, except that the accumulator 123 is substituted for the battery 123 and the implanted components are interconnected differently. In this ease, the aeeomulator 123stores energy from foe energy-transforming device 111 Av:teiet|^n$eh9'::a:.:ei^ttrol signal from the wireless remote control 11 IB, the implanted control unit 122 controls the switch 126 to switch from an off mode, in which foe accumulator .123 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the accumulator 123 Supplies energy for foe opemtion of the eonstricfion/sfrmulafron unit 110,

Fig. 25 stapws an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 45, except that ihe battery 1:25 also is Implanted in the patient, and the implanted components are Interconnected diifeenily. In response to a control signal front the wireless ng®p^:eon|r!0t':l]l,iiB^ ihe implanted Control unit 122 controls the accumulator 123, which may be a capacitor, to deliver energy for operating the switch 126 to switch item an off mode* In which the battery 125 is not in use* to an on mode, in which the battery 125 supplies electric energy tor the operation of the eonstrictior^stimaiatton unit! 10,

Attesnatively, the switch 126 may he operated by energy supplied by the accumulator 123 to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control.! 1 IB is prevented from cohtollmg the battery 125 to supply decide energy and the battery 125 is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the wireless remote control 11 IB is permitted to control the battery 125 to supply eleetde energy lot the operation of the eonstrlctionMimula^^ 10.

Big, 26 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 4% 115, a inechantal form of a gearbox 127 and a control unit 122 for controlling the gearbox 127 also are implanted in the patient. A separate external wireless remote control 111B controls the implanted control «oft 122 to control the ^sarbox 127 to reverse the fenction performed by the constriction device (mechanically operated^ of the coostdedon/sbmniatlon unit 110.

Fig, 27 shows an embodiment of the invention idetdica! to thatof Fig, 46, except that the implanted components are interconnected differently. Thus, in this case, the battery 125 powers the edntned unit 122 when the accumulator 123, suitably a capacitor, activates the switch 126 to switch to an on mode. When the switch 126 is in its on mode the control unit 122 is pemiitted to control the battery 125 to supply , or not supply, energy for the operation of the constdction^timnlation unit!10.

Big, 28 slmws an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Big. 30, except that a gearbox 127ihatcsmeciS'ihe motor 115 to 110, and a conhol unit 122 that controls the ener^Amnsibrmmg device 1 HA to power the motor 115 also aminmlanted in the patient. There Is a sepamte external wireless remote control 11 I B that controls the control tmit 122 to reverse the motor 115 when needed,

Optionally; the accumulator 123 shown in Fig. 21 may be provided in the embodiment of Fig, 49, wherein She implanted control unit 122 controls the eosrgyAr11A to store the transformed energy In the accumulator 123 . In response to a control signal from the wireless.jE«Mdΐe^e!bfttroi Π IB, the control unit 122 controls the accumulator 123 to supply energy for the operation of tile 110.

Those skilled in The; art will realms that the^boi^:^^ou5-''€^bo#aa^ts sceordmgio Figs. 17-28 could be combined in many ®01ή?θβί ways. For example, the energy operated switch. 114 could fee iitcosppraied in any of the embodiment of Figs, 18,21-28, the hydraulic shifting device 121 could be incorporated infhe cmibodimentofFig. 21, and the gearbox 127 couldhe ina>^orated In the embodiment of Fig. 39:, The switch 114 may be of a type that includes electronic components, for example 4 microprocessor, or a F6PA (Field Programmable Gate Atrayf designed fe switdii%. Aiternativciy, however, the energy operated switch 114 may be replaced by a subcutaneously implanted push button that is manually switched by the patient between *%n7 and "’ofF**

Alternatively, a permanent or rechargeable battery may be substituted for the energy-transforming devices 1 llAofihe embodimenis shown in Figs. 38-49.

Fig, 29 shows basic parts of a remote control of the device of the invention for controlling the eons trieti on/stim ulation unit 110, In thi s case, the stimulation device of the constricfion/sitmulaiion tmif stimulates the wall portion with electric pulses. The romote control is based on wireless tmnsmission of elechOmagttoiic wave signals, often of high frequencies in the order of 100 kHz ~ 1 GHz, through the shin 132 of the patient, in Fig. 29, all parts placed to the left of the ski n 132 are located outside the patienFs body and all parts placed to the right of the skin 132 are Implanted.

An external signal-transmission device 133 is to fee positioned close to a signal-receiving device 134 implanted close to the skin 132. As an altCOTafeve, the si^ai-receiving device 134 may fee placed for example inside the abdomen of the patient The $i|pal-receiving device 134 comprises a coil, approximately l-i O0 mm, pi«ierably 25 mm indiameter, wound with a very thin wire and tuned with a capacitor to a specific frighireqtwncy. A small coil is chosen if it is to be implanted under the skin of the patient and a large coil is chosen if it is to he Implanted In the abdomen of the patient, The signal transmission device 133 comprises a coil having about the same size as the coil of the signal-recei ving device 134 but wound with a thlelc wire that can. handle the larger currents that Is necessary . The coil of the signal transmission device 133 is tuned to the same sppihc high frequency as the Coil of the signal-receiving device13<4.

The signal-transmission device 133 is adapted to send digital information via the power amplifier and signal-receiving device 134 to an Implanted control unit 135. To avoid that accidental random high frequency fields trigger control commands, digital signal codes arc used. A conventional: keypad placed on the signal transmission device 133 is used to order the signal transmission device 13 3 Id send digital signals for the control of the constriciion/Atmulation uuit. The signal imnsmisston: device 133 starts a copunand by generating a high frequency signal. After a short time, when the signal has energized the implanted parts of the control device, commands are sent to operate the constriction device of the constrietion/sfim.ulation nnit 1..10 in predehned steps. The commands are sent as digital packets ip the inarm illustrated below,

Start paitetn, 8 bits Command, 8 hits

Count, 8 Mis

Checksum, 8 hits

The commands are sent continuously daring a rather long time period (e,g,}: ahont 30 seconds or more). When a new constriction or release step is desired, the Count byte is iaereased by one to allow the implanted control unit 135 to decode and understand that another step is demanded hy the signal transmission device 133, if any pari of the digital packet is emmeous, its content is simply ignored, llrrough a line 136, myimplmited energizer unit 13? draws.'ilBea^r;:;fit^|t &amp;e electroma^etic wave signals received by the signal-receiving device 134. The energise? unit 137 stores the energy in a source of energy, such as a large capacitpri powers the control unit 135 and powers the constriction/stinmlatiGn «ait 110 via a line 138.

