INTRAGASTRIC DEVICE FOR TREATING OBESITY

DISPOSITIF INTRAGASTRIQUE POUR TRAITER L'OBESITE

English Abstract

An intragastric device configured for catheter deployment in a stomach comprises first and second wire mesh structures having a pre-deployment shape that is compressed within the lumen of the catheter, a post-deployment shape that is expanded within the stomach of the person, openings on an upper portion of the first mesh, and openings on a lower portion of the second mesh. The device also includes a connection to flexibly couple a lower portion of the first structure to an upper portion of the second structure such that the two structures are in fluid communication. Food enters the upper portion of the first wire mesh structure, passes through both wire mesh structures, and then exits the lower portion of the second wire mesh structure. Optionally, a sleeve is coupled to the lower portion of the second wire mesh structure and extends into a duodenum of a person.

French Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif intragastrique conçu pour le déploiement d'un cathéter dans un estomac comprenant des première et seconde structures en maillage métallique présentant une forme pré-déploiement qui est comprimée à l'intérieur de la lumière d'un cathéter, une forme post-déploiement ayant subi une expansion à l'intérieur de l'estomac de la personne, des ouvertures sur une partie supérieure du premier maillage, et des ouvertures sur une partie inférieure du second maillage. Le dispositif comprend également un raccord pour accoupler de manière souple une partie inférieure de la première structure à une partie supérieure de la seconde structure de sorte que les deux structures sont en communication fluidique. La nourriture entre par la partie supérieure de la première structure en maillage métallique, traverse les deux structures en maillage métallique, puis sort par la partie inférieure de la seconde structure en maillage métallique. Éventuellement, un manchon est accouplé à la partie inférieure de la seconde structure en maillage métallique et s'étend à l'intérieur du duodénum d'une personne.

Claims

CLAIMS
We claim:

1. An intragastric device configured for deployment in a stomach of a person,
said device
comprising:
a catheter comprising a housing and a lumen extending through said housing,
wherein the
lumen has an internal diameter and wherein the internal diameter is equal to
or less than 2 cm;
a first wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape that is compressed
within said
lumen of the catheter and a post-deployment shape that is expanded within the
stomach of the
person, wherein said pre-deployment shape has a first volume that is equal or
less than 110 ml
and a first length that is equal to or less than 75 cm and wherein said post-
deployment shape
has a porous, enclosed second volume, defined by a first plurality of curved
surfaces, that is
equal to or greater than 125 ml, said first wire mesh structure further
comprising an upper
portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion has a first surface area
of openings
configured to permit material to enter from outside the second volume to
inside the second
volume and wherein the lower portion has a second surface area of openings;
a second wire mesh structure, separate from the first wire mesh structure,
having a pre-
deployment shape that is compressed within said lumen of the catheter and a
post-deployment
shape that is expanded within the stomach of the person, wherein said pre-
deployment shape
has a third volume that is equal or less than 100 ml and a second length that
is equal to or less
than 70 cm and wherein said post-deployment shape has a porous, enclosed
fourth volume,
defined by a second plurality of curved surfaces, that is equal to or greater
than 110 ml, said
second wire mesh structure further comprising an upper portion and a lower
portion wherein
the upper portion has a third surface area of openings configured to permit
material to enter
from outside the fourth volume to inside the fourth volume and wherein the
lower portion has
a fourth surface area of openings;
a connection to flexibly couple said first and second wire mesh structures,
wherein said
connection i s formed between a portion of the first wire mesh structure
defining said second
surface area of openings and a portion of the second wire mesh structure
defining said third
surface area of openings.

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2. The intragastric device of claim 1 wherein the first wire mesh structure
and the second wire
mesh structure are positioned serially within the lumen of the catheter.
3. The intragastric device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first
plurality of curved surfaces
is defined by an arc and wherein said arc is determined by a radius in a range
of 0.2 cm to 20
cm and a central angle in a range of 5 to 175 degrees.
4. The intragastric device of claim 3 wherein at least one of the second
plurality of curved surfaces
is defined by an arc and wherein said arc is determined by a radius in a range
of 0.1 cm to 15
cm and a central angle in a range of 1 to 179 degrees.
5. The intragastric device of claim 1 wherein said connection is formed
between a portion of a
plurality of free ends of the first wire mesh structure defining said second
surface area of
openings and a portion of a plurality of free ends of the second wire mesh
structure defining
said third surface area of openings.
6. The intragastric device of claim 1 wherein the first wire mesh structure
has at least one of a
spherical and elliptical shape.
7. The intragastric device of claim 6 wherein the second wire mesh
structure has at least one of a
spherical and elliptical shape.
8. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein said connection comprises a
plurality of sutures.
9. The intragastric device of claim 8, wherein said plurality of sutures
include a first flexible
suture attached, at one end, to a first point on said second surface area of
openings and, at a
second end, to a second point on said third surface area of openings.
10. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein a length of a connection, from
the first point on the
second surface area of openings to the second point on said third surface area
of openings, is
in a range of 0.01 mm to 200 mm.
11. The intragastric device of claim 9, wherein said plurality of sutures
include a second flexible
suture attached, at one end, to a third point on said second surface area of
openings and, at a
second end, to a fourth point on said third surface area of openings, wherein
said first point is
different from the third point and wherein said second point is different from
the fourth point.
12. The intragastric device of claim 11, wherein a length of a connection,
from third point on the
second surface area of openings to the fourth point on said third surface area
of openings, is in
a range of 0.01 mm and 300 mm.

155


13. The intragastric device of claim 11, wherein the first flexible suture and
the second flexible
suture are separated by 180 degrees.
14. The intragastric device of claim 11, wherein said plurality of sutures
include a third flexible
suture attached, at one end, to a fifth point on said second surface area of
openings and, at a
second end, to a sixth point on said third surface area of openings, wherein
said fifth point is
different from the first point and the third point and wherein said sixth
point is different from
the second point and the fourth point.
15 The intragastric device of claim 14, wherein a length of a connection, from
the fifth point on
the second surface area of openings to the sixth point on said third surface
area of openings, is
in a range of 0.01 mm and 300 mm.
16. The intragastric device of claim 14, wherein said plurality of sutures
include a fourth flexible
suture attached, at one end, to a seventh point on said second surface area of
openings and, at
a second end, to a eighth point on said third surface area of openings,
wherein said seventh
point is different from the first point, the third point, and the fifth point
and wherein said eighth
point is different from the second point, the fourth point and the sixth
point.
17. The intragastric device of claim 16, wherein a length of a connection,
from seventh point on
the second surface area of openings to the eighth point on said third surface
area of openings,
is in a range of 0.01 mm and 300 mm.
18. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein said first and second wire
mesh structures have a
degree of movement in all directions relative to each other, said degree of
movement being
defined by an angular displacement between a first longitudinal axis passing
through a center
of said first wire mesh structure, a center of the first surface area of
openings, and a center of
the second surface area of openings and a second longitudinal axis passing
through a center of
said second wire mesh structure, a center of the third surface area of
openings, and a center of
the fourth surface area of openings.
19. The intragastric device of claim 18, wherein said angular displacement is
equal to, or less than,
90 degrees.
20. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein the connection of said first
wire mesh structure to
the second wire mesh structure has a length such that the first wire mesh
structure can be
compressed up to 99% of its equatorial diameter without leading to a
compression of said
second wire mesh structure.

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21. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein the connection of said first
wire mesh structure to
the second wire mesh structure has a length such that, upon more than 90%
compression of the
first wire mesh structure, the second wire mesh structure has an angular
displacement relative
to the first wire mesh structure of 10% or less, wherein said angular
displacement is defined
by a relative angle between a first longitudinal axis passing through a center
of said first wire
mesh structure, a center of the first surface area of openings, and a center
of the second surface
area of openings and a second longitudinal axis passing through a center of
said second wire
mesh structure, a center of the third surface area of openings, and a center
of the fourth surface
area of openings.
22. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein said first wire mesh structure
and said second wire
mesh structure are connected by said connection within the lumen of the
catheter.
23. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein said first wire mesh structure
and said second wire
mesh structure are not connected by said connection within the lumen of the
catheter.
24. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein said connection is formed by
interweaving a portion
of a plurality of free ends of said second surface area of openings and a
portion of a plurality
of free ends of said third surface area of openings.
25. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein said second and fourth volumes
together occupy
25% to 95% of the stomach
26. The intragastric device of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve having a
proximal end, a distal
end, and a lumen, wherein said proximal end is coupled to said lower portion
of said second
wire mesh structure and said distal end is positioned in a duodenum of a
patient, said sleeve
further comprising a first opening in fluid communication with said fourth
surface area of
openings and a second opening at said distal end, wherein said sleeve is
configured to transmit
food from said intragastric device to said duodenum.
27. An intragastric device of claim 1, wherein said first wire mesh structure
has at least one of a
spherical shape and an elliptical shape and wherein said first wire mesh
structure has a volume
that is greater than 5 ml and less than 5000 ml.
28. An intragastric device of claim 27, wherein said second wire mesh
structure has at least one of
a spherical shape and an elliptical shape and wherein said second wire mesh
structure has a
volume that is greater than 20 ml and less than 4000 ml.

157


29. An intragastric device configured for deployment in a stomach of a person,
said device
comprising:
a first wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape that is compressed
within a
lumen of a catheter and a post-deployment shape that is expanded within the
stomach of the
person, wherein said pre-deployment shape has a first volume that is equal or
less than 110 ml
and a first length that is equal to or less than 75 cm and wherein said post-
deployment shape
has a porous, enclosed second volume, defined by a first plurality of curved
surfaces, that is
equal to or greater than 125 ml, said first wire mesh structure further
comprising an upper
portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion has a first surface area
of openings
configured to permit material to enter from outside the second volume to
inside the second
volume and wherein the lower portion has a second surface area of openings;
a second wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape that is compressed
within
said lumen of the catheter and a post-deployment shape that is expanded within
the stomach
of the person, wherein said pre-deployment shape has a third volume that is
equal or less than
100 ml and a second length that is equal to or less than 70 cm and wherein
said post-deployment
shape has a porous, enclosed fourth volume, defined by a second plurality of
curved surfaces,
that is equal to or greater than 110 ml, said first wire mesh structure
further comprising an
upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion has a third
surface area of openings
configured to permit material to enter from outside the fourth volume to
inside the fourth
volume and wherein the lower portion has a fourth surface area of openings,
a plurality of flexible members to flexibly couple said first and second wire
mesh
structures, wherein said plurality of flexible members include a first
flexible member attached,
at one end, to a first point on said second surface area of openings and, at a
second end, to a
second point on said third surface area of openings and wherein said plurality
of flexible
members include a second flexible member attached, at one end, to a third
point on said second
surface area of openings and, at a second end, to a fourth point on said third
surface area of
openings, wherein said first point is different from the third point and
wherein said second
point is different from the fourth point.
30. The intragastric device of claim 29, wherein a length of said first
flexible member, from the
first point on the second surface area of openings to the second point on said
third surface area
of openings, is in a range of 0.01 mm and 300 mm.

158


31. The intragastric device of claim 30, wherein a length of said second
flexible member, from the
third point on the second surface area of openings to the fourth point on said
third surface area
of openings, is in a range of 0.01 mm and 100 mm.
32. The intragastric device of claim 29, wherein the first flexible member and
the second flexible
member are separated by 180 degrees.
33. The intragastric device of claim 29, wherein said plurality of flexible
members include a third
flexible member attached, at one end, to a fifth point on said second surface
area of openings
and, at a second end, to a sixth point on said third surface area of openings,
wherein said fifth
point is different from the first point and the third point and wherein said
sixth point is different
from the second point and the fourth point.
34. The intragastric device of claim 33, wherein a length of said third
flexible member, from the
fifth point on the second surface area of openings to the sixth point on said
third surface area
of openings, is in a range of 0.01 mm and 300 mm.
35. The intragastric device of claim 33, wherein said plurality of flexible
members include a fourth
flexible member attached, at one end, to a seventh point on said second
surface area of openings
and, at a second end, to a eighth point on said third surface area of
openings, wherein said
seventh point is different from the first point, the third point, and the
fifth point and wherein
said eighth point is different from the second point, the fourth point and the
sixth point.
36. The intragastric device of claim 35, wherein a length of said fourth
flexible member, from
seventh point on the second surface area of openings to the eighth point on
said third surface
area of openings, is in a range of 0.01 mm and 100 mm.
37. The intragastric device of claim 29, wherein said first and second wire
mesh structures have a
degree of movement in all directions relative to each other, said degree of
movement being
defined by an angular displacement between a first longitudinal axis passing
through a center
of said first wire mesh structure, a center of the first surface area of
openings, and a center of
the second surface area of openings and a second longitudinal axis passing
through a center of
said second wire mesh structure, a center of the third surface area of
openings, and a center of
the fourth surface area of openings.
38. The intragastric device of claim 37, wherein said angular displacement is
equal to, or less than,
90 degrees.

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39. The intragastric device of claim 29, wherein each of the plurality of
flexible members has a
length such that the first wire mesh structure can be compressed up to 95% of
its equatorial
diameter without leading to a compression of said second wire mesh structure.
40. The intragastric device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
flexible members has a
length such that, upon more than 90% compression of the first wire mesh
structure, the second
wire mesh structure has an angular displacement relative to the first wire
mesh structure of
10% or less, wherein said angular displacement is defined by a relative angle
between a first
longitudinal axis passing through a center of said first wire mesh structure,
a center of the first
surface area of openings, and a center of the second surface area of openings
and a second
longitudinal axis passing through a center of said second wire mesh structure,
a center of the
third surface area of openings, and a center of the fourth surface area of
openings.

160

Description

CA 2997727 2019-08-06
INTRAGASTRIC DEVICE FOR TREATING OBESITY
FIELD
The present specification relates generally to medical devices useful in the
treatment of
25 obesity. More particularly, the present specification relates to
intragastric and gastrointestinal
devices of dynamic weight that reduce gastric volume, slow gastric emptying,
and/or bypass
portions of the small intestine, thereby leading to patient weight loss.
BACKGROUND
30 Obesity
is a common condition and growing public health problem in developed nations
including the United States. As of 2009, more than two thirds of American
adults, approximately
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127 million people, were either overweight or obese. Over one third of
American adults are obese.
Data suggest that 300,000 Americans die prematurely from obesity-related
complications each
year. Many children in the United States are also either overweight or obese.
Hence, the overall
number of overweight Americans is expected to rise in the future. It has been
estimated that obesity
costs the United States over $100 billion annually in direct and indirect
health care expenses and
in lost productivity. This trend is also apparent in many other developed
nations
For adults, the body mass index (BMI) is used to determine if one is
overweight or obese
A person's BMI is calculated by multiplying body weight in pounds by 703 and
then dividing the
total by height in inches squared. A person's BMI is expressed as kilograms
per meter squared.
An adult is considered overweight if his or her BMI is between 25 and 30
kg/m2. Obesity is defined
as possessing a BMI between 30 and 40 kg/m2. A BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 is
associated with
significant co-morbidities. Morbid obesity is defined as possessing either a
body weight more than
100 pounds greater than ideal or a BMI greater than 40 kg/m2. Approximately 5%
of the U.S.
population meets at least one of the criteria for morbid obesity. Morbid
obesity is associated with
many diseases and disorders including, for example: diabetes; hypertension;
heart attack; stroke;
dyslipidemia; sleep apnea; pickwickian syndrome; asthma; lower back and disc
disease; weight-
bearing osteoarthritis of the hips, knees, ankles and feet; thrombophlebitis
and pulmonary emboli;
intertriginous dermatitis; urinary stress incontinence; gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD);
gallstones; and, sclerosis and carcinoma of the liver. In women, infertility,
cancer of the uterus,
and cancer of the breast are additionally associated with morbid obesity.
Taken together, the
diseases associated with morbid obesity markedly reduce the odds of attaining
an average lifespan.
The sequelae raise annual mortality rates in affected people by a factor of 10
or more.
Current treatments for obesity include diet, exercise, behavioral treatments,
medications,
surgery (open and laparoscopic), and endoscopic devices. New drug treatments
for obesity are
currently being evaluated in clinical trials. However, a high efficacy
pharmaceutical treatment has
not yet been developed. Further, short-term and long-term side effects of
current pharmaceutical
treatments often concern consumers, pharmaceutical providers, and/or their
insurers. Generally,
diet or drug therapy programs have been consistently disappointing, failing to
bring about
significant, sustained weight loss in the majority of morbidly obese people.
Currently, most operations used to treat morbid obesity include gastric
restrictive
procedures, involving the creation of a small (e.g., 15-35 ml) upper gastric
pouch that drains
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through a small outlet (e.g., 0.75-1.2 cm), setting in motion the body's
satiety mechanism. About
15% of operations used to treat morbid obesity performed in the United States
involve combining
a gastric restrictive procedure with a malabsorptive procedure. Typical
malabsorptive procedures
divide small intestinal flow into a biliary-pancreatic conduit and a food
conduit. Potential long-
term side effects associated with abdominal surgical procedures include
herniation and small
bowel obstruction. In addition, long-term problems specific to bariatric
procedures also include
gastric outlet obstruction, marginal ulceration, protein malnutrition, and
vitamin deficiency.
Other surgical strategies for treating obesity include endoscopic procedures,
many of which
are still in development. Endoscopic procedures and devices to produce gastric
pouch and
gastrojejunal anastomosis are used to replicate laparoscopic procedures.
Endoscopically placed
gastric balloons restrict gastric volume and result in satiety with smaller
meals. For example,
United States Patent Application Number 10/221,562, now issued as United
States Patent Number
7,172,613 and assigned to Districlass Medical SA, describes an "intragastric
device inserted by
endoscopic path into a patient's stomach. The device includes a balloon or
envelope having a
specific nominal volume. The balloon is sealingly connected to connecting
elements consisting of
a disc forming a support base for the balloon against an inner wall of the
stomach. The device also
includes a flexible tube or catheter for connecting the balloon to a filling
device and catching
element integral with the tube or catheter. The connection elements enable a
doctor to set and/or
remove the balloon and to fix, either inside the patient's body, or
subcutaneously the filling device
and to be able to bring the balloon or envelope to its predetermined nominal
volume."
The silicone intragastric balloon (IGB) has been developed as a temporary aid
to achieve
weight loss specifically for people who weigh 40% or more of their ideal
weight and who have
had unsatisfactory results in their treatment of obesity, despite being cared
for by a
multidisciplinary team. This treatment is also indicated for morbidly obese
patients who have a
high morbidity and mortality risk for surgery. The placement and removal of
the IGB is an
endoscopic procedure and the balloon is designed to float freely inside the
stomach. The IGB
technique reduces the volume of the stomach and leads to a premature feeling
of satiety. However,
use of IGBs did not show convincing evidence of a greater weight loss. The
relative risks for minor
complications, for example, gastric ulcers and erosions, were significantly
raised. All inflatable
IGB devices suffer from the problem of deterioration of the balloon over time.
This deterioration
can result in deflation with loss of efficacy and complications such as small
bowel obstruction
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secondary to balloon migration. Due to loss of efficacy over time, IGB devices
are recommended
only for short (<6month) durations. In addition, rapid inflation of the
balloon poses the risk of
esophageal or gastric perforations, both of which are surgical emergencies.
Deaths have been
reported in patients using IGB treatment.
Endoscopic procedures are also used to deploy mesh structures into the stomach
in an effort
to occupy stomach volume and create the artificial sensation of being full.
For example, United
States Patent Application Number 11/657,231, assigned to Wilson-Cook Medical,
Inc., describes
an "intragastric device generally compris[ing] a strip digestive-resistant
mesh material that is
operable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first
configuration is
sufficiently small to permit introduction of the digestive-resistant mesh
material into a gastric
lumen of the mammal. The second configuration is sufficiently large to prevent
the digestive-
resistant mesh material from passing through the mammal's pylorus, thereby
permitting the mesh
member to act as an artificial bezoar."
Although endoscopically placed balloon structures can be effective, they are
not without
their associated risks and complications. Mesh structures are effective in
occupying available
gastric volume but they do not address gastric emptying. Migration and small
bowel obstruction
from such devices continue to remain a significant problem. Therefore, a need
exists for an
intragastric device to treat obesity that combines the benefits obtained
through reducing stomach
volume, slowing gastric emptying, and providing a bypass for food past the
pylorus and a portion
of the small intestine, while remaining relatively safe. The device should
also include a component
for preventing migration of the entire device out of the stomach. This device
should limit side
effects and be able to be deployed and removed in a non-invasive manner with
relative ease. In
addition, this device should have the option of further treating obesity by
including the benefits
obtained by malabsorptive diversion procedures. The addition of this optional
benefit would make
the device effective in treating not only obesity, but type II diabetes as
well.
Typical metal structures cannot survive the hostile environment, particularly
with respect
to the high acidity, of the stomach. Intragastric devices comprising acid-
sensitive components,
such as metal wires, are typically covered or coated in an acid-resistant
material (i.e. silicone) to
prevent degradation of these components by acidic gastric contents.
Conventional manufacturing
processes for creating these coated intragastric devices first coat the metal
wires of the device and
then form the wires into the desired end shape of the device. As the shapes
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intragastric devices become more complicated, these conventional processes are
unable to properly
create the desired end product. A shape memory metal, such as Nitinol, is heat-
set at temperatures
in excess of 400 C. Coating the metal with an acid-resistant material and
then heat-setting into
the final shape would result in destruction of the coating during exposure to
the high temperatures.
Therefore, a method of manufacture is needed wherein the wires of the
intragastric device are first
foimed into the desired end shape and are then coated with a corrosion-
resistant material. Such a
method will take care to prevent the coating and covering or clogging of the
spaces or openings
between the wires of the wire mesh. Such a method will also produce a finished
device that is still
flexible enough to be converted from a compressed, first pre-deployment shape
to an expanded,
post-deployment shape.
Specific surgical options for the treatment of obesity also include
laparoscopic sleeve
gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic roux-en-y-gastric bypass (RGB) surgery.
Gastrectomy refers
to a partial or full surgical removal of the stomach. LSG is a restrictive
treatment, surgical weight-
loss procedure in which the stomach is reduced to approximately 25% of its
original size by
surgical removal of a large portion following the major curve. The open edges
are then attached
together (often with surgical staples) to form a sleeve or tube with a banana
shape. The procedure
permanently reduces the size of the stomach. The procedure is performed
laparoscopically and is
not reversible. Following the operation, the stomach empties its contents
rapidly into the small
intestine, but with little or no vomiting (characteristic of other restrictive
procedures).
LSG involves a longitudinal resection of the stomach on the greater curvature
from the
antrum starting opposite the nerve of Latarj et up to the angle of His. The
first step of the procedure
is the division of the vascular supply of the greater curvature of the stomach
which is achieved
with the section of the gastro-colic and gastro-splenic ligaments close to the
stomach. The greater
curvature is completely freed up to the left crus of the diaphragm to resect
the gastric fundus that
harbors the ghrelin secreting cells of the stomach. The second step of the
procedure is the
longitudinal gastrectomy that "sleeves" the stomach to reduce its shape to a
narrow tube. The
pylorus and part of the antrum are preserved, resulting in a lesser curvature-
based "restrictive"
gastric sleeve.
Sleeve gastrectomy (also called gastric sleeve) is usually performed on
extremely obese
patients, with a body mass index of 40 or more, where the risk of performing a
gastric bypass or
duodenal switch procedure may be too large. A two-stage procedure is
performed: the first is a
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sleeve gastrectomy; the second is a conversion into a gastric bypass or
duodenal switch. Patients
usually lose a large quantity of their excess weight after the first sleeve
gastrectomy procedure but,
if weight loss ceases, the second step is performed.
For patients that are obese but not extremely obese, sleeve gastrectomy alone
is a suitable
operation with minimal risks. The sleeve gastrectomy is currently an
acceptable weight loss
surgery option for obese patients as a single procedure. Most surgeons prefer
to use a bougie
(tapering cylindrical instrument) having an outer diameter between 32 - 60
French (the optimal
bougie size is 32 Fr ¨ 36 Fr) with the procedure The ideal approximate
remaining capacity of the
stomach after the procedure is 15 ml.
One of the mechanisms involved in weight loss observed after the LSG is the
dramatic
reduction of the capacity of the stomach. The concept of restriction has been
widely used in
bariatric surgery in vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and laparoscopic
adjustable gastric
banding (LAGB). The distension of the small gastric pouch in the LAGB
procedure or VBG is
intended to account for the feeling of early fullness, enhanced satiety and
decreased hunger
experienced by a patient after the ingestion of small quantities of food.
The hormonal modifications induced by LSG differ from those found after a
purely
restrictive procedure such as LAGB. Ghrelin, a peptide hormone mainly produced
in the fundus
of the stomach, is believed to be involved in the mechanisms regulating
hunger. There is a
significant reduction in ghrelin associated with resection of the gastric
fundus.
What makes LSG a preferable option lies in the fact that the operation is a
straightforward
procedure that can generally be completed laparoscopically, even in the case
of an extremely obese
patient. It does not involve any digestive anastomosis and no mesenteric
defects are created,
eliminating the risk of internal hernia. In addition, no foreign material is
used as in the case of
gastric banding, the whole digestive tract remains accessible to endoscopy,
and it is not associated
with Dumping syndrome. Also, the risk of peptic ulcer is low and the
absorption of nutrients,
vitamins, minerals and drugs is not altered.
Early reports of LSG have shown it to be safe and effective with marked weight
loss and
significant reduction of maj or obesity-related comorbi diti es. The question
whether LSG may work
as a sole bariatric procedure in the long term cannot yet be answered. For
this reason, LSG is
proposed as the first step of a staged approach in patients for whom a
biliopancreatic diversion
with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) or RGB seems too hazardous because of a very
high BMI (super
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obesity = BMI > 50 or super-super obesity = BMI > 60) and/or associated
diseases whether related
or not to obesity.
Laparoscopic roux-en-y-gastric bypass (RGB) involves the creation of a small
(20-30 ml)
gastric pouch and a Roux limb (typically 75-105 cm) that reroutes a portion of
the alimentary tract
to bypass the distal stomach and proximal small bowel. Following RGB, a
pleiotropic endocrine
response may contribute to improved glycemic control, appetite reduction, and
long-term changes
in body weight. RGB also has a profoundly positive impact on obesity-related
comorbidities and
quality of life. Other advantages include established long-term effectiveness
for sustained weight
loss, reduction of comorbidities, minimal risk for long-term nutritional
sequelae, and effective
relief of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). RGB is not without risks.
Common causes of
death include pulmonary embolism and anastomotic leaks. Nonfatal perioperative
complications
include anastomotic leaks, venous thromboembolism, wound infections, small
bowel obstruction,
and bleeding. Postoperative gastrointestinal complications include nausea and
vomiting,
micronutrient deficiencies, and possible weight regain.
Failures after these bariatric procedures are common and patients start
regaining weight or
the progressive weight loss stops at a sub-therapeutic level. Therefore, there
is a need for salvage
therapy after one or more failed bariatric procedures. What is needed is a
device to be used
following bariatric surgery that will combine the benefits of gastric volume
reduction, bili o-
pancreatic diversion and /or intestinal bypass to enhance the weight loss
effects of the device.
.. What is also needed is a device that will further reduce the volume of a
surgically restricted
stomach to reduce the amount of calories that can be consumed. The device will
also bypass the
proximal small intestine or the roux limb of the intestine in order to produce
intestinal mal
absorption, bilio-pancreatic diversion or both. The device can further act to
delay gastric
emptying, release the gastric hormones associated with satiety, and stimulate
the gastric nerves
associated with sensation of satiety. The device could be combined with other
therapeutic agents
such as electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, or pharmaceutical
agents.
The device can be used as a primary therapeutic procedure for weight loss or
as a bridge to
surgery for a definitive weight loss procedure. The device may also be used in
the treatment of
other conditions including, but not limited to, metabolic syndrome, diabetes
mellitus,
dyslipidemias and cardiovascular disease.
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SUMMARY
The present specification discloses an intragastric device configured for
deployment in a
stomach of a person, said device comprising: a catheter comprising a housing
and a lumen
extending through said housing, wherein the lumen has an internal diameter and
wherein the
internal diameter is equal to or less than 2 cm; a first wire mesh structure
having a pre-deployment
shape that is compressed within said lumen of the catheter and a post-
deployment shape that is
expanded within the stomach of the person, wherein said pre-deployment shape
has a first volume
that is equal or less than 110 ml and a first length that is equal to or less
than 75 cm and wherein
said post-deployment shape has a porous, enclosed second volume, defined by a
first plurality of
curved surfaces, that is equal to or greater than 125 ml, said first wire mesh
structure further
comprising an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion has
a first surface area
of openings configured to permit material to enter from outside the second
volume to inside the
second volume and wherein the lower portion has a second surface area of
openings; a second wire
mesh structure, separate from the first wire mesh structure, having a pre-
deployment shape that is
compressed within said lumen of the catheter and a post-deployment shape that
is expanded within
the stomach of the person, wherein said pre-deployment shape has a third
volume that is equal or
less than 100 ml and a second length that is equal to or less than 70 cm and
wherein said post-
deployment shape has a porous, enclosed fourth volume, defined by a second
plurality of curved
surfaces, that is equal to or greater than 110 ml, said second wire mesh
structure further comprising
an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion has a third
surface area of openings
configured to permit material to enter from outside the fourth volume to
inside the fourth volume
and wherein the lower portion has a fourth surface area of openings; a
connection to flexibly couple
said first and second wire mesh structures, wherein said connection is formed
between a portion
of the first wire mesh structure defining said second surface area of openings
and a portion of the
second wire mesh structure defining said third surface area of openings.
The first wire mesh structure and the second wire mesh structure may be
positioned serially
within the lumen of the catheter.
Optionally, at least one of the first plurality of curved surfaces is defined
by an arc and
wherein said arc is determined by a radius in a range of 0.2 cm to 20 cm and a
central angle in a
range of 5 to 175 degrees.
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Optionally, at least one of the second plurality of curved surfaces is defined
by an arc and
wherein said arc is determined by a radius in a range of 0.1 cm to 15 cm and a
central angle in a
range of 1 to 179 degrees.
Optionally, said connection is formed between a portion of a plurality of free
ends of the
first wire mesh structure defining said second surface area of openings and a
portion of a plurality
of free ends of the second wire mesh structure defining said third surface
area of openings.
The first wire mesh structure and second wire mesh structure may have at least
one of a
spherical and elliptical shape
Optionally, said connection comprises a plurality of sutures. Optionally, the
plurality of
sutures include a first flexible suture attached, at one end, to a first point
on said second surface
area of openings and, at a second end, to a second point on said third surface
area of openings.
A length of a connection, from the first point on the second surface area of
openings to the
second point on said third surface area of openings, may be in a range of 0.01
mm to 200 mm.
Optionally, said plurality of sutures include a second flexible suture
attached, at one end,
to a third point on said second surface area of openings and, at a second end,
to a fourth point on
said third surface area of openings, wherein said first point is different
from the third point and
wherein said second point is different from the fourth point. A length of a
connection, from the
third point on the second surface area of openings to the fourth point on said
third surface area of
openings, may be in a range of 0.01 mm and 300 mm. The first flexible suture
and the second
flexible suture may be separated by 180 degrees. Optionally, the plurality of
sutures include a
third flexible suture attached, at one end, to a fifth point on said second
surface area of openings
and, at a second end, to a sixth point on said third surface area of openings,
wherein said fifth point
is different from the first point and the third point and wherein said sixth
point is different from
the second point and the fourth point. A length of a connection, from the
fifth point on the second
surface area of openings to the sixth point on said third surface area of
openings, may be in a range
of 0.01 mm and 300 mm. Optionally, the plurality of sutures include a fourth
flexible suture
attached, at one end, to a seventh point on said second surface area of
openings and, at a second
end, to a eighth point on said third surface area of openings, wherein said
seventh point is different
from the first point, the third point, and the fifth point and wherein said
eighth point is different
from the second point, the fourth point and the sixth point. A length of a
connection, from the
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seventh point on the second surface area of openings to the eighth point on
said third surface area
of openings, is in a range of 0.01 mm and 300 mm.
Optionally, the first and second wire mesh structures have a degree of
movement in all
directions relative to each other, said degree of movement being defined by an
angular
displacement between a first longitudinal axis passing through a center of
said first wire mesh
structure, a center of the first surface area of openings, and a center of the
second surface area of
openings and a second longitudinal axis passing through a center of said
second wire mesh
structure, a center of the third surface area of openings, and a center of the
fourth surface area of
openings. The angular displacement may be equal to, or less than, 90 degrees.
Optionally, the connection of said first wire mesh structure to the second
wire mesh
structure has a length such that the first wire mesh structure can be
compressed up to 99% of its
equatorial diameter without leading to a compression of said second wire mesh
structure.
Optionally, the connection of said first wire mesh structure to the second
wire mesh
structure has a length such that, upon more than 90% compression of the first
wire mesh structure,
the second wire mesh structure has an angular displacement relative to the
first wire mesh structure
of 10% or less, wherein said angular displacement is defined by a relative
angle between a first
longitudinal axis passing through a center of said first wire mesh structure,
a center of the first
surface area of openings, and a center of the second surface area of openings
and a second
longitudinal axis passing through a center of said second wire mesh structure,
a center of the third
surface area of openings, and a center of the fourth surface area of openings.
Optionally, the first wire mesh structure and the second wire mesh structure
are connected
by said connection within the lumen of the catheter.
Optionally, the first wire mesh structure and the second wire mesh structure
are not
connected by said connection within the lumen of the catheter.
Optionally, the connection is formed by interweaving a portion of a plurality
of free ends
of said second surface area of openings and a portion of a plurality of free
ends of said third surface
area of openings.
The second and fourth volumes together may occupy 25% to 95% of the stomach.
Optionally, the intragastric device further comprises a sleeve having a
proximal end, a
distal end, and a lumen, wherein said proximal end is coupled to said lower
portion of said second
wire mesh structure and said distal end is positioned in a duodenum of a
patient, said sleeve further

