Gastric treatment/diagnosis device and attachment device and method

• US 7,509,174 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2002
• Issued: 03/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: IntraPace, Inc.
• Original Assignee: IntraPace, Inc.
• Inventors: Gandhi, Deepak R., Layman, Ted W., Lake, Sharon L., Colliou, Olivier K., Imran, Mir A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Layno; Carl H
• Assistant Examiner(s): PATEL, NATASHA
• Application Number:
  US10/295,128
• Publication Number:
  US 20030167025A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,322 Days
• Field of Search: 607/40, 607/133, 607/149, 600/373, 600/593
• US Class Current: 607/133
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3421 Cannulas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3478 Endoscopic needles, e.g. for infusion biopsy needles A61B10/0233; catheters with injection needles A61M25/0067
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00026 Conductivity or impedance, e.g. of tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00084 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/306 holding by means of suction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/3488 Fixation to inner organ or inner body tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4238 stomach
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6882 Anchoring means
• 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: A61M 2025/0233 specifically adapted for attaching to a body wall by means which are on both sides of the wall, e.g. for attaching to an abdominal wall
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/028 having a mainly rigid support structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/02 Holding devices, e.g. on the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0509 Stomach and intestinal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0517 Esophageal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/372 Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/126 comprising organic polymers

Abstract

A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating gastric disorders is provided. A functional device resides within the patient'"'"'s stomach and is secured to the stomach wall by an attachment device. The functional device may be a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or may be a therapeutic delivery device. The functional device in one embodiment provides a device, system and method for gastric electrical stimulation where stimulating electrodes are secured to the wall of the stomach by the attachment device or otherwise. A preferred device includes: at least one stimulating electrode in electrical contact with the stomach wall; an electronics unit containing the electronic circuitry of the device; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the stomach wall. The functional devices may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals. An endoscopic delivery system delivers the functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is attached the stomach wall. The endoscopic instruments attach or remove the attachment devices and functional devices from the stomach and may be used to assist in determining the optimal attachment location.

Claims

1. A system for performing diagnostic or therapeutic functions at a stomach comprising:

a functional device which performs the diagnostic or therapeutic functions, the functional device comprising implantable circuitry and a battery packaged so as to allow the functional device to generate diagnostic or therapeutic signals from within the stomach; and

an attachment device configured for attaching the functional device to the stomach so as to mechanically support the functional device within the stomach, the attachment device comprising,

a securing element device comprising a first portion at least a portion of which is arranged to extend through the stomach wall, and having first and second surfaces oriented for engaging inner and outer surfaces of the stomach wall when implanted so as to secure the attachment device to the stomach wall, and

a coupling element arranged to receive and couple the functional device to the attachment device after the attachment device has been secured to the stomach wall.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said attachment device is removably attachable to the functional device.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said attachment device further comprises a releasable latching mechanism.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said coupling device includes a quick release mechanism.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said first portion is configured to extend through said stomach wall in an orientation substantially perpendicular to said stomach wall.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said first portion comprises a strain gauge located thereon.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one lateral extending member arranged to be deployed to extend laterally of the first portion within the stomach wall.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said at least one laterally extending member is configured to secure the attachment device to the stomach wall.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein said at least one laterally extending member comprises an electrode located thereon.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said attachment device is removably attachable to said stomach wall.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said first portion comprises a distal end having a sharp tip located thereon.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein said tip comprises a bioabsorbable material.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein said securing element comprises a clip.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said clip is spring loaded.