Gastric space occupier systems and methods of use

Abstract

Systems for controlling obesity utilize a number of space occupiers positioned in the stomach to reduce the effective volume of the stomach. Such arrangements provides sufficient stomach volume consumption to induce weight loss, but enable use of space occupiers that are proportioned to minimize the threat of obstruction even if they should migrate into the intestine. In general, numerous small volume space occupiers are placed in the stomach such that the total volume equals or exceeds the single volume of prior art single unit space occupiers. However, each individual space occupier is proportioned so that it will pass without obstruction if it moves into the intestine.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of treating a patient including a stomach, comprising:
 placing a plurality of space occupiers intraorally into the stomach in a first configuration; and   transforming each of multiple space occupiers of the plurality of space occupiers into a second configuration in the stomach, wherein a size of each space occupier in the second configuration is larger than a size of the space occupier in the first configuration.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein each space occupier of the plurality of space occupiers is a balloon, and the step of transforming each of multiple space occupiers includes inflating multiple balloons with a fluid. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein each of the multiple space occupiers in the second configuration has a volume between 50-200 cc. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein placing a plurality of space occupiers includes attaching an inflation tube to at least one space occupier of the plurality of space occupiers. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein each space occupier of the plurality of space occupiers in the first configuration has an elongated shape that extends from a first end to a second end, and the step of transforming each of multiple space occupiers includes bending each space occupier of the multiple space occupiers to couple the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the first end of each space occupier includes a tab and the second end includes a recess, and the step of transforming each of multiple space occupiers includes bending each space occupier of the multiple space occupiers to attach the tab to the recess. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein each space occupier in the second configuration has one of a ring shape or an oval shape. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein each space occupier in the second configuration has a triangular shape. 
     
     
         29 . A method of treating a patient including a stomach, comprising:
 placing a space occupier in the stomach, the space occupier including an elongate member extending from a first end to a second end; and   bending the space occupier in the stomach to couple the first end to the second end.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising locking the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the first end includes a tab and the second end includes a recess, and the step of locking the first end to the second end includes engaging the tab with the recess. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein locking the first end to the second end transforms the elongate member of the space occupier to one of a ring shape or an oval shape. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein locking the first end to the second end transforms the elongate member of the space occupier to a triangular shape. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the elongate member of the space occupier includes one or more hinge members located between the first end and the second end, and the step of bending the space occupier includes bending the elongate member at the one or more hinge members. 
     
     
         35 . A space occupier configured to be placed in a subject's stomach, comprising:
 an elongate member extending between a first end and a second end;   a recess at the first end; and   a tab at the second end, wherein the tab is configured to fit into the recess to couple the first end of the elongate member to the second end.   
     
     
         36 . The space occupier of  claim 35 , wherein the elongate member is configured to have a ring shape when the tab is fit into the recess. 
     
     
         37 . The space occupier of  claim 35 , wherein the elongate member is configured to have an oval shape when the tab is fit into the recess. 
     
     
         38 . The space occupier of  claim 35 , wherein the elongate member is configured to have a triangular shape when the tab is fit into the recess. 
     
     
         39 . The space occupier of  claim 35 , wherein the elongate member further including one or more hinges located between the first end and the second end. 
     
     
         40 . The space occupier of  claim 35 , wherein a cross-sectional shape of the elongate member is circular.