Radially Expandable Gastrointestinal Stimulation Device
First Claim
1. A gastrointestinal stimulation device comprising:
- a fixation device comprising a radially expandable member;
an outer portion; and
at least one electrode coupled to the outer portion of the fixation device,wherein the radially expandable member is configured to fix the fixation device within a portion of the gastrointestinal tract so that the at least one electrode is in electrical contact with the gastrointestinal tract.
3 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fixation device for holding stimulating electrodes in electrical contact with the wall of a portion of the gastrointestinal tract is provided. In one embodiment, the fixation device includes an expandable member that fixes the electrodes in electrical contact with the gastrointestinal tract wall. Also provided is an implantable device and method for controlling the opening and/or closing of the pylorus. In particular a device and method is provided for stimulating the duodenum to control the closing/and or opening of the pylorus.
Finally, a method is provided for treating obesity by controlling the pylorus to retain food in the stomach for a desired period of time, among other things to provide a feeling of-satiety and/or to reduce hunger. One aspect includes controlling the pylorus'"'"'s contraction by electrical stimulation of the duodenum.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A gastrointestinal stimulation device comprising:
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a fixation device comprising a radially expandable member;
an outer portion; andat least one electrode coupled to the outer portion of the fixation device, wherein the radially expandable member is configured to fix the fixation device within a portion of the gastrointestinal tract so that the at least one electrode is in electrical contact with the gastrointestinal tract. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A gastrointestinal stimulation device comprising:
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a fixation device comprising; a radially expandable member; an outer portion; and at least one electrode coupled to the outer portion of the fixation device, wherein the radially expandable member is configured to fix the fixation device within a portion of the gastrointestinal tract so that the at least one electrode is in electrical contact with the gastrointestinal tract; at least one sensor coupled to the fixation device, the at least one sensor comprising a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor comprises a strain gage.
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16. A method for treating a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, the method comprising:
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affixing an fixation device within a lumen of the gastrointestinal tract by introducing the fixation device within the lumen, radially expanding a member of the fixation device so that an outer portion of the fixation device engages the surrounding gastrointestinal tract; and sensing a pressure of the gastrointestinal tract with at least one sensor coupled to the fixation device, by measuring a strain of the fixation device with a strain gage. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification