Inventors:
Gary Annunziata - Rancho Mirage CA, US
International Classification:
A61M 29/00
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods of treating overweight or obese patients with an inflatable weight control device that is implanted in the patient's digestive tract. A first method comprises the steps of providing the weight control device which includes an inflatable body having a first bulb, a second bulb, an intermediate portion, and an internal passageway extending from the first bulb through the intermediate portion and to the second bulb. The inflatable body includes a valve assembly that is grasped by the endoscope during insertion of the weight control device in the patient's pylorus. Next, the endoscope is used to position the weight control device within the pylorus such that the intermediate portion resides within the pyloric valve and the first bulb resides within the pyloric antrum. The weight control device is then inflated with the endoscope such that the first bulb engages an inner surface of the pyloric antrum to form an outlet obstruction within the pyloric antrum. This obstruction causes chyme to accumulate proximate the first bulb prior to entering the internal passageway where it is then transported through the body and discharged from the second bulb into the patient's duodenum. The accumulation of chyme in pyloric antrum and the stomach causes the patient to feel full and stop eating. Thus, the treatment method provides a gastric outlet obstruction that slows the passage of chyme into the duodenum and as a result, the patient feels full and stops eating after consuming relatively small portions.