Loading patent…
AssigneeEthicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
InventorsJames Gannoe, Craig Gerbi
Estimating the term…
Methods and devices for maintaining a space-occupying device in a fixed relationship relative to a patient's stomach by manipulation of the stomach. In one variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are brought into approximation with one another and secured together in a manner that secures a space-occupying device within the stomach of the patient. In another variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are wrapped around a space-occupying device to maintain the position of the space-occupying device relative to the stomach wall. In another variation, a system having a space-occupying member and a locking member capable holding the space-occupying member against the inner wall of the stomach are provided. In a further variation, a pouch is created within the stomach that receives and retains a space-occupying device.
1-35. (canceled)
A space-occupying device for placement and retention within a patient's stomach, the space occupying device having a passageway extending through the device, and a cavity within the device and in communication with the passageway, the cavity having a defined volume, the device being deployable such that the passageway is oriented in alignment with the patient's esophagus.
A space-occupying device dimensioned for receipt and deployment within a gastric pouch that has been created in patient's stomach through a stomach volume reduction procedure, the device having a volume proportional to that of the gastric pouch.
The device of clans 49 wherein the passageway and cavity are rigid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.