Methods and devices for treating obesity, incontinence, and neurological and physiological disorders

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed that provide therapeutic benefit and treatment for a variety of neurologic and physiologic conditions that include obesity, urinary incontinence, and sensory system disorders.

1 . A method for treating obesity comprising: positioning a mechanical device on or near a vagus nerve of an obese patient at a location of the vagus nerve defining an innervation pathway between the brain and at least one of a plurality of alimentary tract organs; and treating the patient's obesity by applying a mechanical force with the mechanical device to, at least in part, to block neural activity on the vagus nerve.  
   
   
       2 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical device is biodegradable.  
   
   
       3 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical device is connected to a source of electrical energy.  
   
   
       4 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical device is on the outside of an alimentary organ.  
   
   
       5 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical device is located within an alimentary organ.  
   
   
       6 . A method for treating urinary incontinence comprising: positioning a mechanical device proximate a sacral nerve of a patient at a location of the sacral nerve defining an innervation pathway between the brain and the urinary bladder; and treating the patient's urinary incontinence by applying a mechanical force with the mechanical device to, at least in part, block nerve impulses on the sacral nerve.  
   
   
       7 . A method of  claim 6  wherein the mechanical device is biodegradable.  
   
   
       8 . A method of  claim 6  wherein the mechanical device is connected to a source of electrical energy.  
   
   
       9 . A method of  claim 6  wherein the mechanical device is on the outside of an alimentary organ.  
   
   
       10 . A method of  claim 6  wherein the mechanical device is located within an alimentary organ  
   
   
       11 . A method for treating obesity comprising the steps of: surgically accessing the vagal nerve on the stomach, positioning a mechanical device an MSD proximate to the vagal nerve, whereby the vagal nerve conduction is blocked.  
   
   
       12 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the MSD is biodegradeable  
   
   
       13 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the MSD is placed with the aid of laparoscopic surgical procedures.  
   
   
       14 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the MSD is placed with the aid of laproscopic surgical equipment.  
   
   
       15 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the MSD is energized by an electrical generator.  
   
   
       16 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the MSD is in the form of an injectable substance.  
   
   
       17 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the MSD is introduced from within the stomach.  
   
   
       18 . A device as in  claim 16 , wherein nerve blocking agents are additives.