Abstract: A surgical fastening system for implantable devices such as injection port systems. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around it which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which it fits. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a deployment system or tool that optionally positions the implantable device, and which causes the fasteners to move into post-deployment position. The fasteners may be staples, metal loops, coils, springs or hooks formed of biocompatible materials, including shape memory alloys such as NiTi.

Abstract: A system for attaching an access port to bodily tissue includes an access port assembly and including an access port having a generally central axis. The access port assembly further includes an attachment mechanism structured to enable the access port to be attached, for example, to an abdominal muscle of a patient. The delivery tool includes a handle having a generally longitudinal axis and a delivery head structured to engage the access port assembly, and an activation mechanism for enabling deployment of the attachment mechanism when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly. The delivery tool is configured such that the longitudinal axis of the handle is spaced apart from the generally central axis of the access port when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly.

Abstract: A fatigue-resistant inflatable gastric banding device suitable for laparoscopic placement around the stomach of a patient for the treatment of obesity and a method for such treatment are disclosed. The device includes a gastric band having a chambered inflatable member, substantially coextensive with an inner stomach facing surface of the band, that does not crease, wrinkle or fold when adjusted, so as to present a substantially smooth contour along the inner circumference, and to avoid fatigue or failure of the member itself. A gastric band having multiple inflatable compartments or chambers, which may be inflated together or individually is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for facilitating obesity control includes an inflatable gastric banding device, a fluid reservoir couplable to the inflatable portion, and an implantable fluid handling device coupled to the fluid reservoir and the inflatable portion. The fluid handling device includes remotely operable components housed in a biocompatible housing. The fluid handling device includes a micropump effective to pump fluid to the band and a flow sensor. The system also includes a controller/microprocessor including an algorithm programmed to automatically calibrate the pump using data from the flow sensor, prior to adjustments made to the inflation of the gastric band.

Abstract: A system for facilitating obesity control includes an inflatable gastric banding device, a fluid reservoir couplable to the inflatable portion, and an implantable fluid handling device including one or more piezoelectric valves.

Abstract: A bariatric device 10 for use in inducing weight loss, comprising a lower stomach element 26 which contacts the lower stomach at least intermittently to produce a satiety signal to the user, giving a feeling of fullness and reducing hunger. The lower stomach element 26 may be combined with a positional element 25 extending into the upper stomach to maintain the device's position for at least intermittent contact with the lower stomach. Alternatively, first and second elements 12, 13 may be symmetrically attached to the positioning element 25, so that the device can orient itself either way in the stomach. The lower stomach, first, or second elements 26, 12, 13 may have a restriction element to slow gastric filling or emptying, to produce a satiety signal. In any of the embodiments, the bariatric device may be adjustable, either manually, automatically or remotely, to optimally size and/or position the device.

Abstract: A self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size. The apparatus includes an adjustable gastric band with an expandable inner ring. A band adjustment assembly includes a sensor for sensing fluid pressure in the inner ring and a pump assembly connected to the inner ring and to a controller for adjusting the volume of the fluid in the band based on the sensed fluid pressure. A memory stores an operating range of a target fluid pressure, and the pump assembly maintains the sensed band pressure within the operating range. An elongated fluid reservoir extends along part of a fill tube. An expandable fluid reservoir stores a volume of the fluid for adjusting the volume of fluid in the lumen. A protective outer sheath is provided around the exterior of an expandable fluid reservoir in both a first, deflated state, and a second, inflated state of the reservoir.

Abstract: A surgical fastening system for implantable devices is disclosed. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around fit which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which it fits. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a deployment system or tool that optionally positions the implantable device, and which causes the fasteners to move into post-deployment position. The fasteners may be staples, metal loops, coils, springs or hooks formed of biocompatible materials, including shape memory alloys such as NiTi.

Abstract: A self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size. The apparatus includes an adjustable gastric band that has an inner ring expanding with injected fluid. A band adjustment assembly is provided for implanting with the gastric band that includes a sensor for sensing fluid pressure in the inner ring. The band adjustment assembly further includes a pump assembly connected to the expandable inner ring and to a controller that can operate the pump assembly to adjust the volume of the fluid in the band based on the sensed fluid pressure. The band adjustment assembly includes memory storing an operating range relative to a target fluid pressure, and the pump assembly is operated to maintain the sensed band pressure within the operating range. The target pressure being set to maintain pressure variations below a predefined variation limit generally corresponding with satiated fill volumes for a particular patient and implanted band.

Abstract: An intragastric balloon having a built-in sensor. The sensor may be used to monitor pressure within the balloon shell, or outside of the shell in the stomach. The sensor may be used after deflation of the intragastric balloon to monitor the pressure through the intestinal tract as the balloon migrates therethrough. An apparatus for remote deflation of the balloon may be utilized to allow a physician to deflate the intragastric balloon without surgery. The pressure sensor may be provided in a valve of the intragastric balloon which separates from the balloon and migrates as a capsule through the intestinal tract to monitor conditions therein.

