Endoscopic system for attaching a device to a stomach

• US 20040243195A1
• Filed: 07/09/2004
• Published: 12/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IntraPace, Inc.
• Original Assignee: IntraPace, Inc.
• Inventors: Layman, Ted W., Lake, Sharon L., Colliou, Olivier K., Imran, Mir A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,590,452 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/40
• 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 attaching a functional device to a stomach wall wherein the functional device is configured to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function at the stomach, the system comprising:

an attachment device having a first portion arranged to extend into the stomach wall when said attachment device is attached to the stomach wall; and

an endoscopic delivery device comprising;

an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end;

an attachment device engaging portion coupled with the elongated number, said attachment device engaging portion arranged to advance the attachment device through an esophagus and towards an attachment site within the stomach.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a a functional device and functional device engaging tool wherein said functional device engaging tool comprises a releasable connector and wherein said functional device further comprises a tool connector, said releasable connector arranged to releasably engage the tool connector for functional device deployment.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said attachment device comprises:

an expandable distal portion coupled to said first portion, said expandable distal portion arranged to secure the attachment device to the stomach wall.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a guide coupled to the attachment device and wherein said functional device includes a guide opening for receiving the guide.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said guide comprises a tether.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein said guide comprises a guide wire.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the functional device comprises an electrical stimulator configured to stimulate a portion of the stomach wall.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a functional device.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the attachment device is releasably attachable to the functional device.

10. A system for providing electrically stimulating signals to a stomach wall comprising:

a) a gastric stimulator including;

at least one stimulating electrode;

a housing having electronic circuitry contained therein and including an electrical conductor arranged to electrically couple the at least one electrode to the electronic circuitry, wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to deliver electrically stimulating signals to the stomach wall through at least one stimulating electrode; and

an attachment device operative to attach the housing to the inside of stomach wall; and

b) an endoscopic instrument comprising;

an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end; and

a stimulator engaging portion located at said distal end of the elongate member, said stimulator engaging portion arranged to advance at least a portion of the gastric stimulator through an esophagus and towards an attachment site within the stomach.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the stimulator further comprises an electrode anchor arranged to attach the at least one electrode to the stomach wall, and wherein the electrode anchor comprises a first portion arranged to extend into the stomach wall.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the first portion of the electrode anchor comprises a first narrow profile for extending into the stomach wall;

the electrode anchor further comprising a second portion having a first narrow profile position similar to the first narrow profile of the first portion and a second expanded profile position in which the second portion engages the stomach wall to prevent withdrawal of the attachment device from the stomach wall.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein said stimulator engaging portion comprises a releasable connector and wherein said stimulator further comprises a tool connector, said releasable connector arranged to releasably engage the tool connector.

14. A method for treating or diagnosing a patient comprising the steps of:

providing a functional device configured to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function at the stomach,

placing a guide from within the stomach with a portion of the guide extending into the stomach wall at an attachment site;

coupling the functional device to the guide; and

guiding the functional device with the guide to the attachment site from within the stomach.