Hie-control unit 135 comprises a demodulator and a mieropriwessor. The demodulator demodulates digital signals sent #om the signal transmisskm device 133, The mieroproeessor receives the digital packet, decodes it and sends a control signal via a signal line 139 to control the constriction device ofthe;co»^#pn/srimtda^0rr;:^td:l:@'ln. either constrict or release die wall portio^n ofthepatienTs oigan depending on the received command code.

Fig, 30 shows a circuitry of an embodiment o f the invention, in which wireless energy is transformed into a current. External components of the circuitry include a microprocessor 140» a signal generator-141 and a power amplifier 142 connected thereto. The microprocessor 140 is adapted to switch the signal generator 141 on/offand to modulate signals generated by the signal generator 141 with digital commands. The power amplifier f 42 amplifies the signals and sends them to an external1 signal-tiansmitting antenna coil 143 . The antenna coil 143 is connected in parallel with a capacitor 144 to form a resonant circuit tuned ip the frequency generated hy fhe signal generator 141, implanted components of the circuitry incl ude a signal reeeivmg antenna coil 145 and a capacitor 146 forming together a resonaxii circuit feat Is hmed to the same frequency as the transmitting antenna coil 143. The signal reeeiyihg antenna coil145 induces a eurrerd irom the received high frequency electromagnetic waves and a rectifering diode 147redifiesfoe induced current, which charges a storage eapaerfar 14S. the storage capacitor 148 powers a motor 149 for driving the constriction device of foe eonstriction/stimnlation «nil 110. A coil .:150 connected between foe antenna coil 145 and the diode 147 prevents the capacitor 148 and fhediode 147 from loading the circuit of the signal-receiving antenna 145 at higher freqin;neies. Thus, foe coil ISO makes it possible to charge the capacitor 148 and to transmit digital information using amplitude modulation. A capacitor 151 and a resistor 152 connected in parallel and a diode 153 form a detector used to delect amplitude modulated digital information A Slier circuit is formed hy a resistor 154 connected in series with a resistor 155 connected in series udfo a capacitor 156 connected in series wife the resistor 154 via ground, and a capacitor 137, ohe terminal of which is connected between the resistors 154,155 and foe other terminal of which is connected between the dtode 153 and the circuit formed by the capaciior 151 and resistor 152. The filter circuit is used to filter out addesired low and high treqnencies. The detected and filtered signals me fed to an implanted microprocessor 158 that decod#:^:4ij^^:irifoh8iaeon and controls the motor 149 via m M~hridge 159 comprising transistors 150,101, 162 and 163. The motor 149 can he driven in two opposite directions by the H-hridge 159;

The microprocessor 158 also monitors foe amount of stored energy in the storage capacitor 140. Before sending signals to activate the motor 149, foe microprocessor 158 checks whether the energy stored in the storage capacitor 148 is enough. If foe stored energy is not enough to perform tire requested operation, the microprocessor 158 waits for the rcceiye<l signals to charge foe storage capaci tor 148 before activating the motor 149,

Alternatively, the energy stored in the storage capacitor 148 m^ only he used for powering a switch, arid the energy for powering the motor 149 may be obtained fmm another^ implanted energy source of relatively high capacity, for example a battery: In this ope the switch is adapted to connect the battery to the motor 149 in an on mode when the switch is powered fey the storage capacitor 148 and to keep foe battery disconnected from foe motor 149 in a standby mode when the switch is not powered.

While the ipyeoion has hern described is ec^eehon with what the most practical and preferred embodiment* it is to he understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, hut ott the contrary^ is Intended to cover various oipdi&amp;aions and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and seppe of the appended claims*

This application is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2015203000 which is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2008311434, each specification of which as originally filed are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (133)

1. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

   1. A system for treating a female mammal or human patient to promote pregnancy comprising; a restriction device adapted to posioperatively be adjusted to restrict and release so oviduct of the patient.
2. 2, The system, according to claim 1, wherein the restriction device is adapted to provide a restriction of the oviduct to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary m the oviduct
3. 3. The system -according to claim I, wherein the restriction device Is adapted to provide a release of the oviduct when pregnancy is wanted.
4. 4, The system according to claim 1 * wherein the restriction device is adapted to he adjusted from outside the patients body to restrict: aid release die oviduct passageway. .5,. 'The system, according to claim 4, wherein the .restriction device Is adapted to he adjusted from outside the patients body non-mvasively,.
5. 6. The system according to claim I, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted by
6. 7. The system, according to claim 1, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted by electrical or magnetic -power.
7. 8. The: system according to claim 1, wherein the restriction device is adapted to he adjusted by hydraulic power.
8. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the hydranik power comprising at least one subcutaneously placed reservoir controlled by the patient 1(.1 The system, according to claim 1, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be adjusted reversible. Ϊ1. The system according to claim 1, wherein the restriction device is adapted to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and releasing the restriction when convenient for the patient to get pregnant Ϊ 2. The system according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined period of time is adapted to increase., the livelihood of pregnancy*
9. 13, The method according to claim 11, wherein, the predetermined period: of time is between'0 and 2 days, 1.4, The method according to claim 11. wherein the predetermined period of time is between 0 and 2 days, MORE THAN ONE RESTRICTION AREA

