Resistive anti-obesity devices

US7819836B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GI Dynamics, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Andy H. Levine · Newton, US
• Ronald B. Lamport · Pelham, US
• David A. Melanson · Hudson, US
• Stuart A. Randle · Concord, US
• Ezra S. Fishman · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 12, 2007
• Grant date: Oct 26, 2010
• Expiry date: Feb 27, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2002/045
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures or apertures that may be adjustable or elastic to vary the rate of stomach emptying. Slowing gastric emptying may induce satiety for a longer period and may therefore reduce food consumption. Many of the embodiments include intestinal sleeves or sleeves, but they need not. The resistor concept may be applied to a simple anchor and resistor without a long sleeve.