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comprising a first opening in fluid communication with said fourth surface
area of openings and a
second opening at said distal end, wherein said sleeve is configured to
transmit food from said
intragastric device to said duodenum.
Optionally, the first wire mesh structure has at least one of a spherical
shape and an
elliptical shape and the first wire mesh structure has a volume that is
greater than 5 ml and less
than 5000 ml.
Optionally, the second wire mesh structure has at least one of a spherical
shape and an
elliptical shape and the second wire mesh structure has a volume that is
greater than 20 ml and less
than 4000 ml.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device configured for
deployment
in a stomach of a person, said device comprising: a first wire mesh structure
having a pre-
deployment shape that is compressed within a lumen of a catheter and a post-
deployment shape
that is expanded within the stomach of the person, wherein said pre-deployment
shape has a first
volume that is equal or less than 110 ml and a first length that is equal to
or less than 75 cm and
wherein said post-deployment shape has a porous, enclosed second volume,
defined by a first
plurality of curved surfaces, that is equal to or greater than 125 ml, said
first wire mesh structure
further comprising an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper
portion has a first
surface area of openings configured to permit material to enter from outside
the second volume to
inside the second volume and wherein the lower portion has a second surface
area of openings; a
second wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape that is compressed
within said lumen
of the catheter and a post-deployment shape that is expanded within the
stomach of the person,
wherein said pre-deployment shape has a third volume that is equal or less
than 100 ml and a
second length that is equal to or less than 70 cm and wherein said post-
deployment shape has a
porous, enclosed fourth volume, defined by a second plurality of curved
surfaces, that is equal to
or greater than 110 ml, said first wire mesh structure further comprising an
upper portion and a
lower portion wherein the upper portion has a third surface area of openings
configured to permit
material to enter from outside the fourth volume to inside the fourth volume
and wherein the lower
portion has a fourth surface area of openings; a plurality of flexible members
to flexibly couple
said first and second wire mesh structures, wherein said plurality of flexible
members include a
first flexible member attached, at one end, to a first point on said second
surface area of openings
and, at a second end, to a second point on said third surface area of openings
and wherein said
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plurality of flexible members include a second flexible member attached, at
one end, to a third
point on said second surface area of openings and, at a second end, to a
fourth point on said third
surface area of openings, wherein said first point is different from the third
point and wherein said
second point is different from the fourth point.
Optionally, a length of said first flexible member, from the first point on
the second surface
area of openings to the second point on said third surface area of openings,
is in a range of 001
mm and 300 mm
Optionally, a length of said second flexible member, from the third point on
the second
surface area of openings to the fourth point on said third surface area of
openings, is in a range of
0.01 mm and 100 mm.
The first flexible member and the second flexible member may be separated by
180
degrees.
Optionally, the plurality of flexible members include a third flexible member
attached, at
one end, to a fifth point on said second surface area of openings and, at a
second end, to a sixth
point on said third surface area of openings, wherein said fifth point is
different from the first point
and the third point and wherein said sixth point is different from the second
point and the fourth
point A length of said third flexible member, from the fifth point on the
second surface area of
openings to the sixth point on said third surface area of openings, may be in
a range of 0.01 mm
and 300 mm. Optionally, the plurality of flexible members include a fourth
flexible member
attached, at one end, to a seventh point on said second surface area of
openings and, at a second
end, to a eighth point on said third surface area of openings, wherein said
seventh point is different
from the first point, the third point, and the fifth point and wherein said
eighth point is different
from the second point, the fourth point and the sixth point. A length of said
fourth flexible member,
from seventh point on the second surface area of openings to the eighth point
on said third surface
area of openings, may be in a range of 0.01 mm and 100 mm.
Optionally, the first and second wire mesh structures have a degree of
movement in all
directions relative to each other, said degree of movement being defined by an
angular
displacement between a first longitudinal axis passing through a center of
said first wire mesh
structure, a center of the first surface area of openings, and a center of the
second surface area of
openings and a second longitudinal axis passing through a center of said
second wire mesh
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structure, a center of the third surface area of openings, and a center of the
fourth surface area of
openings. The angular displacement may be equal to, or less than, 90 degrees.
Optionally, each of the plurality of flexible members has a length such that
the first wire
mesh structure can be compressed up to 95% of its equatorial diameter without
leading to a
compression of said second wire mesh structure.
Optionally, each of the plurality of flexible members has a length such that,
upon more
than 90% compression of the first wire mesh structure, the second wire mesh
structure has an
angular displacement relative to the first wire mesh structure of 10% or less,
wherein said angular
displacement is defined by a relative angle between a first longitudinal axis
passing through a
.. center of said first wire mesh structure, a center of the first surface
area of openings, and a center
of the second surface area of openings and a second longitudinal axis passing
through a center of
said second wire mesh structure, a center of the third surface area of
openings, and a center of the
fourth surface area of openings.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device configured for
deployment
in a stomach of a person, said device comprising a catheter comprising a
housing and a lumen
extending through said housing, wherein the lumen has an internal diameter and
wherein the
internal diameter is equal to or less than 2 cm; a first wire mesh structure
having a pre-deployment
shape that is compressed within said lumen of the catheter and a post-
deployment shape that is
expanded within the stomach of the person, wherein said pre-deployment shape
has a first volume
that is equal or less than 110 ml and a first length that is equal to or less
than 75 cm and wherein
said post-deployment shape has a porous, enclosed second volume, defined by a
first plurality of
curved surfaces, that is equal to or greater than 125 ml, said first wire mesh
structure further
comprising a first upper portion and a first lower portion wherein the first
upper portion has a first
opening configured to permit material to enter from outside the second volume
to inside the second
volume, and wherein the lower portion has a portion of said first plurality of
curved surfaces that
taper and converge into a second opening defined by a diameter; and a collar
attached to the lower
portion, wherein said collar is defined by a surface of revolution generated
by revolving a semi-
circle in three-dimensional space about an axis extending through a center of
the second opening
and wherein said collar is defined by a diameter that is equal to or greater
than 25 mm.
The present specification also discloses a delivery device for delivering a
gastrointestinal
device into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said gastrointestinal
device comprising a porous
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structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration and
an expanded post-
deployment configuration, an anti-migration collar proximate a distal end of
said porous structure,
and an elongate sleeve coupled to the distal end of said porous structure,
said delivery device
comprising: a flexible outer catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and
a lumen; a flexible
inner catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen configured to
slidably receive a
guide wire, wherein said inner catheter is positioned coaxially and is
configured to be slidably
movable within the lumen of said outer catheter; wherein said outer catheter
is configured to be
retracted in a proximal direction over said inner catheter while maintaining
said inner catheter in
place to expose said gastrointestinal device from said distal end of said
delivery device.
Optionally, said sleeve has length such that, once said gastrointestinal
device is delivered,
a proximal end of said sleeve is positioned proximal to a patient's pylorus
and a distal end of said
sleeve is positioned in a portion of a patient's duodenum.
Optionally, said outer catheter has a length of approximately 1.5 meters and
said delivery
device has an overall length of approximately 3 meters.
Optionally, the anti-migration collar of the gastrointestinal device is
proximally sloping
wherein a distal portion of the porous structure is folded such that the
distally directed end of the
porous structure is made to point toward the proximal end of the porous
structure. Optionally, the
anti-migration coil ar is any curved/atraum ati c structure positioned circum
ferenti all y around the
distal end of the porous structure.
Optionally, the outer catheter includes a radiopaque marker at its distal end
for radiographic
visualization during delivery.
Optionally, the delivery device further comprises: a first handle attached to
the proximal
end of said inner catheter and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a
lumen configured to
slidably receive said guide wire; a second handle attached to the proximal end
of said outer catheter
and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen configured to slidably
receive said inner
catheter, wherein, prior to delivery of said intragastric device, a proximal
portion of said inner
catheter positioned between said first and second handles is exposed and not
covered by said outer
catheter; an elongate flexible pilot component having a proximal end, a distal
end and a length
having a variable stiffness, said pilot component comprising a distal
spherical component and a
proximal spherical component and extending from said distal end of said inner
catheter; a first
stopping mechanism removably attached to said exposed portion of said inner
catheter, and a
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second stopping mechanism removably attached to said exposed portion of said
inner catheter and
positioned proximal to said first stopping mechanism; wherein said first and
second stopping
mechanisms are configured to be sequentially removed from said inner catheter
as said outer
catheter is retracted.
The delivery device may further comprise a hydrophilic coating over at least
one of said
pilot component and said distal end of said outer catheter, wherein, when
activated, said
hydrophilic coating is adapted to ease insertion and navigation of said
delivery device
The delivery device may further comprise a port on at least one of said first
handle for
injecting a fluid into said lumen of said inner catheter and said second
handle for injecting a fluid
into said lumen of said outer catheter.
Optionally, said proximal spherical component is configured to be atraumatic
and includes
a radiopaque marker for radiographic visualization during delivery and said
distal spherical
component is configured in an atraumatic ball-tip shape.
Optionally, said variable stiffness of said pilot component is less than a
stiffness of said
distal end of said outer catheter at its proximal end and similar to a
stiffness of a 0.035 inch guide
wire at its distal end.
Optionally, said first and second stopping mechanisms comprise plastic rings
secured to
said inner catheter using wing nuts
The present specification also discloses a method of delivering a
gastrointestinal device,
using a delivery device, into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said
gastrointestinal device
comprising a porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment
configuration
and an expanded post-deployment configuration, an anti-migration collar
proximate a distal end
of said porous structure, and an elongate sleeve coupled to a distal end of
said porous structure,
said delivery device comprising a flexible outer catheter having a proximal
end, a distal end, and
a lumen; a flexible inner catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a
lumen configured to
slidably receive a guide wire, wherein said flexible inner catheter is
positioned coaxially, and is
adapted to be slidably movable, within the lumen of said outer catheter; a
first handle attached to
the proximal end of said inner catheter and having a proximal end, a distal
end, and a lumen
configured to slidably receive said guide wire; a second handle attached to
the proximal end of
said outer catheter and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen
configured to slidably
receive said inner catheter, a first stopping mechanism removably attached to
an exposed portion

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of said inner catheter; and a second stopping mechanism removably attached to
said exposed
portion of said inner catheter and positioned proximal to said first stopping
mechanism, said
method comprising the steps of: sliding said delivery device over a guide wire
and into said
gastrointestinal tract of said patient; using fluoroscopy to determine a
location of said distal end of
said flexible outer catheter to ensure a correct positioning of said delivery
device; holding said first
handle to keep said inner catheter in place and retracting said outer catheter
to said first stopping
mechanism; retracting the entire delivery device until said distal end of said
outer catheter is
positioned just proximal to a pylorus of the patient; removing said first
stopping mechanism from
said inner catheter; holding said first handle to keep said inner catheter in
place and retracting said
outer catheter to said second stopping mechanism; removing said second
stopping mechanism;
holding said first handle to keep said inner catheter in place and retracting
said outer catheter to
said first handle; and removing said delivery device from said patient.
Optionally, when said outer catheter is retracted to said first stopping
mechanism, a portion
of said sleeve is delivered to, and positioned within, an intestinal portion
of said patient's
gastrointestinal tract.
Optionally, when said outer catheter is retracted to said second stopping
mechanism, a
portion of said sleeve and a portion of said porous structure are delivered
to, and positioned within,
a stomach portion of said patient's gastrointestinal tract.
Optionally, when said outer catheter is retracted to said first handle, all of
said porous
structure is delivered to, and positioned within, a stomach portion of said
patient's gastrointestinal
tract.
Optionally, the anti-migration collar of the gastrointestinal device is
proximally sloping
wherein a distal portion of the porous structure is folded such that the
distally directed end of the
porous structure is made to point toward the proximal end of the porous
structure. Optionally, the
anti-migration collar is any curved/atraumatic structure positioned
circumferentially around the
distal end of the porous structure.
Prior to delivery of said gastrointestinal device, a proximal portion of said
inner catheter
positioned between said first and second handles may be exposed and not
covered by said outer
catheter.
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Optionally, said delivery device further comprises an elongate flexible pilot
component
having a distal spherical component and a proximal spherical component and
extending from said
distal end of said inner catheter.
At least one of said pilot component and said distal end of said outer
catheter may include
a hydrophilic coating and said method may further comprise activating said
hydrophilic coating
before sliding said delivery device over said guide wire.
The present specification also discloses a delivery system for delivering a
gastrointestinal
device into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said system comprising: a
gastrointestinal device
comprising: a porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-
deployment configuration
and an expanded post-deployment configuration; an anti-migration collar
proximate a distal end
of said porous structure; and an elongate sleeve coupled to a distal end of
said porous structure; a
delivery device comprising: a flexible outer catheter having a proximal end, a
distal end, and a
lumen; a flexible inner catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a
lumen configured to
slidably receive a guide wire, wherein said inner catheter is positioned
coaxially and is adapted to
be slidably movable within the lumen of said outer catheter; a first handle
attached to the proximal
end of said inner catheter and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a
lumen configured to
slidably receive said guide wire; a second handle attached to the proximal end
of said outer catheter
and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen configured to slidably
receive said inner
catheter, wherein a proximal portion of said inner catheter positioned between
said first and second
handles is not covered in its entirety by said outer catheter, an elongate
flexible component
comprising a distal spherical component and a proximal spherical component and
extending from
said distal end of said inner catheter; a first stopping mechanism removably
attached to said
exposed portion of said inner catheter; a second stopping mechanism removably
attached to said
exposed portion of said inner catheter and positioned proximal to said first
stopping mechanism;
wherein said distal end of said inner catheter is adapted to be passed through
openings of said
porous structure, wherein said sleeve is wrapped coaxially about said inner
catheter, wherein said
outer catheter may be retracted in a proximal direction over said inner
catheter while maintaining
said inner catheter in place, and wherein said first and second stopping
mechanisms are adapted to
be sequentially removed from said inner catheter as said outer catheter is
retracted to expose and
deliver the gastrointestinal device from said distal end of said delivery
device.
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The delivery system may further comprise a hydrophilic coating over at least
one of said
elongate flexible component and said distal end of said outer catheter,
wherein, when said
hydrophilic coating is activated, the hydrophilic coating eases insertion and
navigation of said
delivery device.
The delivery system of claim may further comprise a port on at least one of
said first handle
for injecting a fluid into said lumen of said inner catheter and said second
handle for injecting a
fluid into said lumen of said outer catheter.
Optionally, said delivery devise has a variable stiffness along its length.
Optionally, the anti-migration collar of the gastrointestinal device is
proximally sloping
wherein a distal portion of the porous structure is folded such that the
distally directed end of the
porous structure is made to point toward the proximal end of the porous
structure. Optionally, the
anti-migration collar is any curved/atraumatic structure positioned
circumferentially around the
distal end of the porous structure.
The present specification also discloses a delivery device for endoscopically
delivering an
intragastric device into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said
intragastric device comprising a
porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment
configuration and an
expanded post-deployment configuration and an elongate sleeve coupled to a
distal end of said
porous structure, said delivery device comprising: an elongate body having a
proximal end and a
distal end; and, a restraining mechanism for constricting said device in said
pre-deployment
configuration coaxially over said distal end of said elongate body.
In one embodiment, the delivery device further comprises a locking mechanism
for locking
said delivery device in a specific position.
In one embodiment, said distal end comprises a most distal portion and a
proximal distal
portion, wherein said most distal portion is more flexible than said proximal
distal portion.
In one embodiment, the delivery device further comprises a thread pull port on
said
proximal end, wherein said restraining mechanism comprises a thread wrapped
about said device
in said pre-deployment configuration.
In one embodiment, said restraining mechanism comprises a zipped sheath
coaxially
covering said device in said pre-deployment configuration. In another
embodiment, said
restraining mechanism comprises a pull away sheath coaxially covering said
device in said pre-
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deployment configuration. In another embodiment, said restraining mechanism
comprises a tear
away sheath coaxially covering said device in said pre-deployment
configuration.
The delivery device may comprise an elongate body having a proximal end, a
distal end,
and a pull away sheath for coaxially sliding over said intragastric device for
constricting said
intragastric device in said pre-deployment configuration coaxially over said
distal end of said body
of said delivery device, and a method of delivering said intragastric device
may comprise the steps
of: coaxially placing said constricted intragastric device in said pre-
deployment configuration over
said distal end of said body of said delivery device; endoscopically inserting
said delivery device
into a patient and advancing said distal end of said body of said delivery
device to a duodenum or
jejunum of said patient; once intragastric device is positioned, using a
working tool to pull said
sheath coaxially away to remove said sheath from said constricted intragastric
device, allowing
said intragastric device to automatically expand into said post-deployment
configuration; and,
sliding said distal end of said body of said delivery device coaxially away
from said expanded
intragastric device and removing said delivery device from said patient.
Optionally, the method further comprises the step of applying a cooling
element to said
compressed intragastric device to slow the expansion of said porous structure
during removal of
said sheath, facilitating the removal of said delivery device.
The present specification also discloses a retrieval device for endoscopically
removing an
intragastric device from a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said
intragastric device comprising a
porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment
configuration and an
expanded post-deployment configuration and including at least one
circumferential constricting
mechanism positioned about said porous structure and a retrieval mechanism at
its proximal end
and, an elongate sleeve coupled to a distal end of said porous structure, said
retrieval device
comprising: an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end and a
lumen within; an
elongate metal wire disposed within said lumen and having a proximal end and a
distal end; a
grasping mechanism formed from said distal end of said wire for grasping a
free end of said at
least one circumferential constricting mechanism and said retrieval mechanism
of said porous
structure; and, an actuator attached to said proximal end of said wire.
Optionally, the retrieval device further comprises a handle at said proximal
end of said
elongate body.
Optionally, said actuator rests in said handle.
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In one embodiment, the retrieval device further comprises a grasper having two
opposing
jaws attached to said distal end of said elongate body and operatively
connected to said actuator at
said proximal end of said wire and at least one clamp positioned between said
jaws of said grasper
wherein said jaws are configured to compress said clamp about said free end of
said at least one
circumferential constricting mechanism.
The present specification also discloses a method of delivering an
intragastric device into
the gastrointestinal tract of a patient using a delivery device, wherein said
intragastric device
comprises a porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment
configuration
and an expanded post-deployment configuration and an elongate sleeve coupled
to a distal end of
said porous structure, said method comprising the steps of: deploying said
porous structure without
said sleeve and allowing said porous structure to expand into said post-
deployment configuration
in a first procedure; deploying said sleeve within said expanded porous
structure in a second
procedure; and coupling a proximal end of said sleeve to a distal end of said
porous structure
during said second procedure.
Optionally, the method further comprises the step of applying a cooling
element to said
compressed intragastric device during said first procedure to slow the
expansion of said porous
structure during deployment.
Optionally, said first procedure is performed using a first catheter.
Optionally, said second procedure is performed using a second catheter.
The present specification also discloses a method of retrieving a device from
a
gastrointestinal tract of a patient using a retrieval device, wherein said
device comprises a porous
structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration and
an expanded post-
deployment configuration and includes at least one circumferential
constricting mechanism
positioned about said porous structure and a retrieval mechanism at its
proximal end and, an
elongate sleeve coupled to a distal end of said porous structure, and said
retrieval device comprises
an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen within, an
elongate metal
wire disposed within said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end, a
grasping mechanism
formed from said distal end of said wire for grasping a free end of said at
least one circumferential
constricting mechanism and said retrieval mechanism of said porous structure,
and an actuator
attached to said proximal end of said wire, said method comprising the steps
of: endoscopically
inserting said retrieval device into said patient and advancing said distal
end of said body of said

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retrieval device to a proximal end of said device; manipulating said grasping
mechanism of said
retrieval device to engage a free end of said at least one circumferential
constricting mechanism
positioned about said porous structure; pulling on said actuator of said
retrieval device to constrict
and automatically lock said at least one circumferential constricting
mechanism, thereby
compressing said porous structure into said pre-deployment shape; manipulating
said grasping
mechanism of said retrieval device to disengage said free end of said at least
one circumferential
constricting mechanism; manipulating said grasping mechanism to engage said
retrieval
mechanism at said proximal end of said porous structure; pulling said actuator
to withdraw a
proximal portion of said device into said lumen of said retrieval device, and,
removing said
retrieval device and said device from said patient.
The intragastric device may include three circumferential constricting
mechanisms
positioned about said porous structure and said method may further comprise
the steps of:
sequentially manipulating said grasping mechanism of said retrieval device to
engage a free end
of each of said three circumferential constricting mechanisms; and pulling on
said actuator of said
retrieval device to constrict and automatically lock each of said three
circumferential constricting
mechanisms, thereby fully compressing said porous structure into said pre-
deployment shape.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of applying a cooling
element
to said compressed device to prevent the re-expansion of said porous structure
during removal of
said retrieval device and said device.
The retrieval device may further comprise a grasper having two opposing jaws
attached to
said distal end of said elongate body and operatively connected to said
actuator at said proximal
end of said wire, and at least one clamp positioned between said jaws of said
grasper, and said
method may further comprise the step of manipulating said grasper of said
retrieval device to apply
said at least one clamp to said free end of said at least one circumferential
constricting mechanism
proximate said compressed porous structure.
The present specification also discloses a retrieval device for endoscopically
removing an
intragastric device from a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said
intragastric device comprising a
porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment
configuration and an
expanded post-deployment configuration and including an elongate sleeve
coupled to a distal end
of said porous structure, said retrieval device comprising: a flexible
catheter having a proximal
end, a distal end, and a lumen within, an elongate wire positioned within said
lumen of said catheter
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and haying a proximal end and a distal end wherein a portion of said distal
end of said wire is
formed into a grasping mechanism; a handle positioned at said proximal end of
said catheter; and
an elongate tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen within
wherein said tube is
positioned coaxially over said catheter, wherein said grasping mechanism is
configured to grasp
said porous structure and said elongate tube is configured to receive said
porous structure at its
distal end.
The handle may comprise first and second handle components wherein said first
and
second handle components are disassembled to allow for sliding of said
elongate tube onto or off
of said catheter. Optionally, said first and second handle components are
assembled and held
together using a screw.
The elongate tube may further comprise an adapter at its proximal end wherein
said adapter
is configured to attach to said second handle component.
Optionally, the elongate tube further comprises: an inflatable balloon
positioned at said
distal end of said elongate tube; an insufflation port positioned at said
proximal end of said elongate
tube; a separate, second lumen in fluid communication with said inflatable
balloon and said
insufflation port; and a compartment positioned at said distal end of said
elongate tube configured
to contain said balloon when said balloon is deflated, wherein said balloon is
inflatable via said
insufflation port and said second lumen and said balloon, when inflated, is
used to assist in
compression of said porous structure into its pre-deployment configuration
Optionally, the elongate tube further comprises an instillation port at its
proximal end for
instillation of a cold fluid into said first lumen of said elongate tube
wherein said porous structure
is comprised of a temperature sensitive material and said cold fluid is used
to assist in compression
of said porous structure into its pre-deployment configuration.
The catheter further may comprise a sheath for restraining said grasping
mechanism.
Optionally, the grasping mechanism comprises a hook.
The present specification also discloses a method of retrieving an
intragastric device from
a gastrointestinal tract of a patient using a retrieval device, wherein said
intragastric device
comprises a porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment
configuration
and an expanded post-deployment configuration and includes an elongate sleeve
coupled to a distal
end of said porous structure and said retrieval device comprises a flexible
catheter having a
proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen within, an elongate wire positioned
within said lumen of
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said catheter and having a proximal end and a distal end wherein a portion of
said distal end of
said wire is formed into a grasping mechanism, a handle positioned at said
proximal end of said
catheter, and an elongate tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a
first lumen within wherein
said tube is positioned coaxially over said catheter, said method comprising
the steps of: inserting
said catheter into a working channel of an endoscope that has been inserted
into said patient;
positioning a distal end of said endoscope proximate in a stomach of said
patient, proximate said
intragastric device; manipulating said elongate wire to extend said grasping
mechanism beyond
said distal end of said catheter and grasping said porous structure with said
grasping mechanism;
removing said handle from said catheter, sliding said elongate tube over said
catheter, replacing
said handle; pulling on said elongate wire to pull said porous structure into
said elongate tube; and
removing said retrieval device, with said intragastric device therein, from
said patient.
The elongate tube may further comprise an inflatable balloon positioned at
said distal end
of said elongate tube, an insufflation port positioned at said proximal end of
said elongate tube, a
separate, second lumen in fluid communication with said inflatable balloon and
said insufflation
port, and a compartment positioned at said distal end of said elongate tube
configured to contain
said balloon when said balloon is deflated, and said method may further
comprises the step of
inflating said balloon via said insufflation port and said second lumen,
wherein said inflated
balloon extends from said compartment and is used to assist in compression of
said porous
structure into its pre-deployment configuration
Optionally, the elongate tube further comprises an instillation port at its
proximal end for
instillation of a cold fluid into said first lumen of said elongate tube
wherein said porous structure
is comprised of a temperature sensitive material, said method further
comprising the step of
instilling a cold fluid into said first lumen to assist in compression of said
porous structure into its
pre-deployment configuration.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening, wherein said
porous structure
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further comprises: a wire mesh having a substantially spherical post-
deployment shape and
including at least a first plurality of nodes at said top, a second plurality
of nodes at said bottom,
and a third plurality of nodes positioned at a lateral location between said
top and said bottom,
wherein each node comprises a single unsupported free end or bend in a wire of
said wire mesh;
and a collar positioned at said bottom of said porous structure, said collar
having a bend wherein
said bend comprises an extension of said wire curving in a direction away from
a longitudinal
center axis of said porous structure and then in a direction upward toward
said top of said porous
structure; and a sleeve having a flexible elongate body, a proximal end with a
third opening, a
distal end with a fourth opening, and a sleeve interior, wherein said proximal
end of said sleeve is
coupled to said second plurality of nodes of said porous structure such that
food exiting said at
least one second opening enters said sleeve through said third opening, passes
through said sleeve
interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth opening.
Optionally, said proximal end of said sleeve is coupled to said collar.
Each of said plurality of nodes may comprise 10 to 100 individual nodes.
Optionally, each
of said plurality of nodes comprises 44 nodes. Optionally, each of said
plurality of nodes
comprises 36 nodes.
The porous structure has a length and said porous structure may include 2 to
60 pluralities
of nodes distributed latitudinally at different locations along said length At
least 10% of the total
number of nodes in said porous structure may be positioned at said top and
said bottom
Optionally, no more than 75% of a total number of nodes are positioned in any
one of said plurality
of nodes
The wire mesh may be composed of a shape memory metal.
The wire has a wire thickness and said bend of said collar has a bend radius
wherein said
bend, when said collar is folded in a distal direction as said porous
structure is compressed to said
pre-deployment shape, may be defined by a bending strain percentage equal to
two times said
thickness divided by said radius multiplied by 100. Optionally, the bending
strain percentage is in
a range of 0.1 to 20 % Optionally, the bending strain percentage is no more
than 8 %.
Optionally, said thickness is in a range of 0.1 to 1 mm. Optionally, said bend
radius is in
a range of 0.013 to 20 cm
The thickness and bend radius may be configured such that two times said
thickness is less
than said radius which is less than 2000 times said thickness.
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The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening, wherein said
porous structure
further comprises: a wire mesh having a substantially spherical post-
deployment shape and
including at least a first plurality of nodes at said top, a second plurality
of nodes at said bottom,
and a third plurality of nodes positioned at a lateral location between said
top and said bottom,
wherein each node comprises a single unsupported free end or bend in a wire of
said wire mesh;
and a collar positioned at said bottom of said porous structure, said collar
having a bend wherein
said bend comprises an extension of said wire curving in a direction away from
a longitudinal
center axis of said porous structure and then in a direction upward toward
said top of said porous
structure and wherein said wire has a wire thickness and said bend of said
collar has a bend radius
and wherein said bend, when said collar is folded in a distal direction as
said porous structure is
compressed to said pre-deployment shape, is defined by a bending strain
percentage equal to two
times said thickness divided by said radius multiplied by 100, further wherein
said bending strain
percentage is in a range of 0.1 to 20 %, and a sleeve having a flexible
elongate body, a proximal
end with a third opening, a distal end with a fourth opening, and a sleeve
interior, wherein said
proximal end of said sleeve is coupled to said second plurality of nodes of
said porous structure
such that food exiting said at least one second opening enters said sleeve
through said third
opening, passes through said sleeve interior, and exits said sleeve through
said fourth opening.
Optionally, said bending strain percentage is no more than 8 %. Optionally,
said thickness
is in a range of 0.1 to 1 mm. Optionally, said bend radius is in a range of
0.013 to 20 cm.
The thickness and bend radius may be configured such that two times said
thickness is less
than said radius which is less than 2000 times said thickness.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening

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proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening, wherein said
porous structure
further comprises: a wire mesh having a substantially spherical post-
deployment shape and
including at least a first plurality of nodes at said top, a second plurality
of nodes at said bottom,
and a third plurality of nodes positioned at a lateral location between said
top and said bottom,
wherein each node comprises a single unsupported free end or bend in a wire of
said wire mesh
and wherein each plurality of nodes includes no more than 44 individual nodes;
and a collar
positioned at said bottom of said porous structure, said collar having a bend
wherein said bend
comprises an extension of said wire curving in a direction away from a
longitudinal center axis of
said porous structure and then in a direction upward toward said top of said
porous structure and
wherein said wire has a wire thickness and said bend of said collar has a bend
radius and wherein
said bend, when said collar is folded in a distal direction as said porous
structure is compressed to
said pre-deployment shape, is defined by a bending strain percentage equal to
two times said
thickness divided by said radius multiplied by 100, further wherein said
bending strain percentage
is in a range of 0.1 to 20 %; and a sleeve having a flexible elongate body, a
proximal end with a
third opening, a distal end with a fourth opening, and a sleeve interior,
wherein said proximal end
of said sleeve is coupled to said second plurality of nodes of said porous
structure such that food
exiting said at least one second opening enters said sleeve through said third
opening, passes
through said sleeve interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth
opening.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening; and a sleeve
having a flexible
elongate body, a proximal end with a third opening, a distal end with a fourth
opening, and a sleeve
interior, and having a pre-deployment shape with a first length and a post-
deployment shape with
a second length greater than said first length, wherein said proximal end of
said sleeve is coupled
to said bottom of said porous structure such that, when sleeve is in said post-
deployment shape,
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food exiting said at least one second opening enters said sleeve through said
third opening, passes
through said sleeve interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth
opening, wherein said sleeve
further comprises at least one helical wire extending along said elongate body
configured to
provide support to said sleeve when in said post-deployment shape and wherein
said helical wire
has a strain percentage defined by a thickness of said wire and a pitch of
said wire, further wherein
said pitch is defined by the distance between any two points along said wire
lying within the same
plane along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve.
The helical wire may be composed of a shape memory metal. Optionally, the
shape
memory metal is Nitinol.
The helical wire, when compressed as the sleeve is compressed and folded to
its pre-
deployment shape, may have a strain percentage in a range of 0.1 to 20 %.
Optionally, the helical
wire, when compressed as the sleeve is compressed and folded to its pre-
deployment shape, has a
strain percentage of no more than 8 %. The pitch may have a range of 5 to 150
mm. Optionally,
the pitch is equal to 60 mm.
The sleeve may have a length in a range of 1 cm ¨ 120 cm and may be configured
to pass
atraumatically into and out of a pylorus of a patient.
The sleeve may be substantially funnel shaped and have a diameter which
decreases as said
sleeve extends from said proximal end to said distal end.
Optionally, a proximal portion of said sleeve is funnel shaped wherein said
proximal end
of said sleeve has a diameter greater than a diameter along any other portion
of said sleeve body
and said proximal end diameter decreases gradually as said sleeve body extends
distally.
Optionally, a distal portion of said sleeve body includes two or more layers
configured to
reinforce said distal portion and maintain said sleeve body in an elongate
shape when in said post-
deployment shape.
Optionally, the sleeve comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion
wherein said
proximal portion extends from said proximal end of said sleeve to a transition
point on said sleeve
body and said distal portion extends from said transition point to said distal
end of said sleeve,
further wherein said proximal portion is funnel shaped and has a diameter that
decreases as said
proximal portion extends from said proximal end of said sleeve to said
transition point. Still
optionally, said distal portion is funnel shaped and has a diameter that
decreases as said distal
portion extends from said transition point to said distal end of said sleeve.
Alternatively, said distal
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portion is cylinder shaped and has a diameter that remains constant as said
distal portion extends
from said transition point to said distal end of said sleeve. Optionally, the
diameter of said distal
portion increases as said distal portion extends from said transition point to
said distal end of said
sleeve.
The sleeve may be comprised of at least one layer of any one or combination of
pol ytetrafluoroethyl ene (PTFE), polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), high-
density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE)
Optionally, the sleeve comprises at least two layers of any one or combination
of
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), high-
density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE) and
further comprising at least one metal wire support positioned between said
layers.
Optionally, the intragastric device further comprises a component attached to
said distal
end of said sleeve and configured to make said distal end atraumatic to body
tissues, wherein said
component comprises a cylindrical body, a proximal end, a distal end, and a
lumen within and
wherein said component is open at both ends and said lumen of said component
is in fluid
communication with said sleeve interior, further wherein an outer surface of
said component
includes a groove and a circular member positioned within said groove and said
component is
attached to said sleeve by positioning a portion of said sleeve within said
groove and beneath said
circular member.
Optionally, said component further includes a flange extending from said outer
surface
wherein said flange covers a free end of said distal end of said sleeve
Alternatively, said
component further includes a heat shrink tube positioned over said circular
member and groove
Still optionally, distal end of said sleeve is folded beneath said circular
member such that a free
end of said distal end of said sleeve becomes positioned within said sleeve
interior.
Optionally, the intragastric device further comprises at least one tail
extending from said
distal end of said sleeve wherein said tail is configured to pull on said
sleeve in a distal direction
to assist in proper orientation of said sleeve within a patient's
gastrointestinal tract.
The distal portion of said sleeve may comprise a plurality of sleeve fringes
wherein said
fringes are attached to a member at said distal end of said sleeve, further
wherein said member is
configured to pull on said sleeve in a distal direction to assist in proper
orientation of said sleeve
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within a patient's gastrointestinal tract. Optionally, the fringes and distal
member are parachute
shaped.
The distal end of said sleeve may include a plurality of sutures each having a
proximal end
and a distal end wherein said proximal ends of said sutures are attached to
said distal end of said
sleeve and said distal end of said sutures are attached to a member configured
to pull on said sleeve
in a distal direction to assist in proper orientation of said sleeve within a
patient's gastrointestinal
tract. Optionally, the fringes and distal member are parachute shaped.
The distal end of said sleeve may include a plurality of sutures each having a
proximal end
and a distal end and wherein said proximal ends of said sutures are attached
to said distal end of
said sleeve and said distal end of said sutures are each attached to an
individual member wherein
each individual member is configured to pull on said sleeve in a distal
direction to assist in proper
orientation of said sleeve within a patient's gastrointestinal tract.
Optionally, said sleeve is folded about itself at least once along a
longitudinal axis of said
sleeve to provide said sleeve with added structure.
The sleeve may include at least one channel extending along a longitudinal
axis of said
sleeve wherein said at least one channel receives a support member to provide
said sleeve with
added structure
At least a portion of said sleeve may have a corrugated structure comprised of
alternating
grooves and ridges to provide said sleeve with added structure.
At least a portion of said sleeve may comprise a flexible wire configured into
a knitted
structure to provide said sleeve with added structure.
The sleeve may include at least one channel extending along a longitudinal
axis of said
sleeve wherein said at least one channel in configured to receive a fluid to
provide said sleeve with
added structure.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening, and a sleeve
having a flexible
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elongate body, a proximal end with a third opening, a distal end with a fourth
opening, and a sleeve
interior, and having a pre-deployment shape with a first length and a post-
deployment shape with
a second length greater than said first length, wherein said proximal end of
said sleeve is coupled
to said bottom of said porous structure such that, when sleeve is in said post-
deployment shape,
food exiting said at least one second opening enters said sleeve through said
third opening, passes
through said sleeve interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth
opening, wherein said sleeve
further comprises three helical wires extending along said elongate body
configured to provide
support to said sleeve when in said post-deployment shape and wherein each of
said helical wires
has an individual strain percentage defined by a thickness of said individual
wire and an individual
pitch of said individual wire, further wherein said individual pitch is
defined by the distance
between any two points along said individual wire lying within the same plane
along a longitudinal
axis of said sleeve.
Each of said helical wires may be composed of a shape memory metal.
Optionally, the
shape memory metal is Nitinol.
Each of said helical wires, when compressed as the sleeve is compressed and
folded to its
pre-deployment shape, may have an individual strain percentage in a range of
0.1 to 20 9/0.
Optionally, each of said helical wires, when compressed as sleeve is
compressed and folded to its
pre-deployment shape, has an individual strain percentage of no more than 8 %.
The individual pitch of each of said helical wires may have a range of 5 to
150 mm.
Optionally, the individual pitch of each of said helical wires is equal to 60
mm.
Optionally, each of said wires includes an adjacent wire pitch defined as the
distance
between any two points along two adjacent wires lying within the same plane
along a longitudinal
axis of said sleeve wherein said adjacent wire pitch is equal to 20 mm.
Optionally, a proximal portion of said sleeve is funnel shaped wherein said
proximal end
of said sleeve has a diameter greater than a diameter along any other portion
of said sleeve body
and said proximal end diameter decreases gradually as said sleeve body extends
distally.
Optionally, a distal portion of said sleeve body includes two or more layers
configured to
reinforce said distal portion and maintain said sleeve body in an elongate
shape when in said post-
deployment shape.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a

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first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening; and a sleeve
having a flexible
elongate body, a proximal end with a third opening, a distal end with a fourth
opening, and a sleeve
interior, and having a pre-deployment shape with a first length and a post-
deployment shape with
a second length greater than said first length, wherein said proximal end of
said sleeve is coupled
to said bottom of said porous structure such that, when sleeve is in said post-
deployment shape,
food exiting said at least one second opening enters said sleeve through said
third opening, passes
through said sleeve interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth
opening, wherein said sleeve
further comprises at least one helical wire extending along said elongate body
configured to
provide support to said sleeve when in said post-deployment shape and wherein
said helical wire
has a strain percentage defined by a thickness of said wire and a pitch of
said wire wherein said
sleeve is foldable upon itself at least five times such that said strain
percentage will not exceed 20
%, further wherein said pitch is defined by the distance between any two
points along said wire
lying within the same plane along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
.. first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening, wherein said
porous structure
further comprises: a wire mesh having a substantially spherical post-
deployment shape and
including at least a first plurality of nodes at said top, a second plurality
of nodes at said bottom,
and a third plurality of nodes positioned at a lateral location between said
top and said bottom,
wherein each node comprises a single unsupported free end or bend in a wire of
said wire mesh;
and a collar positioned at said bottom of said porous structure, said collar
having a bend wherein
said bend comprises an extension of said wire curving in a direction away from
a longitudinal
center axis of said porous structure and then in a direction upward toward
said top of said porous
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structure; and a sleeve having a flexible elongate body, a proximal end with a
third opening, a
distal end with a fourth opening, and a sleeve interior, wherein said proximal
end of said sleeve is
coupled to said second plurality of nodes of said porous structure such that
food exiting said at
least one second opening enters said sleeve through said third opening, passes
through said sleeve
interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth opening, wherein at least
a portion of a total
number of nodes in said second plurality of nodes is coupled to said proximal
end of said sleeve
by sutures.
Each node of said portion of said total number of nodes in said second
plurality of nodes
may be sutured to said proximal end of said sleeve at a most distal position
on each node.
Optionally, the portion of said total number of nodes in said second plurality
of nodes comprises
all of said nodes within said second plurality of nodes. Optionally, the
portion of said total number
of nodes in said second plurality of nodes comprises every other node within
said second plurality
of nodes.
The sutures may be applied loosely to allow for some relative movement between
said wire
mesh and said sleeve.
Each suture coupling said sleeve to each of said nodes of said portion of said
total number
of nodes in said second plurality of nodes may comprise only one knot.
The wire of said wire mesh may include at least two ends wherein said ends are
joined and
crimped together using a metal tube.
The wire of said wire mesh may include at least two ends wherein said ends are
looped
back onto said wire to create atraumatic wire ends or looped outward to create
attachment points
to said sleeve.
The sleeve may include a wire for support and said wire may include at least
two ends
wherein said ends are looped back onto said wire to create atraumatic wire
ends, looped outward
to create attachment points for coupling to said wire mesh or are used to pull
on said sleeve during
compression of said device.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
.. wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
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said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening, wherein said
porous structure
further comprises: a wire mesh having a substantially spherical post-
deployment shape and
including at least a first plurality of nodes at said top, a second plurality
of nodes at said bottom,
and a third plurality of nodes positioned at a lateral location between said
top and said bottom,
wherein each node comprises a single unsupported free end or bend in a wire of
said wire mesh;
and a collar positioned at said bottom of said porous structure, said collar
having a bend wherein
said bend comprises an extension of said wire curving in a direction away from
a longitudinal
center axis of said porous structure and then in a direction upward toward
said top of said porous
structure; and a sleeve having a flexible elongate body, a proximal end with a
third opening, a
distal end with a fourth opening, and a sleeve interior, wherein said proximal
end of said sleeve is
coupled to said second plurality of nodes of said porous structure such that
food exiting said at
least one second opening enters said sleeve through said third opening, passes
through said sleeve
interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth opening, wherein a portion
of said wire proximal
to each node crosses with another portion of wire proximal an adjacent node to
create an
intersection and wherein at least a portion of a total number of said
intersections at said bottom of
said porous structure is coupled to said proximal end of said sleeve by
sutures.
Optionally, the portion of said total number of said intersections at said
bottom of said
porous structure comprises all of said intersections proximate said bottom of
said porous structure
Optionally, the portion of said total number of said intersections at said
bottom of said porous
structure comprises every other intersection proximate said bottom of said
porous structure.
The sutures may be applied loosely to allow for some relative movement between
said wire
mesh and said sleeve.
Each suture coupling said sleeve to each of said intersections of said portion
of said total
number of intersections proximate said bottom of said porous structure may
comprise only one
knot.
The wire of said wire mesh may include at least two ends wherein said ends are
joined and
crimped together using a metal tube.
The wire of said wire mesh may include at least two ends wherein said ends are
looped
back onto said wire to create atraumatic wire ends or looped outward to create
attachment points
to said sleeve.
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The sleeve may include a wire for support and said wire may include at least
two ends
wherein said ends are looped back onto said wire to create atraumatic wire
ends, looped outward
to create attachment points for coupling to said wire mesh or are used to pull
on said sleeve during
compression of said device.
The present specification also discloses a method for compressing an
intragastric device
for loading onto a delivery device prior to deployment, said intragastric
device comprising a porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening, wherein said
porous structure
further comprises a wire mesh having a substantially spherical post-deployment
shape and
including at least a first plurality of nodes at said top, a second plurality
of nodes at said bottom,
and a third plurality of nodes positioned at a lateral location between said
top and said bottom,
wherein each node comprises a single unsupported free end or bend in a wire of
said wire mesh;
and a collar positioned at said bottom of said porous structure, said collar
having a bend wherein
said bend comprises an extension of said wire curving in a direction away from
a longitudinal
center axis of said porous structure and then in a direction upward toward
said top of said porous
structure; and a sleeve having a flexible elongate body, a proximal end with a
third opening, a
distal end with a fourth opening, and a sleeve interior, wherein said proximal
end of said sleeve is
coupled to said second plurality of nodes of said porous structure such that
food exiting said at
least one second opening enters said sleeve through said third opening, passes
through said sleeve
interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth opening, wherein at least
a portion of a total
number of nodes in said second plurality of nodes is coupled to said proximal
end of said sleeve
by sutures, said method comprising the steps of: compressing said wire mesh
about a longitudinal
center axis of said porous structure; and pulling on said distal end of said
sleeve, causing said bend
of said collar to curve in a downward direction such that said collar becomes
substantially
straightened.
The sutures may be applied loosely to allow for some relative movement between
said wire
mesh and said sleeve.
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The sleeve may include a wire for support and said wire may include at least
two ends
wherein said ends are looped back onto said wire to create atraumatic wire
ends, looped outward
to create attachment points for coupling to said wire mesh or are used to pull
on said sleeve during
compression of said device.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening; and a sleeve
having a flexible
elongate body, a proximal end with a third opening, a distal end with a fourth
opening, and a sleeve
interior, and having a pre-deployment shape with a first length and a post-
deployment shape with
a second length greater than said first length, wherein said proximal end of
said sleeve is coupled
to said bottom of said porous structure such that, when sleeve is in said post-
deployment shape,
food exiting said at least one second opening enters said sleeve through said
third opening, passes
through said sleeve interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth
opening, wherein said sleeve
has a coefficient of friction which allows said sleeve to at least be folded
upon itself, wrapped
about a portion of a deployment device, pulled back and forth during
deployment, and deployed
fully without any structural damage to said sleeve.
The coefficient of friction may be in a range of 0.01 ¨ 0.45. Optionally, the
coefficient of
friction is equal to or less than 0.10.
The sleeve has an outer surface and wherein said outer surface may be a matte
surface. A
particulate matter may be applied to an outer surface of said sleeve.
Optionally, the particulate
matter is corn starch. Optionally, the particulate matter is a biocompatible
powder.
The sleeve may be folded upon itself at least 2 times.
The present specification also discloses a method of delivering an
intragastric device in a
gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said intragastric device comprising a
porous structure comprising
a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-
.. deployment shape with a second volume greater than said first volume,
wherein, in said post-
deployment shape, said porous structure includes at least one first opening
proximate said top and

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at least one second opening proximate said bottom such that food enters said
porous structure
through said at least one first opening, passes through said interior, and
exits said porous structure
through said at least one second opening and a sleeve having a flexible
elongate body, a proximal
end with a third opening, a distal end with a fourth opening, and a sleeve
interior, and having a
pre-deployment shape with a first length and a post-deployment shape with a
second length greater
than said first length, wherein said proximal end of said sleeve is coupled to
said bottom of said
porous structure such that, when sleeve is in said post-deployment shape, food
exiting said at least
one second opening enters said sleeve through said third opening, passes
through said sleeve
interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth opening, wherein said
sleeve has a coefficient of
friction which allows said sleeve to at least be folded upon itself, wrapped
about a portion of a
deployment device, pulled back and forth during deployment, and deployed fully
without any
structural damage to said sleeve, said method comprising the steps of: loading
said porous structure
onto a delivery device; folding said sleeve upon itself; wrapping said folded
sleeve about a portion
of said delivery device; inserting said delivery device, including said porous
structure and said
sleeve, into said gastrointestinal tract of said patient; manipulating said
delivery device to fully
deploy said sleeve; further manipulating said delivery device to fully deploy
said porous structure;
and removing said delivery device from said patient.
The coefficient of friction may be in a range of 0.01 ¨0.45.
The method may further comprise the step of applying a particulate matter to
an outer
surface of said sleeve prior to folding said sleeve upon itself. Optionally,
the particulate matter is
corn starch. Optionally, the particulate matter is a biocompatible powder.
The sleeve may be folded upon itself at least 2 times.
The present specification also discloses a method of delivering an
intragastric device in a
gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said intragastric device comprising a
porous structure comprising
a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-
deployment shape with a second volume greater than said first volume, wherein,
in said post-
deployment shape, said porous structure includes at least one first opening
proximate said top and
at least one second opening proximate said bottom such that food enters said
porous structure
through said at least one first opening, passes through said interior, and
exits said porous structure
through said at least one second opening and a sleeve having a flexible
elongate body, a proximal
end with a third opening, a distal end with a fourth opening, and a sleeve
interior, and having a
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pre-deployment shape with a first length and a post-deployment shape with a
second length greater
than said first length, wherein said proximal end of said sleeve is coupled to
said bottom of said
porous structure such that, when sleeve is in said post-deployment shape, food
exiting said at least
one second opening enters said sleeve through said third opening, passes
through said sleeve
.. interior, and exits said sleeve through said fourth opening, wherein said
sleeve has a coefficient of
friction which allows said sleeve to at least be folded upon itself, wrapped
about a portion of a
deployment device, pulled back and forth during deployment, and deployed fully
without any
structural damage to said sleeve, said method comprising the steps of: loading
said porous structure
onto a delivery device; folding said sleeve upon itself; wrapping said folded
sleeve about a portion
of said delivery device; inserting said delivery device, including said porous
structure and said
sleeve, into said gastrointestinal tract of said patient; manipulating said
delivery device to partially
deploy said sleeve, wherein said sleeve is released fully from said delivery
device but only partially
unfurls from said folding; further manipulating said delivery device to fully
deploy said porous
structure; removing said delivery device from said patient; and allowing said
sleeve to fully unfurl
through the actions of peristaltic intestinal contractions upon said sleeve.
The coefficient of friction may be in a range of 0.01 ¨0.45.
The method may further comprise the step of applying a particulate matter to
an outer
surface of said sleeve prior to folding said sleeve upon itself. Optionally,
the particulate matter is
corn starch. Optionally, the particulate matter is a biocompatible powder.
The sleeve may be folded upon itself at least 2 times.
The present specification also discloses a delivery device for delivering an
intragastric
device into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said intragastric device
comprising a porous
structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration and
an expanded post-
deployment configuration and an elongate sleeve coupled to a distal end of
said porous structure,
said delivery device comprising: a flexible elongate body with a proximal end,
a distal end, and a
body lumen within, said body comprising an opening at said distal end and a
first handle attached
to said proximal end; a flexible plunger component positioned coaxially, and
movable
longitudinally, within the lumen of said body, said plunger including a
proximal end, a distal end,
and a plunger lumen within and comprising a tip at said distal end and a
second handle attached to
said proximal end; a flexible elongate rod positioned coaxially, and movable
longitudinally, within
said plunger lumen, said rod including a proximal end and a distal end and
comprising a first
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spherical component positioned proximal to said distal end and a second
spherical component
positioned at said distal end wherein said first spherical component has a
diameter greater than a
diameter of said second spherical component, said rod further comprising a
third handle attached
to said proximal end; and a pulling mechanism comprising a first end and a
second end wherein
said first end is attached to said sleeve of said intragastric device and said
second end is removably
coupled to said rod at a position between said first spherical component and
said second spherical
component, wherein said intragastric device is loaded for delivery within said
delivery device such
that: said porous structure is positioned within said body lumen distal to
said plunger tip and
proximal to said sleeve and wherein said rod passes through at least two
openings in said porous
structure and wherein said at least two openings do not lie along a center
longitudinal axis of said
porous structure; said sleeve is positioned within said body lumen distal to
said porous structure
and proximal to said first spherical component and wherein said sleeve is
folded upon itself and
then wrapped about a portion of said rod, further wherein said sleeve is
attached to said first end
of said pulling mechanism.
The delivery device may further comprise a stopper positioned on said plunger
between
said tip and said second handle.
Optionally, the said pulling mechanism is biodegradable and comprises a suture
or a hook
Alternatively, said pulling mechanism is non-biodegradable and comprises a
suture with a loop
end.
Optionally, the said sleeve is constrained by a ring, cone, or umbrella shaped
constraining
device.
Optionally, said tip of said plunger includes a mesh retention component
comprising a
plurality of fins wherein a proximal portion of said porous structure is
positioned over said fins
such that said fins cause said porous structure to move in a proximal
direction when said plunger
is moved in a proximal direction.
The sleeve may be folded upon itself two to ten times before being wrapped
about said rod.
The delivery device may further comprise an inflatable balloon at said distal
end of said
body, an input port at said proximal end of said body, and a channel extending
along said elongate
body and in fluid communication with said balloon and said port, wherein said
balloon is inflated
using said port and said channel and said inflated balloon is used to anchor
said delivery device
within said gastrointestinal tract of said patient.
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Optionally, the delivery device further comprises a flushing or irrigation
mechanism to
reduce deployment forces during delivery.
The elongate body includes a length and said length may include a variable
stiffness.
Optionally, the length includes at least three zones and a most distal zone is
more flexible than a
center distal zone, which is more flexible than a least distal zone.
The elongate body may comprise a braided catheter.
The distal ends of the elongate body, plunger, and rod may be configured to be
atraumatic
The present specification also discloses a delivery device for delivering an
intragastric
device into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said intragastric device
comprising a porous
.. structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration
and an expanded post-
deployment configuration and an elongate sleeve coupled to a distal end of
said porous structure,
said delivery device comprising: a flexible elongate body with a proximal end,
a distal end, and a
body lumen within, said body comprising an opening at said distal end and an
actuating mechanism
attached to said proximal end; a flexible plunger component positioned
coaxially, and movable
longitudinally, within the lumen of said body, said plunger including a
proximal end, a distal end,
and a plunger lumen within and comprising a tip at said distal end and wherein
said proximal end
is operatively attached to said actuating mechanism; an actuator handle and an
actuator trigger
attached to said actuating mechanism and configured, when operated, to cause
said actuating
mechanism to move said plunger back and forth in a longitudinal direction
relative to said elongate
body; a flexible elongate rod positioned coaxially, and movable
longitudinally, within said plunger
lumen, said rod including a proximal end and a distal end and comprising a
first spherical
component positioned proximal to said distal end and a second spherical
component positioned at
said distal end wherein said first spherical component has a diameter greater
than a diameter of
said second spherical component, said rod further comprising a rod handle
attached to said
.. proximal end; and a pulling mechanism comprising a first end and a second
end wherein said first
end is attached to said sleeve of said intragastric device and said second end
is removably coupled
to said rod at a position between said first spherical component and said
second spherical
component, wherein said intragastric device is loaded for delivery within said
delivery device such
that: said porous structure is positioned within said body lumen distal to
said plunger tip and
proximal to said sleeve and wherein said rod passes through at least two
openings in said porous
structure and wherein said at least two openings do not lie along a center
longitudinal axis of said
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porous structure; said sleeve is positioned within said body lumen distal to
said porous structure
and proximal to said first spherical component and wherein said sleeve is
folded upon itself and
then wrapped about a portion of said rod, further wherein said sleeve is
attached to said first end
of said pulling mechanism.
The delivery device may further comprise a stopper positioned on said plunger
between
said tip and said actuating mechanism.
Optionally, the pulling mechanism is biodegradable and comprises a suture or a
hook
Alternatively, said pulling mechanism is non-biodegradable and comprises a
suture with a loop
end.
Optionally, the sleeve is constrained by a ring, cone, or umbrella shaped
constraining
device.
Optionally, said tip of said plunger includes a mesh retention component
comprising a
plurality of fins wherein a proximal portion of said porous structure is
positioned over said fins
such that said fins cause said porous structure to move in a proximal
direction when said plunger
is moved in a proximal direction.
The sleeve may be folded upon itself two to ten times before being wrapped
about said rod
The delivery device may further comprise an inflatable balloon at said distal
end of said
body, an input port at said proximal end of said body, and a channel extending
along said elongate
body and in fluid communication with said balloon and said port, wherein said
balloon is inflated
using said port and said channel and said inflated balloon is used to anchor
said delivery device
within said gastrointestinal tract of said patient.
Optionally, the delivery device further comprises a flushing or irrigation
mechanism to
reduce deployment forces during delivery.
The elongate body may comprise a braided catheter.
The present specification also discloses a method of delivering an
intragastric device into
a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said intragastric device comprising a
porous structure
configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration and an expanded
post-
deployment configuration and an elongate sleeve coupled to a distal end of
said porous structure,
said delivery device comprising a flexible elongate body with a proximal end,
a distal end, and a
body lumen within, said body comprising an opening at said distal end and a
first handle attached
to said proximal end, a flexible plunger component positioned coaxially, and
movable

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longitudinally, within the lumen of said body, said plunger including a
proximal end, a distal end,
and a plunger lumen within and comprising a tip at said distal end and a
second handle attached to
said proximal end, a flexible elongate rod positioned coaxially, and movable
longitudinally, within
said plunger lumen, said rod including a proximal end and a distal end and
comprising a first
spherical component positioned proximal to said distal end and a second
spherical component
positioned at said distal end wherein said first spherical component has a
diameter greater than a
diameter of said second spherical component, said rod further comprising a
third handle attached
to said proximal end, and a pulling mechanism comprising a first end and a
second end wherein
said first end is attached to said sleeve of said intragastric device and said
second end is removably
coupled to said rod at a position between said first spherical component and
said second spherical
component, wherein said intragastric device is loaded for delivery within said
delivery device such
that said porous structure is positioned within said body lumen distal to said
plunger tip and
proximal to said sleeve and wherein said rod passes through at least two
openings in said porous
structure and wherein said at least two openings do not lie along a center
longitudinal axis of said
porous structure said sleeve is positioned within said body lumen distal to
said porous structure
and proximal to said first spherical component and wherein said sleeve is
folded upon itself and
then wrapped about a portion of said rod, further wherein said sleeve is
attached to said first end
of said pulling mechanism, said method comprising the steps of sliding said
delivery device over
a guidewire into said gastrointestinal tract of said patient; using the first
handle, positioning the
distal end of said elongate body in a duodenum of the patient; pushing the
second handle to push
in the plunger component until the sleeve is pushed out of said elongate body;
pushing the third
handle to advance the rod within the plunger lumen until the sleeve is fully
deployed; pulling said
delivery device back to reposition the distal end of the elongate body within
a stomach of the
patient; pulling back on the first handle while holding the second handle
steady, keeping the
plunger in place and releasing the wire mesh structure; and removing the
delivery device from the
patient.
The delivery device may further comprise a stopper positioned on said plunger
between
said tip and said second handle wherein said stopper is configured to stop
further distal movement
of said plunger once said sleeve has been pushed out of said elongate body.
The delivery device may further comprise an inflatable balloon at said distal
end of said
body, an input port at said proximal end of said body, and a channel extending
along said elongate
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body and in fluid communication with said balloon and said port, and said
method may further
comprise the step of using said port and said channel to inflate said balloon
to anchor the delivery
device in the gastrointestinal tract of said patient.
The present specification also discloses a delivery device for delivering an
intragastric
device into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said intragastric device
comprising a porous
structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration and
an expanded post-
deployment configuration and an elongate sleeve coupled to a distal end of
said porous structure,
said delivery device comprising: a flexible elongate body with a proximal end,
a distal end, and a
body lumen within, said body comprising an opening at said distal end and a
first handle attached
to said proximal end; a flexible elongate rod positioned coaxially, and
movable longitudinally,
within said body lumen, said rod including a proximal end and a distal end and
comprising a first
spherical component positioned proximal to said distal end and a second
spherical component
positioned at said distal end wherein said first spherical component has a
diameter greater than a
diameter of said second spherical component, said rod further comprising a
second handle attached
to said proximal end; a flexible plunger component positioned coaxially over a
proximal portion
of, and movable longitudinally with, said flexible elongate rod, said plunger
including a proximal
end and a distal end and comprising a tip at said distal end and attached to
said second handle at
said proximal end; a pulling mechanism comprising a first end and a second end
wherein said first
end is attached to said sleeve of said intragastric device and said second end
is removably coupled
to said rod at a position between said first spherical component and said
second spherical
component, wherein said intragastric device is loaded for delivery within said
delivery device such
that: said porous structure is positioned within said body lumen distal to
said plunger tip and
proximal to said sleeve and wherein said rod passes through at least two
openings in said porous
structure and wherein said at least two openings do not lie along a center
longitudinal axis of said
porous structure; said sleeve is positioned within said body lumen distal to
said porous structure
and proximal to said first spherical component and wherein said sleeve is
folded upon itself and
then wrapped about a portion of said rod, further wherein said sleeve is
attached to said first end
of said pulling mechanism
The pulling mechanism may be biodegradable and comprise a suture or a hook
Alternatively, said pulling mechanism is non-biodegradable and comprises a
suture with a loop
end.
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The sleeve may be constrained by a ring, cone, or umbrella shaped constraining
device.
Optionally, said tip of said plunger includes a mesh retention component
comprising a
plurality of fins wherein a proximal portion of said porous structure is
positioned over said fins
such that said fins cause said porous structure to move in a proximal
direction when said plunger
is moved in a proximal direction.
Optionally, said sleeve is folded upon itself two to ten times before being
wrapped about
said rod
Optionally, the delivery device further comprises an inflatable balloon at
said distal end of
said body, an input port at said proximal end of said body, and a channel
extending along said
elongate body and in fluid communication with said balloon and said port,
wherein said balloon is
inflated using said port and said channel and said inflated balloon is used to
anchor said delivery
device within said gastrointestinal tract of said patient.
Optionally, the delivery device further comprises a flushing or irrigation
mechanism to
reduce deployment forces during delivery.
The elongate body may include a length wherein said length includes a variable
stiffness.
The elongate body may include at least three zones wherein a most distal zone
is more
flexible than a center distal zone, which is more flexible than a least distal
zone.
The elongate body may comprise a braided catheter.
The distal ends of the elongate body, plunger, and rod may be configured to be
atraumatic
The present specification also discloses a method of delivering an
intragastric device into
a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, said intragastric device comprising a
porous structure
configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration and an expanded
post-
deployment configuration and an elongate sleeve coupled to a distal end of
said porous structure,
said delivery device comprising a flexible elongate body with a proximal end,
a distal end, and a
.. body lumen within, said body comprising an opening at said distal end and a
first handle attached
to said proximal end, a flexible elongate rod positioned coaxially, and
movable longitudinally,
within said body lumen, said rod including a proximal end and a distal end and
comprising a first
spherical component positioned proximal to said distal end and a second
spherical component
positioned at said distal end wherein said first spherical component has a
diameter greater than a
diameter of said second spherical component, said rod further comprising a
second handle attached
to said proximal end, a flexible plunger component positioned coaxially over a
proximal portion
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of, and movable longitudinally with, said flexible elongate rod, said plunger
including a proximal
end and a distal end and comprising a tip at said distal end and attached to
said second handle at
said proximal end, a pulling mechanism comprising a first end and a second end
wherein said first
end is attached to said sleeve of said intragastric device and said second end
is removably coupled
to said rod at a position between said first spherical component and said
second spherical
component, wherein said intragastric device is loaded for delivery within said
delivery device such
that said porous structure is positioned within said body lumen distal to said
plunger tip and
proximal to said sleeve and wherein said rod passes through at least two
openings in said porous
structure and wherein said at least two openings do not lie along a center
longitudinal axis of said
porous structure, wherein said sleeve is positioned within said body lumen
distal to said porous
structure and proximal to said first spherical component and wherein said
sleeve is folded upon
itself and then wrapped about a portion of said rod, further wherein said
sleeve is attached to said
first end of said pulling mechanism, said method comprising the steps of:
sliding said delivery
device over a guidewire into said gastrointestinal tract of said patient;
using the first handle,
.. positioning the distal end of said elongate body in a duodenum of the
patient; pushing the second
handle to push in the plunger component and rod until the sleeve is fully
deployed; pulling said
delivery device back to reposition the distal end of the elongate body within
a stomach of the
patient; pulling back on the first handle while holding the second handle
steady, keeping the
plunger and rod in place and releasing the wire mesh structure; and removing
the delivery device
from the patient.
Optionally, said delivery device further comprises a stopper positioned on
said plunger
between said tip and said second handle wherein said stopper is configured to
stop further distal
movement of said plunger and rod once said sleeve has been pushed out of said
elongate body.
Optionally, said delivery device further comprises an inflatable balloon at
said distal end
of said body, an input port at said proximal end of said body, and a channel
extending along said
elongate body and in fluid communication with said balloon and said port, and
said method further
comprises the step of using said port and said channel to inflate said balloon
to anchor the delivery
device in the gastrointestinal tract of said patient.
The present specification also discloses a delivery system for delivering an
intragastric
device, said delivery system comprising: an outer catheter having a proximal
end and a distal end
and variable stiffness along its length; and a flexible inner catheter
coaxially positioned inside the
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outer catheter and having a proximal end, an atraumatic distal end, and a
lumen for receiving a
guiding device; wherein said intragastric device is positioned in a space
between the inner catheter
and the outer catheter and said inner catheter includes a flexible extension
having a length of at
least 5 cm at its distal end which extends beyond said distal end of said
outer catheter.
Optionally, the guiding device is a guidewire. Alternatively, the guiding
device is an
endoscope for over the scope delivery.
The atraumatic distal end may be a ball-tip.
The said inner catheter may have a variable stiffness along its length.
Optionally, said flexible extension includes a proximal end and a distal end
and has a
variable stiffness along its length wherein the stiffness varies between a
stiffness of a guidewire at
said distal end to a stiffness of said inner catheter at said proximal end.
The present specification also discloses an intragastric device comprising: a
porous
structure comprising a top, a bottom, and an interior and having a pre-
deployment shape with a
first volume and a post-deployment shape with a second volume greater than
said first volume,
wherein, in said post-deployment shape, said porous structure includes at
least one first opening
proximate said top and at least one second opening proximate said bottom such
that food enters
said porous structure through said at least one first opening, passes through
said interior, and exits
said porous structure through said at least one second opening, wherein said
porous structure
further comprises. a wire mesh having a substantially spherical post-
deployment shape, and a
collar positioned at said bottom of said porous structure, said collar having
a bend wherein said
bend comprises an extension of said wire curving in a direction away from a
longitudinal center
axis of said porous structure and then in a direction upward toward said top
of said porous
structure; and a sleeve having a flexible elongate body, a proximal end with a
third opening, a
distal end with a fourth opening, and a sleeve interior, wherein said proximal
end of said sleeve is
coupled to said collar such that food exiting said at least one second opening
enters said sleeve
through said third opening, passes through said sleeve interior, and exits
said sleeve through said
fourth opening wherein the sleeve is designed to intermittently engage a
patients pylorus without
blocking said pylorus and allows for passage of the food through the said
lumen of the sleeve from
the stomach into the small intestine.
The present specification also discloses a system for delivering an
intragastric device to a
gastrointestinal tract of a patient, comprising: a porous mesh structure
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both attached to said porous mesh structure and having a second lumen; a
coaxial catheter system
comprising an outer catheter and an inner catheter wherein, prior to delivery,
said porous mesh
structure and said sleeve are constrained into a space between said outer and
inner catheters and
wherein the outer catheter covers a substantial portion of the intragastric
device and the inner
catheter passes within a majority of the first lumen of the mesh but outside
of a majority of the
second lumen of the sleeve.
Optionally, said inner catheter is operationally attached to the sleeve at a
distal end of said
inner catheter such that, when actuated, the inner catheter pushes the sleeve
out of the coaxial
catheter system and is then detached from the sleeve to deliver the
intragastric device in the
gastrointestinal tract.
The present specification also discloses a system for promoting weight loss in
a patient,
said system comprising an intragastric device, a delivery device, and a
retrieval device, wherein
said intragastric device is configured to be temporarily deployed within a
gastrointestinal tract of
a patient, said intragastric device comprising: a porous structure comprising
a top, a bottom, and
an interior and having a pre-deployment shape with a first volume and a post-
deployment shape
with a second volume greater than said first volume, wherein, in said post-
deployment shape, said
porous structure includes at least one first opening proximate said top and at
least one second
opening proximate said bottom such that food enters said porous structure
through said at least one
first opening, passes through said interior, and exits said porous structure
through said at least one
second opening, said porous structure further comprising a collar positioned
at said bottom of said
porous structure, said collar having a bend wherein said bend comprises an
extension of said
porous structure curving in a direction away from a longitudinal center axis
of said porous structure
and then in a direction upward toward said top of said porous structure; and a
sleeve having a
flexible elongate body, a proximal end with a third opening, a distal end with
a fourth opening,
and a sleeve interior, wherein said proximal end of said sleeve is coupled to
said bottom of said
porous structure such that food exiting said at least one second opening
enters said sleeve through
said third opening, passes through said sleeve interior, and exits said sleeve
through said fourth
opening; wherein, once said intragastric device has been deployed in a
gastrointestinal tract of said
patient, at least a portion of said intragastric device is in constant
physical contact with a portion
of said gastrointestinal tract of said patient without being physically
attached to any portion of the
anatomy of said patient.
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The physical contact may be caused by peristaltic actions of a small intestine
pulling on
said sleeve of said intragastric device in said small intestine.
The portion of said intragastric device may comprise a portion of said porous
structure and
said portion of said gastrointestinal tract of said patient may comprise a
portion of a stomach
proximate a pylorus. Optionally, the portion of said stomach comprises said
gastric emptying
region of said stomach and said intragastric device does not occlude said
region.
The portion of said intragastric device may comprise a portion of said sleeve
and said
portion of said gastrointestinal tract of said patient may comprise a portion
of a pylorus.
The portion of said intragastric device may comprise a portion of said sleeve
and said
.. portion of said gastrointestinal tract of said patient may comprise a
portion of a duodenum.
The intragastric device may direct food through itself, allowing food to pass
from a
stomach of said patient into a small intestine of said patient without
blocking the passage of said
food. Optionally, at least 10 %, and preferably 50 %, of the food passing from
a stomach of said
patient into a small intestine of said patient passes through said
intragastric device.
The intragastric device may provide a constant and substantially complete
bypass of a
pylorus of said patient. Optionally, the intragastric device provides a
constant and substantially
complete bypass of a pylorus and a duodenum of said patient.
The present specification also discloses a system for promoting weight loss in
a patient,
said system comprising an intragastric device, a delivery device, and a
retrieval device, wherein
said intragastric device is configured to be temporarily deployed within a
gastrointestinal tract of
a patient, said intragastric device comprising: a porous structure comprising
a top, a bottom, and
an interior and having a pre-deployment shape with a first volume and a post-
deployment shape
with a second volume greater than said first volume, wherein, in said post-
deployment shape, said
porous structure includes at least one first opening proximate said top and at
least one second
opening proximate said bottom such that food enters said porous structure
through said at least one
first opening, passes through said interior, and exits said porous structure
through said at least one
second opening, said porous structure further comprising a collar positioned
at said bottom of said
porous structure, said collar having a bend wherein said bend comprises an
extension of said
porous structure curving in a direction away from a longitudinal center axis
of said porous structure
.. and then in a direction upward toward said top of said porous structure;
and a sleeve having a
flexible elongate body, a proximal end with a third opening, a distal end with
a fourth opening,
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and a sleeve interior, wherein said proximal end of said sleeve is coupled to
said bottom of said
porous structure such that food exiting said at least one second opening
enters said sleeve through
said third opening, passes through said sleeve interior, and exits said sleeve
through said fourth
opening; wherein, once said intragastric device has been deployed in a
gastrointestinal tract of said
patient, said porous structure is positioned within, and physically contacts a
portion of, a stomach
of said patient and said sleeve is positioned within a pylorus and a duodenum
of said patient such
that said intragastric device provides a constant and substantially complete
bypass of a pylorus of
said patient wherein food ingested by said patient is unable to physically
contact any portion of
said pylorus.
The physical contact with said portion of said stomach may be caused by
peristaltic actions
of a small intestine pulling on said sleeve of said intragastric device in
said small intestine.
The intragastric device may direct food through itself, allowing food to pass
from a
stomach of said patient into a small intestine of said patient without
blocking the passage of said
food. Optionally, at least 10 9/0, and preferably 50 %, of the food passing
from a stomach of said
patient into a small intestine of said patient passes through said
intragastric device.
Optionally, the intragastric device is not physically attached to any portion
of the anatomy
of said patient.
The present specification also discloses a system for promoting weight loss in
a patient,
said system comprising an intragastric device, a delivery device, and a
retrieval device, wherein
said intragastric device is configured to be temporarily deployed within a
gastrointestinal tract of
a patient, said intragastric device comprising: a porous structure comprising
a top, a bottom, and
an interior and having a pre-deployment shape with a first volume and a post-
deployment shape
with a second volume greater than said first volume, wherein, in said post-
deployment shape, said
porous structure includes at least one first opening proximate said top and at
least one second
opening proximate said bottom such that food enters said porous structure
through said at least one
first opening, passes through said interior, and exits said porous structure
through said at least one
second opening, said porous structure further comprising a collar positioned
at said bottom of said
porous structure, said collar having a bend wherein said bend comprises an
extension of said
porous structure curving in a direction away from a longitudinal center axis
of said porous structure
and then in a direction upward toward said top of said porous structure; and a
sleeve having a
flexible elongate body, a proximal end with a third opening, a distal end with
a fourth opening,
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and a sleeve interior, wherein said proximal end of said sleeve is coupled to
said bottom of said
porous structure such that food exiting said at least one second opening
enters said sleeve through
said third opening, passes through said sleeve interior, and exits said sleeve
through said fourth
opening; wherein, once said intragastric device has been deployed in a
gastrointestinal tract of said
patient, said porous structure is positioned within, and physically contacts a
portion of, a stomach
of said patient and said sleeve is positioned within a pylorus and a duodenum
of said patient such
that said intragastric device provides a constant and substantially complete
bypass of a duodenum
of said patient wherein food ingested by said patient is unable to physically
contact any portion of
said duodenum.
The system physical contact with said portion of said stomach may be caused by
peristaltic
actions of a small intestine pulling on said sleeve of said intragastric
device in said small intestine.
The intragastric device may direct food through itself, allowing food to pass
from a
stomach of said patient into a small intestine of said patient without
blocking the passage of said
food. Optionally, at least 10 9/0, and preferably 50 %, of the food passing
from a stomach of said
patient into a small intestine of said patient passes through said
intragastric device.
Optionally, the intragastric device is not physically attached to any portion
of the anatomy
of said patient.
The aforementioned and other embodiments of the present invention shall be
described in
greater depth in the drawings and detailed description provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be
appreciated as
they become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description when considered
in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is an illustration of an upper gastrointestinal system;
Figure 2A is an illustration of a wire mesh structure in a post-deployment
configuration
with a proximally sloping anti-migration disc or collar attached to its distal
end, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 2B is an illustration of a wire mesh structure in a post-deployment
configuration
with a proximally curving anti-migration collar formed at its distal end, in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification,
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FIG. 2C is another illustration of a wire mesh structure, in accordance with
one
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 3A is an illustration depicting a plurality of free ends or nodes
positioned at a
proximal end and a distal end of a wire mesh structure, in accordance with one
embodiment of the
.. present specification;
Figure 3B is an illustration depicting a plurality of overlapping nodes
positioned at one end
of a wire mesh structure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification,
Figure 3C is an illustration depicting a first plurality of nodes positioned
at one end of a
wire mesh structure and a second plurality of nodes positioned proximal to the
first plurality of
nodes, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 3D is an illustration of first and second pluralities of nodes at an
end of a wire mesh
structure, depicting loops formed in the wires of the first plurality in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 3E is an illustration of first and second pluralities of nodes at an
end of a wire mesh
structure, depicting loops formed in the wires of the second plurality in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 3F is an illustration of first and second pluralities of nodes at an
end of a wire mesh
structure, depicting loops formed in alternating wires of both the first and
second pluralities, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification,
Figure 3G is an illustration depicting a wire mesh structure having a first
plurality of nodes
at its proximal end and a second plurality of nodes at its distal end, in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 3H is an illustration depicting a wire mesh structure having first and
second
pluralities of nodes at its proximal and distal ends respectively, and third
and fourth pluralities of
nodes distributed along its surface, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification,
Figure 31 is an illustration depicting various possible node shapes in
accordance with
multiple embodiments of the present specification;
Figure 4A is a close-up illustration of an atraumatic anti-migration collar of
a wire mesh
structure of an intragastric device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification,

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Figure 4B is a close-up illustration of an atraumatic anti-migration collar of
a wire mesh
structure of an intragastric device, in accordance with another embodiment of
the present
specification,
Figure 4C is a close-up illustration of an atraumatic anti-migration collar of
a wire mesh
structure of an intragastric device, in accordance with yet another embodiment
of the present
specification;
Figure 5A is an illustration of a portion of a sleeve component of an
intragastric device in
a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification,
depicting a single wire support spiraling along the body of the sleeve,
Figure 5B is an illustration of a portion of a sleeve component of an
intragastric device in
a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification,
depicting multiple wire supports spiraling along the body of the sleeve,
Figure 5C is an illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve component of an
intragastric device
in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification, depicting spiral wire loop supports on the sleeve;
Figure 5D is an illustration of a sleeve component of an intragastric device
in a post-
deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification,
depicting a funnel shaped opening at the proximal end of the sleeve;
Figure 5E is an illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve component of an
intragastric device
in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification, depicting a plurality of markings on an outer surface of the
sleeve body;
Figure 5F is an illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve component of an
intragastric device
in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification, depicting a marking line extending along the length of the
sleeve on an outer surface
of the sleeve body;
Figure 5G is an illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve component of an
intragastric device
in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification, depicting a plurality of markings and a marking line extending
along the length of
the sleeve on an outer surface of the sleeve body,
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Figure 6A is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification, depicting a plurality of sleeve layers;
Figure 6B is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with
another embodiment of
the present specification, depicting a plurality of sleeve layers;
Figure 6C is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with
another embodiment of
the present specification, depicting a plurality of sleeve layers;
Figure 6D is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with
another embodiment of
the present specification, depicting a plurality of sleeve layers;
Figure 6E is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with yet
another embodiment
of the present specification;
Figure 6F is an illustration of a stent support for a sleeve component of an
intragastric
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 6G is an illustration of a sleeve component of an intragastric device
having the stent
support of Figure 6F;
FIG. 6H illustrates a portion of a sleeve of a wire mesh device covered with a
nano-fiber
membrane, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 7 is an illustration of a funnel shape sleeve for an intragastric
device, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 8 is an illustration of a funnel shape sleeve for an intragastric
device, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 9A is an illustration of a wire mesh structure with attached sleeve
component in a
post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification,
depicting a blunt end of a wire mesh support toward the proximal end of the
sleeve;
Figure 9B is an illustration of a wire mesh structure with a proximal portion
of an attached
sleeve component in a post deployment configuration in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification, depicting a delivery catheter positioned within the
wire mesh structure;
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Figure 10A is an illustration of a funnel shaped braided short sleeve
component in a post-
deployment configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 10B is an illustration of a funnel shaped braided short sleeve
component having a
cone shaped distal end in a post-deployment configuration, in accordance with
one embodiment
of the present specification;
Figure 10C is an illustration of a cone shape braided short sleeve component
in a post-
deployment configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 10D is an illustration of the cone shape braided short sleeve component
of Figure
10C attached to a wire mesh structure in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification;
Figure 10E is an illustration of a cone shape braided short sleeve component
in a post-
deployment configuration, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 1OF is an illustration of the cone shape braided short sleeve component
of Figure
10E attached to a wire mesh structure in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification;
Figure 10G is an illustration of a cone shape braided short sleeve component
having an
atraumatic distal tip and in a post-deployment configuration, in accordance
with one embodiment
of the present specification;
Figure 10H is an illustration of a cone shape braided short sleeve component
having an
atraumatic distal tip and in a post-deployment configuration, in accordance
with another
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 11A is a cross-sectional illustration depicting one embodiment of an
intragastric
device with an attached sleeve in a post-deployment configuration;
Figure 11B is a cross-sectional illustration depicting the intragastric device
of Figure 11A
in a pre-deployment configuration;
Figure 11C is a cross-sectional illustration depicting another embodiment of
an intragastric
device with an attached sleeve in a post-deployment configuration;
Figure 11D is a cross-sectional illustration depicting the intragastric device
of Figure 11C
in a pre-deployment configuration;
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Figure 12A is an illustration of a plurality of nodes positioned at the distal
end of a wire
mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve, in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 12B is an illustration of a plurality of nodes positioned at the distal
end of a wire
mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve, in
accordance with another
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 12C is an illustration of a plurality of nodes positioned at the distal
end of a wire
mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve, in
accordance with another
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 12D is an illustration of a plurality of nodes positioned at the distal
end of a wire
mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve, in
accordance with another
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 12E is an illustration of a plurality of nodes positioned at the distal
end of a wire
mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve, in
accordance with another
.. embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 12F is an illustration of a plurality of nodes positioned at the distal
end of a wire
mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve, in
accordance with yet
another embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 13A is an illustration of a plurality of nodes positioned at the distal
end of a wire
mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve, in
accordance with an
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 13B is an illustration of a distal end of a wire structure and
connected proximal end
of a funnel shaped sleeve covered with a heat shrink tube, in accordance with
one embodiment of
the present specification;
Figure 14 is an illustration of an intragastric device with a funnel shaped
sleeve in a post-
deployment configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification,
Figure 15 is an illustration of an intragastric device with a cylindrically
shaped sleeve in a
post-deployment configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification,
Figure 16A is a close-up illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve attached to an
anti-migration
collar of a wire mesh structure of an intragastric device, in accordance with
one embodiment of
the present specification,
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Figure 16B is a close-up illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve attached to an
anti-migration
collar of a wire mesh structure of an intragastric device and having a
proximal sleeve end having
frayed edges, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 16C is an illustration of an intragastric device comprising a wire mesh
structure and
attached sleeve, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 16D is an illustration of the intragastric device of Figure 16C with
the sleeve
straightened to depict the device dimensions relative to the surrounding
anatomy;
Figure 16E is an illustration of a wire mesh structure and sleeve of an
intragastric device,
depicting retrieval drawstrings on said wire mesh structure, in accordance
with one embodiment
of the present specification;
Figure 16F is an illustration of a wire mesh structure and sleeve of an
intragastric device,
depicting a single retrieval drawstring on said wire mesh structure, in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 17A is a cross-sectional illustration of a distal end of a sleeve,
depicting one
embodiment of a component designed to configure said distal end to be
atraumatic to body tissues;
Figure 17B is a cross-sectional illustration of a distal end of a sleeve,
depicting another
embodiment of a component designed to configure said distal end to be
atraumatic to body tissues;
Figure 17C is a cross-sectional illustration of a distal end of a sleeve,
depicting another
embodiment of a component designed to configure said distal end to be
atraumatic to body tissues,
Figure 18 is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve with a positioning
tail attached thereto,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 19A is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve comprising a
plurality of fringes
joined to a ring, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 19B is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve comprising a
plurality of fringes
joined to a ball, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 19C is a cross sectional illustration of a ball attached to a distal
end of a sleeve, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 19D is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve having a plurality
of sutures
extending therefrom and joined to a ball, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification,