   13, The system according to any of claim 1 »14, wherein said restriction de vice comprises a more than one restriction area,, wherein said restriction device being adapted to change the restriction area over time.
10. 16, The system according to claim 15, wherein the change of the restriction, area is adapted to pre vent any damage to the oviduct still keeping the oviduct dosed accumulating any egg to at a defined time fee released to pas down to the uterus, thus increasing the likelihood of pregnancy,
11. 17, The system according to claim 15, comprising a hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas,
12. 18, The system according to claim 17, comprising a. hydraulic reservoir .connected to said restriction device, where!» the hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas is connected to the reservoir with hydraulic fluid adapted to move fluid to or from the restriction device and further comprising at least one valve to direct the fluid individually to or from the restriction areas to restrict or release the restriction .areas individually*
13. 19, The system according to claim 17, comprising two or more hydraulic reservoirs connected one each to the different areas of said restriction device, wherein the hydraulic restriction device with two or more restriction areas is connected to the two or more reservoirs with hydraulic fluid, said reservoirs Is adapted to move fluid to or from said restriction areas individually to or from each of the connected restriction areas to restrict or release the restrietion. in the indi vidual restrietion are»,
14. 20, The system according to claim 17, wherein each of the hydraulic restriction areas is adapted to be restricted ior a predetermined time period with some overlap in time and adapted to first restrict the restriction area closest to the ovary then changing restriction area to the next one towards the uterus,
15. 21, The system according to claim 17, wherein each of the hydraulic restriction areas is adapted to be regul ated by manual manipulation of said reservoirs.
16. 22. The system according to claim 15, comprising a stimulation device with two or more restriction areas in combination with a hydraulic or mechanical restriction device.
17. 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the hydraulic or mechanical restriction device Is only partly restricting the oviduct and the stimulation device stimulates to completely restrict the oviduct,
18. 24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the stimulation device stimulates different areas of the oviduct to vary the area of the oviduct that is completely restricted.
19. 25. The system according to of claim IS, wherein the change of the restriction area is adapted to cause a peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the direction towards the ovary to prevent the egg'being transported down to the uterus.
20. 26. The system· according to claim 1, wherein the restriction device is adapted to effect a transport of the at least one egg to the uterus upon release of the oviduct,
21. 27. Hie system according to claim 26, wherein the restriction device is adapted to cause a peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the direction, towards the uteres. '28. A system of promoting pregnancy according to claim 15, adapted to restrict a first part or area of an oviduct of the patient to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and adapted to restrict a second part of the oviduct and thereafter release the restriction of the first part,
22. 29. A System according to claim 28., further adapted to release the .restriction of the second part, thereby allow transport of the egg down to the uterus.
23. 30. A system according to claim 28, adapted to restrict a third part of the oviduct and thereafter release the restriction of the second part. 31. A. system according to claim 30» further-adapted to release the restriction of the third part thereby allow transport of the egg down to the uterus.
24. 32. A system according to claim 30, adapted to restrict a. fourth part of the oviduct and thereafter release the restriction of the third part
25. 33. A system accordi ng to claim 32» further adapted to release the restriction of the fourth part, thereby allow transport of the egg down to the uterus,
26. 34. A system according to claim 28, adapted to restrict the first part, of the oviduct closest to the ovary allow the second restriction being restricted without interfering with any accumulated egg.
27. 35. A system according to claim 29-33, adapted to restrict a part of the oviduct closest to the ovary allow the next, restriction being restricted without interfering, with any accumulated egg.
28. 36. A system according to claim 1~35, adapted to have more than two restricting areas and varying the restricting ares, while at least one restricting area is dosed when, the device being in restriction, mode,
29. 37. A system according to claim 36, adapted to restrict the restriction areas in. consecuti ve order starring with the restriction area, part of the oviduct» closest to the'ovary and thereafter restrict any new area one step closer to the uterus and further adapted to overlap in rime the restriction of two consecutive restriction, areas thereby adapted to restrict without interfering with any accumulated egg. PERISTALTIC LIKE WAVE OVIDUCT WALL MOVEMENTS
30. 38. The device according to claim L wherein the .restriction device is adapted to only partly restricting die· oviduct and to create peristaltic wave like movements of a part of the oviduet(s) wall to prevent the transport of an egg in an oviduct to dm uterus of the human or mammal patient, and therefore aceumule at least one egg released from the o vary In the oviduct for a predetermined period o f time, and wherein the speonie is able to reach the egg during the time the egg is-'accumulated because the oviduct- is only part ly restricted, and the restriction device further adapted to release the egg, controlled from outside the body, to allow the at least on egg in the oviduct a transport, to the uterus-
31. 39. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is adapted to comprise at least one restricted area adapted to at least partly restrict and change the restriction area over time.
32. 40, The device according to claim 39, wherein said ..device is adapted to comprise two or more restricted areas adapted to at least partly restrict different portions of the oviduct and change the restriction-area over time.
33. 41, The device according to claim 40, wherein the change of the restriction area is adapted to cause a peristaltic wave like wave in the direction towards the ovary to prevent the egg being transported down to the uterus.. . 42» The device according to claim 38-41, comprising a hydraulic device adapted to cause said peristaltic wavelike restriction wave.
34. 43, The device according to claim 38-41, comprising a mechanical device adapted to cause said peristaltic wave like restriction wave.
35. 44. The device according to claim 38-41, comprising a stimulation, device adapted to cause said peristaltic wave like .restriction wave.
36. 45, The device according to claim 38-44» wherein the device Is adapted to allow a transport of the at least one egg to the uterus upon release of the oviduct.
37. 46, Hie device according to claim 45, wherein the device is adapted to cause a another peristaltic wave like restriction wave in the opposite direction towards the uterus.
38. 47, The device according to claim 39-40, wherein the device Is adapted to he adjusted by manna! manipulation,
39. 48, The device according to. claim 39-40, wherein the device is adapted to he adjusted bf electrical or magnetic power,
40. 49, The device according, to claim 39-40, wherein the restriction areas is cmly partly restricted to allow the sperarie to reach the egg and the device adapted to prevent the egg to temporary reach the uterus with die peristaltic wave, to accumulate the egg temporary in the oviduct to allow increased likelihood tor pregnancy to prolong the time period the egg being reachable by the spermle,
41. 50, The device according to claim 39-40, wherein the restriction areas is completely restricted to prevent the egg to temporary reach the uterus, to accumulate the egg temporary in the oviduct to allow Increased likelihood for pregnancy when released,
42. 51, The device according to claim 1-50, wherein the restriction device i$ adapted to and intended to repeatedly every month repeat the post-operational and non-invasive regulation of the device actively reversible to prevent transport of an egg from the ovary to -the uterus in the oviduct of the patient and reverse the function by allowing the normal transport of the egg from the ovary to the uterus. 52» The devi ce according to any of claims 3 8 or 40-51» wherein the device comprises a mechanical device adapted to cause said peristaltic like wave towards die ovary»
43. 53. The device according to any of claims 3 8 or 40-51, wherein the device comprises a hydraulic device adapted to cause said peristaltic like wave towards the ovary.
44. 54. The device according to any of-claims 38 or 40-51, wherein said device comprises a stimulation device adapted to cause said peristaltic like wave towards the ovary. MOVEMENT DEVICE
45. 55. The device according to any of claim 15-54» comprising a movement device adapted to move the egg out of a Varied upcoming new restricted area before a new area is restricted.
46. 56. The device according to claim 55, wherein the mo vement device is the same device as the restriction device, adapted to work differently when restricting or causing movements of the «gfr

