Controlled food intake restriction

• US 6,461,293 B1
• Filed: 02/11/2000
• Issued: 10/08/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Obtech Medical AG
• Original Assignee: Obtech Medical AG
• Inventors: Forsell, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaver, Kevin
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cadugan, Joseph A.
• Application Number:
  US09/503,149
• Time in Patent Office: 970 Days
• Field of Search: 128/897-899, 600/29-32, 600/37, 600/593, 604/27-28, 606/139-141, 606/151, 606/157, 606/201-203, 606/213, 606/228, 607/41
• US Class Current: 600/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1355 Automated control means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00539 hydraulically
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0036 implantable A61F2/0018 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/004 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0001 Means for transferring electromagnetic energy to implants
• 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: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source

Abstract

A food intake restriction apparatus and method includes and uses an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the stomach or esophagus to form a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus. A source of energy for energizing the restriction device, and a control device for releasing energy from the source of energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body are provided. The released energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device to vary the size of the stoma opening to allow or substantially prevent the passage of food therethrough.

Claims

1. A food intake restriction apparatus for an obese patient, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in the patient to engage the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch of the stomach and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus,

an accumulator adapted to be implanted in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of said restriction device to vary the restriction of the stoma opening, said accumulator being chargeable from outside the patient'"'"'s body,

a control device operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body for controlling said accumulator to supply energy,

a source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body and capable of releasing wireless energy, and

an implantable energy transfer device adapted to transfer said wireless energy into an energy form suited for charging said accumulator,

wherein said control device is adapted to control said external source of energy to release said wireless energy.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device controls said restriction device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient for controlling said restriction device.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said internal control unit is programmable.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient'"'"'s body, said internal control unit being programmable by said external control unit.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said external control unit loads said internal control unit with data in accordance with a loading mode only authorized for a doctor.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said external control unit controls said internal control unit in accordance with a doctor mode only authorized for a doctor.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said external control unit controls said internal control unit in accordance with a patient mode permitted for the patient.

9. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said internal control unit is programmable for controlling said restriction device over time.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said internal control unit controls said restriction device over time in accordance with an activity schedule program.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said internal control unit comprises a microprocessor.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation device adapted to be implanted in the patient for operating said restriction device, wherein said control device controls said operation device to operate said restriction device.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said operation device comprises hydraulic means and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in said hydraulic means.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control for controlling said valve.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a reservoir forming a fluid chamber with a variable volume connected to said hydraulic means, and said operation device distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means by reduction of the volume of said chamber and withdraws fluid from said hydraulic means to said chamber by expansion of the volume of said chamber.

16. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said operation device comprises a motor.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said motor comprises a rotary motor, and said control device controls said rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said motor comprises a linear motor.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and said control device controls said fluid motor.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said motor comprises an electric motor having electrically conductive parts made of plastics.

21. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said control device releases electric energy from said accumulator.

22. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said control device shifts polarity of said released energy to reverse said operation device.

23. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said operation device comprises an electric motor and said released energy comprises electric energy.

24. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a reversing device adapted to be implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said control device controls said reversing device to reverse said function performed by said restriction device.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said switch is operable by said released energy.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said control device controls the operation of said switch by shifting polarity of said released energy supplied to said switch.

30. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said switch comprises an electric switch and said accumulator supplies electric energy for the operation of said switch.

31. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said operation device comprises a motor, and said reversing device reverses said motor.

32. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in said hydraulic means.

33. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said mechanical reversing device comprises a switch.

35. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said reversing device comprises a gear box.

36. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said operation device comprises a motor for driving said pump.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said operation device comprises a fluid conduit between said pump and said hydraulic means of said restriction device, and a reservoir for fluid, said reservoir forming part of said conduit.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, hydraulic means, pump and conduit are devoid of any non-return valve.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said reservoir forms a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and said pump distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means of said restriction device by reduction of the volume of said chamber and withdraws fluid from said hydraulic means to said chamber by expansion of the volume of said chamber.

41. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release electromagnetic energy.

42. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release kinetic energy.

43. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release non-magnetic energy.

44. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release non-electromagnetic energy.

45. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release non-kinetic energy.

46. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release non-thermal energy.

47. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a battery adapted to be implanted in the patient for supplying electric energy to electric energy consuming components of the apparatus adapted to be implanted in the patient.

48. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stabilizer adapted to be implanted in the patient for stabilizing the energy released from said accumulator.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the energy released from said accumulator comprises electric energy and said stabilizer comprises a capacitor.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said accumulator comprises at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery.

51. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function.

52. The apparatus according to claim 51, further comprising a reversing device adapted to be implanted in the patient for reversing said function performed by said restriction device.

53. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said control device controls said reversing device to reverse said function performed by said restriction device.

54. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in said hydraulic means.

55. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

56. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said mechanical reversing device comprises a switch.

57. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said mechanical reversing device comprises a gear box.

58. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said reversing device comprises a switch.

59. The apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said switch of said reversing device is operable by electric energy released from said battery.

60. The apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said control device controls the operation of said switch of said reversing device by shifting polarity of said released electric energy supplied to said switch of said reversing device.

61. The apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said switch of said reversing device comprises an electric switch.

62. The apparatus according to claim 52, further comprising a motor adapted to be implanted in the patient for operating said restriction device, wherein said reversing device reverses said motor.

63. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor adapted to be implanted in the patient for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

64. The apparatus according to claim 63, wherein said control device controls said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

65. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient and directly controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

66. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein said control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient'"'"'s body and controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

67. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said external control unit directly controls said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

68. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said external control unit stores information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor and is manually operated to control said restriction device based on said stored information.

69. The apparatus according to claim 63, further comprising at least one sender adapted to be implanted in the patient for sending information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor.

70. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an external data communicator outside the patient'"'"'s body and an internal data communicator adapted to be implanted in the patient for communicating with said external communicator, wherein said internal communicator feeds data related to the patient back to said external communicator or said external communicator feeds data to said internal communicator.

71. The apparatus according to claim 70, wherein said internal communicator feeds data related to said restriction device.

72. The apparatus according to claim 70, wherein said internal communicator feeds data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.

73. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switch adapted to be implanted in the patient for directly or indirectly switching said energy released from said accumulator.

74. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restriction device controls the size of said stoma opening.

75. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein said restriction device steplessly controls the size of the stoma opening.

76. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy from said accumulator in a non-mechanical manner.

77. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in the patient'"'"'s stomach.

78. The apparatus according to claim 77, wherein said control device controls said restriction device in response to signals from said pressure sensor.

79. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient, wherein said control device releases electric energy from said accumulator and said energy transfer device transfers said electric energy into kinetic energy for operation of said restriction device.

80. The apparatus according to claim 79, wherein said restriction device is directly operated with said kinetic energy, as said energy transfer device transfers said electric energy into kinetic energy.

81. The apparatus according to claim 79, further comprising a capacitor adapted to be implanted in the patient for stabilizing said electric energy released by said control device.

82. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restriction device is non-inflatable.

83. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy for a determined time period.

84. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy in a determined number of energy pulses.

85. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling said restriction device.

86. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said remote control is capable of obtaining information on the condition of said restriction device and to control said restriction device in response to said information.

87. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter or transceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transceiver adapted to be implanted in the patient.

88. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal receiver or transceiver and at least one internal signal transmitter or transceiver adapted to be implanted in the patient.

89. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said remote control is capable of sending information related to said restriction device from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof.

90. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein said remote control controls said restriction device in response to said information.

91. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said remote control transmits a carrier signal for carrying said control signal.

92. The apparatus according to claim 91, wherein said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

93. The apparatus according to claim 91, wherein said carrier signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.

94. The apparatus according to claim 91, wherein said control signal used with said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

95. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said control signal comprises a wave signal comprising one of a sound wave signal including an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal including an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal and a laser light signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.

96. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said control signal comprises an electric, magnetic or electric and magnetic field.

97. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said control signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.

98. The apparatus according to claim 97, wherein said remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying said digital or analog control signal.

99. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said control signal is transmitted in pulses by said wireless remote control.

100. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control device releases energy from said accumulator in a non-invasive manner.

101. A method of treating morbid obesity comprising:

implanting an operable restriction device in a patient in engagement with the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch of the stomach and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus,

implanting an accumulator for energizing the restriction device,

implanting an energy transfer device,

providing an external source of energy,

controlling the external source of energy to release wireless energy,

transferring the wireless energy by the energy transfer device into storable energy,

charging the implanted accumulator with the storable energy, and

controlling the accumulator to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device including to vary the restriction of the stoma opening.

102. A method of treating morbid obesity, comprising the steps of:

placing at least two laparoscopical trocars in an obese patient'"'"'s body,

inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of the stomach or esophagus,

implanting an operable restriction device in the dissected area in engagement with the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus,

implanting an accumulator and an energy transfer device in the patient,

providing an external source of energy,

controlling the external source of energy to release wireless energy,

transferring the wireless energy by the energy transfer device into storable energy,

charging the implanted accumulator with the storable energy, and

controlling the accumulator to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device including to vary the restriction of the stoma opening.

103. A food intake restriction apparatus for an obese patient, comprising:

an operable restriction device adapted to be implanted in the patient to engage the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch of the stomach and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus,

a rechargeable battery adapted to be implanted in the patient for supplying electric energy for the operation of said restriction device,

a switch adapted to be implanted in the patient for switching on and off the electric energy of said battery to thereby disconnect said battery from energy consuming components of the apparatus,

a control device operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body for controlling said switch to release electric energy from said battery to operate said restriction device to vary the restriction of the stoma opening,

a source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body and capable of releasing wireless energy, and

an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring said wireless energy into electric energy for charging said battery,

wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release said wireless energy.

104. The apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring the energy supplied by said battery into a different energy form.

105. The apparatus according to claim 104, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the energy supplied by said battery into electromagnetic energy.

106. The apparatus according to claim 104, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the energy supplied by said battery into kinetic energy.

107. The apparatus according to claim 104, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the energy supplied by said battery into thermal energy.

108. The apparatus according to claim 104, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the energy supplied by said battery into non-magnetic energy.

109. The apparatus according to claim 104, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the energy supplied by said battery into non-electromagnetic energy.

110. The apparatus according to claim 104, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the energy supplied by said battery into non-kinetic energy.

111. The apparatus according to claim 104, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the energy supplied by said battery into non-thermal energy.

112. The apparatus according to claim 104, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device in a mechanical manner.

113. The apparatus according to claim 104, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device in a non-mechanical manner.

114. The apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising an energy storage device adapted to be implanted in the patient for storing said wireless energy supplied from said external source of energy.

115. The apparatus according to claim 114, wherein said energy storage device comprises an accumulator.

116. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said accumulator comprises an electric accumulator.

117. The apparatus according to claim 116, wherein said electric accumulator comprises at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery.

118. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release electromagnetic energy.

119. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release magnetic energy.

120. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release kinetic energy.

121. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release non-magnetic energy.

122. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release non-electromagnetic energy.

123. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release non-kinetic energy.

124. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release non-thermal energy.

125. The apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient for transferring the electric energy supplied by said battery into a different energy form.

126. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the electric energy supplied by said battery into magnetic energy.

127. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the electric energy supplied by said battery into electromagnetic energy.

128. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the electric energy supplied by said battery into kinetic energy.

129. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the electric energy supplied by said battery into thermal energy.

130. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the electric energy supplied by said battery into non-magnetic energy.

131. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the electric energy supplied by said battery into non-electromagnetic energy.

132. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the electric energy supplied by said battery into non-kinetic energy.

133. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device to transfer the electric energy supplied by said battery into non-thermal energy.

134. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device in a mechanical manner.

135. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said control device controls said energy transfer device in a non-mechanical manner.

136. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient for controlling said restriction device.

137. The apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said internal control unit is programmable.

138. The apparatus according to claim 137, wherein said control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient'"'"'s body, said internal control unit being programmable by said external control unit.

139. The apparatus according to claim 138, wherein said external control unit loads said internal control unit with data in accordance with a loading mode only authorized for a doctor.

140. The apparatus according to claim 138, wherein said external control unit controls said internal control unit in accordance with a doctor mode only authorized for a doctor.

141. The apparatus according to claim 138, wherein said external control unit controls said internal control unit in accordance with a patient mode permitted for the patient.

142. The apparatus according to claim 137, wherein said internal control unit is programmable for controlling said restriction device over time.

143. The apparatus according to claim 142, wherein said internal control unit controls said restriction device over time in accordance with an activity schedule program.

144. The apparatus according to claim 142, wherein said internal control unit comprises a microprocessor.

145. The apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising an operation device adapted to be implanted in the patient for operating said restriction device, wherein said control device controls said operation device to operate said restriction device.

146. The apparatus according to claim 145, wherein said operation device comprises a hydraulic device and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in said hydraulic device.

147. The apparatus according to claim 146, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control for controlling said valve.

148. The apparatus according to claim 145, wherein said restriction device comprises a hydraulic device and said operation device comprises a reservoir forming a fluid chamber with a variable volume connected to said hydraulic device, and said operation device distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic device by reduction of the volume of said chamber and withdraws fluid from said hydraulic device to said chamber by expansion of the volume of said chamber.

149. The apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising at least one sensor adapted to be implanted in the patient for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

150. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said control device controls said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

151. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein said control device comprises an internal control unit adapted to be implanted in the patient and directly controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

152. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein said control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient'"'"'s body and controlling said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

153. The apparatus according to claim 152, wherein said external control unit directly controls said restriction device in response to signals from said sensor.

154. The apparatus according to claim 152, wherein said external control unit stores information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor and is manually operated to control said restriction device based on said stored information.

155. The apparatus according to claim 149, further comprising at least one sender adapted to be implanted in the patient for sending information on said physical parameter sensed by said sensor.

156. The apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising an external data communicator outside the patient'"'"'s body and an internal data communicator adapted to be implanted in the patient for communicating with said external communicator, wherein said internal communicator feeds data related to the patient back to said external communicator or said external communicator feeds data to said internal communicator.

157. The apparatus according to claim 156, wherein said internal comnmunicator feeds data related to said restriction device.

158. The apparatus according to claim 156, wherein said internal communicator feeds data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.

159. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said restriction device is adapted to control the size of said stoma opening.

160. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said restriction device steplessly controls the size of the stoma opening.

161. The apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in the patient'"'"'s stomach.

162. The apparatus according to claim 161, wherein said control device controls said restriction device in response to signals from said pressure sensor.

163. The apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising an energy transfer device adapted to be implanted in the patient, wherein said control device releases electric energy from said battery and said energy transfer device transfers said electric energy into kinetic energy for operation of said restriction device.

164. The apparatus according to claim 163, wherein said restriction device is directly operated with said kinetic energy, as said energy transfer device transfers said electric energy into kinetic energy.

165. The apparatus according to claim 163, further comprising a capacitor adapted to be implanted in the patient for stabilizing said electric energy released by said control device.

166. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said restriction device is non-inflatable.

167. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device releases energy for a determined time period.

168. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device releases energy in a determined number of energy pulses.

169. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling said restriction device.

170. The apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said remote control is capable of obtaining information on the condition of said restriction device and to control said restriction device in response to said information.