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Figure 19E is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve having at least one
suture with
attached suture loop or bead extending therefrom, in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification;
Figure 20A is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve depicting at least
one fold in the
sleeve wall, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 20B is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve depicting at least
one channel and
support structure within the sleeve wall, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification,
Figure 20C is an illustration of a portion of a sleeve depicting a corrugated
sleeve wall in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 20D is an illustration of portion of a sleeve depicting a knitted
sleeve wall in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 20E is an illustration of portion of a sleeve depicting a knitted
sleeve wall and a
distal sleeve end having frayed edges, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification;
Figure 20F is an illustration of exemplary sleeve knit patterns in accordance
with various
embodiments of the present specification;
Figure 21A is an illustration of an intragastric device having an oval shaped
wire mesh
structure deployed in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, in accordance
with one embodiment of
the present specification;
Figure 21B is an illustration of an intragastric device having an oval shaped
wire mesh
structure deployed in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, in accordance
with another embodiment
of the present specification;
Figure 21C is an illustration of several views of a pylorus of a patient in an
open state and
a closed state with and without a sleeve of an intragastric device passing
therethrough, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present specification;
Figure 22 is an illustration of an expanded wire mesh structure of a first
intragastric device
and a constricted wire mesh structure of a second intragastric device coupled
to the distal end of
an implantation catheter, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 23 is an illustration of an intragastric device with a partially
constrained wire mesh
structure on a delivery catheter, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification,
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Figure 24A is an illustration of a first exemplary delivery device for an
intragastric device,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 24B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 24A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification;
Figure 25A is an illustration of a second exemplary delivery device for an
intragastric
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 25B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 25A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification;
Figure 25C is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using a delivery device comprising a pull away sheath, in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification;
Figure 26A is an illustration of a third exemplary delivery device for an
intragastric device,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 26B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 26A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification;
Figure 26C is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 26A, in accordance with another embodiment
of the present
specification,
Figure 26D is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering a
wire mesh structure
and sleeve separately and assembling an intragastric device within a patient's
gastrointestinal tract;
Figure 27A is an illustration of a fourth exemplary delivery device for an
intragastric
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 27B is another illustration of the delivery device of Figure 27A,
depicting the
relative lengths of various components of the delivery device;
Figure 27C is an illustration of a distal end of a delivery device depicting a
pilot olive for
navigation, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification,
Figure 27D is an illustration of a portion of a delivery device depicting a
mesh retention
component, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification,
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Figure 27E is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 27A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification,
Figure 28A is an illustration of a fifth exemplary delivery device for an
intragastric device,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 28B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 28A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification,
Figure 29A is an illustration of a sixth exemplary delivery device for an
intragastric device,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 29B is a cross sectional illustration of a pre-deployment coaxial
arrangement of a
sleeve of an intragastric device within a delivery device, in accordance with
one embodiment of
the present specification;
Figure 29C is a cross sectional illustration of a pre-deployment coaxial
arrangement of a
sleeve of an intragastric device within a delivery device, in accordance with
another embodiment
of the present specification; and
Figure 29D is a cross sectional illustration of a pre-deployment coaxial
arrangement of a
sleeve of an intragastric device within a delivery device depicted over an
endoscope, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present specification,
Figure 29E is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 29A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification,
Figure 30A is an illustration of a seventh exemplary delivery device for an
intragastric
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 30B is an illustration of one exemplary embodiment of an outer catheter
for use in
the delivery device of Figure 30A;
Figure 30C is an illustration of another embodiment of an outer catheter
depicting the
dimensions a compressed sleeve and compressed wire mesh structure of an
intragastric device
relative to the dimensions of the outer catheter;
Figure 30D is a close up illustration of the distal end of the delivery device
of Figure 30A,
depicting the pilot component and proximal and distal spherical components,
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Figure 30E is an illustration of the proximal end of the delivery device of
Figure 30A,
depicting the outer catheter retracted to a first stopping mechanism;
Figure 30F is an illustration of one embodiment of a sleeve of an intragastric
device
partially deployed corresponding to the outer catheter position depicted in
Figure 30E;
Figure 30G is an illustration of the proximal end of the delivery device of
Figure 30A,
depicting the outer catheter retracted to a second stopping mechanism,
Figure 30H is an illustration of one embodiment of a wire mesh structure of an
intragastric
device partially deployed corresponding to the outer catheter position
depicted in Figure 301;
Figure 301 is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 30A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification,
Figure 31A is an illustration of a wire mesh structure of an intragastric
device being loaded
onto a delivery device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 31B is an illustration of the wire mesh structure of Figure 31A further
loaded onto
the delivery device;
Figure 31C is an illustration of the wire mesh structure of Figure 31A loaded
onto the
delivery device such that only the anti-migration collar remains to be loaded;
Figure 31D is an illustration of the wire mesh structure of Figure 31A fully
loaded onto the
delivery device,
Figure 31E is an illustration of a sleeve of the intragastric device of Figure
31A partially
loaded onto the delivery device;
Figure 31F is an illustration of the intragastric device of Figure 31A fully
loaded onto the
delivery device,
Figure 32A is an illustration of a retrieval device for removing an
intragastric device, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification,
Figure 32B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in removing an
intragastric device
from a patient using the retrieval device of Figure 31A, in accordance with
one embodiment of the
present speci ti cation;
Figure 33A is an illustration of an embodiment of an intragastric device in an
exemplary
post-deployment configuration having a dumbbell shape,
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Figure 33B is an illustration of an embodiment of an intragastric device
having a double-
wire mesh structure wherein the lower wire mesh is formed from an everted anti-
migration
component;
Figure 34A is an illustration of an exemplary intragastric device having a
double-wire mesh
structure in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment
of the present
specification;
Figure 34B is an illustration of another exemplary intragastric device having
a double-wire
mesh structure in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification;
Figure 34C is an illustration of another exemplary intragastric device having
a double-wire
mesh structure in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification;
Figure 34D is an illustration of another exemplary intragastric device having
a double-wire
mesh structure in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification;
Figure 34E is an illustration of another exemplary intragastric device having
a double-wire
mesh structure in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification;
Figure 34F is an illustration of another exemplary intragastric device having
a double-wire
mesh structure in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification;
Figure 34G is an illustration of another exemplary double-wire mesh
intragastric device in
a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification;
FIG. 34H illustrates an intragastric device having two wire meshes coupled
with an anti-
migration feature, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
specification;
Figure 35 is an illustration of one single exemplary intragastric device being
attached to a
previously deployed single intragastric device in a stomach;
Figure 36 is an illustration of an exemplary fully deployed combined
intragastric device in
a stomach;

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Figure 37A is a side perspective view of an exemplary intragastric device
having a
combined dual-wire mesh structure in a post-deployment configuration in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 37B is an oblique perspective view of the intragastric device of Figure
37A;
Figure 37C is an illustration of a plurality of sutures to flexibly connect
first and second
wire mesh structures of the intragastric device of Figure 37A;
Figure 37D is an illustration of a sleeve coupled to the intragastric device
of Figure 37A,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;
Figure 37E is an illustration of two exemplary suture points that flexibly
connect first and
second wire mesh structures of the intragastric device of Figure 37A;
Figure 37F is an illustration of a relative degree of movement of first and
second wire mesh
structures of the intragastric device of Figure 37A;
Figure 38A is an illustration of a process of deploying a combined
intragastric device
wherein one wire mesh structure is nearly completely deployed while the other
wire mesh structure
is still constrained in a catheter;
Figure 38B is an illustration of a process of withdrawing or removing the
combined
intragastric device wherein one wire mesh structure is partially constrained
within the catheter
while the other wire mesh structure is still in unconstrained or deployed
state;
Figure 38C is an illustration of the process of withdrawing or removing the
combined
intragastric device wherein one wire mesh structure when fully constrained
within the catheter
causes the other wire mesh structure to be aligned or oriented for compression
within the catheter,
and
Figure 38D illustrates that the aligned or oriented wire mesh structure begins
to get
constrained or compressed into the catheter for removal, as the fully
compressed wire mesh
structure is further withdrawn into the catheter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In one embodiment, the present specification is directed toward an
intragastric device of
dynamic weight used in obese patients to induce weight loss In various
embodiments, the
intragastric device comprises a porous three dimensional structure having a
pre-deployment shape
and a post-deployment shape. In one embodiment, the porous three dimensional
structure is a non-
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inflatable wire mesh structure, or a spiral structure made of shape memory
metal or shape memory
polymer that changes from a pre-deployment compressed cylindrical shape to a
post-deployment
sphere, oval, kidney bean or any predefined shape of significant volume. In
another embodiment,
the intragastric device is made of a plastic material or a polymer such as
polyether ether ketone
(PEEK) or polyester or a bioresorbable material. The device changes back and
forth from the pre-
deployment to post-deployment shape by minimal mechanical force and/or
temperature changes
arising from the room temperature pre-deployment shape to the body temperature
post-deployment
shape. The device is delivered endoscopically to the stomach via a catheter.
The device can be
placed through the endoscope, over an endoscope or over a guidewire with
endoscopic or
fluoroscopic guidance/assistance.
The device has a pre-deployment compressed shape to facilitate insertion and a
post-
deployment expanded shape that resides in the gastric lumen. Post-deployment
volume of the
device is significantly larger than pre-deployment volume. In one embodiment,
the post-
deployment device has a volume of at least 100 ml. The post-deployment device
occupies a
significant volume in the stomach, thereby reducing available gastric volume
available for storage
of ingested food. This restricts the amount of food intake, inducing satiety
and curbing one's
appetite. In one embodiment, the device is al so designed to intermittently,
with gastric peristalsis,
slow or block the passage of the food from the stomach into the small
intestine, thereby slowing
gastric emptying. In various embodiments, the device also functions to create
a biliopancreatic
diversion, either by bypassing ingested food past pancreatic secretions or by
bypassing pancreatic
secretions past ingested food.
In one embodiment, the device comprises a shape memory metal and self-expands
once
deployed to change from the pre-deployment shape to the post-deployment shape.
In another
embodiment, the device comprises a temperature sensitive metal that is cooled
in its pre-
deployment shape and then self-expands when exposed to human body temperature
to achieve its
post-deployment shape. In another embodiment, an expansion tool is used to
apply minimal
mechanical force to change the device shape from its pre-deployment shape to
its post-deployment
shape. In another embodiment, a plastic, polymer, carbon fiber or a
bioresorbable material is used
to construct the intragastric device.
In one embodiment, the wire structure contains differently weighted material
to assist in
proper positioning within the stomach. In one embodiment, lighter weighted
material is positioned
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at the top of the wire structure proximate to the top openings and heavier
weighted material is
positioned at the bottom of the structure, proximate to the bottom openings.
This differential
weighting insures that the device will be properly situated within the stomach
to effectuate the
intended effect of slower gastric emptying. In addition, the differential
weighting provides for
proper gastric positioning without the need of physically anchoring the wire
mesh structure to the
stomach wall. The differential weight property can also be provided by the
ingested food material
that enters the device and is selectively accumulated toward the bottom of the
device facilitated by
the gravitational pull. The differential weight can also be provided by using
different amounts of
material in the top and bottom halves. The wire mesh structure is free to move
about within the
stomach while still maintaining its correct top to bottom alignment
facilitated by the gravitational
pull.
In one embodiment, the device comprises a wire mesh structure which, when in
the post-
deployment shape, includes mesh openings between the wires of the mesh
structure. In one
embodiment, the mesh openings are greater than 1 mm in diameter. In one
embodiment, the wires
of the wire mesh structure are coated with a corrosion-resistant material. The
corrosion resistant
material prevents exposure and subsequent degradation of the wires of the wire
mesh structure
from acidic gastric contents once deployed. The corrosion-resistant material
completely covers
the wires of the wire mesh but does not cover the mesh openings In one
embodiment, the
corrosion-resistant material comprises parylene. Parylene is beneficial as a
coating in that it is
durable, may mitigate nickel ion leaching, and has a lower profile (is thinner
once applied). In
various embodiments, the corrosion-resistant material comprises silicone,
polyester, polyether
ether ketone (PEEK), a medical grade epoxy, ceramic, an additional metal, or
any other suitable,
flexible corrosive resistant material. In one embodiment, the coating metal is
tantalum. Tantalum
provides corrosive resistance and radio-opacity. In one embodiment, wherein
the coating is
ceramic, the ceramic coating has a thickness of several angstroms. In various
embodiments, any
one or combination of the above corrosive resistant materials is used to coat
the metal of the wire
mesh structure.
In one embodiment, the mesh openings are differentially structured to regulate
the flow of
food in and out of the mesh. In one embodiment, at least one opening on the
bottom half of the
device is larger than any of the openings on the upper half of the device,
allowing food entering
the mesh to exit without the need for further reduction in size of food
material.
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In another embodiment, the intragastric device further includes an anti-
migration
component, or collar, coupled to a portion of its distal end. The anti-
migration component, similar
to the wire mesh of the intragastric device, is configurable between a first,
compressed
configuration for delivery, and a second, expanded configuration once
deployed. The anti-
migration component functions as a physical stopper preventing passage of the
intragastric device
through the pylorus. In various embodiments, the anti-migration component has
a diameter that
is greater than the diameter of a relaxed pylon's. In one embodiment, the anti-
migration
component comprises an extension of the wire mesh structure of the
intragastric device. In another
embodiment, the anti-migration component is a separate piece of wire mesh
which is attached to
a portion of the distal end of the intragastric device. In various
embodiments, the anti-migration
component has a shape approximating a bumper, half-bumper, disc, saucer, or
any other shape
which will prevent migration of the device past the pylorus. In general, the
anti-migration collar
has a dimension, such as a diameter or length, which 1) is greater than a
diameter of the distal
opening of the wire mesh structure and 2) is attached to, or integrally formed
with, the wire mesh
structure distal to the distal opening. In one embodiment, such a diameter or
length is in a range
of 10 mm to 300 mm.
In other embodiments, a sleeve can be attached to the intragastric device,
where the sleeve
extends from the stomach into the duodenum where it empties, or through the
duodenum and into
the jejunum. In one embodiment, the sleeve functions to transit the
sequestered chyme from the
wire mesh structure directly to the mid duodenum or mid-jejunum. In another
embodiment, the
sleeve is coupled to the intragastric device but does not directly receive
food from the device. In
this embodiment, the proximal end of the sleeve is distal to the device and
receives food directly
from either the stomach or the duodenum. The food entering the sleeve exits at
the distal end, into
the duodenum or jejunum, bypassing a portion of the small intestine.
The sleeve therefore acts to bypass portions of the gastrointestinal (GI)
tract in order to
limit the absorption of specific materials in the intestine. The benefits
provided by a sleeve are
similar to those provided by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, namely, weight
loss and
improvement of type II diabetes.
After implantation, the gastrointestinal device of the present specification,
particularly the
collar, is in constant physical contact with the patient's anatomy without
being actually physically
attached to the patient's anatomy. This is accomplished by the sleeve being
pulled down by the
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peristaltic actions of the small intestine. As the sleeve is pulled down, the
collar of the wire mesh
structure contacts the stomach proximal to the pylorus. The sleeve is
constantly in physical
contact with the pylorus. However, this constant contact with the pylorus does
not block food
passage. The openings of the wire mesh structure and the lumen of the sleeve
pass food through
pylorus without occluding it at any point, allowing the food to pass into the
intestines. The
intragastric device of the present specification physically engages the
gastric emptying region of
stomach without fully occluding it any point. The intragastric device of the
present specification
functions as a variable outlet drain and does not act as a stopper to the
passage of food.
The gastrointestinal device of the present specification is designed to
maximize the amount
of food captured and passed through the sleeve and into the intestines rather
than minimizing the
amount of food passing into intestines. By being in constant contact with the
pylorus and stomach,
the device is designed to prevent food from passing around and outside of it.
In various
embodiments, at least 10% of the food exiting a patient's stomach passes
through the device and
not around the device. In one embodiment, at least 50% of the food exiting a
patient's stomach
passes through the device and not around the device. In various embodiments,
this food that passes
into the device and through the sleeve never comes into contact with the
patient's duodenum,
thereby allowing the device to function as a true pyloric bypass.
In one embodiment, the device is an inflatable balloon with an attached
sleeve, wherein the
balloon is not in fluid communication with a lumen of the sleeve and the
balloon merely acts to
hold the sleeve in position without the need to anchor or fix the sleeve to
the gastrointestinal wall.
The balloon can be inflated or deflated with fluid and is designed to reside
in a person's stomach.
The sleeve is flexibly attached to the balloon and has a proximal opening and
a distal opening
wherein the proximal opening is designed to reside proximal to a patient's
ampulla and the distal
opening is designed to reside distal to a patient's ampulla. Partially
digested food enters the
proximal opening and exits the distal opening, bypassing the ampullary region.
The sleeve is not
anchored or fixed to any portion of the gastrointestinal wall.
Wire Mesh Structure
In various embodiments, the intragastric device comprises a porous three
dimensional
structure having a pre-deployment shape and a post-deployment shape. In one
embodiment, the

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device, in the post-deployment configuration, comprises a three dimensional
wire mesh structure
defining an internal volume and having a proximal end and a distal end.
In various embodiments, the wire mesh structure includes free ends or 'nodes'
comprising
bends or curves in the wire of the wire mesh structure wherein these bends or
curves are
unsupported and not connected to any other portion of the wire mesh. In some
embodiments, the
wire mesh structure includes two pluralities of nodes. A first plurality is
positioned at the proximal
end of the structure and a second plurality is positioned at the distal end of
the structure. When
the wire mesh structure is compressed to its pre-deployment configuration, the
first and second
plurality of nodes at the proximal and distal ends of the structure
respectively, become gathered
together or 'bunched up'. This creates a larger cross-sectional area (or
diameter) at the proximal
and distal ends of the structure when compared to the cross-sectional area of
the compressed
structure between said ends. As its cross-sectional area becomes larger, the
compressed wire mesh
structure becomes increasingly difficult to deploy through a narrow delivery
device or catheter.
This delivery problem can be addressed in at least two different ways. In
various embodiments,
the number of nodes in each plurality of nodes is reduced. Reducing the number
of nodes in each
plurality makes the structure easier to compress and creates a smaller cross-
sectional area at the
ends of the structure. This reduces the force applied by the compressed
structure to the delivery
catheter, thereby making it easier to pass the compressed structure through
the catheter. In various
embodiments, a portion of the nodes from one or both of the first and second
plurality of nodes is
moved from said ends of the structure and positioned along the body of the
structure, creating
additional pluralities of nodes. This 'staggering' of the nodes reduces the
cross-sectional area of
the compressed structure at any given point and distributes the force applied
by the compressed
structure to the delivery catheter, again easing the passage of the delivery
structure through the
catheter. In various embodiments, the number of nodes in each plurality is
reduced and the nodes
are staggered in multiple pluralities throughout the structure to reduce and
distribute the force
applied by the compressed structure to the delivery catheter. Reducing and
distributing said force
allows for easier delivery and for the use of a delivery catheter having a
smaller diameter. Reduced
and distributed forces also allow for the creation of larger mesh structures
that can be compressed
to smaller sizes
In various embodiments, each plurality of nodes comprises 10 to 100 individual
nodes. In
one embodiment, each plurality of nodes comprises 44 nodes. In another
embodiment, each
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plurality of nodes comprises 36 nodes. In various embodiments, a wire mesh
structure includes 2
to 60 pluralities of nodes distributed latitudinally at different locations
along its length. In one
embodiment, the nodes are staggered such that at least 10% of the total number
of nodes in the
structure are positioned at the proximal and distal ends. In various
embodiments, no more than
75% of the total number of nodes are positioned in any one plurality of nodes.
In various
embodiments, the nodes are distributed within at least three different lateral
pluralities along the
length of the structure.
The compressibility of the wire mesh structure also depends on the flexibility
of the mesh.
The flexibility, in turn, depends upon, among other variables, the thickness
of the wire, the angle
of wire intersections, and the number of wires. Regarding the angle of wire
intersections, as the
wires of the structure are arranged more parallel to one another, the
structure becomes more
flexible. In various embodiments, the wire mesh structure, in a pre-deployment
configuration, has
an overall length of 5 to 50 cm and each wire has a thickness in a range of
0.1 to 1 mm. In one
embodiment, each wire has a thickness of 0.44 mm. The wires of the wire mesh
structure have a
bending strain which determines how they behave as the structure is
compressed. In various
embodiments, the wires are comprised of a shape memory metal, such as, in one
embodiment,
Nitinol. The shape memory metal has a certain bending strain percentage beyond
which the metal
loses its ability to exactly regain its previous shape The strain percentage
(%) can be defined by
the following formula:
strain % = 2t/R x 100
wherein t = thickness of the wire and R = radius of the bend. In one
embodiment, once the
strain percentage reaches 8 %, a permanent change is introduced to the shape
memory metal such
that it will no longer return fully to its original shape. This factor becomes
important as the wire
mesh structure is compressed to its pre-deployment shape for delivery. In
various embodiments,
the wire mesh structure includes a collar or circular extension of the wire
mesh at its distal end
which functions as an anti-migration component. This collar must me folded out
distally during
compression such that the compressed structure will fit into the delivery
device or catheter. A
'bump' in the wire mesh structure is introduced as the collar is folded out
during compression. A
strain percentage of less than 8 % creates a smaller bump in the compressed
wire mesh structure,
allowing for easier passage of the compressed structure through a delivery
catheter. Therefore, in
various embodiments, the wire mesh structure is configured having a wire
thickness and a bend
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radius at the collar such that the strain percentage at the collar will be no
more than 20 %, and
preferably less than 8 %. In various embodiments, the radius of the collar is
less than 10 times the
wire thickness. In various embodiments, the strain percentage is in a range of
0.1 to 20 %. In
various embodiments, the wire of the wire mesh has a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0
mm and the collar
has a bend radius of 0.013 to 20 cm. In one embodiment, the wire of the wire
mesh has a thickness
of 0.4 mm. In various embodiments, the wire thickness and bend radius are
configured to satisfy
the following statement:
2t < R < 2000t
wherein t = thickness of the wire and R = radius of the bend.
In various embodiments, the ends of the wire(s) of the wire mesh structure are
terminated
in such a way to minimize the possibility of traumatic injury to body tissues
during delivery and
retrieval and while deployed. In some embodiments, the wire mesh structure
comprises a single
wire folded into a three dimensional structure. In other embodiments, the wire
mesh structure
comprises more than one wire joined and folded into a three dimensional
structure. In various
embodiments, the free ends of the wire or wires are joined by crimping a
titanium tube or Nitinol
(or other shape memory metal) tube over said free ends. In other embodiments,
the free ends of
the wire or wires are joined by spot welding said free ends together. In one
embodiment, the
intersections of the wires are not welded. In another embodiment, the
intersections of the wires
are welded.
Sleeve
In various embodiments, the intragastric device of the present specification
further
comprises a flexible sleeve component coupled to the wire mesh structure. In
multiple
embodiments, any of the wire mesh structures discussed above is coupled with
any of the sleeve
components discussed below. The sleeve component comprises an elongate tubular
body having
a proximal end and a distal end a lumen within.
In one embodiment, the sleeve has a consistent diameter along its entire
length. In other
embodiments, the sleeve comprises a funnel shape proximate its proximal end
wherein the
diameter of the sleeve is greatest at the first opening at the proximal end of
the sleeve body and
then decreases gradually as it extends distally until it reaches a minimum
diameter at a position
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proximal to the midpoint of its length. The diameter then remains constant
distally along the
remainder of its length.
In various embodiments, wherein the wire mesh structure includes a collar at
its distal end,
the proximal end of the sleeve is attached to the bottom surface of said
collar by one of the means
listed above. In various embodiments, when the device is compressed into its
pre-deployment
configuration, the sleeve body is pulled upon to assist in folding out the
collar. If the proximal
end of the sleeve is attached to the bottom surface of the collar as described
above, the collar is
not fully straightened when folded out, resulting in the creation of a large
bulge at the collar when
the device is in the pre-deployment configuration. The bulge has a large
diameter comprising the
thickness of the wire mesh structure and double the thickness of the sleeve.
Therefore, in preferred
embodiments, the proximal end of the sleeve is attached to the free ends, or
nodes, of the collar by
a plurality of loose sutures. The sleeve is sutured to each node much similar
to the way in which
the fabric of an umbrella is attached to the end of each spine of the
umbrella. When an umbrella
is closed, the fabric collapses down to allow for compression. The
intragastric device of the present
specification functions in a similar manner. In various embodiments, as the
wire mesh structure
is compressed for loading onto a delivery device, the distal end of the sleeve
is pulled upon. The
loose sutures attaching the sleeve to the nodes of the wire mesh allow the
sleeve to move relative
to the wire mesh such that the collar is pulled distally and extended into a
more linear shape. Such
an attachment avoids the creation of a large bulge at the collar of the pre-
deployment configuration.
When the sleeve body is pulled upon during compression, the collar is folded
out more completely
and the resultant bulge has a smaller diameter, comprising only the thickness
of the wire mesh
structure. In various embodiments, when the intragastric device is in the pre-
deployment
configuration, there is minimum to zero overlap between the collar and the
sleeve. Upon
deployment, the shape memory properties of the wire mesh structure cause the
collar to pull the
sleeve onto itself as it expands, much like an umbrella expanding its fabric
as it opens.
In various embodiments, each node at the distal end of the wire mesh structure
(or collar)
is attached to the proximal end of the sleeve via a suture. This can lead to
bulking at the attachment
of the wire mesh structure to the sleeve. Therefore, in other embodiments,
fewer nodes are sutured
to the sleeve. For example, in one embodiment, every other node is sutured to
the sleeve to reduce
the number of suture knots and decrease bulking. The inclusion of glue and
multiple loops in each
suture knot can also lead to bulking at the attachment point of the wire mesh
structure to the sleeve.
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As such, in various embodiments, glue is not used and each suture knot is
limited to one loop.
Suturing of the sleeve to the nodes can lead to sliding of the suture knots
along the length of wire
comprising the nodes, resulting in unintended movement of the sleeve relative
to the wire mesh
structure. To prevent sliding, in various embodiments, each suture knot is
placed at the first
junctions of the wires proximal to each node. In effect, each suture is then
placed over two wires
and cannot slide along one or the other. To eliminate excessive bulking, in
various embodiments,
fewer than every first wire junction is sutured to the sleeve For example, in
one embodiment,
every other first wire junction is sutured to the sleeve.
In various embodiments, any sharp ends of wires in the wire mesh and/or sleeve
are
crimped and looped onto themselves or looped outward to act as pulling points
for moving the
sleeve into the intestines or for connecting the sleeve to the wire mesh
structure.
The distal end of the sleeve can be designed to be weighted so that the sleeve
remains in
an elongated shape extending through a portion of the duodenum. In one
embodiment, the sleeve
includes a small weight attached to its distal end. In another embodiment,
wherein the second
opening at the distal end of the sleeve body is positioned along the sleeve
body at its distal end,
the distal end of the sleeve body further includes a blind pouch. The blind
pouch functions to
intermittently trap a small portion of food or fluid there within The trapped
food or fluid acts to
weigh down the distal end of the sleeve body, thereby keeping the sleeve
component elongated
In one embodiment, the distal end of the sleeve is reinforced with at least a
second layer to assist
in keeping the distal end positioned downward and prevent it from folding up.
In one embodiment, the sleeve comprises a wire mesh configuration having a
plurality of
nodes, similar to the configuration described above for the wire mesh
structure.
In another embodiment, the sleeve component comprises a membrane that is
flexible and
compressible by the contractions of the small intestine. In one embodiment,
the sleeve includes a
minimum level of structure which imparts upon the sleeve a minimum amount of
structural
strength to resist buckling from gastrointestinal forces and remain
functional. In one embodiment,
the minimum level of structure comprises a single structure extending along at
least 10% of a
length of the sleeve to provide the sleeve with linear strength. In various
embodiments, the single
structure is a straight wire, a wire helix, or a wire mesh. In one embodiment,
the membranous
sleeve component comprises a plurality of horizontal and/or vertical support
elements along the
length of the sleeve body. In one embodiment, the horizontal elements include
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apart along the length of the sleeve body. In various embodiments, the rings
are spaced between
2 and 24 inches apart. In one embodiment, the rings are spaced 6 inches apart.
In one embodiment,
the vertical support elements include elongate metal wires. In various
embodiments, the wires are
between 2 and 60 inches in length. In one embodiment, the metal wires are 6
inches in length. In
another embodiment, the membranous sleeve component comprises a spiral metal
wire extending
along its length. The spiral metal wire provides support to the sleeve
component and maintains its
elongated shape. In various embodiments, the spiral metal wire is comprised of
a shape memory
metal, such as Nitinol. The spiral metal wire must not be too tight such that,
once the sleeve in
compressed for delivery, it becomes kinked and cannot regain its full shape.
In various
embodiments, the spiral metal wire of the sleeve has a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0
mm. In one
embodiment, the spiral metal wire of the sleeve has a thickness of 0.2 mm. As
similarly discussed
above with reference to the collar bend radius, the bend radius of the spiral
metal wire of the sleeve
should be such to create a strain percentage that will be in a range of 0.1 to
20 %, and preferably
less than 8 %. In various embodiments, the strain percentage (9/0) of the
spiral metal wire can be
defined by the following formula:
_d x [ 1 1 I
Strain% = x 100
2 [Rf Ri
wherein d is the diameter of the wire, 1?f is the final bend radius, and Ri is
the initial bend
radius. Therefore, in various embodiments, the spiral metal wire has a pitch
in a range of 5 to 150
mm. In one embodiment, the spiral metal wire has a pitch of 60 mm. In various
embodiments,
the sleeve includes more than one spiral metal wire to provide greater support
while still preventing
permanent kinking. In one embodiment, the sleeve includes three spiral metal
wires wherein each
individual wire has a pitch of 60 mm and the wires are spaced such that the
pitch between two
separate wires is 20 mm. In another embodiment, the sleeve includes six spiral
or helical wires to
provide structural support to the sleeve. In various embodiments, the membrane
of the sleeve
component extends proximally onto the lower portion of the wire mesh structure
and covers all or
a portion of said lower portion.
The sleeve is flexible and compressible such that during delivery it is
restrained in a
compressed configuration on the distal end of a delivery device. In one
embodiment, the sleeve
telescopes into itself to shorten its length and facilitate delivery. In
addition, when the device is in
the pre-deployment configuration, the sleeve can be folded onto itself to
shorten its length and
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assist with placement in a delivery device or catheter. In various
embodiments, the sleeve is folded
2 to 10 times upon itself and then folded or wrapped along a delivery device
or catheter for
delivery. In one embodiment, the sleeve is fed coaxially over a guidewire, a
delivery device or
catheter. In another embodiment, the sleeve is folded along the side or around
a delivery device
or catheter. This helps prevent the sleeve from sticking to the guidewire
and/or delivery
device/catheter as the guidewire and delivery device/catheter are retracted,
which is sometimes
encountered when the sleeve has been fed coaxi ally over the guidewire or
delivery device/catheter.
In other embodiments, some intragastric devices of the present embodiment
include a
sleeve having a shorter length than the lengths described above. In various
embodiments, the short
sleeve has an overall length of 100 - 120 mm. In various embodiments, the
short sleeve has a
funnel shape or cone shape. In some embodiments, the short sleeve comprises a
wire formed into
a wire mesh structure or braid having a plurality of nodes, similar to the
configuration described
above for the wire mesh structure. In one embodiment, the braid is created
using a single wire. In
one embodiment, the wire is composed of a shape memory metal. In one
embodiment, the shape
memory metal is Nitinol. In other embodiments, the braid is created by machine
braiding multiple
wires. In some embodiments, the pitch, or distance between nodes, is uniform.
In other
embodiments, the pitch is variable. The ends of the braid are designed to be
atraumatic. In one
embodiment, the ends are blunted. In another embodiment, the ends are capped
with a soft
polymeric tip. In some embodiments, a portion of the short sleeve is coated
with a covering. In
.. some embodiments, the covered portion comprises the floating nodes. In one
embodiment, the
covering is silicone. In various embodiments, the diameter of the proximal end
of the sleeve is
approximately equal to the outer diameter of an anti-migration collar at the
distal end of a wire
mesh structure. In such embodiments, the proximal end of the sleeve is fitted
over and attaches to
the anti-migration collar. In other embodiments, the diameter of the proximal
end of the sleeve is
smaller than the outer diameter of an anti-migration collar and approximately
equal to the diameter
of a neck of the collar connecting said collar to said wire mesh structure. In
these embodiments,
the proximal end of the sleeve is attached to said neck of said collar.
In one embodiment, the number of nodes is uniform across the braid In one
embodiment,
the number of nodes is 24. In other embodiments, the number of nodes is
variable across the braid.
.. For example, in various embodiments, the short sleeve braid includes 24
nodes at the proximal end
and 18 or 12 nodes at the distal end. In these embodiments, the nodes
comprising the difference
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in number of nodes between the two ends (for example, 6 or 12 nodes) are
floating nodes and are
positioned along the body of the short sleeve.
Once an intragastric device having a short sleeve is deployed, the short
sleeve
intermittently engages and blocks a patient's pylorus without being anchored
to the pylorus. This
prevents food from passing through the pylorus and forces the food to pass
through the short sleeve
from the stomach and into the duodenum, thus regulating gastric outflow. In
various embodiments,
an opening at the distal end of the short sleeve is 1 ¨30 mm in diameter
wherein the size of the
diameter determines the rate of gastric outflow. In one embodiment, the
opening can be 0 mm
when the pylorus is engaged, thereby completely blocking outflow. Therefore,
food is allowed to
enter the duodenum from the stomach only when the pylorus is not engaged or
only partially
engaged.
In various embodiments, the sleeve has a high coefficient of friction compared
to sleeves
of the prior art. In various embodiments, the sleeve has a coefficient of
friction ranging from 0.01
¨ 0.45. In one embodiment, the sleeve has a coefficient of friction equal to
or less than 0.10. It
has been encountered with relatively smooth sleeves that, during deployment,
the smooth sleeve
can become stuck to the inside of a delivery catheter or stuck to itself,
resulting in destruction of
the sleeve as force is applied to free the sleeve. Therefore, a sleeve with a
rougher outer surface
can be easier to feed into a delivery device or catheter and then deploy. In
various embodiments,
the sleeve includes a matte outer surface. In other embodiments, a particulate
matter or relatively
rough substance, such as corn starch or biocompatible powder, is applied to
the outer surface of
the sleeve prior to loading the sleeve into a delivery device and deployment.
In various embodiments, the sleeve includes one or more radiopaque markers to
ensure
proper positioning of the sleeve using radiographic imaging. In various
embodiments, the
radiopaque markers include a plurality of individual markings along an outer
surface of the sleeve
body. In other embodiments, the radiopaque marker includes a single line
extending along an
outer surface of the sleeve body. A spiraled single line can indicate twisting
of the sleeve. In still
other embodiments, the radiopaque markers include a plurality of individual
markings and a single
line extending along an outer surface of the sleeve body. In other
embodiments, no radiopaque
markings are necessary as the wire thickness of the support elements of the
sleeve is great enough
to allow for radiographic visualization.
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Retrieval Mechanism
In various embodiments, the wire mesh structure or wire mesh structure with
coupled
sleeve component includes one or more retrieval mechanisms with at least one
retrieval mechanism
positioned proximate the at least one opening at the proximal end of the wire
mesh structure. In
one embodiment, the retrieval mechanism comprises an 80 lb. break strength
rated retrieval suture.
Anti-Migration Component
In various embodiments, the wire mesh structure or wire mesh structure with
coupled
sleeve component includes one or more anti-migration components or collars. In
one embodiment,
the anti-migration component is comprised of a metal. In one embodiment, the
metal is a shape
memory metal, such as Nitinol. The anti-migration component is preferably
positioned at the distal
end of the wire mesh structure (at the junction of the wire mesh structure
with the sleeve
component in the embodiment of the device including a sleeve) and, once the
device is deployed,
comes to rest proximal to the pylorus. The anti-migration component functions
to prevent passage
of the wire mesh structure or entire device through the pylorus. The anti-
migration component is
in the form of a collar, an open torus, or a surface of revolution generated
by revolving a semi-
circle in three-dimensional space about an axis extending through the center
of the wire mesh
(spherical or elliptical) device or the center of the opening of the lower
portion of the wire mesh
device.
In various embodiments, various components of the device, including the wire
mesh
structure, retrieval mechanism, and/or anti-migration component are coated
with a therapeutic drug
to enhance functionality of the device.
In various embodiments, the wire mesh structure, hook, and/or anti-migration
component
include a radiopaque marker for radiographic visualization to facilitate
delivery and retrieval. In
various embodiments, the wire mesh structure, hook, and/or anti-migration
component include an
ultrasound marker for ultrasound visualization to facilitate delivery and
retrieval.
Delivery Device
The present specification also discloses various embodiments of a delivery
device used to
deploy an intragastric device in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. An
intragastric device is
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preloaded onto a delivery device which is then used to deliver the wire mesh
of the intragastric
device into the stomach and the sleeve of the intragastric device into the
proximal small intestine.
In one embodiment, a delivery device comprises an elongate tubular body having
a coaxial
plunger and catheter and a plurality of handles. The handles are manipulated
to deploy the sleeve
and wire mesh structure of the intragastric device in multiple stages. In one
embodiment, the
tubular body includes a trigger which controls movement of the various
components of the delivery
device to effectuate intragastric device deployment
In various embodiments, the intragastric device can be retrieved using a
standard overtube,
endoscope, and grasper.
The present invention is directed towards multiple embodiments. The following
disclosure
is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to
practice the invention.
Language used in this specification should not be interpreted as a general
disavowal of any one
specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond the meaning of the
terms used therein. The
general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and
applications without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology
and phraseology used
is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be
considered limiting.
Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing
numerous
alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and
features disclosed
For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known
in the technical fields
related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to
unnecessarily obscure the
present invention.
Figure 1 is an illustration of an upper gastrointestinal system. After
swallowing, food
passes rapidly through the esophagus 111 into the stomach 112. There, it is
digested for a period
of time and undergoes the process of dilution to an iso-osmotic concentration
by grinding and
mixing with gastric juices. The stomach 112 relaxes to accommodate the volume
of ingested food.
As the stomach 112 gets filled with food the sensation of fullness or satiety
is generated by stretch
receptors in the gastric wall and the person stops eating. The iso-osmotic
food, known as chyme,
then passes through the pylorus 113 into the duodenum 114. Passage of chyme
into the duodenum
114 results in the release of enzyme rich pancreatic secretions from the
pancreas 115 and bile salt
rich biliary secretions from the liver 116. The biliary secretions travel
through the common bile
duct 117 where they combine with the pancreatic secretions arriving through
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118 and the two ducts combine to form the ampulla of vater 119. The ampulla of
vater 119 serves
as the entry point for the secretions to be deposited into the duodenum 114.
In the jejunum 120,
the mixing of pancreatic and biliary secretions with the chyme results in the
digestion of proteins,
fats, and carbohydrates, which are then absorbed into the blood stream.
Figure 2A is an illustration of a wire mesh structure 201 of an intragastric
device in a post-
deployment configuration with a proximally sloping anti-migration disc or
collar 204 extending
from or attached to its distal end, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification
The wire mesh structure 201 comprises a three dimensional porous structure
having an internal
volume. The wire mesh structure 201 has an oval shape and includes a retrieval
mechanism 203.
In one embodiment, the retrieval mechanism is a silk suture loop. In one
embodiment, the retrieval
mechanism is an 80 lb. retrieval suture. The anti-migration collar 204 is
proximally sloping in that
it comprises a distal portion of the wire mesh structure 201 that is folded
such that the distally
directed end of the wire mesh structure 201 is made to point toward the
proximal end of the wire
mesh structure 201. In other embodiments, the collar 204 comprises any
curved/atraumatic
structure positioned circumferentially around the distal end of the wire mesh
structure 201. The
collar 204 helps prevent the wire mesh structure 201 from entering and passing
through the
pylorus. In one embodiment, the wire mesh structure 201 includes a bulbous,
predominantly
spherical or ovoid proximal end and an expanded distal end. In one embodiment,
the distal half
of the structure is covered with a membrane to impede the passage of food out
of the structure 201,
directing the food through a distal opening. In one embodiment, the structure
201 has an optional
anti-reflux valve at the proximal end and another optional valve at the distal
end. The valve at the
distal end acts to control the flow of chyme or partially digested food from
the inside of the
structure 201 to the outside of the structure 201.
Figure 2B is an illustration of a wire mesh structure 210 in a post-deployment
configuration
with a proximally curving anti-migration collar 214 formed at its distal end,
in accordance with
one embodiment of the present specification. The wire mesh structure 210 has
an oval shape with
a proximal end and a distal end. The wire mesh structure 210 includes a first
opening 211 at its
proximal end and a second opening 219 at its distal end. The wire mesh
structure 210 includes
staggered nodes 216, 218 within its body to facilitate compression for
delivery and removal. The
wire mesh structure 210 also includes a set of staggered nodes 217 at its
proximal end. The
staggered nodes 217 at the proximal end provide a location for grasping,
thereby enhancing ease
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of retrieval The anti-migration collar 214 is formed from a continuation of
the wire of the wire
mesh structure 210 at its distal end. The anti-migration collar 214 bends
proximally, toward the
body of the wire mesh structure 210, and its ends 215 are formed in a rounded
fashion to be
atraumatic to body tissues. In various embodiments, the wire mesh structure
210 has no sharp
edges, preventing the occurrence of abrasions, and a radial force high enough
to prevent any
significant or permanent deformation by gastric contractions and passage
through the pylorus, but
low enough such that the wire mesh structure 210 is not too rigid, allowing it
to be affected by
gastric contractions enough to facilitate movement of food through the wire
mesh structure 210
In some embodiments, the wire mesh structure can withstand a contractile force
up to 200 mm Hg
without being completely compressed. The anti-migration collar 214 is defined
by a surface of
revolution generated by revolving a semi-circle in three-dimensional space
about an
axis extending through a center of the second opening 219 of the lower portion
of the wire mesh
device. The collar 214 is also defined by a diameter equal to or greater than
25 mm.
FIG. 2C is another illustration of a wire mesh structure, in accordance with
one
embodiment of the present specification. In various embodiments, the length of
the wire mesh
structure measured from a proximal end 222 to a distal end 224 of anti-
migration collar 214 ranges
from 169 mm to 180 mm. In some embodiments, the length measured from the
proximal end 222
to a distal end 226 of the oval structure is approximately 141 mm and the
length of the anti-
migration collar 214 measured from a proximal end 228 to a distal end 224 of
the anti-migration
collar 214 ranges from 31 mm to 36 mm. In an embodiment, a length of a middle
portion 230 of
the oval structure is approximately 109 mm measured from a distal end of a
proximal set of nodes
233 to a proximal end of a distal set of nodes 239, while that of portion 232
is 117 mm measured
from a proximal end of the proximal set of nodes 233 to a distal end of a
distal set of nodes 239.
Also, in an embodiment, lengths of a proximal portion 234 extending from said
proximal end 222
to said proximal end of said proximal set of nodes and a distal portion 236
extending from said
distal end of said distal set of nodes 239 to said distal end 226 of the oval
structure are 12 mm. In
other embodiments, length of portion 232 ranges between 114 mm and 129 mm,
while the lengths
of proximal and distal portions 234, 236 of the oval structure ranges from 8
mm to 12 mm and 7
mm to 14 mm respectively. In embodiments, an inner diameter 238 of anti-
migration collar 214,
defining an opening at the distal end 224 of the device, ranges from 27 mm to
35 mm while an
outer diameter 240, defining the outer limit of the anti-migration collar 214,
ranges from 58 mm
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to 77 mm. Further, in some embodiments, the diameter of the wire mesh
structure at a center widest
part of the oval structure ranges from 116 mm to 123 mm. In embodiments, a
diameter of a circular
opening 250 at the proximal end 222 ranges from 17 mm to 20 mm.
As explained with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the wire mesh structure
comprises a
plurality of openings or gaps 242 forming the mesh. In some embodiments, the
gaps 242 are
diamond shaped as a result of the criss-crossing pattern of the wire of the
wire mesh structure In
an embodiment, a width 244 of the gaps 242 in the middle portion 230 of the
mesh ranges from
9.6 mm to 9.7 mm while a length 246 is 16 mm. In various embodiments,
individual pieces of
wire, such as wire piece 248, are joined together using processes such as
riveting or crimping to
than the wire mesh structure. In some embodiments, the length of wire piece
248 ranges from 5
mm to 5.5 mm and its diameter is approximately 1 mm.
In embodiments, as explained with reference to FIG. 3D and 3E, the wire mesh
structure
comprises a plurality of loops formed in the wires of the mesh proximal end
222, distal end 224 of
anti-migration collar 214, and distal end 236 of the oval structure. In some
embodiments, a
thickness of the wire forming the loops, such as wire loop 252 shown in FIG.
2C, is approximately
0.4 mm, the diameter of the circular portion 254 of wire loop 252 is
approximately 2 mm, and a
thickness 256 of the loop 252 is approximately 1 mm. In an embodiment, the
distal end 224 of
anti-migration collar 214 comprises 9 loops such as the wire loop 252 shown in
FIG 2C
Figure 3A is an illustration depicting a plurality of free ends or nodes 301,
302 positioned
at a proximal end and a distal end of a wire mesh structure, in accordance
with one embodiment
of the present specification. Nodes 301 are positioned at the proximal end of
a wire mesh structure
and nodes 302 are positioned at a distal end of a wire mesh structure. The
nodes comprise bends
or curves in the wires of the wire mesh structure which are unsupported or not
connected to other
portions of the wire mesh. In other words, the nodes are the loops or bends
comprising the free
ends at each end of the wire mesh structure. Each wire mesh structure
comprises at least two
pluralities of nodes, one plurality of nodes 301 at its proximal end and at
least one plurality of
nodes 302 at its distal end. Other wire mesh structure embodiments, for
example, those discussed
with reference to Figures 3B and 3C below, comprise more than two pluralities
of nodes which
imparts greater compressibility to the wire mesh structures. Such wire mesh
structures include
free ends or nodes at each end of the structure plus free ends or nodes
positioned at lateral locations
along the body length of the structure.
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Figure 3B is an illustration depicting a plurality of overlapping nodes 303
positioned at one
end of a wire mesh structure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification. As
depicted in Figure 3B, the nodes 303 are all positioned at the same lateral
location. This creates a
bulge in said lateral location when the wire mesh structure is compressed into
its pre-deployment
configuration. The bulge creates drag force on a delivery device or catheter
during delivery of the
wire mesh structure Figure 3C is an illustration depicting a first plurality
of nodes 304 positioned
at one end of a wire mesh structure and a second plurality of nodes 305
positioned proximal to the
first plurality of nodes 304, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification. The
two pluralities of nodes 304, 305 are staggered across two different lateral
locations in Figure 3C.
The staggering of nodes results in a smaller bulge when the wire mesh
structure is compressed into
its pre-deployment shape, resulting in less drag force applied to a delivery
device or catheter and
therefore easier delivery and retrieval of the wire mesh structure.
Figure 3D is an illustration of first and second pluralities of nodes 306, 307
at an end of a
wire mesh structure, depicting loops 308 formed in the wires of the first
plurality 306 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present specification. Referring to Figure 3D, the
loops 308 extend
in a direction toward the center of the wire mesh structure. In other
embodiments, the loops extend
outward in a direction away from the center of the wire mesh structure In some
embodiments,
the loops 308 serve as attachment points for other device components, for
example, a sleeve
component, as further discussed with reference to Figures 4B and 4C.
Figure 3E is an illustration of first and second pluralities of nodes 316, 317
at an end of a
wire mesh structure, depicting loops 318 formed in the wires of the second
plurality 317 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. Figure 3F is an
illustration of first
and second pluralities of nodes 310, 319 at an end of a wire mesh structure,
depicting loops 313,
314 formed in alternating wires of both the first 310 and second 319
pluralities, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present specification. The wire loop embodiments
depicted in Figures 3D
through 3F only disclose various options for node looping and are not intended
to be limiting. In
various embodiments, any number or percentage of the wires of a first
plurality of nodes, a second
plurality of nodes, or both a first and second plurality of nodes, may be
looped. For example, in
one embodiment, only the outermost nodes, with respect to a center of the wire
mesh structure, are
looped. In another embodiment, only the nodes just proximal to the outermost
nodes are looped.
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In some embodiments, a percentage between 0 and 100% of the nodes are looped.
In one
embodiment, 50% of the nodes are looped. In another embodiment, 30% of the
nodes are looped.
Figure 3G is an illustration depicting a wire mesh structure 315 having a
first plurality of
nodes 311 at its proximal end and a second plurality of nodes 312 at its
distal end, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present specification. The wire mesh structure 315
of Figure 3G
includes the fewest plurality of nodes possible (two) and will have the
largest bulges at its proximal
and distal ends when compressed into its pre-deployment configuration. Figure
3H is an
illustration depicting a wire mesh structure 320 having first and second
pluralities of nodes 321,
322 at its proximal and distal ends respectively, and third 323 and fourth 324
pluralities of nodes
distributed along its surface, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification. The
increased number of pluralities of nodes allows for fewer individual nodes to
be positioned at the
lateral location of each plurality. As such, when compressed, the wire mesh
structure will comprise
a bulge at each lateral location of each plurality of nodes but each bulge
will be smaller in diameter
than the bulges at the proximal and distal ends created when the wire mesh
structure seen in Figure
3G is compressed. Therefore, the compressed pre-deployment configuration of
the wire mesh
structure of Figure 3H will create less drag force on a delivery device or
catheter and will be easier
to deploy. Although four pluralities of nodes 321, 322, 323, 324 are depicted
in the wire mesh
structure 320 of Figure 3H, a wire mesh structure can have three or more than
four pluralities of
nodes. In various embodiments, the wire mesh structure includes 2 to 60
pluralities of nodes
positioned at different lateral locations.
Figure 31 is an illustration depicting various possible node shapes in
accordance with
multiple embodiments of the present specification. Possible node shapes
include, but are not
limited to, a sharp bend 331, a shallow bend 332, a pointed bend 333, a
circular bend 334, and a
shape similar to an end of a safety pin 335, including a wire loop 345 at the
end of the node.
Figure 4A is a close-up illustration of an atraumatic anti-migration collar
414 of a wire
mesh structure 410 of an intragastric device 400, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present
specification. The anti-migration collar 414 has a toroid bulb shape and
comprises rounded ends
415 which extend proximally toward the wire mesh structure 410. The rounded
ends 415 are
designed to be atraumatic to body tissues. As discussed above, in some
embodiments, the ends
415 are separated into various nodes to prevent bunching of the wires when
compressed, which
could lead to erosions. The long axis of the collar 412 is curved at an angle
413 greater than 90