    37. The device according to claim 55» wherein the movement device is a different device, as the restriction device adapted to work differenily when restricting or causing movements of the egg.
47. 58. The device, .according to any of claim 55-57, wherein the movement device cases vibration or wave like movements in the oviduct wall thereby causing movements of the egg. 5:9. The system according to any of claim 55-58, wherein the movement device comprises a mechanical movement device.
48. 60, The system according to any of claim 55-58, wherein the movement device comprises a hydraulic, movement device.
49. 61. The system according to atsy of claim 35-58, wherein said movement device comprises a stimulation device, 62. lire system -according to any of claim 55-58» wherein said movement device comprises a stimulation, device combined with a- mechanical or hydraulic movement device,
50. 63, The system according to any of claim 59-61, wherein the movement device comprises any combination of movemen t devices, DIFERENT RESTRICTION EMBODIMENTS
51. 64. The system according to any of claim -63, wherein the restriction device comprises a mechanical restriction device,
52. 65, The system according to any of claim -63, wherein the 'restriction device comprises a hydraulic restriction device,
53. 66, The system according to any of claim -63, wherein said restriction device comprises a stimulation device,
54. 67. The system according to any of claim -63 , wherein said restriction device comprises a stimulation device combined with a mechanical or hydraulic restriction device.
55. 68, Tine system according to any of claim 64-66, wherein the restriction device comprises any combination of restriction: devices. .CONTROL AND SENSOR INPUT
56. 69. The system according to any of claim »68, comprising a control device to control the restriction device,
57. 70. The system according to claim 69, wherein the control device is adapted to control the restriction device from, outside the body of the patient
58. 71. The system according to claim 69, wherein the control .device are adapted to be operated from outside the human body,
59. 72. The· system according to claim 69, wherein the control device comprises an internal control «nit adapted to be implanted in the body of the patient, wherein the control of the restriction-device is made by said internal control «nit
60. 73. The system according to claim 69 or 72, .comprising a sensor sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient
61. 74. The system according to claim 73, wherein the internal control «nit controls the restriction device to restrict said ovidact based on information from said sensor,
62. 75. The system according to claim 70, comprising a sensor sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient, wherein the control device controls the restriction device based on information from said sensor,
63. 76. The system according to claim 69 or 72, comprising a sensor sensing at least one functional parameter of the device,
64. 77. The system according to claim 76, wherein the internal control unit controls the restriction device to restrict said oviduct based on information from said sensor. ?S, The system according, to claim 70, comprising a sensor sensing at least one functional parameter of the device, wherein the control device controls the restriction device based on Information from said sensor.
65. 79. The system according to claim73 or 75, wherein said sensor sensing a hormone level or a temperature. SO. The system: according to claim 76 or 78, wherein said sensor sensing a electrical parameter or a pressure related to the device, 8 !. The system according to any o f claim 1 «80, comprising an energy source powering the restriction device, wherein said energy source being an. internal energy source adapted to being chargeable by wireless energy, and further comprising a transmitter for transmitting wireless energy to charge said internal energy source.
66. 82. The system according to any of claim 1-80, adapted to send feedback information from inside the body to the outside thereof to give feed, back related to any functional parameter of the device or physical parameter of the patient,
67. 83, Tire system according:to claim 81, adapted to send feedback information from inside the body to the outside thereof to give feed back related to any .functional: -parameter of the device or physical parameter of the patient,
68. 84, The system according to claim 83., wherein the functional parameter of the device is correlated to the transfer of energy for charging the infernal energy source.
69. 85. The· system according to claim 84, wherein the functional parameter of the device is the energy balance, the·balance between the energy received and the energy used including accumulated by the device. StiThe system according to claim 85» wherein the energy balance is the balance between an energy reception rate and an energy using including accumulating rate.
70. 87, The system according to any of claim 69-80, wherein the control device comprises a mechanical control device.
71. 88, The system according to any of claim 69-80, wherein the control device comprises a hydraulic control device.
72. 89, The system according to any of claim 69-80, wherein said control device comprises a stimulation device, POWER SUPPLY AND REMOTE CONTROL
73. 90, The system according to any of claim· -89, comprising an. energy source powering the restriction device.
74. 91, The system according to any of claim 69-80 and 87-89, wherein the control device comprises a wireless energy transmitter for wireless transfer of energy to power the restriction device during energy transfer.
75. 92, The system according to claim 90, wherein the system comprises a internal energy source to power the restriction device,
76. 93, The system .according-to claim 92» comprising a wireless energy transmitter for wireless transfer of energy to--charge-the internal energy -source, being rechargeable.
77. 94, The system according to claim 92, wherein the internal energy source is controlled from outside the patients body,
78. 95, The system according to claim 94, wherein the internal energy source is controlled with a wireless remote control .
79. 96, The system according to claim 94, wherein the internal energy source is controlled with a switch implanted in the human body adapted to he regulated from outside the body. METHOD
80. 97, A method of avoiding pregn ancy of a female mammal or human patient, comprising the follo wing steps: restricting an oviduct of the patient postopemtively to provide a restriction to accumulate at least, one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and releasing the restriction to admit any egg in the oviduct a transport to the uterus controlling the restricting and releasing procedures from outside the patients body.
81. 98, The method according· to claim 70, wherein the predetermined period of time is adapted to promote pregnancy. 99 The method according; to claim 70, wherein the predetermined period of time Is between 0 and 2 days.
82. 100, A method for placing and controlling two implanted restriction devices avoiding pregnancy in a human or mammal patient, the method comprising the steps of »iasettiug a needle like tube into the abdomen of the patients body, > using the tube like needle like to 'SI! the abdomen with gas thereby expanding the abdominal cavity, - placing at least two laparoscopic trocars in the patient’s body* - inserting a camera through one of the trocars into the abdomen, ~ inserting .at'least one dissecting tool through a trocar and dissecting an area of at least one portion of th e two oviducts of the patient, - placing two implanted restriction devices, on each of the two oviducts - adjusting the restriction devices alter the operation at a time convenient to not get pregnat thus, - controlling the adjustment, from outside the patients body and post-operatively ~ restricting at least partly the two oviducts and thereby - accumulating at lest one egg in the oviduct and. * releasing the at least one egg to allow transport down to the uterus at a time when pregnaoy want to be achieved
83. 101. A method, according to claim 1.00, wherein the step of restricting the o vid uct at least partly thereby accumulating at least one egg may include the stops of: - restricting the oviduct partly and - causing an peristaltic wave like movement of the oviduct wall in the direction towards the ovary·' still only partly restricted to prevent transport of any egg down to the uterus thus accumulating said egg in the oviduct thereby - allowing: a spermie to be able to reach the egg during the accumulation, period. Method different restriction areas
84. 102, A method of preventing pregnancy according to claim 97 or 100 , wherein restricting the ovidnet comprising the following steps: - restricting a first part or area of an oviduct of the-patient to provide a restriction to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary In the oviduct for a predetermined period Of time, - restricting a second pari of the oviduct, and - releasing foe restriction of the first part
85. 103. A method according to claim 102, comprising the following steps; - releasing the tesfoction. of foe second part, and - allowing transport of foe egg down to foe uterus.
86. 104. A method according to claim 5 02,. comprising the following steps: - restricting a third part of the oviduct, and «releasing foe restrietion of foe second part.
87. 165. A method according to claim 1.04, comprising foe following steps; ~ releasing the restriction of the third part, and - allowing transport of the egg down to the uterus.

