Satiation devices and methods

Abstract

A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end.

1 . A medical device for limiting food intake by a patient having an esophagus, a stomach, and a gastroesophageal junction region, comprising:
 a pouch having a proximal opening and a distal exit port, a proximal portion of the pouch being positionable within the gastroesophageal junction region such that the proximal opening is in substantial alignment with the esophagus; and   a tubular stent portion extending from a proximal region of the pouch and having a central passage at least partially aligned with the proximal opening of the pouch, the stent portion being adapted to contact surrounding tissue of the lower region of the esophagus, substantially around its circumference, when the pouch is positioned within the gastro-esophageal junction region and the stent portion is positioned within the lower region of the esophagus, to maintain the proximal opening of the pouch in alignment with the esophagus.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular stent portion is an expandable cylindrical stent. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the expandable cylindrical stent is a self-expanding stent. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the self-expanding stent is formed of a shape-memory alloy. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the self-expanding stent includes a plurality of rings adapted to expand from a constrained condition. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , which further includes a bypass tail adapted to extend, in operative condition, from the distal exit port of the pouch through the pylorus and into the small bowel. 
     
     
         7 . A method for limiting food intake by a patient having an esophagus, a stomach, and a gastroesophageal junction region, comprising attaching the device of  claim 1  within the patient's stomach, with a proximal portion of the pouch being positioned within the gastroesophageal junction region such that the proximal opening is in substantial alignment with the esophagus, and with the tubular stent portion of the device contacting surrounding tissue of the lower region of the esophagus, substantially around its circumference, to maintain the proximal opening of the device's pouch in alignment with the esophagus. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the tubular stent portion of the device is a self-expanding stent, and attaching the device to the patient's stomach includes placing the stent in the lower portion of the esophagus and allowing the stent to expand against the walls of the lower esophagus. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the device further includes a bypass tail adapted to extend, in operative condition, from the distal exit port of the device pouch through the pylorus and into the small bowel, and which further includes positioning a distal end portion of the bypass tail through the pylorus into the small bowel.