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Abstract

An esophageal prosthesis (10) for preventing reflux of gastric fluids through the esophagus. The esophageal prosthesis process includes a tubular frame (11) with a sleeve (13) disposed around and longitudinally along the tubular frame as well as extending from the distal end (14) of the frame. The lower portion (28) of the sleeve has a readily collapsible lumen (15) that forms a one-way valve for preventing the reflux of gastric fluids in an antegrade manner through the esophagus. Fluids however readily flow through the sleeve in a antegrade direction. In response to a pressure build up in the stomach of a patient wanting to belch or vomit, the lower portion of the sleeve inverts through the passage (12) of the tubular frame, thereby relieving the pressure build up or voiding the patient's stomach. The tubular frame includes a plurality (19) of self-expanding zig-zag wire stents (20, 21, and 23) that maintain the patency of the esophagus and, in particular, the lower esophageal sphincter and any tumor that is causing stricture of the esophagus.

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First Claim