Methods Of Treatment Using A Bariatric Sleeve

Abstract

Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A gastrointestinal implant device comprising:
 a flexible sleeve, open at both ends, one foot to five feet in length to extend into the intestine and adapted to limit absorption of nutrients in the intestine, thin and conformable so that it collapses in the intestine to a small volume and unsupported at a distal end; and   an anchor comprising a network of struts, the network of struts comprising a plurality of diamond-shaped openings between the struts, the anchor being coupled to a proximal portion of the sleeve and configured to anchor the sleeve at or distal to the pylorus in the digestive system.