Endoband: a novel non-surgical endoscopic technique for weight loss using band ligation

Abstract

This invention describes a non-surgical endoscopic technique for weight loss using elastic bands, termed "EndoBand." The bands are repurposed from their traditional use in managing esophageal varices and gastric bleeding. By placing the bands in specific regions of the stomach, marginal narrowing occurs, which increases satiety and slows gastric emptying. This leads to progressive and safe weight loss. The technique is low-cost, suitable for wide-scale use in low-resource settings, and the term 'EndoBand' is a coined designation by the inventor intended to serve as its trade name.

Description

[0001] EndoBand: A Novel Non-Surgical Endoscopic Technique for Weight Loss Using Band Ligation

[0002] This invention relates to non-surgical endoscopic weight loss techniques. Specifically, it involves the endoscopic placement of elastic ligation bands within the stomach to achieve weight reduction.

[0003] Conventional obesity treatments include invasive surgeries like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, or expensive endoscopic interventions such as intragastric balloons and suturing. These techniques may not be accessible in low-resource settings and often carry complications.

[0004] This invention reuses safe and medically approved elastic bands, traditionally used for treating esophageal varices, and applies them within the stomach using an upper endoscope. The placement induces marginal narrowing of the gastric lumen, which promotes early satiety and delayed gastric emptying.

[0005] There is a need for a safe, low-cost, and effective weight loss technique that can be widely applied using existing hospital infrastructure without surgery or complex tools.

[0006] Using endoscopically deployed rubber bands within the stomach offers a minimally invasive, cost-effective solution that induces weight loss through mechanical modulation of gastric shape and motility.

[0007] This method reduces the cost of obesity treatment, minimizes complications, and improves obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, cancer, sleep apnea, infertility, joint pain, and gallbladder disease.

[0008] Longitudinal placement of bands in gastric body.Clustered placement of bands in gastric antrum.

[0009] The EndoBand is performed using a standard upper endoscope and band ligator. Bands are delivered into the stomach and applied in 4–8 spots depending on stomach anatomy. Patients tolerate the procedure well and experience early satiety and delayed gastric emptying. The term "EndoBand" is a coined designation by the inventor and is intended to serve as the official trade name of this endoscopic weight loss technique.Examples

[0010] In 2020, the first case was published in the Endoscopy Journal. A subsequent study reporting 1-month outcomes was published in Obesity Surgery Journal, showing promising early results without major complications.

[0011] The method can be applied across public hospitals, teaching institutions, and low-resource settings worldwide using existing endoscopy equipment.

[0012] Not applicable.

[0013] Not applicable.

[0014] Not applicable.

[0015] Abeid M. Endoscopic Band Ligation for Weight Loss: A Novel Approach. Endoscopy. 2020.

[0016] Abeid M, Zaitoun N. Endoscopic Band Ligation for Weight Loss: A Clinical Trial. Obesity Surgery. 2024.

[0017] No relevant patent literature known to the applicant at the time of filing.

[0018] Abeid M. Endoscopic Band Ligation for Weight Loss: A Novel Approach. Endoscopy. 2020.

[0019] Abeid M, Zaitoun N. Endoscopic Band Ligation for Weight Loss: A Clinical Trial. Obesity Surgery. 2024.

Claims

A non-surgical method for weight loss using endoscopically deployed elastic bands inside the stomach to induce marginal narrowing of the gastric lumen and promote early satiety and delayed gastric emptying.The use of elastic bands that were previously approved and safely used for treating esophageal varices or GAVE, repurposed for weight loss.Placement of elastic bands in the gastric body or antrum to achieve safe, gradual, and cost-effective weight loss.A method that uses standard upper endoscopy tools without the need for surgical infrastructure.The use of this method for weight loss to reduce risks of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, fatty liver, cancer, sleep apnea, infertility, and joint or gallbladder problems.The use of the trade name "EndoBand" to refer to this specific technique.

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