Device 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 - 30 . (canceled)  
   
   
       31 . A method of treating a patient, said method comprising the steps of: 
 passing a device into the abdominal cavity of the patient, wherein the device includes at least one attachment member extending from a main body portion thereof;    positioning an inferior portion of the device in the abdominal cavity; and    anchoring that at least one attachment member to an inner surface of the abdominal wall.    
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the device is configured to perform at least one of: prevention of expansion of the stomach of the patient into a spaced occupied by the device in the abdominal cavity; and compression of a portion of the stomach.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the device includes an expandable member, the expandable member is in a compressed configuration during said passing of the device, and the method further comprises expanding the expandable member in a space in the abdominal cavity to perform at least one of: prevention of expansion of the stomach of the patient into the space; and compression of a portion of the stomach.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the device further comprises a buoyancy member to increase an overall buoyancy of the device.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said positioning comprises manipulating a positioning loop from outside the patient, the positioning loop being attached to the device.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said positioning comprises puncturing through a location of the skin of the patient and inserting an instrument into the abdominal cavity; capturing a positioning loop attached to the device; pulling a portion of the positioning loop through the abdominal wall; and applying tension to the positioning loop to move the device and draw a portion of the device up against an internal surface of the abdominal wall.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising fixing a portion of the positioning loop externally of the abdominal wall to prevent it from passing back into the abdominal cavity.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said positioning comprises grasping at least one positioning tab mounted to said device, and performing at least one of pushing, pulling or twisting forces on the at least one positioning tab to position or orient the device.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said anchoring comprises passing at least one Q-ring through said at least one attachment member and through the abdominal wall, thereby fixing said at least one attachment member to the abdominal wall.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said anchoring comprises puncturing through a location of the skin above a location of at least one suture, having been preinstalled through said at least one attachment member, and inserting an instrument into the abdominal cavity; capturing the at least one suture; pulling a portion of the at least one suture through the abdominal wall; applying tension to the at least one suture to draw the at least one attachment member against an internal surface of the abdominal wall; and fixing the at least one suture externally of the abdominal wall.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said anchoring comprises puncturing through a location of the skin above a location of at least one ribbon attached to said at least one attachment member, and inserting an instrument into the abdominal cavity; capturing the at least one ribbon; pulling a portion of the at least one ribbon through the abdominal wall; applying tension to the at least one ribbon to draw the at least one attachment member against an internal surface of the abdominal wall; and fixing the at least one ribbon externally of the abdominal wall.  
   
   
       43 - 171 . (canceled)