Abstract: Luminal devices are described. In one embodiment, a luminal device includes an esophageal stent and an anchoring membrane coupled to the esophageal stent. The anchoring membrane may be configured to be coupled to an esophageal wall with a tissue anchor placed through the anchoring membrane. The anchoring membrane may be configured to be pierced to allow the tissue anchor to be placed through the anchoring membrane. Methods for attaching a luminal device to the esophageal wall are described. In one embodiment, a method may include forming a bulge in an anchoring membrane of the luminal device and the esophageal wall, piercing the bulge from a first side of the anchoring membrane and a first side of the esophageal wall, placing a second retention element of a tissue anchor on a second side of the esophageal wall; and placing a tension element of the tissue anchor through the anchoring membrane and the esophageal wall. The tension element may be coupled to the second retention element.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal bypass devices are described. In one embodiment, a gastrointestinal bypass device may include an anchoring membrane configured to be attached to a wall of an esophagus with a tissue anchor placed through the anchoring membrane. The anchoring membrane may be configured to be pierced to allow the tissue anchor to be placed through the anchoring membrane. Methods for attaching a device to a tissue wall are described. In one embodiment, a method may include forming a bulge in an anchoring membrane of the device and the tissue wall, piercing the bulge from a first side of the anchoring membrane and a first side of the tissue wall, placing a second retention element of a tissue anchor on a second side of the tissue wall, and, placing a tension element of the tissue anchor through the anchoring membrane and the tissue wall. The tension element may be coupled to the second retention element. The method may further include placing a first retention element on the first side of the anchoring membrane.

Abstract: Delivery devices are described. In one embodiment, a delivery device includes a catheter and a sealing pad coupled to an outer surface of the catheter. The delivery device may further include a recess formed in an outer surface of the catheter. The sealing pad may be coupled in the recess. Methods for delivering a tubular device are described. In one embodiment, a method may include inserting a distal end of a catheter into a lumen of a tubular device. The catheter may include a sealing pad coupled to an outer surface of the catheter. The method also includes positioning the sealing pad inside a drawstring coupled circumferentially to the tubular device, and cinching the drawstring around the catheter at the sealing pad to couple the tubular device to the catheter.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal bypass devices are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device may comprise a cuff configured to be placed at least partially in an esophagus of the patient, and a sleeve configured to be placed at least partially in a stomach of the patient. In one embodiment, the gastrointestinal bypass device may also comprise a tether coupled to the cuff and/or the sleeve. The tether may be configured to be placed through a fistula between an esophagus and a skin of the patient. The tether may have a length sufficient to extend from the cuff and/or the sleeve to the skin.

Abstract: Luminal devices are described. In one embodiment, a luminal device includes an esophageal stent and an anchoring membrane coupled to the esophageal stent. The anchoring membrane may be configured to be coupled to an esophageal wall with a tissue anchor placed through the anchoring membrane. The anchoring membrane may be configured to be pierced to allow the tissue anchor to be placed through the anchoring membrane. Methods for attaching a luminal device to the esophageal wall are described. In one embodiment, a method may include forming a bulge in an anchoring membrane of the luminal device and the esophageal wall, piercing the bulge from a first side of the anchoring membrane and a first side of the esophageal wall, placing a second retention element of a tissue anchor on a second side of the esophageal wall; and placing a tension element of the tissue anchor through the anchoring membrane and the esophageal wall. The tension element may be coupled to the second retention element.

Abstract: Delivery devices are described. In one embodiment, a delivery device includes a catheter and a sealing pad coupled to an outer surface of the catheter. The delivery device may further include a recess formed in an outer surface of the catheter. The sealing pad may be coupled in the recess. Methods for delivering a tubular device are described. In one embodiment, a method may include inserting a distal end of a catheter into a lumen of a tubular device. The catheter may include a sealing pad coupled to an outer surface of the catheter. The method also includes positioning the sealing pad inside a drawstring coupled circumferentially to the tubular device, and cinching the drawstring around the catheter at the sealing pad to couple the tubular device to the catheter.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal bypass devices are described. In one embodiment, a gastrointestinal bypass device may include an anchoring membrane configured to be attached to a wall of an esophagus with a tissue anchor placed through the anchoring membrane. The anchoring membrane may be configured to be pierced to allow the tissue anchor to be placed through the anchoring membrane. Methods for attaching a device to a tissue wall are described. In one embodiment, a method may include forming a bulge in an anchoring membrane of the device and the tissue wall, piercing the bulge from a first side of the anchoring membrane and a first side of the tissue wall, placing a second retention element of a tissue anchor on a second side of the tissue wall, and, placing a tension element of the tissue anchor through the anchoring membrane and the tissue wall. The tension element may be coupled to the second retention element. The method may further include placing a first retention element on the first side of the anchoring membrane.

Abstract: Method for screening patients to predict which patients at risk of a medical disorder, such as morbid obesity, gastrointestinal problems, or gastroesophageal problems, will be responders, and conversely, which patients will not, to achieve a favorable outcome from therapy for that disorder. This method supports an intervention strategy for patients having weight or gastrointestinal problems that will cut health costs. It enables patients and care-givers alike to more efficiently use their time, efforts and resources by enabling an early selection of an appropriate treatment modality for a given patient. Its application also extends to other implantable medical devices and therapies using them.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an internet-based automated assessment of an individual as a candidate for various weight loss therapies is described. The system and method includes providing a web site where a candidate can access and answer a questionnaire. The password for accessing the website is provided by a health care provider to whom the candidate has consulted regarding weight loss therapies. The information received from the candidate is sent to a database network site where the information is analyzed to predict a weight loss outcome or expected outcome for the candidate for a weight loss therapy. Information regarding the candidate's physical and medical health sent by the candidate's health care provider to the database network site may be combined with the information provided by the candidate in the assessment of a candidate.

Abstract: Method for screening patients to predict which patients at risk of a medical disorder, such as morbid obesity, gastrointestinal problems, or gastroesophageal problems, will be responders, and conversely, which patients will not, to achieve a favorable outcome from therapy for that disorder. This method supports an intervention strategy for patients having weight or gastrointestinal problems that will cut health costs. It enables patients and care-givers alike to more efficiently use their time, efforts and resources by enabling an early selection of an appropriate treatment modality for a given patient. Its application also extends to other implantable medical devices and therapies using them.

Abstract: Method for screening patients to predict which patients at risk of a medical disorder, such as morbid obesity, gastrointestinal problems, or gastroesophageal problems, will be responders, and conversely, which patients will not, to achieve a favorable outcome from therapy for that disorder. This method supports an intervention strategy for patients having weight or gastrointestinal problems that will cut health costs. It enables patients and care-givers alike to more efficiently use their time, efforts and resources by enabling an early selection of an appropriate treatment modality for a given patient. Its application also extends to other implantable medical devices and therapies using them.