US 8,945,167 B2 · Gastric space occupier systems and methods of use

Abstract

Systems for controlling obesity utilize a number of space occupiers positioned in the stomach to reduce the effective volume of the stomach. Such arrangements provides sufficient stomach volume consumption to induce weight loss, but enable use of space occupiers that are proportioned to minimize the threat of obstruction even if they should migrate into the intestine. In general, numerous small volume space occupiers are placed in the stomach such that the total volume equals or exceeds the single volume of prior art single unit space occupiers. However, each individual space occupier is proportioned so that it will pass without obstruction if it moves into the intestine.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A method of treating obesity in a patient, comprising:

placing a tubular balloon into a stomach, the tubular balloon including a tubular wall comprising an outer tubular layer and an inner tubular layer disposed within the outer tubular layer, and a space between the inner and outer tubular layers, wherein the tubular balloon defines an elongate lumen therethrough, and wherein, in response to a radially inward pressure against an outer surface of the tubular balloon, a portion of the inner tubular layer moves from within the elongate lumen to an external location on the tubular balloon;
and
filling the space between the inner and outer tubular layers with a fluid such that the fluid is contained within the tubular wall.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Gastric space occupier systems and methods of use

Life of this patent

Gastric space occupier systems and methods of use

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13