Implantable Device For Obesity Prevention
First Claim
1. A system for the control of the expansion of a hollow organ of a subject, comprising an inflatable balloon which, when inflated, covers an area at least the size of a significant part of a wall of said hollow organ, and which is adapted to be positioned proximate said wall, such that it limits expansion of said wall in the direction of said balloon.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for controlling the expansion of a hollow internal organ, comprising an inflatable balloon, which is inserted in an uninflated state into the desired position close to the organ using minimally invasive procedures. After insertion, the balloon is inflated to its required size and shape. The invention is useful for restricting the expansion of the stomach during meals, thus inducing a feeling of satiety and preventing over-eating. Inflation may be performed through a catheter connected to a readily accessible inflation port. In the case of the gastric embodiment, the balloon may be positioned pro-peritoneally, such that the procedure is surgically simple. One or more sensors located close to the organ to be controlled, may monitor a physiological effect relating to the organ, and the output of the sensor used to control the level of inflation of the balloon in order to correct the condition being monitored.
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Citations
34 Claims
- 1. A system for the control of the expansion of a hollow organ of a subject, comprising an inflatable balloon which, when inflated, covers an area at least the size of a significant part of a wall of said hollow organ, and which is adapted to be positioned proximate said wall, such that it limits expansion of said wall in the direction of said balloon.
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20. A kit for the implantation of a system for the control of the expansion of a hollow organ of a subject, the kit comprising:
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at least one inflatable balloon for disposing adjacent said hollow organ; a delivery tube for insertion into the subject to a region adjacent said hollow organ, said delivery tube being such that said inflatable balloon can be passed therethrough when in uninflated state; and an inflation tube attached to the proximal end of said balloon, adapted for inflating said balloon after passage through said delivery tube. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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22. A system for the control of the expansion of a hollow organ of a subject, said system comprising:
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at least one inflatable balloon for disposing adjacent said hollow organ; at least one sensor outputting a signal relating to a physiological effect connected to said hollow organ; and a pump utilizing said output to control the level of inflation of said at least one balloon. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A system for the control of gastric reflux in a subject, comprising:
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at least one inflatable balloon for disposing adjacent the esophagus of the subject; at least one sensor determining when the subject is supine; and a pump utilizing an output of said sensor to control the level of inflation of said at least one balloon. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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32. A method of controlling the expansion of a hollow organ of a subject, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing at least one inflatable balloon for disposing adjacent said hollow organ; inserting a delivery tube into the subject to a region adjacent said hollow organ, said delivery tube being such that said inflatable balloon can be passed therethrough when in uninflated state; passing said inflatable balloon through said delivery tube to a position proximate said hollow organ; and inflating said balloon after passage through said delivery tube, such that the expansion of said hollow organ is limited by the inflation of said balloon. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34)
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Specification