Methods and Devices for Treating Obesity

Abstract

Methods and devices for treating obesity. Pressure is applied to gastric walls in at least one segment of a stomach such that the pressure distends the gastric walls and induces satiety. A hollow capsule can be used to distend the gastric walls. Alternatively, a doughnut-shaped ring may be inflated to an amount sufficient to create intragastric tension and induce satiety. A c-ring including at least one balloon may be placed at a segment of the stomach, where the balloon inflates to a size that creates tension at the segment. A biocompatible material can be injected into the fundus and antrum of the stomach to stiffen the gastric wall to create a fullness feeling.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 679,769, which was filed May 11, 2005 and which is entitled, “Methods and Devices for Treating Obesity.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to treating obesity. More particularly, the present invention provides techniques for stiffening the gastric walls and / or providing tension to the gastric wall to induce satiety, thereby treating obesity.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Obesity has become a global epidemic in recent years. In a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 1999-2002 conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that approximately 30 percent of U.S. adults, or about 60 million people, ages 20 or higher, are obese, i.e., having a body mass index of 30 or higher. Approximately 65 percent of U.S. adults, ages 20 or higher, are overweig...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Embodiments of the invention provide treatment for obesity by using the steady state of the intragastric pressure and wall tension in the stomach. The volume of the stomach can be decreased by changing the compliance of the stomach and thus, one may create gastric satiety.

[0011]Pressure may be applied to gastric walls in at least one segment of a stomach such that the pressure distends the gastric walls and induces satiety. A hollow capsule can be used to distend the gastric walls. Alternatively, a doughnut-shaped ring may be inflated to an amount sufficient to create intragastric tension and induce satiety. A c-ring including at least one balloon may be placed at a segment of the stomach, where the balloon inflates to a size that creates tension at the segment. A biocompatible material can be injected into the fundus and antrum of the stomach to stiffen the gastric wall to create a fullness feeling.

Problems solved by technology

The volume of the stomach can be decreased by changing the compliance of the stomach and thus, one may create gastric satiety.

Images