Magnetic anchoring devices

• US 20040088008A1
• Filed: 10/20/2003
• Published: 05/06/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Satiety, Inc.
• Inventors: Gerbi, Craig, Gannoe, Jamy
• Granted Patent: US 7,211,094 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00876 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0003 Apparatus for the treatment of obesity; Anti-eating devices surgical instruments or methods for treatment of obesity, devices specially adapted therefor A61B17/00; hollow or tubular parts of organs A61F2/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/003 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0036 Intragastrical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0089 Instruments for placement or removal

Abstract

Magnetic anchoring devices are disclosed herein. Expandable devices that are inserted into the stomach of a patient are attached to its interior wall by magnetically coupling. Such expandable devices, like inflatable balloons, comprise at least one magnetic device, which may be a magnet, a magnetizable material, or a magnetic metal. The magnetic device may be positioned on the external or interior surface of the expandable device or may be integral thereto. The magnetic device is magnetically coupled to a magnetic anchor positioned on a surface of the stomach wall. In this way, the expandable devices are anchored to the stomach walls, preventing migration of the device to other areas of the body where they may become obstructions and pose health risks.

Claims

1. A method for attaching a magnetic anchor to a stomach wall comprising:

accessing at least a portion of a stomach wall; and

attaching a magnetic anchor to the accessed portion of the stomach wall.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of attaching the magnetic anchor comprises suturing the magnetic anchor to the accessed portion of the stomach wall.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the magnetic anchor is configured to allow suturing of the magnetic anchor to the accessed portion of the stomach wall.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the magnetic anchor defines an aperture.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein the magnetic anchor has a portion to allow for suturing of the magnetic anchor to at least a portion of the stomach wall.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of accessing a portion of the stomach wall comprises making at least one small incision in a linea alba.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the at least one small incision is less than eight inches in length.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of accessing a portion of the stomach wall comprises laparoscopically accessing the portion.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of accessing a portion of the stomach wall comprises making at least one incision in a linea alba, wherein the incision is greater than eight inches in length.