    106. A method according to claim 104, comprising the following steps: - restricting a fourth pari of the oviduct, and - releasing the restrietion of the third part.

    107. A method according to claim 106, comprising the following steps: - releasing fee restriction of the fourth part, and - allowing transport of the egg down to fee uterus.

    108. A method according to claim 102, comprising fee following steps; wherein the restricted first part, of the oviduct being closer to the ovary - allowing the second restriction being restricted without interfering with any accumulated egg-

    109. A method 'according to claim 97 or 100, comprising the following steps: - having more than two restricting areas,, and - varying the restricting area while - keeping at least one restricting area closed when restriction wants to be achieved

    110. A method according to claim 109, comprising the following steps:. the restriction areas being restricted in consecutive order starting 'with the restriction area, closest to the ovary thereafter, - restricting any new* area one step closer to the «terns, - overlapping in time the restriction of two consecutive restriction areas thereby, and ~ restricting without interfering with any accumulated egg

    111. A method of promoting pregnancy of a female human or mammal patient, comprising the following steps: »restricting a first part of an oviduct of the patient to provide a restriction to aecimmlate at least one egg released from the ovary in. the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and - moving the accumulated egg hy a movement device in the oviduct towards the ovary, away from the second restriction area, on the ovary side of the first restriction, ~ allowing a second part of the oviduct closer to the ovary being restricted without interfering with any accumulated, egg, - releasing the restriction of the first part, - repeating the restriction of the first part, - releasing the restriction of the second part, and * allowing the oviduct, to recover between restriction intervals.

    112. The method according to claim 111, - repeating moving any accumulated egg fey said movement device away in the .oviduct towards the ovary the not yet restricted second area,, repeating ·*· allowing a second: part of the ovidoet closer to the ovary being restricted without interfering with any accumulated egg, further repeating, ~ releasing the restriction of the first part , and - repeating the complete procedure allowing the oviduct to .recover between restriction intervals.

    113. The method according to claim III, wherein more than two restricted areas are varied to keep the oviduct closed allowing the restricted area to recover between restrict#»» intervals and wherein the restriction areas is adapted to be varied between three or more areas always keeping the oviduct closed, I id.The method according to claim. .113, comprising the step of: - moving any accumulated egg by said, movement device away ha the oviduct towards the ovary from any new upcoming restriction area at a time, to avoid interfering with any accumulated egg within the restriction. 1 IS.The method according to claim 1 (Ml, comprising the step of: releasing the restriction after a determined time period to admit the at least on egg in the oviduct to allow a transport of the at least one egg to the uterus at a time convenient to not get pregnant, 116,'The method according to claim 97 or 1.00, wherein the device Is adapted to have the restriction areas varied over time to avoid any damage to the oviduct still keeping the oviduct, completely restricted.