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compared to the long axis of the mesh 411 such that the rounded ends 415 are
pointing in the
direction toward the wire mesh structure 410.
Figure 4B is a close-up illustration of an atraumatic anti-migration collar
424 of a wire
mesh structure 421 of an intragastric device 420, in accordance with another
embodiment of the
present specification. The anti-migration collar 424 has a toroid bulb shape
and comprises rounded
ends 425 which extend proximally toward the wire mesh structure 421. The
rounded ends 425 are
designed to be atraumatic to body tissues. In some embodiments, the ends 425
are separated into
various nodes 4271, 427s to prevent bunching of the wires when compressed,
which could lead to
erosions. The nodes include long nodes 4271 and short nodes 427s, wherein the
long nodes 4271
extend further in a proximal direction back toward the top of the wire mesh
structure 421 than the
short nodes 427s. In some embodiments, the collar 424 includes 9 long nodes
4271 and 9 short
nodes 427s. The free ends of the long nodes 4271 include hoops 428 for
suturing a proximal end
of a sleeve component. The hoops 428 extend outward away from the free ends of
the long nodes
4271. In one embodiment, hoops 428a are formed from twisting the free ends of
the long nodes
4271 into a hoop shape. In another embodiment, hoops 428b comprise separate
wire hoops that
are sutured to the free ends of the long nodes 4271. In some embodiments, once
the sleeve is
attached, additional suture knots are placed at the junction of the twist or
separate wire hoop to
prevent sliding of the sleeve attachment.
Figure 4C is a close-up illustration of an atraumatic anti-migration collar
434 of a wire
mesh structure 431 of an intragastric device 430, in accordance with yet
another embodiment of
the present specification. The anti-migration collar 434 has a toroid bulb
shape and comprises
rounded ends 435 which extend proximally toward the wire mesh structure 431.
The rounded ends
435 are designed to be atraumatic to body tissues. In some embodiments, the
ends 435 are
separated into various nodes 4371, 437s to prevent bunching of the wires when
compressed, which
could lead to erosions. The nodes include long nodes 4371 and short nodes
437s, wherein the long
nodes 4371 extend further in a proximal direction back toward the top of the
wire mesh structure
431 than the short nodes 717s. In some embodiments, the collar 434 includes 9
long nodes 4371
and 9 short nodes 437s. The free ends of the long nodes 4371 include hoops 439
for suturing a
proximal end of a sleeve component. The hoops 439 extend inward toward the
curve at the distal
end of the wire mesh structure 431. In one embodiment, hoops 439a are formed
from looping the
free ends of the long nodes 4371 into a hoop shape. In another embodiment,
hoops 439b comprise
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separate wire hoops that are sutured to the free ends of the long nodes 4371.
In some embodiments,
once the sleeve is attached, additional suture knots are placed at the
junction of the loop or separate
wire hoop to prevent sliding of the sleeve attachment.
In some embodiments, a sleeve component is attached to the distal end of the
wire mesh
structure or the collar of the intragastric device. in various embodiments,
the sleeve component
of the present specification is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or
polyethylene or cast
PTFE (e.g., Teflon), PTFE with fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or
perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)
coating, PFA, extruded FEP and extruded PFA or extruded PTFE or a
fluoropolymer or silicone
In one embodiment, a silicone sleeve is manufactured by hand pouring and
braiding. In another
embodiment, a silicone sleeve is manufactured by machine braiding. In various
embodiments, the
sleeve component has a length in a range of 6 inches to 6 feet or longer. In
one embodiment, the
sleeve component has a length of 24 inches. In another embodiment, the sleeve
component has a
length of 30 inches. In various embodiments, the sleeve component has a
diameter in a range of
1 cm to 10 cm. In one embodiment, the sleeve component has a diameter of 3 cm.
Figure 5A is an illustration of a portion of a sleeve component 500 of an
intragastric device
in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification, depicting a single wire support 501 spiraling along the body of
the sleeve 500. The
metal wire needs to have a tight enough spiral to provide support but must not
be too tight such
that, once the sleeve in compressed for delivery, it becomes kinked and cannot
regain its full shape.
Referring to Figure 5A, the spiral metal wire 501 has a pitch depicted by
length / which is equal
to 60 mm. With a wire thickness of 0.1 to 1 mm, this pitch gives the spiral
metal wire a strain
percentage that will be no more than 20 %, and preferably less than 8 %.
Figure 5B is an illustration of a portion of a sleeve component 505 of an
intragastric device
in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification, depicting multiple wire supports 506, 507, 508 spiraling along
the body of the sleeve
505. The sleeve includes more than one spiral metal wire to provide greater
support while still
preventing permanent kinking. Referring to Figure 5B, each individual wire
506, 507, 508 has a
pitch depicted by length // which is equal to 60 mm. The wires 506, 507, 508
are spaced such that
the pitch between two separate wires, depicted by length /2, is equal to 20
mm.
Figure 5C is an illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve component 510 of an
intragastric
device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
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specification, depicting spiral wire loop supports 511, 513 on the sleeve 510.
In the embodiment
depicted in Figure 5C, the sleeve 510 includes two sets of wire loop supports
511, 513. Each set
of wire loop supports 511, 513 includes a loop comprising two individual
wires, for a total of four
wires on the sleeve 510. Each wire loop support 511, 513 is finished with
blunted ends 515 to be
atraumatic to body tissues. The wire loop supports 511, 513 are twisted into a
spiral configuration
and looped along the length of the sleeve 510. In one embodiment, the pitch,
or distance between
each loop 511, 513 (and between each wire of each loop 511, 513) is defined by
length / and is
approximately 15 mm
Figure 5D is an illustration of a sleeve component 520 of an intragastric
device in a post-
deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification,
depicting a funnel shaped opening 521 at the proximal end of the sleeve. The
funnel shaped
opening 521 is well suited for attachment to the nodes of the collar
positioned at the distal end of
the wire mesh structure of some embodiments of the intragastric device of the
present
specification, as discussed in detail with references to Figures 11C and 11D
below.
Figure 5E is an illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve component 525 of an
intragastric
device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification, depicting a plurality of markings 527 on an outer surface of
the sleeve body. The
markings 527 are radiopaque and their radiographic visualization assists
proper placement of the
sleeve during device delivery.
Figure 5F is an illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve component 530 of an
intragastric
device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification, depicting a marking line 533 extending along the length of the
sleeve 530 on an outer
surface of the sleeve body. The line 533 is radiopaque and its radiographic
visualization assists
proper placement of the sleeve during device delivery. In addition, spiraling
or rotation of the line
about a center axis of the sleeve can indicate twisting of the sleeve.
Figure 5G is an illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve component 535 of an
intragastric
device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification, depicting a plurality of markings 537 and a marking line 538
extending along the
length of the sleeve 535 on an outer surface of the sleeve body. The markings
537 and the line
538 are radiopaque and their radiographic visualization assists proper
placement of the sleeve
during device delivery and help to detect twisting of the sleeve 535.
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Figure 6A is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component 600 of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification, depicting a plurality of sleeve layers 606, 607, 608,
609. In one embodiment,
the sleeve layers 606, 607, 608, 609 are comprised of PTFE. The sleeve 600
includes an innermost
first layer 606 which is approximately 0.06 mm thick and extends in a
configuration along the
length of the sleeve. The first layer 606 extends along the entire length of
the sleeve 600. The
sleeve 600 includes a second layer 607, overlaying said first layer 606, which
is approximately
0.06 mm thick and extends only along a proximal portion 616 of the sleeve 600
and a distal portion
618 of the sleeve 600. In one embodiment, the proximal portion 616 includes a
funnel portion 601
and an additional portion having a length Tr which extends approximately 30 ¨
40 mm distally
beyond said funnel portion 601. In one embodiment, the sleeve 600 includes a
distal end having
a length /2 of approximately 20 ¨ 30 mm. The distal portion 618 comprises
approximately only
the most proximal 10 mm of length 12. In one embodiment, the second layer 607
extends in a
configuration along the width of the sleeve 600. The sleeve 600 includes a
third layer 608,
overlaying said second layer 607 and a center portion 617 of said first layer
606. The third layer
608 is approximately 0.06 mm thick and extends in a configuration along the
width of the sleeve
600. The sleeve 600 includes a fourth layer 609, overlaying said third layer
608, which is
approximately 0.06 mm thick and extends in a configuration along the length of
the sleeve 600.
Therefore, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 6A, the sleeve 600 comprises
four layers at its
proximal section 616, three layers at its center section 617, and four layers
at its distal section 618.
The layers 606, 607, 608, 609 are cross-layered bonded, or applied in
different configurations
(along the length versus along the width of the sleeve 600), to give the
sleeve added durability. In
one embodiment, the sleeve 600 further includes metal wire supports 605
between the second layer
607 and the third layer 608 (or between the first layer 606 and the third
layer 608 in the center
portion 617 of the sleeve 600) to provide structural support. In one
embodiment, the sleeve
includes suture points 619 for connection to a wire mesh structure.
Figure 6B is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component 620 of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with
another embodiment of
the present specification, depicting a plurality of sleeve layers 626, 627,
628, 629, 630. In various
embodiments, the sleeve layers 626, 627, 628, 629, 630 are comprised of any
one or combination
of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-
density polyethylene
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(HDPE), and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In one
embodiment, the
sleeve 620 includes an innermost first PTFE layer 626 which is approximately
0.06 mm thick and
extends in a configuration along the length of the sleeve. The first PTFE
layer 626 extends along
the entire length of the sleeve 620. The sleeve 620 includes a second PTFE
layer 627, overlaying
said first PTFE layer 626, which is approximately 0.06 mm thick and extends
only along a
proximal portion 636 of the sleeve 620 and a distal portion 638 of the sleeve
620. In one
embodiment, the proximal portion 636 includes a funnel portion 621 and an
additional portion
having a length /i which extends approximately 30 ¨ 40 mm distally beyond said
funnel portion
621. In one embodiment, the sleeve 620 includes a distal end having a length
/2 of approximately
20 ¨ 30 mm. The distal portion 638 comprises approximately only the most
proximal 10 mm of
length /2 In one embodiment, the second PTFE layer 627 extends in a
configuration along the
width of the sleeve 620. The sleeve 620 includes a PTFE third layer 628,
overlaying said second
PTFE layer 627 and a center portion 637 of said first PTFE layer 626. The
third PTFE layer 628
is approximately 0.06 mm thick and extends in a configuration along the width
of the sleeve 620.
The sleeve 620 includes a fourth PTFE layer 629, overlaying said third PTFE
layer 628, which is
approximately 0.06 mm thick and extends in a configuration along the length of
the sleeve 620.
In one embodiment, the sleeve further includes a fifth PFTE layer 630
sandwiched between the
third PTFE layer 628 and the fourth PTFE layer 629. In one embodiment, the
fifth PTFE layer
630 is approximately 0.06 mm thick and extends in a configuration along the
length of the sleeve
620. Therefore, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 6B, the sleeve 620
comprises five total
layers at its proximal section 636, four total layers at its center section
637, and five total layers at
its distal section 638. In various embodiments, the layers 626, 627, 628, 629,
630 are cross-layered
bonded, or applied in different configurations (along the length versus along
the width of the sleeve
620), to give the sleeve added durability. In one embodiment, the sleeve 620
further includes metal
wire supports 625 between the second PTFE layer 627 and the third PTFE layer
628 (or between
the first PTFE layer 626 and the third PTFE layer 628 in the center portion
637 of the sleeve 620)
to provide structural support. In one embodiment, the sleeve includes suture
points 639 for
connection to a wire mesh structure.
Figure 6C is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component 640 of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification, depicting a plurality of sleeve layers 643, 644, 646,
647, 648, 649, 650. In

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various embodiments, the sleeve layers 643, 644, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650 are
comprised of any
one or combination of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), high-
density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE). In one
embodiment, the sleeve 640 includes an innermost first PTFE layer 643 which is
approximately
0.06 mm thick and extends in a configuration along the length of the sleeve.
The first PTFE layer
643 extends along the entire length of the sleeve 640 The sleeve 640 includes
a second PTFE
layer 644, overlaying said first PTFE layer 643, which is approximately 0.06
mm thick and extends
only along a proximal portion 656 of the sleeve 640 and a distal portion 658
of the sleeve 640 In
one embodiment, the proximal portion 656 includes a funnel portion 641 and an
additional portion
having a length /i which extends approximately 30 ¨ 40 mm distally beyond said
funnel portion
641. In one embodiment, the sleeve 640 includes a distal end having a length
/2 of approximately
¨ 30 mm. The distal portion 658 comprises approximately only the most proximal
10 mm of
length 12. In one embodiment, the second PTFE layer 644 extends in a
configuration along the
width of the sleeve 640. The sleeve 640 includes a third PTFE layer 646,
overlaying said second
15 PTFE layer 644 and a center portion 657 of said first PTFE layer 643.
The third PTFE layer 646
is approximately 0.06 mm thick and extends in a configuration along the width
of the sleeve 640.
The sleeve further includes a first intermediate PFTE layer 648 and a second
intermediate PFTE
layer 649 sandwiched between the second PTFE layer 644 and the third PTFE
layer 646. In one
embodiment, the first intermediate PFTE layer 648 and second intermediate PF
__ IE layer 649 are
20 both approximately 0.06 mm thick. In one embodiment, the first
intermediate PFTE layer 648 and
second intermediate PFTE layer 649 both extend in a configuration along the
length of the sleeve
640. In another embodiment, the first intermediate PFTE layer 648 and second
intermediate PFTE
layer 649 both extend in a configuration along the width of the sleeve 640. In
another embodiment,
the first intermediate PFTE layer 648 extends in a configuration along the
length of the sleeve 640
and the second intermediate PFTE layer 649 extends in a configuration along
the width of the
sleeve 640. In yet another embodiment, the first intermediate PFTE layer 648
extends in a
configuration along the width of the sleeve 640 and the second intermediate
PFTE layer 649
extends in a configuration along the length of the sleeve 640. The sleeve 640
includes a fourth
PTFE layer 647, overlaying said third PTFE layer 646, which is approximately
0.06 mm thick and
extends in a configuration along the length of the sleeve 640. The sleeve
further includes a third
intermediate PFTE layer 650 sandwiched between the third PTFE layer 646 and
the fourth PTFE
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layer 647. In one embodiment, the third intermediate PFTE layer 650 is
approximately 0.06 mm
thick and extends in a configuration along the length of the sleeve 640.
Therefore, in the
embodiment depicted in Figure 6C, the sleeve 640 comprises seven total layers
at its proximal
section 656, six total layers at its center section 657, and seven total
layers at its distal section 658.
In various embodiments, the layers 643, 644, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650 are cross-
layered bonded, or
applied in different configurations (along the length versus along the width
of the sleeve 640), to
give the sleeve added durability. In one embodiment, the sleeve 640 further
includes metal wire
supports 645 between the first intermediate PFTE layer 648 and the second
intermediate PFTE
layer 649 to provide structural support. In one embodiment, the sleeve
includes suture points 659
for connection to a wire mesh structure.
While Figures 6A through 6C depict sleeves having multiple PTFE layers, these
configurations are not intended to be limiting and other sleeve embodiments
are envisioned having
more or fewer PTFE layers or layers comprising other materials with varied
stacking of the
individual layers.
Figure 6D is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component 660 of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with yet
another embodiment
of the present specification, depicting a plurality of sleeve layers. The
sleeve includes a cylindrical
portion 660c and a funnel shaped portion 6601 In some embodiments, the
cylindrical portion 660c
has a length le of approximately 500 mm and the funnel portion has a length
//of approximately
.. 100 mm. The sleeve component 660 of Figure 6D is comprised of a single
machine braided wire
661 sandwiched between multiple sleeve layers. In one embodiment, the single
machine braided
wire 661 is in an axially stretched configuration. The single machine braided
wire 661 extends
along only a proximal portion of the cylindrical portion 660c of the sleeve
660. In one
embodiment, approximately 450 mm of the proximal portion of the cylindrical
portion 660c of the
sleeve 660 includes the single machine braided wire 661 while at least 50 mm
at the distal end of
the sleeve 660 contains no wire. In one embodiment, the distal end of the
sleeve 660 includes a
distal opening 682 having a diameter of approximately 24.5 mm. The funnel
portion 660f includes
a wire support 671 ending proximally in a plurality of nodes 672. In one
embodiment, the sleeve
660 includes a total of 18 nodes equidistant from one another and comprising
alternating long and
short nodes as described above. In some embodiments, the sleeve layers extend
proximally beyond
the long nodes a distance of at least 5 mm. In one embodiment, the proximal
end of the sleeve 660
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includes a proximal opening 681 having a diameter of approximately 63 mm. In
various
embodiments, the single machine braided wire 661 and wire support 671 each
comprise a wire
having a diameter in a range of 0.100 to 0.150 mm. In one embodiment, the
single machine braided
wire 661 and wire support 671 each comprise a wire having a diameter of 0.127
mm. In another
embodiment, the single machine braided wire 661 and wire support 671 each
comprise a wire
having a diameter of 0.140 mm.
The sleeve 660 includes an innermost first PTFE layer 662 which extends in a
configuration along the width of the sleeve 660. The first PTFE layer 662
extends along the entire
length of the sleeve 660. In one embodiment, the first P ____________________
ITE layer 662 has a thickness of
approximately 0.06 mm. The single machine braided wire 661 overlays said first
PTFE layer 662
along the proximal portion of said cylindrical portion 660c and the wire
support 671 overlays the
first PTFE layer 662 along the funnel portion 660f of the sleeve 660. A
proximal intermediate
PFTE layer 663p overlays the wire support 671 along the funnel portion 660f
and extends distally
approximately 5 to 7 mm over the single machine braided wire 661 of the
cylindrical portion 660c
of the sleeve 660. A distal intermediate PFTE layer 663d overlays the first
PFTE layer 662 at the
distal end of the sleeve and extends proximally approximately 5 to 7 mm over
the single machine
braided wire 1601 of the cylindrical portion 660c of the sleeve 660. A
plurality of cylindrical
intermediate PFTE layers 663c overlay the single machine braided wire 661
along sections of the
cylindrical portion of the sleeve 660. In some embodiments, the sleeve 660
includes three
cylindrical intermediate PFTE layers 663c, each having a length of
approximately 3 to 5 mm and
spaced 70 to 80 mm from one another and from the proximal intermediate PF ___
11, layer 663p and
distal intermediate PFTE layer 663d at the proximal and distal ends of the
sleeve respectively. The
sleeve 660 includes an outermost second PTFE layer 664 which is approximately
0.06 mm thick
and extends in a configuration along the length of the sleeve 660.
In some embodiments, the sleeve 660 further includes at least one marker for
visualization
upon radiographic inspection to determine proper placement after delivery.
Referring to Figure
6D, the sleeve includes three markers 665 positioned proximate a proximal end
of the single
machine braided wire 661, proximate a center of the single machine braided
wire 661, and
proximate a distal end of the single machine braided wire. In one embodiment,
each marker 665
is covered and held in place by a patch of PTFE 666 having a length of
approximately 5 mm, a
width of approximately 5 mm, and a thickness of approximately 0.06 mm. In one
embodiment,
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the markers 665 are separated from one another by a distance of approximately
145 mm to 155
mm. In one embodiment, the markers 665 are positioned at every alternate
cylindrical intermediate
PFTE layer 663c. In one embodiment, the markers 665 are positioned on one side
of the sleeve
660. In one embodiment, the markers 665 are tantalum markers.
Referring to Figures 6A through 6D, in various embodiments, the sleeve layers
comprised
of PTFE can also be comprised of polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), high-
density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE). As an
alternate to being bonded, the sleeve layers may be sutured.
Figure 6E is a cross-sectional illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve
component 690 of an
intragastric device in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with yet
another embodiment
of the present specification. Referring to Figure 6E, the sleeve 690 includes
a proximal funnel
shaped portion 690p and a distal cylindrically shaped portion 690d. The
proximal portion 690p
comprises a hand-braided Nitinol wire mesh 691 covered with PTFE. The distal
portion 690d
comprises a machine-braided Nitinol wire mesh 692 covered with PTFE. The
distal portion 690d
also includes at least one fluoropolymer band 695 overlaid for improved
bonding of the Nitinol
wire mesh with the PTFE. At least one radiopaque marker band 693 is also
included in the distal
portion 690d
Figure 6F is an illustration of a stent support 680 for a sleeve component of
an intragastric
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. In the
pictured
embodiment, the stent support 680 includes a plurality of rings 683 formed
from 'Z' shape
segments of wire. In another embodiment, the stent support comprises a
continuous spiral wire
support wherein wires of the spiral are configured into 'Z' shapes. In one
embodiment, the stent
support 680 has a shape similar to the pattern 2033 depicted in Figure 20F.
Referring again to
Figure 6F, in one embodiment, each ring 683 is connected by a straight wire
684, such that a space
685 exists between each ring 683 which will comprise only the remaining layers
of the sleeve
component. In some embodiments, each ring 683 has length in a range of 1-2 cm.
In some
embodiments, each connecting straight wire 684 has a length in a range of 1-2
inches and each
space 685 also has a length in a range of 1-2 inches. In one embodiment, the
proximal end of the
stent support 680 includes a funnel shaped ring segment 686. In one
embodiment, the funnel
shaped ring segment 686 includes a sutured connection 687 to the first distal
ring 683a. In various
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embodiments, the funnel shaped ring segment 686 has a diameter sized to match
the diameter of
an anti-migration component at the distal end of a wire mesh structure to
which it will be attached.
Figure 6G is an illustration of a sleeve component 688 of an intragastric
device having the
stent support 680 of Figure 6F. The stent support 680 includes rings 683
connected by straight
wires 684. The other layers 689, such as PTFE, of the sleeve component 688 are
depicted between
each set of rings 683. The 'Z' shaped stent support 680 provides the sleeve
component 688 with
structural integrity such that it will not collapse as a result of intestinal
contractions while still
allowing the sleeve component 688 to be flexible enough to conform to the
curves of the
gastrointestinal tract.
In an embodiment, the sleeve and wire mesh of the present gastric wire mesh
device may
be covered with a web in order to make the sleeve portion flexible and kink
resistant, while at the
same time controlling the porosity of the device. In an embodiment, the web is
produced through
electrospinning PTFE into polymeric fibers with extremely small thickness
ranging from 0.10
nanometers to 100 microns. Electrospinning allows materials to possess high
surface-to-weight
.. and volume ratios while still maintaining excellent mechanical properties.
It is similar in nature to
expanded PTFE, but with a lower basis weight and has comparable chemical and
temperature
resistance. If a strand of the web breaks, it can be easily repaired. In an
embodiment, a first web
layer is webbed over a sleeve of an intragastric device. Then, a scaffolding
followed by a second
web layer is placed over the first web layer to form an outer layer, thus
encapsulating the nitinol
.. or polymer scaffold.
In an embodiment, the mesh device of the present specification may comprise a
braided
sleeve or over-braid that is both expandable and flexible for aerospace,
automotive and medical
markets created by using drawn fibers. The woven braiding guards against
chaffing and provides
additional chemical wear resistance and flexibility to a sleeve of the present
wire mesh device. In
.. embodiments, the drawn fiber may be a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) drawn fiber,
fluorinated ethylene
propylene (FEP) drawn fiber, Ethyl enetetrafluoroethyl ene (ETFE) drawn fiber,

polyetheretherketone (PEEK) drawn fiber, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) drawn
fiber or
Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethyl en e (ECTFE) drawn fiber. In an embodiment, a
high temperature
resistant nano-fiber membrane, which has the ability to capture greater than
0,1 micron-sized
particles, may be used to cover the wire mesh device of the present
specification. FIG. 6H

