Intraluminal Sleeve with Stimulation Electrode

Abstract

An intraluminal sleeve system is provided, which generally includes an intraluminal sleeve capable of dispensing an active agent to a patient, for example, a metabolic agent or satiety inducing agent. The intraluminal sleeve may be structured to contain the active agent and permit controlled release of the active agent to the patient while the intraluminal sleeve is positioned within the patient's intestine. Methods for treating obesity are also provided which include positioning an intraluminal sleeve in a patient's intestine, the intraluminal sleeve being capable of dispensing an active agent to the patient. In one embodiment, the active agent may be contained in a reservoir and dispensed to a portion of the patient's body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implantable intraluminal sleeve system for the treatment of obesity comprising:
 an intraluminal sleeve configured to be positioned in a patient's intestine; and   an electrode coupled to the intraluminal sleeve and configured to apply electric stimulation to a portion of the patient's body.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the electrode is positioned on an outer surface of the intraluminal sleeve. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the electrode is configured to apply electric stimulation to the patient's duodenum. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a control device coupled to the intraluminal sleeve and being configured to cause the electrode to apply electric stimulation to the portion of the patient's body. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a pressure sensor coupled to the intraluminal sleeve and being configured to cause the electrode to apply electric stimulation to the portion of the patient's body in response to a force applied to the pressure sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the intraluminal sleeve has an axial length greater than a diameter of the sleeve. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the control device is programmed to cause the electrodes to apply electric stimulation to the patient's body based on a timer or schedule. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a reservoir containing an active agent that when released into the patient at least assists in effecting weight loss in the patient. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the intraluminal sleeve includes an ancillary device incorporated into the outer surface of the intraluminal sleeve. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the ancillary device includes a coating of an active agent that when released into the patient at least assists in effecting weight loss in the patient. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the intraluminal sleeve includes a coating of an active agent on a surface of the sleeve that when released into the patient at least assists in effecting weight loss in the patient. 
     
     
         12 . A method for the treatment of obesity comprising the steps of:
 inserting an electrode into a patient's body laparoscopically; and   coupling the electrode to the lower third of the patient's esophagus, the electrode configured to apply electric stimulation to the lower third of the patient's esophagus,   wherein the electrode is utilized in combination with an intraluminal sleeve positioned within the patient's intestine.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the electric stimulation promotes a sensation of satiety for the patient. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the electrode is coupled to a control device configured to cause the electrode to apply the electric stimulation to the lower third of the patient's esophagus. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the intraluminal sleeve is configured to transmit a signal to the control device that causes the electrode to apply the electric stimulation to the lower third of the patient's esophagus. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the intraluminal sleeve is configured to transmit the signal in response to a force being exerted against the intraluminal sleeve by chyme passing through the intraluminal sleeve. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of inserting the electrode into the patient's body laparoscopically further comprises inserting a plurality of electrodes into the patient's body laparoscopically, and the step of coupling the electrode to the lower third of the patient's stomach further comprises coupling the plurality of electrodes to the lower third of the patient's esophagus along the vagus nerve. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising releasing an active agent into the patient, the active agent having an effect of at least assisting in effecting weight loss in the patient. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the active agent is released from the intraluminal sleeve. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the active agent is incorporated at least into the outer surface of the intraluminal sleeve.