    117. The method according to claim 116, comprising a movement device, wherein the movement device is adapted to .move the egg out of a varied upcoming new restricted region before a new area is restricted.

    118. The method e according to claim 117, wherein the movement device is die same device as the restriction device, adapted to work differently when restricting or causing movements of the egg. .! 19.The method according to claim 117, wherein the movement device is a different device as the restriction device adapted to work differently when restricting or causing movements of the egg.

    120. The method according to any of claim 117-119, wherein the movement device cases vibration or wave like movements In the oviduct wall. 12LThe method according to claim 115, wherein, the predetermined period of time is adapted to prevent pregnancy,

    122.The method according to claim 115 . wherein the predetermined period of time is between 2 and 30 days.

    123 . The method according to claim 1.15, wherein the predetermined period of time is more than 30 days,

    124. The method according to any of claim 117» 119, wherein said movement device comprises a vibrating device, for causing a vibration of at least a part of the wall of said oviduct causing movement of any accumulated egg, said movement being repeated.

    125. The method according to any of claim 117-119, wherein said movement device comprises a mechanical device.

    126. Use method according to any of claim 117-119, wherein said movement device comprises hydraulic device,

    127. The method according to any of claim. 117-119, wherein said movement device comprises stimulation device,

    128. The method according to. claim 125-127, wherein said movement device comprises a combined device.

    129. A method of promoting pregnancy of a female patient, comprising the following steps: preventing the transport of an egg in an oviduct to the uterus of the human or mammal patient, and accumulating at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct for a predetermined perio d of time, by - casing a peristaltic like wave movement of a part of the ovidoct(s) wall preventing the egg being transported down to the uterus still only partly restricting the oviduct, - allowing the spemrie to reach the egg during the time the egg is accumulated, and - releasing the egg no«~operatively to admit the at least on egg in. the oviduct to allow a transport of the .at least one egg to the uterus.

    130. The method according to claim 129, wherein the predetermined period of time is adapted to promote pregnancy,

    131. The method according to claim. 130, wherein the predetermined period oCtime is between 0 and 2 days.

    132. The method according to claim 130, wherein the predetermined period of time is between 0 and 2 days.

    133. A method for placing aid controlling an implanted device achieving an increased likelihood of pregnancy in a human or mamma! patient, the method comprising'the steps of: - inserting a tube like needle Into the abdomen of the patients body, - using the tube like needle like to fill the abdomen with gas thereby expanding the abdominal cavity, - placing at least two laparoscopic trocars in the patient fs body, - inserting a camera through one of the trocars into the abdomen, - inserting at least one disseising tool through a trocar and dissecting an area of at least one portion of the two oviducts of the patient, -. placing two parts of the implanted device, one each 011 the two oviducts ~ finishing the operation and withdrawing the instruments after eventual suturing and thereafter postoperatively: - adjusting the device after the operation at a time relevant to get pregnat, - controlling the adjustment from outside the patients body and thereby - preventing flow of any egg to reach the «.terns in the two oviducts during a few days in relation to the owlation period and thereby increasing the likelihood of the right timing tor to get pregnant and thereby - accumulating any egg released Item the ovary In the ovidnct(s) by - casing a peristaltic like wave movement of a part of the oviduct(s) wall preventing the egg being transported down to the uterus still only partly restricting the oviduct, »allowing the spemde to reach: the egg during the time the egg is accumulated - releasing any egg in the oviduct noninvasively to allow the egg to in a normal way be transported down to the uterus. .134. The method .according to claim 129 or 133» wherein said device comprises a mechanical device.

    135. The method according to claim 129 or 133, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic device,

    136. The method according to claim 1,35 wherein said hydraulic· restriction device comprises a reservoir, for moving gas or fluid to or from said device.

    137. The method according to claim 136» wherein said reservoir is placed subcutaneously for - being reached by the patients hand for - moving fluid manually to or from said device.

    138. The method according to claim 129 or 1.33, wherein said device * being powered by an internal energy source for preventing flic transport of an egg to the uterus, comprising» control device controlling said power from outside the patients body. 1.3:9. The method according to claim 129 or 133» wherein a wireless energy transmitter for •wireless transfer of energy is powering said device»to directly during energy transfer, for preventing said transport of an egg, wherein by means of a control device controlling said power from outside the patients body.

    140. The method according to claim 138,. wherein a wireless energy transmitter lor wireless transfer of energy is charging said internal energy source, wherein by means of a control device controlling said power from outside the patients body,. Method restriction embodiments 141 * The method according to any of claim 97-140» wherein said restriction device comprises a mechanical restriction device.

    142. The method according to any of claim 97-128, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic restri etion device,

    143. The method according to claim 142 wherein said hydraulic restriction device comprises a .reservoir» for moving gas or fluid to or from said restriction device.

    144. The method according to claim 143, wherein said reservoir is placed subcutaneously for i. being reached by die patients hand for ii. moving fluid manually to or from said restrictioh. device.

    145. The method according to any of claim 97*128» wherein said restriction device comprises a .stimulation· device.

    146. The method according to any of claim §7-128, wherein said restriction device comprises a stimulation device in combination with a mechanical or hydraulic restriction device. Method power and remote control

    147. The method according to any of claim 97-146, wherein said restriction device»being powered by a» internal energy soisree for restricting or releasing said restriction device, said power being controlled from outside the patients body. HZ> The method according to any of claim: 97446* comprising wireless energy transmitter for transmitting wireless energy wherein said internal energy source being charged by said wireless energy, said wireless power being controlled from outside the patients body,

    149. The method according to any of claim 97-146, wherein a wireless energy transmitter for wireless transfer of energy is powering said restriction device to, directly during energy transfer, restricting or releasing said restriction device, said power being controlled from, outside the patients body,

    150. The method according to any of claim 97-146, wherein a magnetic field is powering said restriction device for restricting or releasing said restriction device, said power being controlled from outside the patients body.

