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 sources 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.
Claims12
A device for toning or tightening a gastroesophageal sphincter within a body, the device comprising:
- a. an insertion device having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the insertion device is configured for insertion into a body opening and comprising expandable structure for positioning an energy transmitting device proximate a target area in a tower esophageal sphincter;
- b. an energy source located at the proximal end of the insertion device;
- c. an energy transmitting device located at the distal end of the insertion device;
- and
- d. observation and control pieces proximate the proximal end to aid in proper positioning of the distal end;
- and
- wherein the energy transmitting device is communicably connected to the energy source through the insertion device, and wherein the energy transmitting device comprises a plurality of antennae positioned upon outer or inner surfaces of the expandable structure for directing energy generated by the energy source to an area of tissue making up the targeted tissue area of the sphincter to heat the targeted tissue area to a temperature greater than about 50° C. in the targeted tissue area of the gastroesophageal sphincter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.