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illustrates a portion 603 of a sleeve of a wire mesh device covered with a
nano-fiber membrane
605, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification.
Figure 7 is an illustration of a funnel shape sleeve 700 for an intragastric
device, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The sleeve 700
has a funnel shape
with a diameter that decreases as the sleeve extends from a first opening 713
at its proximal end
to a second opening 719 at its distal end. The sleeve 700 comprises at least
one wire 702 folded
about itself to create the funnel shape with a crisscross weave pattern. As
the sleeve 700 extends
distally, its diameter decreases and the intersections of the wire of the
crisscross weave become
positioned closer together. The sleeve 700 includes curves, or free ends, at
its proximal end and
distal end. The free ends are designed to be atraumatic to body tissues. In
some embodiments,
the first opening 713 has a diameter that is substantially equal to or
slightly greater than a diameter
of an anti-migration collar of a wire mesh structure. The sleeve 700 is slid
over an anti-migration
collar and then secured in place by suturing free ends 714 at the proximal end
of the sleeve to
nodes comprising the anti-migration collar. The free ends 718 at the distal
end of the sleeve 700
circumscribe the second opening 719. In various embodiments, the sleeve 700 is
a short sleeve
having a total length in a range of 1 cm ¨ 120 cm. In one embodiment, the
sleeve 700 is a short
sleeve having a total length of 10 cm. In the pictured embodiment, the conical
funnel section
comprises 100% of the sleeve length.
Figure 8 is an illustration of a funnel shape sleeve 800 for an intragastric
device, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present specification. The sleeve
includes a proximal
end with a first opening 813 and a distal end with a second opening 819. The
sleeve 800 further
includes a proximal portion 811 and a distal portion 816. Both the proximal
portion 811 and the
distal portion 816 of the sleeve 800 are funnel shaped, each having a diameter
that decreases as
the portions 811, 816 extend distally. The diameter of the proximal portion
811 is greatest at the
proximal end of the sleeve 800, at the position of the first opening 813, and
decreases as the
proximal portion 811 extends distally until the sleeve 800 transitions into
its distal portion 816 at
a transition point 803. At the transition point 803, the diameters of the
proximal portion 811 and
the distal portion 816 are equal. The diameter of the distal portion 816 then
decreases as said distal
portion 816 extends distally. In another embodiment, the diameter of the
distal portion remains
the same along its length. In yet another embodiment, the diameter of the
distal portion increases
as it extends distally. The distal portion 816 of the sleeve 800 ends in a
second opening 819 at a
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distal end of the intragastric device 800. The proximal portion comprises a
first wire 802 folded
upon itself to create a funnel shape with a first crisscross weave pattern.
The distal portion
comprises a second wire 812 folded upon itself to create a funnel shape with a
second crisscross
weave pattern. In some embodiments, the second wire 812 is an extension of the
first wire 802.
In other embodiments, the first wire 802 and second wire 812 are separate
wires which are joined
together at the transition point 803 In one embodiment, the separate wires are
spot welded
together. In both the proximal 811 and distal portions 816, the intersecting
sections of the wires
come closer to one another as the portions 811, 816 extend distally and the
funnel shape narrows,
such that the weave pattern becomes tighter at the distal ends of each portion
811, 816. In one
.. embodiment, the proximal portion 811 has the same weave pattern as the
distal portion 816. In
another embodiment, the weave pattern of the proximal portion 811 is tighter
than the weave
pattern of the distal portion 816. In another embodiment, the weave pattern of
the distal portion
816 is tighter than the weave pattern of the proximal portion 811.
In one embodiment, the proximal portion 811 has a length equal to a length of
the distal
portion 816. In another embodiment, the proximal portion 811 has a length that
is less than a
length of the distal portion 816. In another embodiment, the proximal portion
811 has a length
that is greater than the length of the distal portion 816. The sleeve 800
includes curves, or free
ends, at its proximal end and distal end. The free ends are designed to be
atraumatic to body
tissues. In some embodiments, the first opening 813 has a diameter that is
substantially equal to
or slightly less than a diameter of a neck of an anti-migration collar of a
wire mesh structure. The
sleeve 800 is slid into the neck an anti-migration collar and then secured in
place by suturing free
ends 814 at the proximal end of the sleeve to wire intersections in the neck
of the anti-migration
collar. The free ends 818 at the distal end of the sleeve 800 circumscribe the
second opening 819.
In various embodiments, the sleeve 800 is a short sleeve having a total length
in a range of 1 cm ¨
120 cm. In one embodiment, the sleeve 800 is a short sleeve having a total
length of 10 cm. In the
pictured embodiment, the conical funnel section comprises 100% of the sleeve
length.
Figure 9A is an illustration of a wire mesh structure 930 with attached sleeve
component
944 in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification, depicting a blunt end 952 of a wire mesh support toward the
proximal end of the
sleeve 944. The sleeve 944 is connected to a proximally curving, atraumatic
anti-migration collar
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942 at the distal end of the wire mesh structure 930 and includes a proximal
section 945 having
four layers and a center section 955 having three layers.
Figure 9B is an illustration of a wire mesh structure 957 with a proximal
portion of an
attached sleeve component 959 in a post deployment configuration in accordance
with one
embodiment of the present specification, depicting a delivery catheter 969
positioned within the
wire mesh structure 957. The sleeve 959 is attached to a proximally curving
anti-migration
component 958.
Figure 10A is an illustration of a funnel shaped braided short sleeve
component 1000 in a
post-deployment configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification.
The sleeve 1000 comprises a wire shape braided structure having a plurality of
nodes 1001 at the
proximal and distal ends of the sleeve 1000. The nodes 1001 are similar in
structure to those
described with reference to Figure 3A above and comprise unsupported free
bends in the wire of
the braided structure. In one embodiment, the number of nodes is uniform such
that the number
of nodes at the proximal end of the sleeve 1000 equals the number of nodes at
the distal end of the
sleeve 1000. In one embodiment, the number of uniform nodes is 24 at both
ends. In other
embodiments, the number of nodes is variable such that the number of nodes at
the proximal end
of the sleeve 1000 is different than the number of nodes at the distal end of
the sleeve 1000. Any
nodes not present at the distal end of the sleeve are staggered within the
body of the sleeve. For
example, in one embodiment, the sleeve includes 24 nodes at its proximal end
and 18 nodes at its
distal end. The remaining 6 nodes are staggered in the body of the sleeve. In
another embodiment,
the sleeve includes 24 nodes at its proximal end and 12 nodes at its distal
end. The remaining 12
nodes are staggered in the body of the sleeve. Different embodiments include
different staggering
of nodes. In one embodiment, a distal portion of the sleeve includes a coating
1002. In various
embodiments, approximately 30 ¨ 60 mm of the distal end is covered with the
coating 1002. In
one embodiment, the coating 1002 is silicone. In one embodiment, staggered
nodes are positioned
in the distal portion with the coating 1002 and are covered to eliminate
traumatic surfaces.
The sleeve 1000 depicted in Figure 10A includes a funnel shaped portion 1005
at its
proximal end and a cylindrically shaped portion 1006 at its distal end. In one
embodiment, the
funnel portion 1005 includes a proximal section having a length /i and a
distal section. In one
embodiment, the length I is approximately 30 mm. The entire funnel portion has
a length /2 which,
in one embodiment, is approximately 60 mm. The cylindrical portion 1006 has a
length 13 which,
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in one embodiment, is approximately 60 mm. Therefore, in one embodiment, the
sleeve 1000 has
a total length h of approximately 120 mm. The sleeve 1000 has a first opening
1003 at its proximal
end with a diameter d1. In one embodiment, the diameter di is approximately 75
mm. The sleeve
has a second opening 1004 at its distal end. In various embodiments, the
diameter dz of the second
opening 1004 is 1 ¨ 30 mm.
Figure 10B is an illustration of a funnel shaped braided short sleeve
component 1010
having a cone shaped distal end 1017 in a post-deployment configuration, in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification. In various embodiments, the sleeve
1010 is comprised
of a wire braid structure having a plurality of nodes 1011 wherein said
plurality of nodes is uniform
or variable as described with reference to Figure 10A. hi one embodiment, a
distal portion of the
sleeve includes a coating 1012. In various embodiments, approximately 30 ¨ 60
mm of the distal
end is covered with the coating 1012. In one embodiment, the coating 1012 is
silicone. In one
embodiment, staggered nodes are positioned in the distal portion with the
coating 1012 and are
covered to eliminate traumatic surfaces.
The sleeve 1010 depicted in Figure 10B includes a funnel shaped portion 1015
at its
proximal end and a cone shaped portion 1017 at its distal end. In one
embodiment, the funnel
portion 1015 includes a proximal section having a length // and a distal
section. In one
embodiment, the length /) is approximately 30 mm. The entire funnel portion
has a length /2which,
in one embodiment, is approximately 60 mm. The cone portion 1787 has a length
13 which, in one
embodiment, is approximately 55 mm. In one embodiment, a short straight
section 1016 of sleeve
is positioned between the funnel portion 1015 and the cone portion 1017. In
one embodiment, the
short straight section 1016 has a length of 5 mm. Therefore, in one
embodiment, the sleeve 1010
has a total length h of approximately 120 mm. The sleeve 1010 has a first
opening 1013 at its
proximal end with a diameter d1. In one embodiment, the diameter di is
approximately 75 mm.
The sleeve has a second opening 1014 at its distal end with a diameter dz. In
one embodiment, the
diameter d2 is approximately 10 mm.
Figure 10C is an illustration of a cone shape braided short sleeve component
1020 in a
post-deployment configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification
In various embodiments, the sleeve 1020 is comprised of a wire braid structure
having a plurality
of nodes 1021 wherein said plurality of nodes is uniform or variable as
described with reference
to Figure 10A. In one embodiment, a distal portion of the sleeve includes a
coating 1022. In
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various embodiments, approximately 30 ¨ 60 mm of the distal end is covered
with the coating
1022. In one embodiment, the coating 1022 is silicone. In one embodiment,
staggered nodes are
positioned in the distal portion with the coating 1022 and are covered to
eliminate traumatic
surfaces. In one embodiment, the sleeve 1020 has a total length /of
approximately 120 mm. The
sleeve 1020 has a first opening 1023 at its proximal end with a diameter di.
In one embodiment,
the diameter dr is approximately 75 mm. The sleeve has a second opening 1 024
at its distal end
with a diameter d2. In one embodiment, the diameter d2 is approximately 10 mm.
Figure 10D is an illustration of the cone shape braided short sleeve component
1020 of
Figure 10C attached to a wire mesh structure 1030 in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification. Referring to Figures 10C and 10D simultaneously, the
diameter d1 of the
first opening 1023 of the sleeve 1020 is sized similarly to the diameter of an
anti-migration collar
1034 of the wire mesh structure 1030. To attach the wire mesh structure 1030
and sleeve 1020,
the sleeve 1020 is slipped over the anti-migration collar 1034 and is attached
thereto, as denoted
by dashed lines 1035. Since they include first openings with similarly sized
diameters, sleeve
1000 and sleeve 1010 of Figures 10A and 10B respectively, are attached to a
wire mesh structure
is the same manner as sleeve 1020 of Figure 10C. In other words, the sleeves
1000, 1010 are slid
over an anti-migration collar of a wire mesh structure.
Figure 10E is an illustration of a cone shape braided short sleeve component
1040 in a post-
deployment configuration, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
specification.
The sleeve 1040 is similar to sleeve 1020 of Figure 10C, with the exception
that sleeve 1040 has
a smaller first opening 1043. Referring to Figure 10E, in various embodiments,
the sleeve 1040 is
comprised of a wire braid structure having a plurality of nodes 1041 wherein
said plurality of nodes
is uniform or variable as described with reference to Figure 10A. In one
embodiment, a distal
portion of the sleeve includes a coating 1042. In various embodiments,
approximately 30 ¨ 60
mm of the distal end is covered with the coating 1042. In one embodiment, the
coating 1042 is
silicone. In one embodiment, staggered nodes are positioned in the distal
portion with the coating
1042 and are covered to eliminate traumatic surfaces. In one embodiment, the
sleeve 1040has a
total length /of approximately 120 mm The sleeve 1040 has a first opening 1043
at its proximal
end with a diameter dr. In one embodiment, the diameter di is approximately 30
mm. The sleeve
has a second opening 1044 at its distal end with a diameter d2. In one
embodiment, the diameter
d2 is approximately 10 mm.