    151. Hie method according to claim 147, wherein the internal source of energy comprising a battery or capacitor for powering said device,

    152,, The method according to claim 147 or 149 , wherein the internal energy source is controlled from outside 'the· patients body,

    153, The method accenting to claim 152, wherein the internal energy source Is controlled with a wireless remote control

    154. The method according to claim 152 or I S3, wherein die internal energy source is controlled with a switch implanted in the human body adapted to be regulated ikon outside the body. Control and sensor input

    155. The method according to any of claim 97*154, comprising a control device to control the restriction device. 154 The method according to claim 155. wherein the control device is adapted to control the restriction device from outside the body of the patient.

    157. The method according to claim 155, wherein the control device are adapted to be operated from outside the human body, 158» The method according to claim 155. wherein the control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the body of the patient, wherein the control of the restriction device is made by said internal control unit, !59. The method according to claim '158, comprising a sensor sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient,

    150, The method according to claim 159, wherein the internal control unit controls the restriction device to restrict said oviduct based on Information from said sensor. 16!, The method according to claim 156, comprising a sensor sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient wherein theeontro! device controls the restriction device based on information from said sensor,

    162. The method according to claim 138, comprising a sensor sensing at least one functional parameter of the device.

    163. The method according to claim 162, wherein the internal control unit controls the restriction device to restrict said oviduct based on information from said sensor.

    164. The method according to claim 156, comprising a sensor sensing at least one functional parameter of the device, wherein the control device controls the restriction device based on information from said sensor.

