Magnetic anchoring devices

Abstract

Magnetic anchoring devices are disclosed herein. Expandable devices that are inserted into the stomach of a patient are attached to its interior wall by magnetically coupling. Such expandable devices, like inflatable balloons, comprise at least one magnetic device, which may be a magnet, a magnetizable material, or a magnetic metal. The magnetic device may be positioned on the external or interior surface of the expandable device or may be integral thereto. The magnetic device is magnetically coupled to a magnetic anchor positioned on a surface of the stomach wall. In this way, the expandable devices are anchored to the stomach walls, preventing migration of the device to other areas of the body where they may become obstructions and pose health risks.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 288,820 filed Nov. 5, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for the magnetic attachment of expandable devices and the like within a patient's body cavity, such as the stomach, intestine or gastrointestinal tract. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In cases of severe obesity, patients may undergo several types of surgery either to tie off or staple portions of the large or small intestine or stomach, and / or to bypass portions of the same to reduce the amount of food desired by the patient, and the amount absorbed by the intestinal tract. Procedures such as laparoscopic banding, where a device is used to “tie off” or constrict a portion of the stomach, or placement of i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for implanting and anchoring space-occupying devices into the gastrointestinal system of a patient, e.g., the stomach of the patient, which can be deployed in a minimally invasive manner such as transesophageal endoscopy. The invention allows greater access to procedures and devices by patients who might not otherwise be treated surgically as “morbidly obese” (at or above a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg / m3), but who may just be moderately obese or overweight (BMI of between 25 to 40 kg / m3). In addition, patients who require more invasive surgery for an unrelated ailment, may need a minimally invasive way to lose the weight prior to their more invasive procedure, thereby reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia, or otherwise enabling the more invasive procedure.

[0011] As will soon become apparent, the magnetic device and anchor may take any variety of configurations and be made of any number of materials. Similarly, the device and anchor may have a variety of different surfaces. They may be textured, or have a detent. In this way, adequate perfusion of tissue is accomplished and ischemic tissue necrosis is prevented. Any number of coupling devices may be used.

Problems solved by technology

Many of the conventional surgical interventions require the patient to submit to an intervention under general anesthesia, and can require large incisions and lengthy recovery time.

The less invasive procedures, although clinically efficacious in many cases, suffer from complications ranging from deflation of the devices to insufficient anchoring of these devices resulting in unsustained weight loss, stomach erosion, bowel obstruction and even death.

Many of these devices are neither robust enough nor are they adequately secured within the stomach to sustain long term implantation.

As a result, many implanted devices are implanted in such a manner as to remain unattached or free-floating within the stomach.

Further, due to the caustic nature of stomach acids and other factors, many of the implants deflate and migrate into the intestine, causing bowel obstructions and in some cases death.

Also, many devices are not well designed for removal, leading to additional technical difficulties for the clinician.

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