Apparatus and methods of inducing weight loss using blood flow control

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for inducing weight loss using blood flow control are described herein. The apparatus and methods operate by controlling blood flow to the stomach and/or small bowel.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A method of inducing weight loss, the method comprising reducing blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract by ablating one or more blood vessels that supply the stomach and/or small bowel to limit dilation of the blood vessels to increase flow after the ablating. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 13 , wherein the ablating is configured to cause fibrosis of the one or more blood vessels that supply the stomach and/or small bowel, wherein the fibrosis limits dilation of the blood vessels to increase flow. 
     
     
         15 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A system for inducing weight loss, the system comprising:
 a controller operably connected to one or more input devices, wherein the controller is configured to determine that a patient is ingesting food; and   one or more blood flow constriction devices operably connected to the controller, the one or more blood flow constriction devices configured to reduce blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract.   
     
     
         20 . A system according to  claim 19 , wherein the one or more input devices comprise one or more of: a sensor configured to detect distention and/or increased pressure in a stomach, a sensor configured to detect swallowing, and a sensor configured to detect flow into a stomach. 
     
     
         21 . A system according to  claim 19 , wherein the one or more input devices comprise a direct input device actuated by a patient to provide a signal to the controller that food is being ingested. 
     
     
         22 . A system according to  claim 19 , wherein the one or more blood flow constriction devices comprises a device configured to mechanically constrict one or more blood vessels that supply the stomach and/or small bowel. 
     
     
         23 . A system according to  claim 19 , wherein the one or more blood flow constriction devices comprises a device configured to cool an exterior surface of one or more blood vessels that supply the stomach and/or small bowel. 
     
     
         24 . A system according to  claim 23 , wherein the one or more blood flow constriction devices is coiled around the exterior surface of the one or more blood vessels that supply the stomach and/or small bowel. 
     
     
         25 . A system according to  claim 19 , wherein the one or more blood flow constriction devices comprises a perfusion balloon configured to cool blood flowing through a blood vessel in which the perfusion balloon is located.