Abstract: An implantable intragastric volume occupying device system is provided which generally includes a volume occupying device and an active agent, for example, a metabolic agent or satiety inducing agent. The volume occupying device may be structured to contain the agent and permit controlled release of the agent to the patient while the volume occupying device is positioned within the patient's stomach. Methods for treating obesity are also provided which include positioning a volume occupying device in the stomach of a patient and administering a satiety inducing agent to the patient while the volume occupying device is positioned in the stomach. In one embodiment, the active agent may be contained in a reservoir and dispensed to a portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: An intraluminal sleeve system is provided, which generally includes an intraluminal sleeve capable of dispensing an active agent to a patient, for example, a metabolic agent or satiety inducing agent. The intraluminal sleeve may be structured to contain the active agent and permit controlled release of the active agent to the patient while the intraluminal sleeve is positioned within the patient's intestine. Methods for treating obesity are also provided which include positioning an intraluminal sleeve in a patient's intestine, the intraluminal sleeve being capable of dispensing an active agent to the patient. In one embodiment, the active agent may be contained in a reservoir and dispensed to a portion of the patient's body.

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. Alternatively, the cardiac and pyloric elements may be symmetrical, so that the device can orient itself either way in the stomach and still achieve the weight loss function.

Abstract: A bariatric instrument or accessory with sensors 28 used for sensing or monitoring parameters related to a patient during the placement, adjustment or in vivo duration of a bariatric or intraluminal device 10 such as a balloon, stent, feeding tube or other. The instrument or accessory may sense parameters from direct patient contact, non-patient contact such as intraluminal data, or indirect patient contact. The instrument 20 could be used during placement and adjustment of a device. The accessory 30 could be attached to a bariatric or intraluminal device 10 for the placement or adjustment of a bariatric device, or could be left on the bariatric device for in vivo placement.

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.

Abstract: A bariatric device for use in inducing weight loss, comprising a cardiac element and a fixation element wherein the fixation element attaches the cardiac element to the upper stomach to allow the cardiac element to apply at least intermittent pressure to the upper stomach which produces a satiety signal to the user, giving the recipient a feeling of fullness and reducing his or her hunger feelings. The device may also contain an esophageal element which is connected to the cardiac element by a connecting element.

Abstract: A gastric balloon and method of adding and removing fluid therefrom are disclosed. The gastric balloon includes a shell, a receiver, and a retractable tubing housed in the receiver and extendable from the stomach of a patient to the mouth of the patient. The shell is inflated and deflated from outside the body of the patient. The method of adding or removing fluid from the implanted gastric balloon includes steps of inserting a gastroscopic tool into the stomach of a patient and grasping an end of a retractable tubing housed in a receiver of the gastric balloon. Further steps of the method include withdrawing at least a portion of the retractable tubing from the stomach and out of a patient's mouth and adding or removing fluid from the gastric balloon via the retractable tubing withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: An intragastric balloon and method of adding and/or removing fluid therefrom are disclosed. The intragastric balloon includes a shell, a grasping tab, and a selfsealing portion. A gastroscopic instrument which includes a grasping tool is inserted into the stomach of a patient and used to grasp the grasping tab located on the surface of the shell. Using the grasping tool, the intragastric balloon is securely fastened to the gastroscopic instrument. A filling instrument, such as a needle, is advanced through the self-sealing portion of the shell for the filling or deflating of the intragastric balloon. After inflation or deflation is complete, the filling instrument is then withdrawn from the balloon and the gastroscopic instrument withdrawn from the stomach.

Abstract: A surgical fastening system for implantable devices such as injection port systems. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around it which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which it fits. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a deployment system or tool that optionally positions the implantable device, and which causes the fasteners to move into post-deployment position. The fasteners may be staples, metal loops, coils, springs or hooks formed of biocompatible materials, including shape memory alloys such as NiTi.

Abstract: A self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size is disclosed. The apparatus includes an adjustable gastric band that has an expandable portion containing a volume of fluid. A band adjustment assembly is provided for implanting with the gastric band that includes a sensor for sensing fluid pressure in the expandable portion. The band adjustment assembly further includes a pump assembly connected to the expandable portion and to a controller that operates the pump assembly to adjust the volume of the fluid in the band based on the sensed fluid pressure. The band adjustment assembly includes memory storing an operating range relative to a target fluid pressure, and the pump assembly is operated to maintain the sensed band pressure within the operating range. The target pressure is set to maintain pressure variations below a predefined variation limit generally corresponding with satiated fill volumes for a particular patient and implanted band.