171. The apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter or transceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transceiver adapted to be implanted in the patient.

172. The apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal receiver or transceiver and at least one internal signal transmitter or transceiver adapted to be implanted in the patient.

173. The apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said remote control is capable of sending information related to said restriction device from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof.

174. The apparatus according to claim 173, wherein said remote control controls said restriction device in response to said information.

175. The apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said remote control transmits a carrier signal for carrying said control signal.

176. The apparatus according to claim 175, herein said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

177. The apparatus according to claim 175, wherein said carrier signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.

178. The apparatus according to claim 175, wherein said control signal used with said carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

179. The apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said control signal comprises a wave signal comprising one of a sound wave signal including an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal including an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal and a laser light signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.

180. The apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said control signal comprises an electric, magnetic or electric and magnetic field.

181. The apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said control signal is digital, analog or digital and analog.

182. The apparatus according to claim 181, wherein said remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying said digital or analog control signal.

183. The apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said control signal is transmitted in pulses by said wireless remote control.

184. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device releases energy from said battery in a non-invasive manner.

185. The apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising a source of energy external to the patient'"'"'s body and capable of releasing wireless energy, and wherein said control device controls said external source of energy to release said wireless energy to control said switch.

186. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said battery has a life-time of at least 10 years.

187. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said control device controls said restriction device.

188. The apparatus according to claim 187, further comprising an operation device adapted to be implanted in the patient for operating said restriction device, wherein said battery powers said operation device and said control device controls said operation device to operate said restriction device.

189. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein said operation device comprises a motor.

190. The apparatus according to claim 189, wherein said motor comprises a rotary motor, and said control device controls said rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

191. The apparatus according to claim 189, wherein said motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and said control device controls said fluid motor.

192. The apparatus according to claim 189, wherein said motor comprises a casing of electrically conductive plastics.

193. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein said control device shifts polarity of said released electric energy to reverse said operation device.

194. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein said operation device comprises an electric motor.

195. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means, and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means and a motor for driving said pump.

196. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein said restriction device comprises hydraulic means, and said operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in said hydraulic means and a motor for driving said pump.

197. The apparatus according to claim 196, wherein said operation device comprises a fluid conduit between said pump and said hydraulic means of said restriction device, and a reservoir for fluid, said reservoir forming part of said conduit.

198. The apparatus according to claim 197, wherein said hydraulic means, pump and conduit are devoid of any non-return valve.

199. The apparatus according to claim 197, wherein said reservoir forms a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and said pump distributes fluid from said chamber to said hydraulic means of said restriction device by reducing the volume of said chamber and withdraws fluid from said hydraulic means to said chamber by expanding the volume of said chamber.

200. A method of treating morbid obesity comprising:

implanting an operable restriction device in a patient in engagement with the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch of the stomach and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus,

implanting a battery for energizing the restriction device,

implanting a switch for switching the power of the implanted battery,

implanting an energy transfer device,

providing an external source of energy,

controlling the external source of energy to release wireless energy,

transferring the wireless energy by the energy transfer device into an energy form suited for operating the switch, and

using the transferred wireless energy to operate the switch to release electric energy from the battery for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device including to vary the restriction of the stoma opening.

201. A method of treating morbid obesity, comprising the steps of:

placing at least two laparoscopical trocars in an obese patient'"'"'s body,

inserting a dissecting tool through the trocars and dissecting an area of the stomach or esophagus,

implanting an operable restriction device in the dissected area in engagement with the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus,

implanting a battery for energizing the restriction device,

implanting a switch for switching the power of the implanted battery,

implanting an energy transfer device,

providing an external source of energy,

controlling the external source of energy to release wireless energy,

transferring the wireless energy by the energy transfer device into an energy form suited for operating the switch,

using the transferred wireless energy to operate the implanted switch to release electric energy from the battery for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device including to vary the restriction of the stoma opening.