Device and method for treating obesity

• US 20060079944A1
• Filed: 11/16/2005
• Published: 04/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IntraPace, Inc.
• Original Assignee: IntraPace, Inc.
• Inventors: Imran, Mir A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,430,450 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/40
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control

Abstract

A device and method are provided for treating obesity by implanting an electrode in the duodenum and stimulating the duodenum with a stimulator, causing the pylorus to contract.

Claims

1-22. -22. (canceled)

23. A method for treating obesity comprising the steps of:

implanting a stimulator in a duodenum of a patient in a manner that allows passage of material through the duodenum;

providing electrical stimulation to the duodenum of a patient to control the contraction of the pylorus and thereby treat obesity.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the step of providing electrical stimulation comprises providing the stimulation for a predetermined period of time.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the predetermined period of time is a predetermined time after ingestion of a meal.

26. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of sensing ingestion of food into the stomach prior to providing stimulation.

27. The method of claim 23 further comprising the steps of:

providing a stimulator comprising;

a fixation device;

at least one electrode coupled to the fixation device; and

electronic circuitry coupled to the at least one electrode and configured to deliver electrical stimulation through the at least one electrode;

positioning the fixation device in the duodenum of a patient so that the at least one stimulating electrode is in electrical contact with the wall of the duodenum; and

providing stimulation pulses from the electronic circuitry to the duodenum through the at least one electrode and thereby affecting the contraction of the pylorus.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the step of providing the fixation device comprises providing a radially expandable member wherein the fixation device has an outer portion with the at least one electrode coupled to the outer portion of the fixation device,

fixing the fixation device with the radially expandable member within a portion of the gastrointestinal tract so that the electrode is in electrical contact with the gastrointestinal tract.

29. The method of claim 23 wherein the step of stimulating the duodenum comprises stimulating the duodenum to cause gastric retention of food.

25-1. The device of claim 24 further comprising a sensor configured to sense ingestion of food by a patient;

and

a responsive element configured to provide stimulation to the duodenum after sensing ingestion of food by a patient.

26-2. The device of claim 25 wherein the responsive element is configured to provide stimulation for a predetermined amount of time.

30. A device for treating obesity comprising:

a stimulator comprising;

a fixation device;

at least one electrode coupled to the fixation device; and

electronic circuitry coupled to the at least one electrode and configured to deliver electrical stimulation through the at least one electrode;

a fixation device configured to fix the stimulator in the duodenum of a patient so that the at least one stimulating electrode is in electrical contact with the wall of the duodenum while permitting movement of material through the duodenum.