Abstract:
A system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprises a stimulus device (1 1 ) having an electrical pulse generator (2) and multiple stimulus electrodes (3) adapted to apply electrical stimuli to a tissue of a gastrointestinal system of the subject, the stimulus electrodes (3) being arranged at a distance to one another in multiple positions and the stimulus device (1 ) being configured to time-dependently switch selected ones of the stimulus electrodes (3) from an energized state to a non-energized state and vice versa for time-dependently changing the location of application of the stimulus.
Abstract:
A system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject includes a stimulus device (1) having an electrical pulse generator (2) and stimulus electrodes (3) adapted to apply an electrical stimulus to a tissue, the stimulus device (1) being adapted to be endoluminally introduced in a gastrointestinal system of the subject, and means (9, 16, 17, 42) for anchoring the stimulus device permanently in a target location inside the gastrointestinal system in a position in which the stimulus electrodes engage a tissue of said gastrointestinal system.
Abstract:
Devices are provided for the controlled delivery of a therapeutic to a targeted location within a body. More particularly, devices are provided for controlling the rate of passage of an orally administered pill through a body, as well as for controlling the delivery of a therapeutic within the pill at a specific location within the body. Various types of devices, generally referred to herein as "catchers," are provided that can actively catch a pill as it passes through a body. The catcher can hold the pill at a specific location within the body until a predetermined event occurs, such as partial or complete administration of a therapeutic within the pill. The catcher can then release the pill upon command and/or upon the occurrence of the predetermined event to allow the pill to pass out of the body. In other embodiments, various types of pills are provided that can actively engage a catcher and remain engaged with the catcher until a predetermined event occurs.
Abstract:
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. The tension element is composed of a flexible first member and a flexible second member, wherein the flexible first member is movable relative to the flexible second member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct.
Abstract:
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member (22) having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element (32) is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element (576,578) is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism (574) is associated with the tension element.
Abstract:
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element (32) is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A release mechanism (312) is provided for the tension element.
Abstract:
A system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject, the system comprising a stimulus device (11) having an electrical pulse generator (2) and multiple stimulus electrodes (3) adapted to apply electrical stimuli to a tissue of a gastrointestinal system of the subject, one or more time-dependently bioabsorbable or biofragmentable isolating layers (30) which cover at least one of the stimulus electrodes (3) such that the initially covered stimulus electrode (3) is exposed only after erosion of said one or more isolating layers (30).
Abstract:
An implantable system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprises a stimulus device (11) which is implantable in the subject and adapted to apply an electrical stimulus to a tissue of a gastrointestinal system of said subject, and a detection device (2, 7, 8) which is implantable in the subject and adapted to continuously monitoring at least one of a mechanical characteristic and an electrical characteristic of the subject to detect an ingestion of food by said subject, wherein the detection device cooperates with the stimulus device (11) such that the stimulus device (11) applies said electrical stimulus in response to a detected ingestion of food.
Abstract:
A system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprises a stimulus device (1) having an electrical pulse generator (2) and stimulus electrodes (3) adapted to apply an electrical stimulus to a tissue, the stimulus device (1) being configured to time dependently move at least one of the stimulus electrodes (3) for time-dependently changing the location of application of the stimulus.
Abstract:
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element.