Anti-Obesity Devices
AssigneeGI Dynamics, Inc.
InventorsAndy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, John C. Meade
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
Claims24
A delivery apparatus for delivering a gastrointestinal device, the apparatus comprising:
- a flexible inner shaft having a distal tip for passage through at least a foot length of the intestines and for delivering a gastrointestinal device, the shaft having a minimum bend radius of less than 0.5 inches without kinking;
- a semi-rigid outer tube to receive the inner shaft and to guide movement of the shaft through the stomach;
- and
- an atraumatic element coupled to the distal tip of the inner shaft and configured to lead the shaft through the intestines.
A method of delivering a gastrointestinal device comprising:
- passing a semi-rigid outer tube through the stomach;
- and
- passing a flexible inner shaft having a distal tip through the outer tube and through a length of the intestines to deliver a gastrointestinal device, the shaft extending at least a foot beyond the outer tube, the shaft having a minimum bend radius of less than 0.5 inches without kinking, the shaft having an atraumatic element coupled to the distal tip of the shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.