Apparatus and methods for treatment of morbid obesity

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described for treatment of morbid obesity using minimally invasive techniques. The apparatus includes a system of components that may be used separately or in combination for effectively reducing stomach volume, bypassing a portion of the stomach and/or small intestines, reducing nutrient absorption in the stomach and/or small intestines and/or depositing minimally or undigested food farther than normal into the intestines, thereby stimulating intestinal responses. The components described include an artificial stoma device, a gastric sleeve device, an intestinal sleeve device, a combined gastrointestinal sleeve device and permanent and detachable attachment systems. Also described are devices for delivering and deploying the components of the system.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of treating a patient, comprising:
 providing a sleeve, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough;   providing a tubular cuff having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the cuff attached to the proximal end of the sleeve;   transesophageally advancing the cuff to position the proximal end of the cuff adjacent a luminal wall in the lower esophagus; and   attaching the tubular cuff with a tissue anchor at an attachment site spaced proximally apart from the lower esophagus.   
     
     
         22 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 21 , wherein the tissue anchor comprises a “T” tag. 
     
     
         23 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 21 , wherein the cuff and the sleeve do not comprise a valve. 
     
     
         24 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 21 , wherein the sleeve is porous. 
     
     
         25 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 21 , wherein the sleeve is nonporous. 
     
     
         26 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 21 , further comprising positioning the distal end of the sleeve proximate a pylorus of the stomach. 
     
     
         27 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 21 , further comprising positioning the distal end of the sleeve in an antrum of the stomach. 
     
     
         28 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 21 , further comprising positioning the distal end of the sleeve in a fundus of the stomach.