Magnetic anchoring devices

Abstract

Magnetic anchoring devices are disclosed herein. Expandable devices that are inserted into the stomach of a patient are attached to its interior wall by magnetically coupling. Such expandable devices, like inflatable balloons, comprise at least one magnetic device, which may be a magnet, a magnetizable material, or a magnetic metal. The magnetic device may be positioned on the external or interior surface of the expandable device or may be integral thereto. The magnetic device is magnetically coupled to a magnetic anchor positioned on a surface of the stomach wall. In this way, the expandable devices are anchored to the stomach walls, preventing migration of the device to other areas of the body where they may become obstructions and pose health risks.

1 - 9 . (canceled)  
     
     
         10 . A stomach volume occupying system comprising: 
 a space occupying member having a toroidal body with an opening;    a magnetic device adaptable to the opening of the toroidal body; and    a magnetic anchor positioned on a surface of a stomach, wherein the magnetic device may be magnetically coupled to the magnetic anchor such that the space occupying member is secured to an interior surface of the stomach.    
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the space occupying member is configured to expand to a predetermined volume.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the space occupying member comprises an inflatable balloon.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the magnetic device is unaffixed to the space occupying member.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the magnetic device is affixed to the space occupying member.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the space occupying member has a volume of approximately 500 cubic centimeters.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the toroidal body having a uniform inner circular circumference.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the toroidal body having a non-uniform inner circular circumference.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the magnetic device is formed of a biocompatible material.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the magnetic device is coated with silicone.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the magnetic anchor is formed of a biocompatible material.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the magnetic anchor is coated with silicone.  
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein a magnetic force between the magnetic device and magnetic anchor is between about 0.5 pounds of force and 2.0 pounds of force.  
     
     
         23 . A stomach volume occupying system comprising: 
 an inflatable device including at least one magnetic device, and the inflatable device having a volume of approximately 500 cubic centimeters in an expanded configuration; and    a magnetic anchor positioned on a surface of a stomach, wherein the magnetic device may be magnetically coupled to the magnetic anchor such that the space occupying member is secured to an interior surface of the stomach.    
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the inflatable device comprises an inflatable balloon.  
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the magnetic device is unaffixed to the space occupying member.  
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the magnetic device is affixed to the space occupying member.  
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the magnetic device is formed of a biocompatible material.  
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the magnetic device is coated with silicone.  
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the magnetic anchor is formed of a biocompatible material.  
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the magnetic anchor is coated with silicone.  
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein a magnetic force between the magnetic device and magnetic anchor is between about 0.5 pounds of force and 2.0 pounds of force.