Methods and devices to curb appetite and/or to reduce food intake

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices and methods of operating the devices that contribute to curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake. In some embodiments, the methods and devices of the present invention include as intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety. Some embodiments of the inserted device are anchored at the duodenal site by an anchoring member residing in the stomach, other embodiments of the device are stabilized at a targeted site by appropriate dimensions of length as well as one or more angled portions of the device that correspond to angled portions of the targeted site in the dodenum. Embodiments of the device exert effects by virtue of physical presence, as well as by more active forms of intervention, including release of bioactive materials and electrical stimulation of neurons.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A gastrointestinal insert, comprising:
 an elongated member configured to be placed in the duodenum, wherein the elongated member has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end;   a plurality of mesh baskets along the elongated member, the mesh baskets comprising a shape-memory material and expandable from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration; and   an anchor connected to the proximal end of the elongated member, wherein the anchor is configured to be placed in a stomach to anchor the plurality of mesh baskets in the duodenum.   
     
     
         15 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the mesh baskets are closed. 
     
     
         16 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the longitudinal axis is curved, the curve pre-shaped with a configuration that mimics a portion of the small intestine. 
     
     
         17 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 16 , wherein the elongated member is configured to return to the pre-curved shape after insertion into the duodenum. 
     
     
         18 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of mesh baskets are configured to reduce the flow rate of chyme in the small intestine. 
     
     
         19 . The gastrointestinal intestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of mesh baskets encircle the elongate member. 
     
     
         20 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the elongated member is solid. 
     
     
         21 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of mesh baskets are contiguous with the elongate member. 
     
     
         22 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of mesh baskets are eccentrically arranged about the elongate member. 
     
     
         23 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of mesh baskets are concentrically arranged about the elongate member. 
     
     
         24 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the shape memory material is a polymer. 
     
     
         25 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the shape memory material is a metal alloy. 
     
     
         26 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the device is configured to generate a hormonal signal of satiety when the plurality of mesh baskets are in the duodenum 
     
     
         27 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the anchor is configured to restrict distal migration of the elongate member. 
     
     
         28 . The gastrointestinal insert of  claim 14 , wherein the elongate member comprises a shape memory material.