Methods and apparatus for treatment of obesity

Abstract

Method and apparatus for treating obesity by use of transesophageal delivery of energy to interrupt the function of vagal nerves.

1 . A method for reducing obesity comprising the steps of:
 introducing an energy delivery device into the esophagus and positioning said source below the diaphragm,   energizing said delivery device, and delivering energy to the site of at least one vagal nerve branch on the outer wall of the esophagus.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the energy is ultrasound. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the energy of  claim 1  is high intensity ultrasound. 
     
     
         4 . The method of claim wherein the energy is high intensity focused ultrasound. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the energy is radio frequency energy. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the energy is delivered by electrodes which are passed through the wall of the esophagus. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the electrodes are used to locate the vagal nerve branches. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said energy delivery device is introduced into the esophagus through the mouth. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said energy delivery device is delivered to the esophagus through the nose. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus for interrupting function of vagal nerves comprising:
 an energy delivery device,   a carrier for said energy delivery device, said carrier being adapted to locate said source of energy in the esophagus, and   an actuator for energizing said energy delivery device such that energy is delivered to a vagal nerve branch.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said energy delivery device is an ultrasound transducer. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said transducer is a high intensity ultrasound transducer. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said transducer is a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said energy delivery device is a radio frequency electrode. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said energy delivery device is provided with a positioning member. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said positioning member is a balloon. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said positioning member is a vacuum device.