Devices and methods for treatment of obesity

Abstract

Methods, devices, tools and assemblies for treating a patient to effect weight loss. One method embodiment involves passing a device including an expandable member in a collapsed configuration and a buoyancy member through an opening in the skin of a patient and into the abdominal cavity of the patient, and anchoring at least a portion of the expandable member, relative to at least one structure in the abdominal cavity. Devices including at least one expandable member and at least one buoyancy member are provided.

1 - 95 . (canceled)  
   
   
       96 . A method of treating a patient, said method comprising: 
 passing a device into the abdominal cavity of the patient;    anchoring at least a portion of the device, relative to at least one structure in the abdominal cavity; and    occupying a space in the abdominal cavity with the device to substantially restrict expansion of the fundus of the stomach, and restraining the stomach to a shape resembling a tube, but wherein at least a portion of the antrum is left unrestrained.    
   
   
       97 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein a small pouch is also left unrestrained at a superior end portion of the stomach.  
   
   
       98 . A method of treating a patient, said method comprising: 
 passing a device into the abdominal cavity of the patient;    anchoring at least a portion of the device, relative to at least one structure in the abdominal cavity; and    occupying a space in the abdominal cavity with the device to substantially restrict expansion of the fundus of the stomach, and restraining the stomach to a shape resembling a tube, but wherein a small pouch is left unrestrained at a superior end portion of the stomach.    
   
   
       99 - 171 . (canceled)