Implantable device for controlling defecation and related method

A device implantable in a person, comprising:

• first means connectable in fluid communication with an intestine of the person for receiving a flow of waste therefrom;
• second means coupled in fluid communication with the first means for the passage of waste therethrough;
• third means coupled in fluid communication between the first and second means for at least one of (i) moving between a closed position for preventing the flow of waste in the direction from the first means through the second means, and an open position for permitting the flow of waste in the direction from the first means through the second means, and (ii) pumping waste through the second means;
• fourth means operatively connectable to the third means for controlling actuation of the third means and, in turn, controlling the flow of waste through the device;
• and
• fifth means for releasing gas through the device.

A method comprising the steps of:

• implanting within a person a device having an inlet, an outlet, and at least one of a valve and a pump coupled in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet;
• connecting the inlet of the device in fluid communication with an intestine of the person;
• receiving waste from the intestine through the inlet of the device,
• receiving gases from the intestine and venting the gases through the device, and
• actuating the least one of the valve and the pump to move the waste between the inlet and the outlet, and, in turn, discharge the waste through the outlet.

A removable assembly for a device that is implantable in a person, wherein the device includes an outer body defining an inlet connectable in fluid communication with an intestine of the person for receiving a flow of waste therefrom, and an outlet coupled in fluid communication with the inlet for the passage of waste from the inlet therethrough, wherein the removable assembly includes:

• an inner body receivable within the outer body of the device;
• at least one of a valve and a pump coupled to the inner body and connectable in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet of the outer body for controlling the passage of waste therebetween;
• an actuator operatively connectable to the at least one of the valve and the pump for controlling actuation of the at least one of the valve and the pump and, in turn, controlling flow of waste through the device;
• and
• a gas release valve.

A removable assembly for a device that is implantable in a person, wherein the device includes an outer body defining an inlet connectable in fluid communication with an intestine of the person for receiving a flow of waste therefrom, and an outlet coupled in fluid communication with the inlet for the passage of waste from the inlet therethrough, wherein the removable assembly includes:

• first means for supporting receivable within the outer body of the device;
• second means coupled to the first means and connectable in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet for at least one of (i) moving between a closed position for preventing the flow of waste in the direction from the inlet toward the outlet, and an open position for permitting the flow of waste in the direction from the inlet toward the outlet, and (ii) pumping waste through the outlet
• third means coupled to the second means for controlling actuation of the second means and, in turn, controlling flow of waste through the device;
• and
• fourth means for releasing gas through the device.