Intragastric device for treating obesity

Abstract

An apparatus and method comprising at least one intragastric member or artificial bezoar made of a digestive-resistant or substantially indigestible material that is introduced into a gastric lumen of a mammal for the treatment of obesity. The intragastric member or artificial bezoar is typically at inserted into the gastric lumen in a partially compacted configuration, whereby it is then manipulated into, or allowed to assume, a second expanded configuration sufficiently large to remain within the reservoir of the stomach during normal activities and not be passed through the pylorus into the intestines. In animals, the present invention has been found to be effective in achieving weight loss over a several month period, while being easy to place and retrieve.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of c-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 151,720, filed May 17, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 291,790, filed May 17, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 360,353, filed Feb. 27, 2002, each of which are entitled “Intragastric Device For Treating Obesity”.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to medical devices, and more particularly to obesity treatment devices that can be placed in the stomach of a patient to reduce the size of the stomach reservoir. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is well known that obesity is a very difficult condition to treat. Methods of treatment are varied, and include drugs, behavior therapy, and physical exercise, or often a combinational approach involving two or more of these methods. Unfortunately, results are seldom long term, with many patients eventually returning to their original weight over time. For that reason, obes...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is an obesity treatment apparatus that includes an intragastric member or artificial bezoar made of a digestive-resistant material that can be introduced into the stomach of a mammal. The intragastric member has a first configuration that can be manipulated to a second, expanded configuration within the stomach. The apparatus can be easily placed and removed, and can be effective in achieving weight loss over a several-month period. It can be introduced endoscopically or blindly, and can be pre-coupled together or individually removed. The intragastric member can also be made of a plurality of expandable members that can be constrained into a first configuration and then expanded to a second, larger configuration within the stomach."

Problems solved by technology

It is well known that obesity is a very difficult condition to treat.

Unfortunately, results are seldom long term, with many patients eventually returning to their original weight over time.

However, these procedures carry high risks, and are therefore not appropriate for most patients.

While some studies demonstrated modest weight loss, the effects of these balloons often diminished after three or four weeks, possibly due to the gradual distension of the stomach or the fact that the body adjusted to the presence of the balloon.

However, the disadvantages of having a inflation tube exiting the nose are obvious.

The experience with balloons as a method of treating obesity has provided uncertain results, and has been frequently disappointing.

Some trials failed to show significant weight loss over a placebo, or were ineffective unless the balloon placement procedure was combined with a low-calorie diet.

In many cases, bezoars can cause indigestion, stomach upset, or vomiting, especially if allowed to grow sufficiently large.

It has also been documented that certain individuals having bezoars are subject to weight loss, presumably due to the decrease in the size of the stomach reservoir.

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