    165. The method according to claim 159 or 161, wherein said sensor sensing a hormone level or a temperature.
88. 166. The method according to claim 162 or 164, wherein said sensor sensing a electrical parameter or a pressure related to the device.
89. 167. The method according to any of claim 97-146, comprising an energy source powering the restri ction .device, wherein said energy source being an Internal energy source adapted to being chargeable by wireless energy, and further comprising a transmitter for transmitting ,. wireless energy to charge said internal energy source.
90. 168. .The method .according to -any of claim 97-167, adapted to send feedback information from inside the body to the outside thereof to give feed back related to any functional parameter of the device or physical parameter of the patient
91. 169. The method according to claim 167, adapted to send feedback information from inside the body to the outside thereof to. give feed hack related to any functional parameter of the device or physi cal parameter of the patient.
92. 170. The method according to claim 169, wherein the functional parameter of the device Is correlated to the transfer of energy for charging the internal energy sottree.
93. 171. The method according to claim 170, wherein the functional parameter of the device Is the energy'balance,, the balance between the energy received and the energy used including accumulated by the device.
94. 172, The method according to: el.aim 1 71, wherein the energy balance is the balance between ait energy reception rate and an energy using including accumulating rate, 173, "The method according to any of claim 155-172,, wherein the control device composes a mechanical control device,
95. 174. The method according to any of claim 155-1.72, wherein the control de vice comprises a hydraulic control device,
96. 175 , The method according to any of claim 155-172, wherein, said control device comprises a Stimulation device,
97. 176. A pregnancy control system for affecting pregnancy of a female mammal or human patient, comprising: an implantable restriction device adapted to be implanted outside an oviduct of the patient and to be postoperatively adjusted to restrict the lumen of the oviduct of the patient to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct and to cease restricting the oviduct lumen to admit the egg in the oviduct to be transported to the uterus, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be noninvasively adjusted from outside the patient's body to restrict and cease restricting the oviduct lumen, and wherein the restriction device is adapted to be reversibly adjusted by hydraulic power means comprising at least one hydraulic reservoir hydraulically connected to the restriction device to provide distribution of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic reservoir and restriction device.
98. 177. The system according to claim 176, wherein the restriction device is adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen to accumulate at least one egg in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and to cease restricting the oviduct lumen when convenient for the patient to become pregnant, and the predetermined period of time is selected to increase the likelihood of the patient becoming pregnant, the predetermined period of time being between 0 and 2 days.
99. 178. The system according to any one of claims 176 to 177, wherein the restriction device comprises at least two restriction areas adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen at different places on the oviduct, the restriction device being adapted to change the restriction of the oviduct lumen over time from one restriction area to another restriction area .
100. 179. The system according to claim 178, further comprising a hydraulic restriction device comprising at least two restriction areas adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen at different places on the oviduct, a hydraulic reservoir hydraulically connected to the hydraulic restriction device to provide distribution of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic reservoir and hydraulic restriction device, and at least one valve operable to direct the hydraulic fluid individually to or from the restriction areas of the restriction device to restrict or release the restriction areas individually.
101. 180. The system according to claim 178, further comprising two or more hydraulic reservoirs connected one each to the different areas of the restriction device, wherein the hydraulic restriction device is hydraulically connected to the reservoirs, the reservoirs being adapted to move hydraulic fluid to or from the respective restriction areas of the restriction device individually to restrict or release the oviduct lumen at different places on the oviduct.
102. 181. The system according to claim 179 or 180, wherein each of the hydraulic restriction areas of the restriction device is adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen for a predetermined time period with some overlap in time, and the restriction areas of the restriction device are adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen such that the restriction of the oviduct lumen is changed from the restriction area situated closest to the ovary to the next restriction area in the direction towards the uterus.
103. 182. The system according to any one of claims 179 to 181, wherein each of the hydraulic restriction areas is adapted to be regulated by manual manipulation of the reservoirs.
104. 183. The system according to any one of claims 176 to 182, further comprising a stimulation device with two or more restriction areas combined with a hydraulic or mechanical restriction device, wherein the hydraulic or mechanical restriction device is adapted to restrict only in part the oviduct lumen, and the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate the oviduct wall to cause contraction thereof to completely restrict the oviduct lumen.
105. 184. The system according to any one of claims 178 to 180 and 183, wherein the restriction device is adapted to change between the restriction areas such that the oviduct lumen is restricted in the form of a peristaltic wave restriction moving in the direction towards the ovary to prevent the egg in the oviduct lumen from being transported down to the uterus.
106. 185. The system according to any one of claims 176 to 184, wherein the restriction device is adapted to effect transportation of the egg to the uterus upon release of the oviduct lumen, wherein the restriction device is adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen in the form of a peristaltic wave restriction moving in the direction towards the uterus.
107. 186. A system according to any one of claims 176 to 185, wherein the restriction device comprises more than two restriction areas adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen at different places on the oviduct, and the restriction areas are adapted to vary the restriction of the oviduct lumen between the restricting areas while at least one of the restriction areas restricts the oviduct lumen.
108. 187. A system according to any one of claims 176 to 185, wherein the restriction areas are adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen in consecutive order starting with the restriction area situated closest to the ovary and thereafter restricting the oviduct lumen by another restriction area one step closer to the uterus, wherein the restriction of the oviduct lumen by two consecutive restriction areas are overlapped in time.
109. 188. The system according to claim 176, wherein the restriction device is adapted to only in part restrict the oviduct and to create peristaltic wave like movements of a part of the wall of the oviduct wall to prevent an egg released from the ovary from being transported in the oviduct to the uterus of the patient to accumulate the egg in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, whereby any sperm in the oviduct is able to reach the egg during the time the egg is accumulated because the oviduct is only restricted in part, the restriction device being controlled from outside the patient's body to release the egg to allow the egg in the oviduct to be transported to the uterus.
110. 189. The system according to any one of claims 176 to 188, further comprising a control device operable from outside the patient's body to control the restriction device, wherein the control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient's body, the internal control unit controlling the restriction device.
111. 190. The system according to any one of claims 176 to 189, further comprising an implantable internal energy source for powering the restriction device, the energy source being chargeable by wireless energy, and a transmitter for transmitting wireless energy for charging the internal energy source, wherein the internal energy source is controlled from outside the patient's body by a wireless remote control, or a switch implantable in the human body and adapted to be regulated from outside the body.
112. 191. The system according to claim 190, further comprising a feedback device adapted to send feedback information from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof to give feedback related to a functional parameter of the system or a physical parameter of the patient, wherein the functional parameter of the system is correlated to the transfer of energy for charging the internal energy source.
113. 192. The system according to any one of claims 176 to 189, further comprising a wireless energy transmitter for wireless transfer of energy to power the restriction device during energy transfer.
114. 193. A pregnancy control system for affecting pregnancy of a female mammal or human patient, comprising: an implantable restriction device adapted to be implanted outside an oviduct of the patient and to be postoperatively adjusted to restrict the lumen of the oviduct; an implantable stimulation device adapted to stimulate a wall of the oviduct to cause contraction thereof; wherein at least one of the implantable restriction device and the implantable stimulation device is operable to accumulate at least one egg released from the ovary in the oviduct and to cease restricting the oviduct lumen to admit the egg in the oviduct to be transported to the uterus.
115. 194. The system according to claim 193, wherein the restriction device is adapted to only partly restrict the oviduct lumen, and wherein the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate the oviduct wall to completely restrict the oviduct lumen.
116. 195. The system according to claim 193 or 194, wherein the stimulation device comprises two or more restriction areas adapted to cause constriction of the oviduct wall at different positions on the oviduct.
117. 196. The system according to claim 195, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen in the form of a peristaltic wave restriction, moving towards the ovary to prevent the egg in the oviduct lumen from being transported to the utems.
118. 197. The system according to claim 195, wherein the stimulation device is adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen in the form of a peristaltic wave restriction moving towards the uterus to effect transportation of the egg to the uterus.
119. 198. The system according to claim 193, wherein the restriction device comprises two or more restriction areas adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen at different places on the oviduct.
120. 199. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 193 - 198, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be noninvasively adjusted from outside the patient’s body.
121. 200. The system according to any one of the preceding claimsl93 - 199, wherein the restriction device is adapted to be reversibly adjusted by hydraulic power means comprising at least one hydraulic reservoir hydraulically connected to the restriction device to provide distribution of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic reservoir and the restriction device.
122. 201. The system according to claim 200, wherein the hydraulic reservoir is adapted to be subcutaneously placed and controlled by the patient.
123. 202. The system according to any one of the preceding claims193 - 201, comprising at least two restriction areas adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen at different positions on the oviduct, wherein the restriction device is adapted to change the restriction of the oviduct over time from one restriction area to another restriction area.
124. 203. The system according to claim 202, wherein each of the restriction areas is adapted to be regulated by manual manipulation of a hydraulic reservoir.
125. 204. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 193 - 203, wherein the restriction device and/or stimulation device is adapted to restrict the oviduct lumen to accumulate at least one egg in the oviduct for a predetermined period of time, and to cease restricting the oviduct lumen when convenient for the patient to become pregnant, and wherein the predetermined period of time is selected to increase the likelihood of the patient becoming pregnant, the predetermined period of time being between 0 and 2 days.
126. 205. The system according to claim 193, wherein the restriction device is a mechanical restriction device.
127. 206. The system according to claim 193, wherein the restriction device is a hydraulic restriction device.
128. 207. The system according to claim 193, further comprising a control device operable from outside the patient’s body to control the restriction device and/or the stimulation device.
129. 208. The system according to claim 207, wherein the control device further comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient’s body.
130. 209. The system according to claim 193, further comprising an implantable internal energy source for powering the restriction device and/or the stimulation device.
131. 210. The system according to claim 209, wherein the implantable internal energy source is chargeable by wirelessly transmitted energy.
132. 211. The system according to claim 209, further comprising a feedback device adapted to send feedback information from inside the patient’s body to the outside thereof to give feedback related to a functional parameter of the system or a physical parameter of the patient.
133. 212. The system according to claim 211, wherein the functional parameter of the system is correlated to the transfer of energy for charging the internal energy source.