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Figure 1OF is an illustration of the cone shape braided short sleeve component
1040 of
Figure 10E attached to a wire mesh structure 1050 in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification. Referring to Figures 10E and 1OF simultaneously, the
diameter c/1 of the
first opening 1043 of the sleeve 1040 is sized similarly to the diameter of
the neck 1052 of an anti-
migration collar 1054 of the wire mesh structure 1050. An outer diameter of
the anti-migration
collar 1054 itself is greater than diameter c/1. Therefore, to attach the wire
mesh structure 1050
and sleeve 1040, the sleeve 1040 is slid into the anti-migration collar 1054
and is attached to the
collar neck 1052, as denoted by dashed lines 1055
Figures 10G and 10H are illustrations of cone shape braided short sleeve
components 1060,
1065 having an atraumatic distal tip 1062, 1067 and in a post-deployment
configuration, in
accordance with embodiments of the present specification. Referring to Figures
10G and 10H
simultaneously, the wires 1061, 1066 of the sleeve components 1060, 1065 do
not extend into the
distal tips 1062, 1067. The distal tips 1062, 1067 only include the more
flexible sleeve layers,
such as PTFE, and, as such, are atraumatic to the gastrointestinal mucosa. In
some embodiments,
the distal tips 1062, 1067 have a diameter ch of approximately 10 cm and a
length in a range of 5-
15 cm. In some embodiments, the sleeve components depicted in Figures 10A
through 1OF each
include an atraumatic distal tip similar to those discussed with reference to
Figures 10G and 10H
Figure 11A is a cross-sectional illustration depicting one embodiment of an
intragastric
device 1100 with an attached sleeve 1102 in a post-deployment configuration.
The device 1100
includes a wire mesh structure 1101 having a collar 1103 positioned at its
distal end. The sleeve
1102 has a cylindrically shaped body with a proximal end that is attached to
the bottom surface of
the collar 1103. Figure 11B is a cross-sectional illustration depicting the
intragastric device 1100
of Figure 11A in a pre-deployment configuration. As the device 1100 is
compressed into its pre-
deployment configuration, the body of the sleeve 1102 is pulled upon to assist
in folding out the
collar 1103 of the wire mesh structure 1101. The collar 1103 must be folded
out so that the device
1100 will have a small enough diameter to fit through a delivery device or
catheter. Referring to
Figure 11B, because the proximal end of the sleeve 1102 is attached to the
bottom surface of the
collar 1103, when the collar 1103 is folded out it creates a bulge comprising
the thickness 1103'
of the collar and twice the thickness 1102', 1102" of the sleeve.
Figure 11C is a cross-sectional illustration depicting another embodiment of
an intragastric
device 1110 with an attached sleeve 1112 in a post-deployment configuration.
The device 1110
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includes a wire mesh structure 1111 having a collar 1113 positioned at its
distal end. The sleeve
1112 has a cylindrically shaped body with a funnel shaped proximal end that is
attached to the
nodes or free ends at the distal end of the collar 1113. The sleeve 1112 is
attached to the collar
1113 via a plurality of sutures 1117. Figure 11D is a cross-sectional
illustration depicting the
intragastric device of Figure 11C in a pre-deployment configuration. As the
device 1110 is
compressed into its pre-deployment configuration, the body of the sleeve 1112
is pulled upon to
assist in folding out the collar 1113 of the wire mesh stnicture 1111. The
sutures 1117 joining the
sleeve 1112 to the collar 1113 are secured loosely to allow for some minimal
movement between
the sleeve 1112 and the collar 1113. Therefore, as seen in Figure 11D, when
the collar 1113 is
folded out, the funnel portion of the sleeve 1112 and the collar 1113 move
relative to one another
such that the resultant bulge in the compressed device comprises only the
thickness 1113' of the
collar. This creates a lower cross-sectional area or diameter in the
compressed device and allows
for easier deployment through a delivery device or catheter.
In addition, the collar 1113 depicted in Figure 11C has less of a sharp bend
(is more
rounded) than the collar 1103 depicted in Figure 11A. A less sharp bend in the
collar will make
the collar less traumatic to body tissues and will allow it to retain its
shape since it will have a
lower strain percentage.
Figure 12A is an illustration of a plurality of nodes 1205 positioned at the
distal end of a
wire mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve
1202, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present specification. The nodes 1205 are
positioned at the distal end
of the wire mesh structure or at the distal end of a collar, as seen in
Figures 11C and 11D. Referring
to Figure 12A, each node 1205 is attached to the sleeve 1202 by a suture 1208.
As described with
reference to Figures 11C and 11D, the sutures are secured loosely to allow
some movement of the
sleeve 1202 relative to the wire mesh structure.
Figure 12B is an illustration of a plurality of nodes 1215 positioned at the
distal end of a
wire mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve
1212, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present specification. As depicted in Figure
12B, only every other
node 1215 is attached to the sleeve via a suture 1218. While still fixedly
attaching the wire mesh
structure to the sleeve 1212, the reduction in the number of sutures 1218,
when compared with the
embodiment shown in Figure 12A, creates a device in the compressed pre-
deployment
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configuration having a bulge with a smaller diameter. Such a compressed device
will pass more
easily through a delivery device or catheter.
Securing the sutures directly to the most distal end of the nodes can result
in too much
movement of the sleeve relative to the wire mesh structure as the sutures
slide along the wires of
each node. Figure 12C is an illustration of a plurality of nodes 1225
positioned at the distal end
of a wire mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped
sleeve 1222, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present specification Rather than
placing the suture
on the most distal end of each node 1225, the sutures 1228 are placed about
the intersections 1229
of the wires of two adjacent nodes 1225. This prevents sliding of the sutures
too far along any one
wire while still allowing for the minimum movement of the sleeve 1222 relative
to the wire mesh
structure during compression.
Figure 12D is an illustration of a plurality of nodes 1235 positioned at the
distal end of a
wire mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve
1232, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present specification. As depicted in Figure
12D, only every other
intersection 1239 of wires of adjacent nodes 1235 is attached to the sleeve
via a suture 1238. While
still fixedly attaching the wire mesh structure to the sleeve 1232, the
reduction in the number of
sutures 1238, when compared with the embodiment shown in Figure 12C, creates a
device in the
compressed pre-deployment configuration having a bulge with a smaller
diameter. Such a
compressed device will pass more easily through a delivery device or catheter.
Figure 12E is an illustration of a plurality of nodes 1245 positioned at the
distal end of a
wire mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve
1242, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present specification. The nodes 1245 are
positioned at the distal
end of the wire mesh structure or at the distal end of an anti-migration
collar and include loops
1246 formed from the wire of the nodes 1245 and extending in a direction
toward the center of the
wire mesh structure. Each loop 1246 of each node 1205 is attached to the
sleeve 1242 by a suture
1248.
Figure 12F is an illustration of a plurality of nodes 1255 positioned at the
distal end of a
wire mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve
1252, in accordance
with yet another embodiment of the present specification The nodes 1255 are
positioned at the
distal end of the wire mesh structure or at the distal end of an anti-
migration collar and include
loops 1256 formed from the wire of the nodes 1255 and extending in a direction
toward the center
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of the wire mesh structure. Each loop 1256 of each node 1255 is attached to
the sleeve 1252 by a
suture 1258. As depicted in Figure 12F, only every other node 1255 is attached
to the sleeve via
a suture 1258. While still fixedly attaching the wire mesh structure to the
sleeve 1252, the
reduction in the number of sutures 1258, when compared with the embodiment
shown in Figure
12E, creates a device in the compressed pre-deployment configuration having a
bulge with a
smaller diameter. Such a compressed device will pass more easily through a
delivery device or
catheter.
Figure 13A is an illustration of a plurality of nodes 1305 positioned at the
distal end of a
wire mesh structure connected to the proximal end of a funnel shaped sleeve
1302, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present specification. As depicted in Figure 13A,
both the intersections
1309 between some adjacent nodes 1305 and the ends 1304 of some nodes 1305 are
sutured to the
sleeve 1302 with knots 1308.
In one embodiment, the distal end of a wire mesh structure is connected to the
proximal
end of a sleeve at 9 standalone connection points. Each connection point
comprises a figure eight
knot additionally secured with glue and a heat shrink tube. In one embodiment,
each knot
comprises 30 lb. break-strength ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene
(UHMWPE) braided
suture line to provide a reliable connection between wire mesh and sleeve
Figure 13B is an
illustration of a distal end of a wire mesh structure 1320 and connected
proximal end of a funnel
shaped sleeve covered with a heat shrink tube 1326, in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification.
Figure 14 is an illustration of an intragastric device 1400 with a funnel
shaped sleeve 1410
in a post-deployment configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification. The intragastric device 1400 includes a wire mesh structure
1405 having a proximal
end and a distal end with an anti-migration collar 1420 formed at said distal
end. The sleeve 1410
.. includes a proximal end and a distal end and is attached via its proximal
end to the anti-migration
collar 1420.
The wire mesh structure 1405 comprises at least one metal wire folded about
itself to create
a crisscross weave pattern with a plurality of free curved ends, or nodes,
along the structure. In its
expanded, post-deployment configuration, the wire mesh structure 1405 has an
oval shape. To
facilitate optimal expansion and compression for easier delivery and removal,
the wire mesh
structure 1405 includes a plurality of staggered nodes 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409
along its length. A
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first set of staggered nodes 1406 is positioned at the proximal end of the
wire mesh structure 1405
and circumscribes a first opening 1401. In one embodiment, each node in said
first set of staggered
nodes 1406 is bent upwards to extend in a direction opposite from an interior
of the wire mesh
structure 1405. The nodes in said first set of staggered nodes 1406 are used
as grasping points for
a retrieval device during removal of the intragastric device 1400. The wire
mesh structure 1405
includes a second set of staggered nodes 1407 distal to said first set 1406
and proximal to a
midpoint of said wire mesh structure 1405. A third set of staggered nodes 1408
is positioned distal
to said midpoint and proximal to the distal end of the wire mesh structure
1405. A fourth set of
staggered nodes 1409 is positioned at the distal end of the wire mesh
structure 1405 and comprises
the free end of the anti-migration component 1420. All of the curves
comprising the nodes in each
set of staggered nodes 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409 are designed to have a bend that
is atraumatic to
body tissues. The nodes are staggered to prevent bunching of the bending
points of the wire and
bulking of the wire mesh structure as it is compressed to its pre-deployment
configuration.
Spreading the nodes along the length of the wire mesh structure allows for an
overall smaller
.. diameter of the device once it is compressed.
The sleeve 1410 includes a proximal portion 1411 and a distal portion 1416
which join at
a transition point 1415 along the sleeve 1410 body. Both the proximal portion
1411 and the distal
portion 1416 of the sleeve 1410 are funnel shaped, each having a diameter that
decreases as the
portions 1411, 1416 extend distally. In one embodiment, the diameter of the
proximal portion
1411 is substantially the same as the diameter of the anti-migration collar
1420 at a proximal end
of said proximal portion 1411. The diameter of the proximal portion 1411
decreases as the
proximal portion 1411 extends distally until the sleeve 1410 transitions into
its distal portion 1416,
at which point the diameters of the proximal portion 1411 and the distal
portion 1416 are equal.
The diameter of the distal portion 1416 then decreases as said distal portion
1416 extends distally.
The distal portion 1416 of the sleeve 1410 ends in a second opening 1419 at a
distal end of the
intragastric device 1400. In one embodiment, the proximal portion 1411 has a
length that is less
than a length of the distal portion 1416. In various embodiments, the funnel
shaped sleeve 1410
comprises at least one wire support. In some embodiments, the at least one
wire support comprises
the same wire(s) in both the proximal portion 1411 and distal portion 1416. In
other embodiments,
the proximal portion 1411 and distal portion 1416 comprise separate wire
supports and the wires
are joined together at a distal end of the proximal portion 1411 and a
proximal end of the distal
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portion 1416. In one embodiment, the separate wires are spot welded together.
The wire is folded
upon itself to create a crisscross weave pattern in the sleeve 1410. In both
the proximal 1411 and
distal portions 1416, the intersecting sections of the wire come closer to one
another as the portions
1411, 1416 extend distally and the funnel shape narrows, such that the weave
pattern becomes
tighter at the distal ends of each portion 1411, 1416. The sleeve 1410
includes curves or free ends,
similar to the nodes of the wire mesh structure 1405, at its proximal end and
distal end. The free
ends are designed to be atraumatic to body tissues. The free ends at the
proximal end of the sleeve
1410 are attached to the nodes of the fourth set of staggered nodes 1409 of
the wire mesh structure
1405 via one or more sutures 1422. The free ends at the distal end of the
sleeve 1410 circumscribe
the second opening 1419. In various embodiments, the sleeve 1410 is a short
sleeve having a total
length in a range of 5 cm - 120 cm. In one embodiment, the sleeve 1410 is a
short sleeve having
a total length of 60 cm. In one embodiment, the sleeve 1410 includes a soft
atraumatic tip 1430 at
its distal end. The tip 1430 contains no wires and is included to prevent
injury to the intestinal
mucosa from the sleeve tip.
When the sleeve 1410 is attached to the wire mesh structure 1405, the proximal
end of the
proximal portion 1411 of the sleeve 1410 is slid over and covers at least a
portion of the anti-
migration component 1420 such that the proximal portion 1411 of the sleeve
1410 covers an
opening at the distal end of the wire mesh structure. This positioning enables
fluid communication
between the interior of the wire mesh structure 1405 and an interior of the
sleeve 1410 and
establishes a pathway for food from said first opening 1401, into said
interior of said wire mesh
structure 1405, through said interior of said sleeve 1410, and out said second
opening 1419.
Figure 15 is an illustration of an intragastric device 1500 with a
cylindrically shaped sleeve
1510 in a post-deployment configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. The intragastric device 1500 includes a wire mesh structure
1505 having a proximal
end and a distal end with an anti-migration collar 1520 formed at said distal
end. The sleeve 1510
includes a proximal end and a distal end and is attached via its proximal end
to the anti-migration
collar 1520. In one embodiment, the sleeve 1510 includes a soft atraumatic tip
1530 at its distal
end. The tip 1530 contains no wires and is included to prevent injury to the
intestinal mucosa from
the sleeve tip.
The wire mesh structure 1505 is similar to the structure 1405 discussed with
reference to
Figure 14 and includes an oval shape with a crisscross weave pattern, a
plurality of staggered nodes
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1506, 1507, 1508, 1509, and a first opening 1501 at its proximal end. All of
the curves comprising
the nodes in each set of staggered nodes 1506, 1507, 1508, 1509 are designed
to have a bend that
is atraumatic to body tissues.
The sleeve 1510 includes a proximal portion 1511 and a distal portion 1516
which join at
a transition point 1515 along the sleeve 1510 body. The proximal portion 1511
of the sleeve 1510
is funnel shaped and includes a diameter that decreases as the portion 1511
extends distally. In
one embodiment, the diameter of the proximal portion 1511 is substantially the
same as the
diameter of the anti-migration collar 1520 at a proximal end of said proximal
portion 1511. The
diameter of the proximal portion 1511 decreases as the proximal portion 1511
extends distally
until the sleeve 1510 transitions into its distal portion 1516, at which point
the diameters of the
proximal portion 1511 and the distal portion 1516 are equal. The diameter of
the distal portion
1516 then continues at the same size as said distal portion 1516 extends
distally, giving the distal
portion 1516 a substantially cylindrical shape. The distal portion 1516 of the
sleeve 1510 ends in
a second opening 1519 at a distal end of the intragastric device 1500. In one
embodiment, the
proximal portion 1511 has a length that is less than a length of the distal
portion 1516.
In various embodiments, the funnel shaped proximal portion 1511 of the sleeve
1510
comprises at least one wire support. The wire is folded upon itself to create
a crisscross weave
pattern in the sleeve 1510 The intersecting sections of the wire come closer
to one another as the
portion 1511 extends distally and the funnel shape narrows, such that the
weave pattern becomes
tighter at the distal end of the proximal portion 1511. In various
embodiments, the distal portion
1516 includes at least one helical wire support extending along its
cylindrical length. The helical
wire support has a consistent pitch such that a resultant helical weave
structure has the same pattern
along the length of the distal portion 1516 of the sleeve 1510. In some
embodiments, the helical
wire support of the distal portion 1516 is an extension of the at least one
wire support of the
proximal portion 1511. In other embodiments, the proximal portion 1511 and
distal portion 1516
comprise separate wire supports and the wires are joined together at a distal
end of the proximal
portion 1511 and a proximal end of the distal portion 1516. In one embodiment,
the separate wires
are spot welded together. The sleeve 1510 includes curves or free ends,
similar to the nodes of the
wire mesh structure 1505, at its proximal end and distal end. The free ends
are designed to be
atraumatic to body tissues. The free ends at the proximal end of the sleeve
1510 are attached to
the nodes of the fourth set of staggered nodes 1509 of the wire mesh structure
1505 via one or
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more sutures 1522. The free ends at the distal end of the sleeve 1510
circumscribe the second
opening 1519. In various embodiments, the sleeve 1510 is a short sleeve having
a total length in
a range of 5 cm ¨ 120 cm. In one embodiment, the sleeve 1510 is a short sleeve
having a total
length of 60 cm. The funnel shaped conical section can vary from being 1% of
the total sleeve
length to being 100% of the total sleeve length.
When the sleeve 1510 is attached to the wire mesh structure 1505, the proximal
end of the
proximal portion 1511 of the sleeve 1510 is slid over the anti -migration
component 1520 such that
the proximal portion 1511 of the sleeve 1510 covers an opening at the distal
end of the wire mesh
structure. This positioning enables fluid communication between the interior
of the wire mesh
structure 1505 and an interior of the sleeve 1510 and establishes a pathway
for food from said first
opening 1501, into said interior of said wire mesh structure 1505, through
said interior of said
sleeve 1510, and out said second opening 1519.
Figure 16A is a close-up illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve 1602 attached
to an anti-
migration collar 1604 of a wire mesh structure 1605 of an intragastric device
1600, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present specification. The sleeve 1602 is attached
to the anti-
migration collar 1604 via a plurality of sutures 1608.
Figure 16B is a close-up illustration of a funnel shaped sleeve 1612 attached
to an anti-
migration collar 1614 of a wire mesh structure 1615 of an intragastric device
1610, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present specification. The sleeve 1612,
attached to the anti-
migration collar 1614 via a plurality of sutures 1618, includes a plurality of
frayed edges 1611 at
its proximal end to make said edges less traumatic to body tissues.
Figure 16C is an illustration of an intragastric device 1620 comprising a wire
mesh
structure 1625 and attached sleeve 1622, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. The wire mesh structure 1625 is anchorless and includes
atraumatic wire ends. In
one embodiment, the wire mesh structure 1625 is composed of Nitinol. The wire
mesh structure
1625 includes an anti-migration collar 1624 to which the sleeve 1622 is
attached. In some
embodiments, the wire mesh structure 1625 includes retrieval drawstrings
positioned proximate
its proximal end, as depicted with reference to Figure 16E. The sleeve 1622
comprises an
anchorless, impermeable, fluoropolymer liner designed to extend into the
proximal portion of the
small bowel, particularly the mid-duodenum. In various embodiments, the sleeve
1622 includes
an embedded Nitinol stent structure within polymer layers such that the sleeve
1622 is atraumatic
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and no portion of the Nitinol comes into contact with the small intestine. In
one embodiment, the
sleeve 1622 includes radiopaque markers for assistance with proper delivery
and placement.
The wire mesh structure 1625 is anchorless and occupies a space within the
stomach. The
wire mesh structure 1625 is free to float within the stomach and
intermittently exerts gentle,
atraumatic stretching forces on a portion of the stomach as it comes into
contact with the inner
stomach wall. The stretching forces induce the sensation of satiety in the
patient. The anti-
migration collar 1624 is appropriately shaped to receive the attached sleeve
1622. Gastric contents
enter the wire mesh structure 1625 through a first opening 1621 at the
proximal end of the wire
mesh structure 1625 or through openings 1629 between the wires of the wire
mesh structure 1625
.. and are directed into the attached sleeve 1622. The gastric contents then
pass through the sleeve
1622 and empty out a second opening 1623 at the distal end of the sleeve 1622,
either into the
duodenum or jejunum, depending on the length of the sleeve 1622. The sleeve
1622 is pre-attached
to the anti-migration collar 1624 of the wire mesh structure 1625. The Nitinol
stent structure
embedded in the sleeve 1622 provides support to the sleeve 1622 and prevents
it from torsion or
being kinked by actions of the intestinal musculature. Additionally, the
Nitinol stent structure
provides a gentle, radial stretching force on the small intestinal wall,
inducing a sensation of satiety
in the patient and preventing the passage of chyme around the sleeve 1622.
Figure 16D is an illustration of the intragastric device 1620 of Figure 16C
with the sleeve
1622 straightened to depict the device 1620 dimensions relative to the
surrounding anatomy. The
sleeve 1622 includes a proximal, funnel or cone shaped portion 1622p attached
to the anti-
migration collar of the wire mesh structure 1625 and a distal, cylindrically
shaped portion 1622d
extending distally from said proximal portion 1622p. The wire mesh structure
1625 and proximal
portion 1622p of the sleeve 1622 are configured to reside in the stomach of
the patient and together
have a maximum outer diameter of approximately 8 inches and a length ii. In
some embodiments,
length l is approximately 10 inches. In some embodiments, the volume of a
fully deployed wire
mesh structure 1625 is approximately 1 liter. The proximal portion 1622p of
the sleeve 1622 and
the distal portion 1622d of the sleeve 1620 meet at a junction point 1622j
which is configured to
sit at the patient's pylorus. The distal portion 1622d of the sleeve 1620 is
configured to reside in
the small intestine of the patient, particularly the duodenum, and has a
maximum outer diameter
of approximately 1.0 inches and a length 12. In some embodiments, length /2 is
approximately 10
to 25 inches. In some embodiments, the length /2 of the distal portion 1622d
is such that the distal
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end of the sleeve 1622 is positioned in the duodenum so gastric contents pass
from the stomach,
through the device 1620, and directly into the duodenum, bypassing the
pylorus. In other
embodiments, the length bis such that the distal end of the sleeve 1622 is
positioned in the jejunum
so gastric contents pass from the stomach, through the device 1620, and
directly into the j ejunum,
bypassing the pylorus and duodenum. In other embodiments, the wire mesh
structure has a
maximum diameter of 18 inches, a maximum length of 24 inches, and a maximum
volume of 2.5
liters.
Figure 16E is an illustration of a wire mesh structure 1635 and sleeve 1632 of
an
intragastric device 1630, depicting retrieval drawstrings 1637, 1638 on said
wire mesh structure
1635, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The
sleeve 1632 is attached
to an anti-migration collar 1634 at the distal end of the wire mesh structure
1635. In some
embodiments, the anti-migration collar 1634 includes loops in the wires of the
nodes at the distal
end of the nodes, as seen with reference to Figure 4C, and the sleeve 1632 is
sutured to the anti-
migration collar 1634 at these loops. In the pictured embodiment, a pair of
retrieval drawstrings
1637, 1638 are located on the wire mesh structure 1635 proximate its proximal
end. A first
drawstring 1637 is positioned at the proximal end of the wire mesh structure
1635 and the second
drawstring 1638 is positioned distal to the first drawstring 1637 but still
proximate the proximal
end of the wire mesh structure 1635. The retrieval drawstrings 1637, 1638 pass
through the
openings between the wires of the wire mesh structure 1635. During retrieval,
free ends of the
retrieval drawstrings 1637, 1638 are pulled on using a grasper to constrict
the wire mesh structure
1635 to a smaller outer diameter so it may be removed from the patient through
an endoscope. In
one embodiment, the two drawstrings 1637, 1638 are interconnected operably
such that
constricting one drawstring results in the other drawstring constricting
simultaneously.
Figure 16F is an illustration of a wire mesh structure 1645 and sleeve 1642 of
an intragastric
device 1640, depicting a single retrieval drawstring 1648 on said wire mesh
structure 1645, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The sleeve 1642
is attached to an
anti-migration collar 1644 at the distal end of the wire mesh structure 1645.
In some embodiments,
the anti-migration collar 1644 includes loops in the wires of the nodes at the
distal end of the nodes,
as seen with reference to Figure 4C, and the sleeve 1642 is sutured to the
anti-migration collar
1644 at these loops. In the pictured embodiment, a single retrieval drawstring
1648 is located on
the wire mesh structure 1645 proximate its proximal end. The retrieval
drawstrings 1648 passes
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through the openings between the wires of the wire mesh structure 1645. During
retrieval, free
ends of the retrieval drawstring 1648 are pulled on using a grasper to
constrict the wire mesh
structure 1645 to a smaller outer diameter so it may be removed from the
patient through an
endoscope. In the pictured embodiment, the single drawstring 1648 is
sufficient to constrict two
pluralities of nodes 1647, 1649 on the wire mesh structure 1645, a first
plurality 1647 at the
proximal end of the wire mesh structure 1645 and a second plurality 1649 at
the level of the
drawstring 1648. In other embodiments, a single drawstring is sufficient for
constricting one or
more than two pluralities of nodes on the wire mesh structure.
In some embodiments, wherein the sleeve includes metal wire supports, the ends
of the
wire or wires are designed to be atraumatic to body tissues. In various
embodiments, the wire ends
are blunted, folded upon the wire, or welded to other wire ends. In other
embodiments, the distal
end of the sleeve includes a component designed to make said distal end
atraumatic to body tissues.
Figure 17A is a cross-sectional illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 1705,
depicting one
embodiment of a component 1710 designed to configure said distal end to be
atraumatic to body
tissues. The component 1710 has a cylindrical shape with a proximal end 1711,
a distal end 1719,
and a lumen 1716 within. The component 1710 is open at both ends 1711, 1719.
The lumen 1716
of the component 1710 is in fluid communication with a lumen 1706 of the
sleeve 1705 to allow
for food to pass through the wire mesh of the device, the sleeve 1705, and the
component 1710.
The distal end 1719 is rounded into a blunt shape that is atraumatic to body
tissues. An outer
surface of the component 1710 includes a groove 1713 configured to receive a
circular member or
0-ring 1714. To attach the component 1710 to the sleeve 1705, the distal end
of the sleeve 1705
is coaxially slid onto the proximal end 1711 of the component 1710 such that a
portion of the
sleeve 1705 is positioned over said groove 1713. The 0-ring 1714 is then
placed over the sleeve
1705 and into the groove 1713, providing a robust connection of the sleeve
1705 to the component
1710. The distal sleeve end 1707 is then folded in a proximal direction back
toward the sleeve
1705 body. In one embodiment, the component 1710 includes a circular flange
1712 which
extends outwardly from the outer surface of the component 1710 and then in a
proximal direction.
The flange 1712 serves to cover any sharp ends present in the folded distal
sleeve end 1707 and
further protect body tissues from trauma. In various embodiments, the
component 1710 has a
length in a range of 5 mm to 500 mm, an outside diameter in a range of 3 mm to
30 mm, and an
inside diameter in a range of 0.5 to 50 mm.
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Figure 17B is a cross-sectional illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 1705,
depicting
another embodiment of a component 1720 designed to configure said distal end
to be atraumatic
to body tissues. The component 1720 has a cylindrical shape with a proximal
end 1721, a distal
end 1729, and a lumen 1726 within. The component 1720 is open at both ends
1721, 1729. The
lumen 1726 of the component 1720 is in fluid communication with a lumen 1706
of the sleeve
1705 to allow for food to pass through the wire mesh of the device, the sleeve
1705, and the
component 1720. The distal end 1729 is rounded into a blunt shape that is
atraumatic to body
tissues. An outer surface of the component 1720 includes a groove 1723
configured to receive a
circular member or 0-ring 1724. To attach the component 1720 to the sleeve
1705, the distal end
of the sleeve 1705 is coaxially slid onto the proximal end 1721 of the
component 1720 such that a
portion of the sleeve 1705 is positioned over said groove 1723. The 0-ring
1724 is placed over
the sleeve 1705 and into the groove 1723. The distal sleeve end is then folded
in a proximal
direction back toward the sleeve 1705 body. A heat shrink tube 1725 is then
placed over said
distal sleeve end and said 0-ring 1724. Heat is applied to the heat shrink
tube 1725 to shrink the
tube 1725 such that it securely connects the sleeve 1705 to the component
1720. Any sharp ends
in the distal sleeve end are contained under the heat shrink tube 1725 and are
not exposed to body
tissues.
Figure 17C is a cross-sectional illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 1705,
depicting
another embodiment of a component 1730 designed to configure said distal end
to be atraumatic
to body tissues. The component 1730 has a cylindrical shape with a proximal
end 1731, a distal
end 1739, and a lumen 1736 within. The component 1730 is open at both ends
1731, 1739. The
lumen 1736 of the component 1730 is in fluid communication with a lumen 1706
of the sleeve
1705 to allow for food to pass through the wire mesh of the device, the sleeve
1705, and the
component 1730. The distal end 1739 is rounded into a blunt shape that is
atraumatic to body
tissues. An outer surface of the component 1730 includes a groove 1733
configured to receive a
circular member or 0-ring 1734. To attach the component 1730 to the sleeve
1705, the sleeve
1705 is first everted to be inside out. The distal end of the sleeve 1705 is
then coaxially slid onto
the distal end 1739 of the component 1730 such that a portion of the sleeve
1705 is positioned over
said groove 1733. The 0-ring 1734 is placed over the sleeve 1705 and into the
groove 1733 The
sleeve 1705 is then folded in a proximal direction back over the 0-ring 1734
and proximal end
1731 of the component 1730, providing a robust connection of the sleeve 1705
to the component
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1730. This process of connecting the sleeve 1705 to the component 1730 ensures
that the distal
sleeve end 1707 will become positioned within the sleeve lumen 1706. Any sharp
ends in the
distal sleeve end 1707 are contained within the sleeve lumen 1706 and are not
exposed to body
tissues.
Figure 18 is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 1805 with a
positioning tail 1810
attached thereto, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification. The positioning
tail 1810 is attached to the distal end of a short sleeve 1805 having a length
of 5 mm to 500 mm
The positioning tail 1810 comprises a ribbon of material extending from the
distal end of the sleeve
1805 into a patient's duodenum and is used to help maintain proper implant
orientation of the
sleeve 1805 relative to a patient's pylorus. In various embodiments, the
positioning tail 1810 has
a length / in a range of 5 mm to 500 mm. In one embodiment, the positioning
tail 1810 has a length
/ of 25 mm. In one embodiment, the distal end of the positioning tail 1810
includes a bead 1815
for weighing down said distal end. In another embodiment, the distal end of
the positioning tail
includes a plurality of separate free ends similar to a horse tail. In other
embodiments, the distal
end of the positioning tail includes any mechanism or component designed to
provide additional
weight or tugging upon said distal end to allow for pulling on said tail to
ensure proper sleeve
orientation. In one embodiment, the distal end of the positioning tail does
not include any
additional components.
Figure 19A is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 1905 comprising a
plurality of
fringes 1907 joined to a ring 1908, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification.
In various embodiments, the distal end of the sleeve 1905 comprises two or
more fringes 1907. In
one embodiment, the distal end of the sleeve 1905 comprises four fringes 1907.
Each fringe 1907
comprises a portion of sleeve material which is separate from adjacent fringes
1907. The fringes
1907 are separated from one another by a space 1906 which allows food passing
through the
intragastric device to exit from the sleeve 1905. In various embodiments, each
fringe 1907 has a
length in a range of 5 mm to 500 mm and a width in a range of 1 mm to 15 mm.
In some
embodiments, the width of each fringe 1907 decreases as the fringe 1907
extends distally. The
fringes 1907 are connected to a ring 1908 at the most distal end of the sleeve
1905. The ring 1908
includes a center opening 1909 for passage of food. In some embodiments, the
ring 1908 is semi-
rigid. In various embodiments, the ring 1908 has an outer diameter in a range
of 1 mm to 30 mm
and an inner diameter in a range of 1 mm to 30 mm. In various embodiments, the
ring 1908 is
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attached to each fringe 1907 via suturing, gluing, bonding or any other method
of attachment. The
ring 1908 serves to join the fringes 1907 together and to weigh down the
distal end of the sleeve
1905 to assist with proper device orientation. The surfaces of the ring 1908
are blunted to be
atraumatic to body tissues. In some embodiments, the fringes 1907 and ring
1908 are parachute
.. shaped.
Figure 19B is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 1910 comprising a
plurality of
fringes 1912 joined to a ball 1913, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification
In various embodiments, the distal end of the sleeve 1910 comprises two or
more fringes 1912. In
one embodiment, the distal end of the sleeve 1910 comprises four fringes 1912.
Each fringe 1912
.. comprises a portion of sleeve material which is separate from adjacent
fringes 1912. The fringes
1912 are separated from one another by a space 1911 which allows food passing
through the
intragastric device to exit from the sleeve 1910. In various embodiments, each
fringe 1912 has a
length in a range of 5 mm to 500 mm and a width in a range of 1 mm to 15 mm.
In some
embodiments, the width of each fringe 1912 decreases as the fringe 1912
extends distally. The
.. fringes 1912 are connected to a ball 1913 at the most distal end of the
sleeve 1910. In various
embodiments, the ball 1913 has a diameter in a range of 2 mm to 30 mm. In
various embodiments,
the ball 1913 is glued or bonded to each fringe 1907. The ball 1913 serves to
join the fringes 1912
together and to weigh down the distal end of the sleeve 1910 to assist with
proper device
orientation. Since the ball 1913 has a spherical shape, it has no sharp edges
and is atraumatic to
body tissues. In another embodiment, the most distal ends of the fringes 1912
are tied together
into a knot to form the ball 1913 and no additional ball component is
required. In some
embodiments, the fringes 1912 and ball 1913 are parachute shaped.
In one embodiment, as seen in Figure 19C, the ball 1913 includes a lumen 1933
to allow
for passage of a guide wire. In another embodiment, the ball 1913 has a groove
or depression 1932
.. to receive an inner pusher catheter or plunger of a delivery device. In one
embodiment, the
circumference of the ball is designed to sit inside an outer catheter of a
delivery device.
Figure 19D is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 1915 having a
plurality of sutures
1917 extending therefrom and joined to a ball 1918, in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification In various embodiments, the sleeve 1915 includes two or
more sutures 1917
In one embodiment, the sleeve 1915 includes six sutures 1917. In various
embodiments, the
sutures 1917 have a length in a range of 5 mm to 500 mm. In one embodiment,
the sutures 1917
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are composed of nylon. A proximal end of each suture 1917 is attached to the
distal end of the
sleeve 1915 and a distal end of each suture 1917 is attached to a ball 1918.
In various embodiments,
the ball 1918 is glued to each suture 1917. In various embodiments, the ball
has a diameter in a
range of 3 mm to 30 mm. The ball 1918 is designed to add weight to the distal
end of the sleeve
1915 to pull the sleeve 1915 into the proper implant orientation. Since the
ball 1918 has a spherical
shape, it has no sharp edges and is atraumatic to body tissues. Food exits the
distal end of the
sleeve 1915 and passes through the spaces 1916 between the sutures 1917. In
one embodiment,
the ball 1918 includes a center opening 1919 for the passage of guidewire
there through. In various
embodiments, the ball 1918 is replaced by a ring or similarly designed
component to weigh down
the sleeve 1915 and ensure proper device orientation. In some embodiments, the
sutures 1917 and
ball 1918 are parachute shaped.
Figure 19E is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 1920 having at least
one suture 1922
with attached suture loop or bead 1923 extending therefrom, in accordance with
one embodiment
of the present specification. In one embodiment, the sleeve 1920 includes six
sutures 1922. In
various embodiments, the sutures 1922 have a length in a range of 5 mm to 500
mm. In one
embodiment, the sutures 1922 are composed of UHMWPE. A proximal end of each
suture 1922
is attached to the distal end of the sleeve 1920 and a distal end of each
suture 1922 includes an
attached suture loop or bead 1923. The suture loops or beads 1923 are designed
to add weight to
the distal end of the sleeve 1920 to pull the sleeve 1920 into the proper
implant orientation. Since
the suture loops or beads 1923 each have a spherical shape, they have no sharp
edges and are
atraumatic to body tissues.
Figure 20A is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 2005 depicting at
least one fold 2007
in the sleeve wall 2006, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification. In one
embodiment, the sleeve 2005 includes three folds 2007 in its wall 2006. The
folds 2007 are created
along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve 2005. In various embodiments, the
folds 2007 are positioned
equidistant from one another. Referring to Figure 20A, the sleeve 2005 is
folded over itself twice
resulting in three layers of sleeve wall 2006 at each fold 2007. The sleeve
layers are bonded to
each other at each fold 2007. In one embodiment, the sleeve layers are
thermally fused together.
The folding of the sleeve wall 2006 produces a pleated effect which adds
structure and stability to
the sleeve 2005. The added structure helps maintain the sleeve 2005 in the
proper orientation
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relative to a patient's pylorus and assists in preventing deformation of the
sleeve 2005 by actions
of the patient's gastrointestinal tract.
Figure 20B is an illustration of a distal end of a sleeve 2010 depicting at
least one channel
2012 and support structure 2013 within the sleeve wall 2011, in accordance
with one embodiment
of the present specification. In one embodiment, the sleeve 2010 includes four
channels 2012 in
its wall 2011 and each channel 2012 includes a support structure 2013 within.
In various
embodiments, the support structures 2013 comprise tubes or beads. In various
embodiments, the
support structures 2013 are sized to fit snugly within the channels 2012. The
channels 2012 extend
along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve 2010. In one embodiment, the channels
2012 extend the
entire length of the sleeve 2010. In other embodiments, the channels extend
only along a portion
of the distal end of the sleeve 2010. In various embodiments, the channels
2012 are positioned
equidistant from one another. The inclusion of the channels 2012 and support
structures 2013 adds
structure and stability to the sleeve 2010. The added structure helps maintain
the sleeve 2010 in
the proper orientation relative to a patient's pylorus and assists in
preventing deformation of the
sleeve 2010 by actions of the patient's gastrointestinal tract. In one
embodiment, the channel 2012
is a hollow channel which can be filled or inflated with a fluid, such as
water or air, to provide
rigidity and/or structure to the sleeve 2010
Figure 20C is an illustration of a portion of a sleeve 2015 depicting a
corrugated sleeve
wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The
sleeve 2015 includes a
plurality of alternating annular grooves 2016 and ridges 2017 extending along
its length. In one
embodiment, the entire sleeve 2015 is corrugated. In other embodiments, only a
portion of the
distal end of the sleeve 2015 is corrugated. In various embodiments, the
corrugated portion of the
sleeve 2015 is composed of fluoropolymer or polyethylene (PE). Referring to
Figure 20C, in one
embodiment, the corrugated portion of the sleeve 2015 is cylindrical and
includes a consistent
diameter along its entire length. In another embodiment, the corrugated
portion of the sleeve is
funnel shaped and includes a diameter that decreases as the sleeve extends
distally. In various
embodiments, the distal end of the corrugated sleeve 2015 is configured to be
soft, rounded, and
atraumatic to body tissues. The corrugated structure helps maintain the sleeve
2015 in the proper
orientation relative to a patient's pylorus and assists in preventing
deformation of the sleeve 2015
by actions of the patient's gastrointestinal tract.
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Figure 20D is an illustration of portion of a sleeve 2020 depicting a knitted
sleeve wall in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The sleeve 2020
includes a knitted
wire pattern 2021 extending along its length. In one embodiment, the entire
sleeve 2020 is knitted.
In other embodiments, only specific portions, such as the distal end, of the
sleeve 2020 are knitted.
Referring to Figure 20D, in one embodiment, the knitted portion of the sleeve
2020 is cylindrical
and includes a consistent diameter along its entire length. In various
embodiments, the diameter
of the sleeve 2020 ranges from 1 cm ¨ 10 cm. In one embodiment, the diameter
of the sleeve is
25 mm and the length is 500 mm. In another embodiment, the knitted portion of
the sleeve is
funnel shaped and includes a diameter that decreases as the sleeve extends
distally. In various
embodiments, the distal end of the knitted sleeve 2020 is configured to be
soft, rounded, and
atraumatic to body tissues. The knitted structure helps maintain the sleeve
2020 in the proper
orientation relative to a patient's pylorus and assists in preventing
deformation of the sleeve 2020
by actions of the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The knitted structure
provides the sleeve 2020
with structural integrity and prevents the sleeve 2020 from becoming kinked,
twisted, or
obstructed. In various embodiments, the sleeve 2020 has a radial force high
enough to prevent
deformation by the peristaltic actions of the gastrointestinal tract but low
enough such that the
sleeve 2020 can be compressed to allow food to propagate through the sleeve
2020. In addition,
the radial force is low enough such that the sleeve is not too rigid which can
result in trauma to the
gastrointestinal tract, including abrasions. In one embodiment, the knitted
structure of the sleeve
2020 functions similarly to a stent, keeping the sleeve 2020 properly
positioned within the patient's
small intestine.
Figure 20E is an illustration of portion of a sleeve 2025 depicting a knitted
sleeve wall and
a distal sleeve end having frayed edges 2028, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present
specification. The sleeve 2025 includes a knitted wire pattern 2026 extending
along its length.
The frayed edges 2028 at the distal end of the sleeve 2025 are less traumatic
to body tissues.
Figure 20F is an illustration of exemplary sleeve knit patterns 2031, 2032,
2033, 2034,
2035, 2036, 2037 in accordance with various embodiments of the present
specification.
Figure 21A is an illustration of an intragastric device 2130 having an oval
shaped wire
mesh structure 2131 deployed in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification. In the pictured embodiment, the
device 2130 includes a
wire mesh structure 2131 having an anti-migration collar 2134 and attached
sleeve 2132. The
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device 2130 is deployed such that the wire mesh structure 2131 resides in the
stomach 2160 with
the anti-migration collar 2134 positioned just proximal to the pylorus 2161
and the sleeve 2132
extending through the pylorus 2161 and into the duodenum 2170. The distal end
of the sleeve
2132 resides in the duodenum 2170. The anti-migration collar prevents
migration of the totality
of the device 2130 through the pylorus 2161 and into the duodenum 2170. The
device 2130
occupies a volume of the stomach 2160, does not move entirely past the pylorus
2161, and provides
a bypass for food past the pylorus 2161 and a portion of the duodenum 2170. In
various
embodiments, the sleeve 2132 is a short sleeve having a length in a range of 5
cm ¨ 120 cm. In
one embodiment, the sleeve 2132 is a short sleeve having a total length of 60
cm. In some
embodiments, the short sleeve 2132 functions to weigh down wire mesh structure
2131 and orient
the wire mesh structure 2131 in the correct direction toward the pylorus 2161.
In addition, in one
embodiment, the device 2130 having a short sleeve 2132 is capable of moving
freely within the
patient's stomach 2160 after deployment. The short sleeve 2132 is capable of
passing back and
forth through the pylorus 2161 atraumatically. During situations when the
device 2130 has moved
such that the short sleeve 2132 is not positioned within the pylorus 2161 and
duodenum 2170 but
is rather in the stomach 2160 with the remainder of the device 2130, the short
sleeve also functions
to impede and regulate the flow of food into the pylorus 2161. This occurs as
food enters the
device 2130 at the proximal end of the wire mesh structure 2131 and travels
through the wire mesh
structure 2131 and sleeve 2132, where its progress is slowed as it passes
through the funnel shaped
sleeve 2132. At no time during its proper function is the device fixedly or
permanently anchored
to the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. After deployment, for a majority of
its functional time, at
least a portion of the device or the entire device is free to move relative to
the stomach or small
intestine. As a result of its included lumen, at no time during its normal
function does the device
completely or permanently block the passage of gastric contents into the small
intestine for any
clinically meaningful duration of time. Based on the shape of the sleeve, in
various embodiments,
the device can increase, decrease, or have no effect on, gastric emptying.
Figure 21B is an illustration of an intragastric device 2140 having an oval
shaped wire
mesh structure 2141 deployed in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, in
accordance with another
embodiment of the present specification. The wire mesh structure 2141 is
positioned in the
patient's stomach 2160 and includes an anti-migration collar 2144 to which is
attached a sleeve
2142. The sleeve 2142 includes a proximal, funnel shaped portion 2142p which
resides in the
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stomach, just proximal to the pylorus 2161. The sleeve 2142 also includes a
distal, cylindrically
shaped portion 2142d which passes through the pylorus 2161 and the duodenum
2170 and ends in
the jejunum 2172, where it releases the gastric contents passing through the
intragastric device
2140, effectively bypassing the pylorus 2161 and duodenum 2170. In another
embodiment, the
sleeve has a shorter length and ends in the duodenum such that gastric
contents passing through
the intragastric device bypass only the pylorus and a proximal portion of the
duodenum. At no
time during its proper function is the device fixedly or permanently anchored
to the wall of the
gastrointestinal tract After deployment, for a majority of its functional
time, at least a portion of
the device or the entire device is free to move relative to the stomach or
small intestine. As a result
of its included lumen, at no time during its normal function does the device
completely or
permanently block the passage of gastric contents into the small intestine for
any clinically
meaningful duration of time. Based on the shape of the sleeve, in various
embodiments, the device
can increase, decrease, or have no effect on, gastric emptying.
Figure 21C is an illustration of several views 2121, 2122, 2123, 2124 of a
pylorus 2125 of
a patient in an open state and a closed state with and without a sleeve 2126
of an intragastric device
passing therethrough, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
specification. In view
2121, the pylorus 2125 is closed and there is no sleeve extending
therethrough. View 2122 shows
a closed pylorus 2125 with a sleeve 2126 extending therethrough. Views 2123
and 2124 show
partially open and fully open pylorus 2125 respectively, both with a sleeve
2126 extending
therethrough. In various embodiments, the sleeve 2126 comprises a collapsible
tubular reinforced
membrane that opposes the pyloric orifice inner diameter wall. In various
embodiments, the
maximum inner diameter of the sleeve 2126 ranges from 25 mm to 40 mm with a
wall thickness
of approximately 0.2 mm. Any membrane, such as sleeve 2126, passing through
the pylorus will
have a negligible but finite cross-sectional area. In various embodiments, the
cross-sectional area
of the sleeve 2126 is approximately 15 mm2, which is equivalent to a plug
approximately 4.4 mm
in diameter. In other words, the dynamic cross-sectional area of the pyloric
orifice will always be
reduced by approximately 15 mm2 when a sleeve 2126 is passing therethrough.
Figure 22 is an illustration of an expanded wire mesh structure 2201 of a
first intragastric
device 2200 in a post-deployment configuration and a constricted wire mesh
structure 2221 of a
second intragastric device 2220 coupled to the distal end of an implantation
catheter 2250, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. Second
intragastric device 2220
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also includes a sleeve 2222 coupled to the distal end of the wire mesh
structure 2221. The wire
mesh structure 2221 and sleeve 2222 of the second intragastric device 2220
have been compressed
and slid coaxially onto the distal end of the implantation catheter 2250. In
the pictured
embodiment, the wire mesh structure 2221 and sleeve 2222 are maintained in
their compressed
configuration by a suture line or thread 2225 that has been wrapped about both
the wire mesh
structure 2221 and sleeve. Once the device 2220 has been positioned in the
stomach and
duodenum of a patient, the suture line or thread 2225 is unwound and the wire
mesh structure 2221
and sleeve 2222 expand to their deployed configuration. As the device 2220
expands, it is released
from the catheter 2250. The catheter 2250 is then removed from the patient. In
another
embodiment, the compressed wire mesh structure and sleeve are held in place
over the
implantation catheter via an overlaying coaxial sheath. Upon deployment, the
sheath is unzipped,
pulled away, or tom in a vertical direction to release the device.
Figure 23 is an illustration of an intragastric device 2300 with a partially
constrained wire
mesh structure 2301 on a delivery catheter 2350, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present
specification. The device 2300 also includes a coupled sleeve 2302 and anti-
migration component
2304. In the pictured embodiment, the proximal end of the wire mesh structure
2301 is still
constricted by a suture or thread 2340. The sleeve 2302, anti-migration
component 2304, and a
portion of the wire mesh structure 2301 have begun to expand as the
constricting suture or thread
has already been removed from these components.
Figure 24A is an illustration of a first exemplary delivery device 2450 for an
intragastric
device 2400, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification.
An intragastric
device 2400, comprising a compressed wire mesh structure 2401 and sleeve 2402,
is positioned
coaxially about the distal end of the delivery device or catheter 2450. A
suture or thread 2440 is
wrapped about the intragastric device 2400, maintaining the intragastric
device 2400 in its
compressed configuration. The catheter 2450 further includes a thread port
2458 from which the
suture or thread 2440 used to compress the intragastric device 2400 exits the
proximal end of the
catheter 2450. A physician pulls on the free end 2459 of the suture or thread
2440 to release the
intragastric device 2400. In one embodiment, the catheter 2450 also includes a
locking mechanism
2455 for locking the device 2450 in position.
Figure 24B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 24A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
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specification. At step 2410, a compressed intragastric device is placed
coaxially over the distal
end of the delivery device or catheter. The catheter is then inserted
endoscopically into the patient
and its distal end is advanced to the duodenum at step 2412. Then, at step
2414, the distal end of
the catheter is positioned such that the wire mesh structure of the
intragastric device is in the
stomach just proximal to the pylorus and the sleeve of the device passes
through the pylorus and
into the duodenum. At step 2416, the physician pulls on the free end of the
thread to remove the
constricting thread from about the intragastric device, allowing the
intragastric device to expand
automatically. Finally, at step 2418, the catheter is slid coaxially away from
the intragastric device
and removed from the patient.
Figure 25A is an illustration of a second exemplary delivery device 2550 for
an intragastric
device 2500, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification.
An intragastric
device 2500, comprising a compressed wire mesh structure 2501 and sleeve 2502,
is positioned
coaxially about the distal end of the delivery device or catheter 2550. A
zippered constraining
sheath 2541 is coaxially positioned over the intragastric device 2500,
maintaining the intragastric
device 2500 in its compressed configuration.
Figure 25B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 25A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. At step 2510, a compressed intragastric device is placed
coaxially over the distal
end of the delivery device or catheter. The catheter is then inserted
endoscopically into the patient
and its distal end is advanced to the duodenum at step 2512. Then, at step
2514, the distal end of
the catheter is positioned such that the wire mesh structure of the
intragastric device is in the
stomach just proximal to the pylorus and the sleeve of the device passes
through the pylorus and
into the duodenum. At step 2516, a working tool is used to unzip the
compressing sheath from
about the intragastric device, allowing the intragastric device to expand
automatically. Finally, at
step 2518, the catheter is slid coaxially away from the intragastric device
and removed from the
patient.
Alternatively, the sheath 2541 is a standard tubular sheath that is pulled off
the intragastric
device to release the intragastric device in the desired position. Figure 25C
is a flow chart
illustrating the steps involved in delivering an intragastric device using a
delivery device
comprising a pull away sheath, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present specification.
At step 2550, a compressed intragastric device is placed coaxially over the
