Method and Devices for Treating Obesity, Incontinence, and Neurological and Physiological Disorders

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed that provide therapeutic benefit and treatment for a variety of neurologic and physiologic conditions that include obesity, urinary incontinence, and sensory system disorders.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for treating obesity comprising:
 surgically accessing a vagal nerve on a stomach;   positioning a mechanical device proximate to the vagal nerve on the exterior of the stomach with a delivery device;   detaching the mechanical device from a delivery device; and   applying a mechanical force to the vagal nerve directly with the mechanical device to modify vagal nerve conduction.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical device is biodegradable. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical device is placed by a laproscopic surgical procedure. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical device is an adjustable balloon. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical device is energized by an electrical generator. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical device is an injectable substance. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical device is introduced from within the stomach. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical force is expansion. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical force is contraction. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical device is permanently implanted. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical device is temporarily implanted and later removed. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detaching the mechanical device from the delivery device comprises unscrewing the mechanical device from the delivery device. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detaching the mechanical device from the delivery device comprises detaching the mechanical device from the delivery device with a detent release. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detaching the mechanical device from the delivery device comprises detaching the mechanical device from the delivery device with a release of compression.