Endoscopic System For Attaching a Device to a Stomach

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.

1 . A method for treating or diagnosing a patient comprising the steps of:
 placing a guide from within a stomach so that a portion of the guide extends into a wall of the stomach at an attachment site;   coupling a functional device to the guide, wherein the functional device comprises an anchor and is configured to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function at the stomach; and   guiding the functional device to the attachment site with the use of the guide from within the stomach so that the anchor of the functional device extends through the stomach wall and engages an outside of the stomach wall.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the functional device comprises an elongate portion of the anchor, wherein guiding the functional device comprises advancing the elongate portion of the anchor through the stomach wall, and further comprising inhibiting axial movement of the anchor by capturing the stomach wall between a proximally oriented surface of the anchor and a distally oriented surface of the anchor. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising coupling electronic circuitry to the anchor and transmitting signals from the inside of the stomach so as to diagnose and/or electrically stimulate the stomach. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the signals are transmitted along a conductor extending along the elongate portion of the anchor to an electrode coupled to the anchor, and wherein the signals comprise electrical signals, the electrical signals alleviating an obesity of the patient. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the signals are transmitted wirelessly to a processor disposed outside the patient, and wherein the signals are transmitted in response to a sensor disposed within the stomach.