Device and method for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
OwnerBrian D. Zelickson, Robert A. Ganzinventors
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Abstract
A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.
Claims16
A method for treating gastroesophageal reflux, comprising the steps of:
- a. inserting an insertion device having a distally located energy transmitting device for transmitting energy into a targeted tissue area into a patient's esophagus;
- b. positioning an antenna associated with the energy transmitting device adjacent a targeted tissue area which affects the operation of a lower esophageal sphincter;
- c. adjusting the size of a distally located portion of the device to maintain proper placement of the energy transmitting device in relation to the lower esophageal sphincter tissue;
- and
- d. transmitting energy to the energy transmitting device from an energy source to create heating of a targeted tissue area to alter the tissue to achieve toning or tightening of the sphincter.
A method for treating gastroesophageal reflux, comprising the steps of:
- a. inserting an insertion device having a distally located energy transmitting device for transmitting energy into a targeted tissue area into a patient's esophagus;
- b. positioning the energy transmitting device adjacent a targeted tissue area which affects the operation of a lower esophageal sphincter;
- c. adjusting the size of an inflatable balloon on a distally located portion of the device to maintain proper placement of the energy transmitting device in relation to the lower esophageal sphincter tissue;
- and
- d. transmitting energy to the energy transmitting device from an energy source to create heating of a targeted tissue area to alter the tissue to achieve toning or tightening of the sphincter.
A method of treating gastroesophageal reflux, comprising the steps of:
- a. inserting an insertion device having a distally located energy transmitting device for transmitting energy into a targeted tissue area into a patient's esophagus;
- b. positioning the energy transmitting device adjacent a targeted tissue area which affects the operation of a lower esophageal sphincter;
- c. adjusting the size of a distally located portion of the device to maintain proper placement of the energy transmitting device in relation to the lower esophageal sphincter tissue;
- and
- d. transmitting energy to the energy transmitting device from an energy source to create heating of a targeted tissue area to alter the tissue to achieve toning or tightening of the sphincter.
A method for treating gastroesophageal reflux, comprising the steps of:
- a. inserting an insertion device having a distally located energy transmitting device for transmitting energy into a targeted tissue area into a patient's esophagus;
- b. positioning the energy transmitting device adjacent a targeted tissue area which affects the operation of a lower esophageal sphincter;
- c. adjusting the size of distally located portion of the device to maintain proper placement of the energy transmitting device in relation to the lower esophageal sphincter tissue;
- and
- d. transmitting energy to the energy transmitting device from an energy source to create heating of a targeted tissue area to a temperature greater than 50° C. to alter the tissue to achieve toning or tightening of the sphincter.
The method for treating gastroesophageal reflux, comprising the steps of:
- a. inserting an insertion device having a distally located energy transmitting device for transmitting energy into a targeted tissue area into a patient's esophagus;
- b. positioning the energy transmitting device adjacent a targeted tissue area which affects the operation of a lower esophageal sphincter;
- c. adjusting the size of an inflatable balloon a distally located portion of the device to maintain proper placement of the energy transmitting device in relation to the targeted tissue area affecting the operation of the lower esophageal sphincter tissue;
- and
- d. transmitting energy to the energy transmitting device from an energy source to create heating of a targeted tissue area to a temperature greater than 50° C. to alter the tissue to achieve toning or tightening of the sphincter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.