Bariatric Device and Method for Weight Loss

Abstract

A bariatric device for use in inducing weight loss, comprising a cardiac element, a pyloric element, and a connecting element between the two other elements, wherein the connecting element provides structure between the cardiac and pyloric elements, keeping them largely in place and at least intermittently touching and applying pressure to the stomach's cardiac, adjacent fundic and pyloric regions, respectively, which produces a satiety signal to the user, giving the recipient a feeling of fullness and reducing his or her hunger feelings. In an alternative embodiment, the pyloric and connecting elements may be replaced with a positioning element, which keeps the cardiac element in its relative position by pushing against various structures in the stomach. In any of the embodiments, the bariatric device may be made from multiple sizes or adjustable, either manually, automatically or remotely, to optimally size and/or position the device to produce the desired satiety signals and weight loss.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bariatric device for placement into a stomach to achieve weight loss, comprising
 a) a cardiac element adapted to engage the upper stomach; and   b) at least one of the following chosen from the group consisting of:
 i) a pyloric element adapted to engage the pyloric region of the stomach, and a connecting element coupling the cardiac element and the pyloric element, shaped such that the cardiac element maintains at least intermittent contact with the upper stomach and the pyloric element maintains at least intermittent contact with the pyloric region of the stomach, 
 ii) a positioning element shaped such that the cardiac element maintains at least intermittent contact with the upper stomach, and 
 iii) a positioning element shaped such that the cardiac element maintains at least intermittent contact with the upper stomach, and a pyloric feature to preclude the positioning element from moving substantially past the pyloric valve. 
   
     
     
         2 . The bariatric device of  claim 1 , wherein an outwardly biasing force is applied by at least one of the group consisting of:
 the connecting element, which applies an outwardly biasing force to the cardiac and pyloric elements, and   the positioning element, which applies an outwardly biasing force to the cardiac element.   
     
     
         3 . The bariatric device of  claim 2 , further comprising a sensor element that generates a signal based on sensed conditions within the stomach. 
     
     
         4 . The bariatric device of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 an adjustment element to adjust the outwardly biasing force while the bariatric device is located within in the stomach, and   an actuation element which actuates the adjustment element based upon signals received from the sensor element.   
     
     
         5 . The bariatric device of  claim 4 , wherein the sensed condition for adjustment of the outwardly biasing force is at least one chosen from the group of:
 pressure,   force   motion,   peristalsis,   tension,   pH,   temperature, and   chemical detection.   
     
     
         6 . The bariatric device of  claim 1 , further comprising an electrical stimulation element. 
     
     
         7 . The bariatric device of  claim 6 , wherein the energy used for the electrical stimulation is at least one chosen from the group consisting of:
 radio frequency,   ultrasound,   microwave,   cryogenic,   laser,   light,   electrical,   mechanical, and   thermal.   
     
     
         8 . The bariatric device of  claim 3 , further comprising an adjustment element that adjusts the outwardly biasing force in response to signals received by a controller located outside of the body, and wherein the signals from the sensor element can be obtained outside of the body. 
     
     
         9 . The bariatric device of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustment of the outwardly biasing force is determined from signals obtained from the sensor element. 
     
     
         10 . The bariatric device of  claim 3 , further comprising a memory element to store the signal data. 
     
     
         11 . The bariatric device of  claim 8 , further comprising a sensed parameter data reader capable of reading the sensed parameter data from outside the body. 
     
     
         12 . The bariatric device of  claim 4 , further comprising a sensor signal interpretation and control element, which in response to preprogrammed set of signals, adjusts the outwardly biasing force. 
     
     
         13 . The bariatric device of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 an emitter element, and   a sensor signal interpretation element, which in response to preprogrammed signals,   triggers the emitter element to emit a substance into the gastrointestinal tract.   
     
     
         14 . A stomach measuring tool for introduction through the esophagus to the stomach, comprising:
 a) an inflatable body, which when inflated is adapted to engage the pyloric region of the stomach, and which when deflated has a narrow profile,   b) tubing coupled with the inflatable body,   c) a measurement member having measurement markings, said measurement member coupled with the inflatable body or the tubing.   
     
     
         15 . The measuring tool of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 measurement markings on the tubing.   
     
     
         16 . A stomach measuring tool for introduction through the esophagus to the stomach, comprising:
 a) an inflatable body, which when inflated is adapted to engage the pyloric region of the stomach, and which when deflated has a narrow profile,   b) tubing coupled with the inflatable body, and   c) measurement marking on the tubing or a plunger located inside the tubing.