Satiation devices and methods

Abstract

A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

1 . A method for treating obesity in a patient, comprising
 providing an intestinal sleeve device comprising (i) an elongate polymeric sleeve at least 20 cm in length and extending between proximal and distal open ends, to act as an absorption barrier within the duodenum, (ii) disposed within the sleeve, a self-expanding structure adapted, in its expanded form, and with the device positioned entirely within the small intestine of the subject, to press against the sides of walls of the intestine to anchor the sleeve within the duodenum, and (iii) surface features adapted to hold the sleeve in place within the duodenum when the device is positioned entirely within the small intestine of the patient and the self-expanding structure is expanded to press the sleeve against the walls of the intestine,   passing the entire intestinal sleeve device in a distal direction through the patient's esophagus and into the small intestine of the patient; and   expanding the self-expanding structure in the device, thereby anchoring the sleeve device within the duodenum of the intestine, such that food from the stomach flows through the intestinal sleeve device within the duodenum, thereby limiting absorption of food through the walls of the duodenum.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve device is anchored within the duodenum with its proximal end adjacent, and at least one centimeter downstream of, the ampulla of vader. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said surface features are scales or barbs.