distal end of the
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delivery device or catheter. The catheter is then inserted endoscopically into
the patient and its
distal end is advanced to the duodenum at step 2552. Then, at step 2554, the
distal end of the
catheter is positioned such that the wire mesh structure of the intragastric
device is in the stomach
just proximal to the pylorus and the sleeve of the device passes through the
pylorus and into the
duodenum. At step 2556, a working tool is used to pull the compressing sheath
coaxially away
from about the intragastric device, allowing the intragastric device to expand
automatically.
Finally, at step 2558, the catheter is slid coaxially away from the
intragastric device and removed
from the patient.
Figure 26A is an illustration of a third exemplary delivery device 2650 for an
intragastric
device 2600, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification.
An intragastric
device 2600, comprising a compressed wire mesh structure 2601 and sleeve 2602,
is positioned
coaxially about the distal end of the delivery device or catheter 2650. A tear-
away constraining
sheath 2642 is coaxially positioned over the intragastric device 2600,
maintaining the intragastric
device 2600 in its compressed configuration.
Figure 26B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 26A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification At step 2610, a compressed intragastric device is placed
coaxially over the distal
end of the delivery device or catheter. The catheter is then inserted
endoscopically into the patient
and its distal end is advanced to the duodenum at step 2612. Then, at step
2614, the distal end of
the catheter is positioned such that the wire mesh structure of the
intragastric device is in the
stomach just proximal to the pylorus and the sleeve of the device passes
through the pylorus and
into the duodenum. At step 2616, a working tool is used to tear away a
compressing sheath from
about the intragastric device, allowing the intragastric device to expand
automatically. Finally, at
step 2618, the catheter is slid coaxially away from the intragastric device
and removed from the
patient.
Figure 26C is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 26A, in accordance with another embodiment
of the present
specification At step 2620, a compressed intragastric device is placed
coaxially over the distal
end of the delivery device or catheter. The catheter is then inserted
endoscopically into the patient
and its distal end is advanced to the stomach at step 2622. Then, at step
2624, the distal end of the
catheter is positioned such that the wire mesh structure and the sleeve of the
intragastric device are
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both positioned proximal to the pylorus. At step 2626, a working tool is used
to tear away a
compressing sheath from about the intragastric device, allowing the
intragastric device to expand
automatically. At step 2628, the catheter is slid coaxially away from the
intragastric device and
removed from the patient. Finally, at step 2630, gastric peristalsis pushes
the sleeve of the
intragastric device through the pylorus and into the duodenum.
Figure 26D is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering a
wire mesh structure
and sleeve separately and assembling an intragastric device within a patient's
gastrointestinal tract
At step 2660, the wire mesh structure is delivered into the stomach of a
patient by a first catheter.
Then, at step 2662, the sleeve is delivered into the wire mesh structure by a
second catheter. The
distal end of the sleeve is then extended through the distal opening in the
wire mesh structure at
step 2664. Finally, at step 2666, the proximal end of the sleeve is coupled to
the distal end of the
wire mesh structure.
Figures 27A and 27B are illustrations of a fourth exemplary delivery device
2700 for an
intragastric device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification. The delivery
device 2700 includes a flexible elongate device body, or outer catheter 2704
with a proximal end,
a distal end, and a lumen within. The distal end includes an opening 2703 and
the proximal end is
attached to a first handle 2705 The first handle 2705 is used for positioning
the delivery device
2700 in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A flexible plunger component
2716 is positioned
coaxially, and movable longitudinally, within the lumen of the device body
2704. The plunger
2716 includes a proximal end, a distal end, and also includes a lumen within.
The distal tip 2714
of the plunger 2716 includes a mesh retention component 2719 comprising a
plurality of fins 2715.
The fins 2715 serve to securely hold the wire mesh structure 2701 of an
intragastric device and
push and pull the wire mesh structure 2701 as the plunger 2716 is moved back
and forth within
the device body 2704. A second handle 2706 is positioned at the proximal end
of the plunger 2716
for moving the plunger 2716 longitudinally within the lumen of the device body
2704. Optionally,
in one embodiment, the plunger 2716 includes a stopper 2718 which prevents the
plunger 2716
from moving too far in a distal direction. A flexible elongate rod, or inner
catheter 2717 is
positioned coaxially, and movable longitudinally, within the lumen of the
plunger 2716. The rod
2717 includes a proximal end and a distal end. Positioned proximal the distal
end of the rod 2717
.. is a first spherical component or olive 2708 and positioned at the distal
end of the rod 2717 is a
second spherical component or olive 2709. The first spherical component or
olive 2708 has a
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diameter similar to or greater than that of the second spherical component or
olive 2709. Attached
to the proximal end of the rod 2717 is a third handle 2707 which is used for
moving the rod 2717
longitudinally within the lumen of the plunger 2716. An intragastric device,
comprising a wire
mesh structure 2701 and a sleeve 2702, is positioned within the delivery
device 2700 prior to
deployment. The wire mesh structure 2701 is placed with a side loop about the
rod 2717 and distal
to the tip 2714 of the plunger 2716, with a portion of the wire mesh structure
2701 hooked on the
fins 2715 of the tip 2714. In some embodiments, the rod 2717 passes through at
least two openings
in the wire mesh structure 2701 wherein the openings do not lie along a center
longitudinal axis of
the wire mesh structure 2701. In one embodiment, the wire mesh structure 2701
is compressed
for positioning within the delivery device 2700 such that it has a compressed
length of
approximately 20 cm. The sleeve 2702, which is attached to the wire mesh
structure 2701, is
positioned distal to the wire mesh structure 2701 and proximal to the first
spherical component or
olive 2708. The sleeve 2702 is folded upon itself 2 to 10 times and then
wrapped around the rod
2717. In one embodiment, the sleeve 2702 has a length of 80 cm and is folded
upon itself 3 times
resulting in a compressed length of approximately 30 cm. The sleeve 2702 is
not passed coaxially
over the rod 2717. Attached to the sleeve 2702 and looped on the rod 2717 in a
position distal to
the first spherical component or olive 2708 are first and second ends,
respectively, of a suture loop
2713. The diameter of the suture loop 2713 about the rod is smaller than the
diameter of the first
spherical component or olive 2708 but greater than the diameter of the second
spherical component
or olive 2709. When the rod 2717 is pushed out of the device body 2704, the
first spherical
component or olive 2708 pushes the suture loop 2713 which pulls the attached
sleeve 2702 out of
the device body 2704. When the delivery device 2700, along with the rod 2717,
are removed from
the patient's gastrointestinal tract, the suture loop 2713 slips over the
smaller diameter second
spherical component or olive 2709, allowing the intragastric device to remain
in the patient. In
one embodiment, the suture loop 2713 is biodegradable and dissolves over time.
In another
embodiment, the suture loop 2713 is non-biodegradable. In other embodiments,
the suture loop
2713 is a biodegradable hook, ring, cone, or umbrella.
Optionally, in one embodiment, the delivery device 2700 further includes a
balloon 2710
at the distal end of the device body 2704. A channel 2711 extends along the
length of the device
body 2704 and includes an input port 2712 at the proximal end of the device
body 2704. The
balloon 2710 is inflated using the input port 2712 and channel 2711 to anchor
the delivery device
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within the patient's gastrointestinal tract. Anchoring provides greater
traction to the delivery
device to allow for pushing and pulling during delivery of the intragastric
device.
In some embodiments, the delivery device 2700 further includes a flushing or
irrigation
mechanism to reduce deployment forces during delivery.
In various embodiments, the delivery device or catheter has variable stiffness
along its
length. The delivery device is more flexible at its distal end and becomes
less flexible along its
length toward its proximal end. In some embodiments, the delivery device has
three zones of
flexibility: a proximal zone, a center zone, and a distal zone In one
embodiment, the proximal
zone has a length of 100 cm and a flexibility of 55D, the center zone has a
length of 20 cm and a
flexibility of 40D, and the distal zone has a length of 30 cm and flexibility
of 35D. Optionally, in
one embodiment, the distal zone is split into two additional zones, comprising
a more distal zone
and a less distal zone. Both zones are 15 cm in length and the less distal
zone has a flexibility of
35D while the more distal zone has a flexibility of 25D. In one embodiment,
the proximal zone is
braided and the center and distal zones are coiled.
The delivery device includes atraumatic distal ends and the three handle
system of the
delivery device allows for a shorter overall device body length. In various
embodiments, referring
to Figure 27B, the delivery device has the following dimensions: overall
length ranging from 275
cm ¨ 320 cm; length of said device body or outer catheter 2704 ranging from
100 cm ¨ 150 cm;
length of said plunger 2716 ranging from 120 cm ¨ 150 cm; length of said rod
or inner catheter
2717 ranging from 275 cm ¨ 320 cm; length of each handle 2705, 2706, 2707
equal to 10 cm,
distance between said second spherical component or olive 2709 and said first
spherical
component or olive 2708 ranging from 15 cm ¨ 30 cm; distance between said
first handle 2705
and said second handle 2706 when in an initial configuration before delivery
equal to 60 cm; and,
distance between said second handle 2706 and said third handle 2707 when in an
initial
configuration before delivery equal to 50 cm. In some embodiments, the outer
diameter of the
device body or outer catheter 2704 is 10 mm or less. In one embodiment, the
delivery device is
deployable over a 0.035 inch guidewire. In various embodiments, the plunger
2716 and rod 2717
are sufficiently flexible to allow for atraumatic intestinal navigation. In
some embodiments, a
solid outer catheter can bend up to 80 degrees and is capable of navigating
curves having a radius
30 mm ¨ 50 mm. In an embodiment, if a solid outer catheter is coiled into a
radius of
approximately 50 mm, the sleeve and mesh will kink or cinch in place and not
deploy. Therefore,
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as depicted in Figure 27C, in some embodiments, the device body or outer
catheter 2704 comprises
a flexible braided catheter. The flexible braided catheter is capable of
bending and coiling beyond
the limits described above without causing failure of deployment of the sleeve
and wire mesh.
Figure 27C is an illustration of a distal end of a delivery device 2700
depicting a pilot olive,
or first spherical component 2709 for navigation, in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present specification. The pilot olive 2709 comprises a small sphere with a
blunt outer surface
attached to the distal end of the rod, or inner catheter 2717 of the delivery
device 2700. The pilot
olive 2709 guides the device 2700 during delivery and prevents kinking of the
device 2700 and
trauma to surrounding body tissues. Referring to Figure 27C, the portion of
the inner catheter
2717 extending from the outer catheter 2704 comprises a pilot component. The
stiffness of the
pilot component is less than the stiffness of the distal portion of the outer
catheter 2704. In some
embodiments, the pilot component has a variable stiffness with a stiffness
close to the stiffness of
the distal end of the outer catheter 2704 at its proximal end and a stiffness
close to that of a 0.035"
guidewire at its distal end.
Figure 27D is an illustration of a portion of a delivery device 2700 depicting
a mesh
retention component 2719, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification. The
mesh retention component 2719 comprises a plurality of fins 2715. The fins
2715 serve to securely
hold the wire mesh structure of an intragastric device and push and pull the
wire mesh structure as
the plunger 2716 is moved back and forth within the device body 2704.
In one embodiment, the sleeve is only partially deployed during delivery. The
wire mesh
structure functions as an anchor to keep the device positioned. As the patient
eats, the sleeve
unfurls and becomes fully deployed due to the movements of the
gastrointestinal tract.
Figure 27E is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 27A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. At step 2720, the delivery device is slid over a guidewire into
position within a
patient's gastrointestinal tract. At step 2721, a physician uses the first
handle to position the distal
end of the delivery device body in a duodenum of the patient. Optionally, at
step 2722, the
physician inflates a balloon at the distal end of the device body to anchor
the delivery device in
the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The physician then pushes the second
handle, pushing in the
plunger component, until the sleeve is pushed out of the device body at step
2723. Optionally, the
plunger includes a stopper so the physician knows when to stop pushing the
second handle. At
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this point, the sleeve has been advanced approximately 20 cm, past the first
spherical component
and is positioned just proximal to the second spherical component. The wire
mesh structure is
positioned just proximal to the first spherical component and the opening at
the distal end of the
device body. Then, at step 2724, the physician pushes the third handle to
advance the rod within
the lumen of the plunger approximately 60 cm until the sleeve is fully
deployed and is fully
stretched or uncompressed. At step 2725, the physician repositions the device
by pulling it back
approximately 5 to 10 cm so that the distal end of the funnel section of the
sleeve is within the
stomach. Then, at step 2726, the physician pulls back on the first handle
while holding the second
handle steady to deploy the funnel section of the sleeve and the wire mesh
structure in the stomach.
This pulls the device body back while keeping the plunger in place, thus
releasing the wire mesh
structure. The delivery device is then removed from the patient at step 2727,
leaving the
intragastric device deployed in the patient's gastrointestinal tract.
Figure 28A is an illustration of a fifth exemplary delivery device 2830 for an
intragastric
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The
delivery device 2830
includes a flexible elongate device body, or outer catheter 2834 with a
proximal end, a distal end,
and a lumen within. The distal end includes an opening 2833 and the proximal
end is attached to
an actuating mechanism 2835. The actuating mechanism 2835 includes an actuator
handle 2849
and an actuator trigger 2848 and is used to move the components of the
delivery device relative to
one another. The actuating mechanism is also used for positioning the delivery
device 2830 in the
gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A flexible plunger component 2846 is
positioned coaxially, and
movable longitudinally, within the lumen of the device body 2834. The plunger
2846 includes a
proximal end, a distal end, and also includes a lumen within. The distal tip
2844 of the plunger
2846 includes a mesh retention component 2819 comprising a plurality of fins
2845. The fins
2845 serve to securely hold the wire mesh structure 2831 of an intragastric
device and push and
pull the wire mesh structure 2831 as the plunger 2846 is moved back and forth
within the device
body 2834. The proximal end of the plunger 2846 is positioned within the
actuating mechanism
wherein pulling the actuation trigger 2848 causes the plunger 2846 to move
back and forth
longitudinally within the lumen of the device body 2834. A flexible elongate
rod, or inner catheter
2847 is positioned within the lumen of the plunger 2846. The rod 2847 includes
a proximal end
.. and a distal end. Positioned proximal the distal end of the rod 2847 is a
first spherical component
or olive 2838 and positioned at the distal end of the rod 2847 is a second
spherical component or
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olive 2839. The olives 2838, 2839 comprise spherical attachments which assist
in guiding delivery
of the intragastric device. The first spherical component or olive 2838 has a
diameter greater than
that of the second spherical component or olive 2839. Attached to the proximal
end of the rod
2847 is a rod handle 2837 which is used for moving the rod 2847 longitudinally
within the lumen
of the plunger 2846. An intragastric device, comprising a wire mesh structure
2831 and a sleeve
2832 is positioned within the delivery device 2830 prior to deployment. In
various embodiments,
the sleeve is compressed axially. In other embodiments, the sleeve is not
compressed coaxially.
The wire mesh structure 2831 is placed with a side loop about the rod 2847 and
distal to the tip
2844 of the plunger 2846, with a portion of the wire mesh structure 2831
hooked on the fins 2845
of the tip 2844. The sleeve 2832, which is attached to the wire mesh structure
2831, is positioned
distal to the wire mesh structure 2831 and proximal to the first spherical
component or olive 2838.
The sleeve 2832 is folded upon itself 2 to 10 times and then wrapped around
the rod 2847. The
sleeve 2832 is not passed coaxially over the rod 2847. Attached to the sleeve
2832 and looped on
the rod 2847 in a position distal to the first spherical component or olive
2838 is a suture loop
2843. The diameter of the suture loop 2843 about the rod 2847 is smaller than
the diameter of the
first spherical component or olive 2838 but greater than the diameter of the
second spherical
component or olive 2839. When the rod 2847 is pushed out of the device body
2834, the first
spherical component or olive 2838 pushes the suture loop 2843 which pulls the
attached sleeve
2832 out of the device body 2834. When the delivery device 2830, along with
the rod 2847, are
removed from the patient's gastrointestinal tract, the suture loop 2843 slips
over the smaller
diameter second spherical component or olive 2839, allowing the intragastric
device to remain in
the patient. In one embodiment, the suture loop 2843 is biodegradable and
dissolves over time.
In other embodiments, the suture loop 2843 is a biodegradable hook, ring,
cone, or umbrella.
Optionally, in one embodiment, the delivery device 2830 further includes a
balloon 2840
at the distal end of the device body 2834. A channel 2841 extends along the
length of the device
body 2834 and includes an input port 2842 at the proximal end of the device
body 2834. The
balloon 2840 is inflated using the input port 2842 and channel 2841 to anchor
the delivery device
within the patient's gastrointestinal tract. Anchoring provides greater
traction to the delivery
device to allow for pushing and pulling during delivery of the intragastric
device.
Figure 28B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 28A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
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specification. At step 2850, the delivery device is slid over a guidewire into
position within a
patient's gastrointestinal tract. At step 2851, a physician uses the actuating
mechanism to position
the distal end of the delivery device body in a duodenum of the patient.
Optionally, at step 2852,
the physician inflates a balloon at the distal end of the device body to
anchor the delivery device
in the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The physician then pulls on the
actuation trigger until it locks
a first time, pushing in rod handle, until the sleeve is pushed out of the
device body at step 2853
Optionally, the plunger includes a stopper so the physician knows when to stop
pushing the second
handle. At this point, the sleeve has been advanced approximately 20 cm, past
the first spherical
component and is positioned just proximal to the second spherical component.
The wire mesh
structure is positioned just proximal to the first spherical component and the
opening at the distal
end of the device body. Optionally, at step 2854, the physician pulls on the
trigger to advance the
plunger approximately 60 cm until the sleeve is fully deployed and is fully
stretched or
uncompressed. At step 2855, the physician repositions the device by pulling it
back approximately
5 to 10 cm so that the distal end of the funnel section of the sleeve is
within the stomach. Then, at
step 2856, the physician pulls on the actuation trigger again until it locks a
second time. This pulls
the device body back while keeping the plunger in place, thus releasing the
funnel section of the
sleeve and the wire mesh structure. The delivery device is then removed from
the patient at step
2857, leaving the intragastric device deployed in the patient's
gastrointestinal tract
Figure 29A is an illustration of yet another exemplary delivery device 2900
for an
.. intragastric device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
specification. The delivery
device 2900 of Figure 29A differs from the delivery device 2700 depicted in
Figure 27A in that it
includes only two handles 2905, 2906 and a device body or outer catheter 2904
and rod or inner
catheter 2917. The delivery device 2900 of Figure 29A does not include a
separate plunger with
its own handle. Instead, a plunger 2916 is integrated with the second handle
2906 and coaxially
envelopes a proximal portion of the inner catheter 2917. The delivery device
2900 includes a
flexible elongate device body, or outer catheter 2904 with a proximal end, a
distal end, and a lumen
within. The distal end includes an opening 2903 and the proximal end is
attached to a first handle
2905. The first handle 2905 is used for positioning the delivery device 2900
in the gastrointestinal
tract of a patient. In one embodiment, the first handle 2905 includes a Y-
connector. A flexible
elongate rod, or inner catheter 2917 is positioned coaxially, and movable
longitudinally, within
the lumen of the outer catheter 2904. The rod 2917 includes a proximal end
attached to a second
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handle 2906 and a distal end. A flexible plunger component 2916 is positioned
coaxially over a
proximal portion of, and moves longitudinally with, the inner catheter 2917.
The plunger 2916
includes a proximal end also attached to second handle 2906 and a distal end.
The distal tip of the
plunger 2916 includes a mesh retention component 2919 comprising a plurality
of fins 2915. The
fins 2915 serve to securely hold the wire mesh structure 2901 of an
intragastric device and push
and pull the wire mesh structure 2901 as the plunger 2916 and inner catheter
2917 are moved back
and forth within the outer catheter 2904. The second handle 2906 is positioned
at the proximal
end of the plunger 2916 and inner catheter 2917 for moving the plunger 2916
and inner catheter
2917 longitudinally within the lumen of the outer catheter 2904. Optionally,
in one embodiment,
the plunger includes a stopper which prevents the plunger and inner catheter
from moving too far
in a distal direction. Positioned proximal the distal end of the inner
catheter 2917 is a first spherical
component or olive 2908 and positioned at the distal end of the inner catheter
2917 is a second
spherical component or olive 2909. The first spherical component or olive 2908
has a diameter
greater than that of the second spherical component or olive 2909. An
intragastric device,
comprising a wire mesh structure 2901 and a sleeve 2902, is positioned within
the delivery device
2900 prior to deployment. The wire mesh structure 2901 is placed with a side
loop about the rod
2917 and distal to the tip of the plunger 2916, with a portion of the wire
mesh structure 2901
hooked on the fins 2915 of the retention component 2919 In some embodiments,
the rod 2917
passes through at least two openings in the wire mesh structure 2901 wherein
the openings do not
lie along a center longitudinal axis of the wire mesh structure 2901. In one
embodiment, the wire
mesh structure 2901 is compressed for positioning within the delivery device
2900 such that it has
a compressed length of approximately 30 cm. The sleeve 2902, which is attached
to the wire mesh
structure 2901, is positioned distal to the wire mesh structure 2901 and
proximal to the first
spherical component or olive 2908. The sleeve 2902 is folded upon itself 2 to
10 times and then
wrapped around the inner catheter 2917. In one embodiment, the sleeve 2902 has
a length of 80
cm and is folded upon itself 3 times resulting in a compressed length of
approximately 30 cm. The
sleeve 2902 is not passed coaxially over the inner catheter 2917. Attached to
the sleeve 2902 and
looped on the inner catheter 2917 in a position distal to the first spherical
component or olive 2908
are first and second ends, respectively, of a suture loop 2913. The diameter
of the suture loop
2913 about the rod is smaller than the diameter of the first spherical
component or olive 2908 but
greater than the diameter of the second spherical component or olive 2909.
When the inner
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catheter 2917 is pushed out of the outer catheter 2904, the first spherical
component or olive 2908
pushes the suture loop 2913 which pulls the attached sleeve 2902 out of the
outer catheter 2904.
When the delivery device 2900, along with the inner catheter 2917, are removed
from the patient's
gastrointestinal tract, the suture loop 2913 slips over the smaller diameter
second spherical
component or olive 2909, allowing the intragastric device to remain in the
patient. In one
embodiment, the suture loop 2913 is biodegradable and dissolves over time
In other
embodiments, the suture loop 2913 is a biodegradable hook, ring, cone, or
umbrella.
Optionally, in one embodiment, the delivery device 2900 further includes a
balloon at the
distal end of the device body. A channel extends along the length of the
device body and includes
an input port at the proximal end of the device body. The balloon is inflated
using the input port
and channel to anchor the delivery device within the patient's
gastrointestinal tract. Anchoring
provides greater traction to the delivery device to allow for pushing and
pulling during delivery of
the intragastric device.
In some embodiments, the delivery device 2900 further includes a flushing or
irrigation
mechanism to reduce deployment forces during delivery.
In various embodiments, the delivery device or catheter has variable stiffness
along its
length. The delivery device is more flexible at its distal end and becomes
less flexible along its
length toward its proximal end. In some embodiments, the delivery device has
three zones of
flexibility: a proximal zone, a center zone, and a distal zone. In one
embodiment, the proximal
zone has a length of 100 cm and a flexibility of 55D, the center zone has a
length of 20 cm and a
flexibility of 40D, and the distal zone has a length of 30 cm and flexibility
of 35D. Optionally, in
one embodiment, the distal zone is split into two additional zones, comprising
a more distal zone
and a less distal zone. Both zones are 15 cm in length and the less distal
zone has a flexibility of
35D while the more distal zone has a flexibility of 25D. In one embodiment,
the proximal zone is
.. braided and the center and distal zones are coiled.
The delivery device includes atraumatic distal ends and the two handle system
of the
delivery device allows for a shorter overall device body length. In various
embodiments, the
delivery device has the following dimensions: overall length ranging from 265
cm ¨ 310 cm;
length of said device body or outer catheter 2904 ranging from 100 cm ¨ 150
cm; length of said
plunger 2916 ranging from 120 cm ¨ 150 cm; length of said rod or inner
catheter 2917 ranging
from 265 cm ¨310 cm; length of each handle 2905, 2906, 2907 equal to 10 cm,
distance between
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said second spherical component or olive 2909 and said first spherical
component or olive 2908
ranging from 15 cm ¨ 30 cm; and, distance between said first handle 2905 and
said second handle
2906 when in an initial configuration before delivery equal to 110 cm. In some
embodiments, the
outer diameter of the device body or outer catheter 2904 is 10 mm or less. In
one embodiment,
the delivery device is deployable over a 0.035 inch guidewire. In various
embodiments, the
plunger 2916 and inner catheter 2917 are sufficiently flexible to allow for
atraumatic intestinal
navigation. In some embodiments, a solid outer catheter can bend up to 80
degrees and is capable
of navigating curves having a radius 30 mm ¨ 50 mm. In an embodiment, if a
solid outer catheter
is coiled into a radius of approximately 50 mm, the sleeve and mesh will kink
or cinch in place
and not deploy. Therefore, in some embodiments, the outer catheter 2904
comprises a flexible
braided catheter. The flexible braided catheter is capable of bending and
coiling beyond the limits
described above without causing failure of deployment of the sleeve and wire
mesh.
In one embodiment, the sleeve is only partially deployed during delivery. The
wire mesh
structure functions as an anchor to keep the device positioned. As the patient
eats, the sleeve
unfurls and becomes fully deployed due to the movements of the
gastrointestinal tract.
In some embodiments, the outer catheter has a variable stiffness along its
length and the
inner catheter, coaxi ally positioned inside the outer catheter, includes an
atraumatic distal end and
a lumen for receiving a guiding device. Prior to delivery, an intragastric
device is positioned in a
space between the inner catheter and the outer catheter. The inner catheter
further includes a
flexible extension having a length of at least 5 cm at its distal end which
extends beyond a distal
end of the outer catheter. In some embodiments, the guiding device is a
guidewire. In other
embodiments, the guiding device is an endoscope for over the scope delivery.
In some
embodiments, the atraumatic distal end of the inner catheter is a ball-tip. In
some embodiments,
the inner catheter has a variable stiffness along its length. In some
embodiments, said flexible
extension includes a proximal end and a distal end and has a variable
stiffness along its length
wherein the stiffness varies between a stiffness of a guidewire at said distal
end to a stiffness of
said inner catheter at said proximal end. In other embodiments, the stiffness
of the flexible
extension is constant along its length.
Figure 29B is a cross sectional illustration of a pre-deployment coaxial
arrangement of a
sleeve 2935 of an intragastric device within a delivery device 2930, in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present specification. The delivery device 2930 comprises an
inner catheter
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2933 positioned coaxially within a lumen 2936 of an outer catheter 2937. The
inner catheter 2933
includes a guide wire port 2932 for insertion of a guide wire to assist in
guiding delivery. In
various embodiments, the guide wire is a super stiff guide wire having a
diameter in a range of
0.035 to 0.038 inches. In the arrangement depicted in Figure 29B, the sleeve
2935 is depicted
around the inner catheter 2933 such that the inner catheter 2933 is positioned
within a lumen 2934
of the sleeve 2935.
Figure 29C is a cross sectional illustration of a pre-deployment coaxial
arrangement of a
sleeve of 2935 an intragastric device within a delivery device 2930, in
accordance with another
embodiment of the present specification. The delivery device 2930 comprises an
inner catheter
.. 2933 positioned coaxially within a lumen 2936 of an outer catheter 2937.
The inner catheter 2933
includes a guide wire port 2932 for insertion of a guide wire to assist in
guiding delivery. In the
arrangement depicted in Figure 29C, the sleeve 2935 is depicted adjacent the
inner catheter 2933
such that the inner catheter 2933 is positioned outside of a lumen 2934 of the
sleeve 2935.
Figure 29D is a cross sectional illustration of a pre-deployment coaxial
arrangement of a
sleeve 2933 of an intragastric device within a delivery device 2930 depicted
over an endoscope
2939, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The
delivery device 2930
comprises an inner catheter 2933 positioned coaxially within a lumen 2936 of
an outer catheter
2937. The inner catheter 2933 includes an endoscope port 2938, within which is
positioned an
endoscope 2939, to assist in guiding delivery. In the arrangement depicted in
Figure 29D, the
sleeve 2935 is depicted around the inner catheter 2933 such that the inner
catheter 2933 is
positioned within a lumen 2934 of the sleeve 2935.
In some embodiments, a system for delivering an intragastric device to a
gastrointestinal
tract of a patient comprises: a porous mesh structure having a first lumen; a
sleeve attached to said
porous mesh structure and having a second lumen; and, a coaxial catheter
system comprising an
outer catheter and an inner catheter, wherein, prior to delivery, said porous
mesh structure and said
sleeve are constrained into a space between said outer and inner catheters
wherein the outer
catheter covers a substantial portion of the intragastric device and the inner
catheter passes within
a majority of the first lumen of the mesh but outside of a majority of the
second lumen of the
sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner catheter is operationally attached to
the sleeve at a distal
end of the inner catheter such that, when actuated, the inner catheter pushes
the sleeve out of the
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coaxial catheter system and is then detached from the sleeve to deliver the
intragastric device in
the gastrointestinal tract.
Figure 29E is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 29A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. At step 2920, the delivery device is slid over a guidewire into
position within a
patient's gastrointestinal tract. At step 2921, a physician uses the first
handle to position the distal
.. end of the delivery device body in a duodenum of the patient. Optionally,
at step 2922, the
physician inflates a balloon at the distal end of the device body to anchor
the delivery device in
the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The physician then pushes the second
handle (approximately 60
cm) to advance the plunger and inner catheter until the sleeve is pushed out
of the delivery device
body and fully deployed at step 2923. Optionally, the plunger includes a
stopper so the physician
knows when to stop pushing the second handle. At step 2924, the physician
repositions the device
by pulling it back approximately 5 to 10 cm so that the distal end of the
funnel section of the sleeve
is within the stomach. Then, at step 2925, the physician pulls back on the
first handle while holding
the second handle steady to deploy the funnel section of the sleeve and the
wire mesh structure in
the stomach. This pulls the device body back while keeping the plunger and
inner catheter in
.. place, thus releasing the wire mesh structure. The delivery device is then
removed from the patient
at step 2926, leaving the intragastric device deployed in the patient's
gastrointestinal tract.
Figure 30A is an illustration of a seventh exemplary delivery device 3000 for
an intragastric
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The
delivery device 3000
comprises a coaxial delivery system having flexible outer catheter 3002 and
flexible inner catheter
3001 shafts on which an intragastric device is preloaded. The outer catheter
3002 includes a
proximal end and a distal end and a lumen within. The inner catheter 3001 is
positioned within
the lumen of the outer catheter 3002 and also includes a proximal end and a
distal end and a lumen
within. The lumen of the inner catheter 3001 is configured to receive a guide
wire. In various
embodiments, the delivery device 3000 is approximately 3 meters in length and
is used to deliver
an intragastric device trans-orally into the stomach and duodenum or jejunum
of a patient. The
delivery device 3000 has a variable stiffness along its length providing
sufficient flexibility to track
through the small intestinal loops while also having sufficient pushability to
prevent gastric
looping. In various embodiments, the outer catheter 3002 has a length of
approximately 1.5
meters. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the outer catheter 3002
includes a lubricious
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hydrophilic coating which can be activated just prior to delivery to ease
navigation. In one
embodiment, the coating covers approximately the distal 0.65 meters of the
outer catheter 3002.
The proximal end of the device 3000 includes a proximal portion of the inner
catheter 3001 not
covered by the outer catheter 3002. A pair of stopping mechanisms 3004, 3006
are positioned on
the inner catheter 3001 as further described with reference to Figures 30E and
30G. A first handle
3003, having a proximal end, a distal end, and lumen configured to receive a
guide wire, is attached
to the proximal end of the inner catheter 3001. A second handle 3008, having a
proximal end, a
distal end, and a lumen configured to receive said inner catheter 3001, is
attached to the proximal
end of the outer catheter 3002 and is positioned coaxially about, and slidably
over, the inner
catheter 3001. Movement of the second handle 3008 proximally and distally
relative to the first
handle 3003 results in sliding of the outer catheter 3002 over the inner
catheter 3001 proximally
and distally.
Extending distally from the distal end of the inner catheter 3001 is a pilot
component 3007.
The pilot component comprises an elongate ultra-flexible rod having a proximal
end and a distal
end. The proximal end of the pilot component includes a proximal spherical
component, or olive
as described with reference to Figures 30D and 30E below. The distal end of
the pilot component
3007 includes a distal spherical component, or olive, as described further
with reference to Figures
30D and 30F below. In some embodiments, the pilot component 3007 is also
covered with a
lubricious hydrophilic coating.
Figure 30B is an illustration of one exemplary embodiment of an outer catheter
3050 for
use in the delivery device of Figure 30A. The outer catheter 3050 includes
three segments of
varying stiffness, each having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen: a
proximal segment 3051,
a center segment 3052, and a distal segment 3053. Attached to the proximal end
of the proximal
segment 3051 is the second handle 3054. Attached to the distal end of the
distal segment 3053 is
a soft tip 3055. Both the second handle 3054 and soft tip 3055 include lumens
for receiving an
inner catheter. In one embodiment, the outer catheter 3050 includes a first
radiopaque marker
3056 at the junction of the soft tip 3055 with the distal segment 3053 and a
second radiopaque
marker 3057 on the center segment 3052, approximately 4-6 cm from the junction
of the center
segment 3052 with the proximal segment 3051. In various embodiments, the
proximal segment
3051 has a length of approximately 85 cm and a stiffness which is 120% of the
stiffness of the
center segment 3052. In various embodiments, the center segment 3052 has a
length in a range of
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approximately 52-54 cm. In various embodiments, the distal segment 3053 has a
length in a range
of approximately 11-13 cm and a stiffness which is 80% of the stiffness of the
center segment
3052. In various embodiments, the outer catheter 3050 has an overall length in
a range of 150-
152 cm, not including the second handle 3054 or soft tip 3055. In one
embodiment, the second
handle 3054 has a length of 10 cm. In one embodiment, the soft tip 3055 has a
length of 0.5 cm.
During delivery, the second handle 3054 is positioned outside the patient's
body. In some
embodiments, during delivery, approximately the proximal 50 cm of the proximal
segment 3051
is positioned in the esophagus. In some embodiments, during delivery,
approximately the distal
35 cm of the proximal segment 3051 and the proximal 4-6 cm of the center
segment 3052 are
positioned in the stomach. In some embodiments, during delivery, approximately
the distal 48 cm
of the center segment 3052 and the entirety of the distal segment 3053 and
soft tip 3055 are
positioned in the intestine.
Figure 30C is an illustration of another embodiment of an outer catheter 3070
depicting the
dimensions a compressed sleeve 3062 and compressed wire mesh structure 3061 of
an intragastric
device 3060 relative to the dimensions of the outer catheter 3070. The outer
catheter 3070 of
Figure 30C includes only a proximal segment 3071 and a distal segment 3073.
The distal segment
3073 has a length in a range of 63-67 cm, with 59-61 cm positioned in the
intestine and 4-6 cm
positioned in the stomach. The compressed sleeve 3062 has a length in a range
of 54-56 cm, is
contained fully within the distal segment 3073, and is positioned entirely
within the intestine. The
compressed wire mesh structure 3061 has a length in a range of approximately
29-31 cm.
Approximately 9-11 cm of wire mesh structure 3061 is contained within the
proximal end of the
distal segment 3073 and 19-21 cm of the wire mesh structure 3061 is contained
within the distal
end of the proximal segment 3071. Approximately 4-6 cm of the wire mesh
structure 3061 is
positioned in the intestine and 24-26 cm of the wire mesh structure is
positioned in the stomach.
Figure 30D is a close up illustration of the distal end of the delivery device
3000 of Figure
30A, depicting the pilot component 3007 and proximal 3011 and distal 3013
spherical components.
The proximal spherical component 3011 is shaped to be atraumatic and includes
a radiopaque
marker 3012 for radiographic visualization during delivery. The distal
spherical component 3013
is configured in a ball-tip shape and is also designed to be atraumatic to
body tissues. The design
of the pilot component 3007 and proximal 3011 and distal 3013 spherical
components is
configured to facilitate atraumatic and easy 'over-the-guide wire' tracking
through the intestinal
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loops. The stiffness of the pilot component 3007 is less than the stiffness of
the distal portion of
the outer catheter. In some embodiments, the pilot component 3007 has a
variable stiffness with a
stiffness close to the stiffness of the distal end of the outer catheter at
its proximal end and a
stiffness close to that of a 0.035" guidewire at its distal end.
Figure 30E is an illustration of the proximal end of the delivery device of
Figure 30A,
depicting the outer catheter 3002 retracted to a first stopping mechanism
3004. During delivery
of an intragastric device which has been preloaded on the delivery device, a
user steadies the first
handle 3003 to hold inner catheter 3001 in place while using the second handle
3008 to retract, or
slide proximally, the outer catheter 3002 over the inner catheter 3001. The
outer catheter 3002 is
retracted until a proximal end of the second handle 3008 contacts a first
stopping mechanism 3004.
A second stopping mechanism 3006 is also positioned on the inner catheter
3001, proximal to the
first stopping mechanism 3004. In some embodiments, the stopping mechanisms
3004, 3006
comprise plastic rings firmly secured to the inner catheter using wing nuts
3004a, 3006a. In some
embodiments, the first handle 3003 includes a first port 3013 for injection of
a fluid, such as saline
.. or water, for flushing the lumen of the inner catheter 3001. In some
embodiments, the second
handle 3008 includes a second port 3018 for injection of a fluid, such as
saline or water, for
flushing the lumen of the outer catheter 3002.
Figure 30F is an illustration of one embodiment of a sleeve 3022 of an
intragastric device
partially deployed corresponding to the outer catheter 3002 position depicted
in Figure 30E.
.. Referring to Figures 30E and 30F simultaneously, when the outer catheter
3002 has been retracted
such that the proximal end of the second handle 3008 is in contact with the
first stopping
mechanism 3004, the sleeve 3022 has been partially deployed as depicted in
Figure 30F. The
portion of the sleeve 3022 deployed is the cylindrical distal portion 1622d as
described with
reference to Figure 16D. This is the portion of the sleeve 3022 which resides
in the small intestine
of the patient. The outer catheter 3002 has been retracted to the junction
point 1622j of the sleeve
described in Figure 16D. As pictured in Figure 30F, in some embodiments, the
sleeve 3022 is
wrapped coaxially around the inner catheter 3001 of the delivery device. In
other words, the inner
catheter 3001 does not pass through the lumen of the sleeve 3022. In one
embodiment, the distal
end of the outer catheter 3002 includes a radiopaque marker 3009 to ensure
proper placement of
the delivery device under radiographic visualization.
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Figure 30G is an illustration of the proximal end of the delivery device of
Figure 30A,
depicting the outer catheter 3002 retracted to a second stopping mechanism
3006. The first
stopping mechanism has been removed to allow further retraction of the outer
catheter 3002.
Continuing with delivery of an intragastric device, the user steadies the
first handle 3003 to hold
inner catheter 3001 in place while using the second handle 3008 to further
retract the outer catheter
3002 over the inner catheter 3001. The outer catheter 3002 is retracted until
a proximal end of the
second handle 3008 contacts the second stopping mechanism 3006.
Figure 30H is an illustration of one embodiment of a wire mesh structure 3021
of an
intragastric device partially deployed corresponding to the outer catheter
3002 position depicted
in Figure 30G. Referring to Figures 30G and 30H simultaneously, when the outer
catheter 3002
has been retracted such that the proximal end of the second handle 3008 is in
contact with the
second stopping mechanism 3006, the wire mesh structure 3021 has been
partially deployed as
depicted in Figure 30H. The anti-migration collar 3024 of the wire mesh
structure 3021 has been
deployed and, as a result of its shape memory properties, has everted to its
post-deployment
configuration from its pre-deployment configuration as depicted in Figure 11D.
The proximal end
of the now fully deployed sleeve 3022 is depicted attached to the anti-
migration collar 3024. As
pictured in Figure 30H, in some embodiments, the inner catheter 3001 is passed
through spaces
between the wires of wire mesh structure 3021 along a side of said structure
3021 In other words,
the inner catheter 3001 does not pass through the center of the wire mesh
structure 3021.
Figure 301 is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in delivering an
intragastric device
using the delivery device of Figure 30A, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. At step 3030, optionally, the distal end of the delivery device
is wetted to activate a
lubricious hydrophilic coating, which will ease insertion and navigation of
the delivery device.
The delivery device is then slid over a guide wire and into a patient's
gastrointestinal tract at step
3032. Fluoroscopy is used at step 3034 to determine the location of the distal
end of the outer
catheter to ensure correct positioning of the delivery device. While the first
handle is held firmly
to keep the inner catheter in place, the outer catheter is retracted to the
first stopping mechanism
to deploy and position a portion of the sleeve of a pre-loaded intragastric
device within an intestinal
portion of the patient's gastrointestinal tract at step 3036. Then, at step
3038, the entire delivery
device is retracted until the distal end of the outer catheter is positioned
just proximal to the
pylorus. The first stopping mechanism is removed from the inner catheter at
step 3040. While the
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first handle is held firmly to keep the inner catheter in place, the outer
catheter is retracted to the
second stopping mechanism to deploy and position a portion of the sleeve and a
portion of the wire
mesh structure of the intragastric device within a stomach portion of the
patient's gastrointestinal
tract at step 3042. At step 3044, the second stopping mechanism is removed
from the inner
catheter. While the first handle is held firmly to keep the inner catheter in
place, the outer catheter
is retracted to the first handle to deploy and position all of the wire mesh
structure within the
stomach portion of the patient's gastrointestinal tract at step 3046 The
delivery device is then
removed from the patient at step 3048.
Figure 31A is an illustration of a wire mesh structure 3101 of an intragastric
device 3100
being loaded onto a delivery device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present
specification. Referring to Figure 31A, a portion of the inner catheter 3131
and pilot component
3137 of the delivery device are depicted The delivery device includes a
proximal spherical
component 3135 at the transition from inner catheter 3101 to pilot component
3137. The wire
mesh structure 3101 includes a sleeve 3102 attached to its anti-migration
collar 3104. When
loading the intragastric device 3100 onto the delivery device, the pilot
component 3137 is passed
through an off-center opening between the wires of the wire mesh structure
3101 such that the
proximal spherical component 3135 is positioned just distal to the wire mesh
structure 3101 and
the inner catheter 3131 lies within the internal volume of the wire mesh
structure 3101
Figure 31B is an illustration of the wire mesh structure 3101 of Figure 31A
further loaded
onto the delivery device. The proximal end of the wire mesh structure 3101 has
been compressed
and is now contained within the distal end of the outer catheter 3132 of the
delivery device. The
proximal spherical component is no longer visible as the wire mesh structure
3101 has been
advanced proximally along the inner catheter 3131. Referring to Figure 31B,
the inner catheter is
depicted exiting the wire mesh structure 3101 through an opening offset from
center of the wire
mesh structure 3101. The sleeve is then wrapped coaxially about the inner
catheter as described
with reference to Figure 31C. In another embodiment, the inner catheter (and
attached pilot
component) continues within the wire mesh structure and exits through an
opening in a side of the
proximal, funnel shaped portion of the sleeve. In another embodiment, the
inner catheter continues
within the wire mesh structure and exits through an opening in a side of the
distal, cylindrically
shaped portion of the sleeve. In yet another embodiment, the inner catheter
continues within the
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wire mesh structure, passes through the entire sleeve, and exits through the
opening in the distal
end of the sleeve.
Figure 31C is an illustration of the wire mesh structure 3101 of Figure 31A
loaded onto the
delivery device such that only the anti-migration collar 3104 remains to be
loaded. Figure 31D is
an illustration of the wire mesh structure of Figure 31A fully loaded onto the
delivery device.
Referring to Figure 31D, the wire mesh structure is no longer visible as it is
fully contained within
the distal end of the outer catheter 3132. The sleeve 3102 is depicted wrapped
coaxi ally about the
inner catheter 3131.
Figure 31E is an illustration of a sleeve 3102 of the intragastric device of
Figure 31A
partially loaded onto the delivery device. A portion of the sleeve 3102,
wrapped coaxially about
the inner catheter 3131, is visible extending from the distal end of the outer
catheter 3132. Figure
31F is an illustration of the intragastric device of Figure 31A fully loaded
onto the delivery device.
The proximal spherical component 3135 is positioned at the distal end of the
outer catheter 3132.
In one embodiment, a plurality of sutures 3105 extending from the distal end
of the sleeve are tied
about the proximal spherical component 3135 to maintain the intragastric
device in place until
ready for delivery. Prior to delivery, the sutures 3105 are undone so the
intragastric device may
be deployed.
Figure 32A is an illustration of a retrieval device 3200 for removing an
intragastric device
in accordance with another embodiment of the present specification. The
retrieval device 3200
includes a flexible outer tube 3202 comprising an elongate body having a
proximal end, a distal
end, and a lumen within. A first handle 3212 is attached to the proximal end
and an opening 3222
is positioned at the distal end of the outer tube 3202. A flexible inner
member 3204 comprising
an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end is disposed within the
lumen of the outer
tube 3202. In one embodiment, the inner member 3204 comprises a flexible metal
wire. A second
handle 3214 is attached to the proximal end and a retrieval mechanism 3224 is
formed from the
distal end of the inner member 3204. In one embodiment, the retrieval
mechanism 3224 comprises
a hook. In one embodiment, the hook is lockable.
Figure 32B is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in removing an
intragastric device
from a patient using the retrieval device of Figure 32A, in accordance with
one embodiment of the
present specification. At step 3232, a physician inserts the outer tube of the
retrieval device into a
working channel of an endoscope inserted into a patient. At this point, the
retrieval mechanism at
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the distal end of the inner member is contained within the distal end of the
outer tube. At step
3234, the physician holds the first handle securely to position the retrieval
device within the
gastrointestinal tract of the patient. Then, at step 3236, the physician
pushes on the second handle
to extend the retrieval mechanism through the opening and beyond the distal
end of the outer tube.
The physician manipulates the second handle to grasp a proximal end of the
intragastric device
with the retrieval mechanism at step 3238. In one embodiment, the proximal end
of the intragastric
device includes a set of staggered nodes, as depicted as nodes 1615 with
reference to Figure 16B,
to ease grasping with the retrieval mechanism. Once the intragastric device
has been secured by
the retrieval mechanism, the physician pulls on the second handle to pull the
retrieval mechanism
and at least a portion of the attached intragastric device into the distal end
of the outer tube at step
3240. The intragastric device is composed of a shape memory metal so that it
is easily
compressible to a size capable of fitting into said outer tube. Optionally, at
step 3242, the physician
actuates a locking mechanism on the retrieval device to prevent the retrieval
mechanism and
attached intragastric device from slipping out of the distal end of the outer
tube. Finally, at step
3244, the physician removes the retrieval device and attached intragastric
device from the patient.
Figure 33A is an illustration of an embodiment of an intragastric device 3300
in an
exemplary post-deployment configuration having a dumbbell shape. The device
3300 includes a
first, upper wire mesh 3361 at its proximal end and a second, lower wire mesh
3362 at its distal
end. The internal volumes of the two wire meshes 3361, 3362 are in fluid
communication with
one another. In various embodiments, the size of the second wire mesh 3362 is
equal to or smaller
than the size of the upper wire mesh 3361. The device 3300 further includes a
first opening 3363
at the proximal end of the upper wire mesh 3361 and a second, larger opening
3364 at the distal
end of the lower wire mesh 3362. Food enters the device 3300 at the first
opening 3363, travels
through the internal volume of the upper wire mesh 3361, into and through the
internal volume of
.. the lower wire mesh 3362, and exits through the second opening 3364. In one
embodiment, the
wire mesh of the lower wire mesh portion 3362 is an extension of the wire mesh
of the upper wire
mesh portion 3361. In another embodiment, the two wire mesh portions 3361,
3362 are comprised
of separate wire mesh structures which are then attached prior to deployment.
In the pictured
embodiment, the device 3300 includes a membrane 3367 covering the entire outer
surface of the
device 3300 with the exception of the two openings 3363, 3364.
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Figure 33B is an illustration of an embodiment of an intragastric device 3320
having a
double-wire mesh structure wherein the lower wire mesh is formed from an
everted anti-migration
component 3324. The device 3320 has a dumbbell shaped structure similar to the
double-mesh
device structure embodiments discussed in the present specification and
functions similarly to
those devices. The upper wire mesh 3322 is similar to the wire mesh structure
210 of Figure 2B
and the lower mesh structure is similar to the anti-migration collar 214 of
Figure 2B except that
the lower mesh structure 3324 is larger and everts or curves completely in a
proximal direction to
form said lower mesh structure 3324 as depicted in Figure 33B. The first wire
mesh structure 3322
comprises a plurality of free ends extending from its lower portion, or base.
One portion of said
plurality of free ends are curved upon themselves to create the everted
portion 3324 on the right
side while a second portion of said plurality of free ends are curved upon
themselves to create the
everted portion 3324 on the left side. It should be appreciate that this
eversion can occur around
the entire periphery of the first wire structure thereby creating a torus,
which may be elongated,
elliptical, or egg shape.
In various embodiments, the device 3300 has a total length ranging between 50
and 500
mm. In a preferred embodiment, the device 3300 has a total length of 180 mm.
In various
embodiments, the upper wire mesh 3361 has a length ranging between 30 and 250
mm In a
preferred embodiment, the upper wire mesh 3361 has a length of 140 mm. In
various
embodiments, the lower wire mesh 3362 has a length ranging between 1 and 250
mm. In a
preferred embodiment, the lower wire mesh 3362 has a length of 10 mm. In
various embodiments,
the upper wire mesh 3361 has a width ranging between 30 and 300 mm. In a
preferred
embodiment, the upper wire mesh 3361 has a width of 120 mm. In various
embodiments, the
lower wire mesh 3362 has a width ranging between 10 and 300 mm. In a preferred
embodiment,
the lower wire mesh 3362 has a width of 60 mm. In various embodiments, the
first opening 3363
has a diameter ranging between 5 and 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the
first opening 3363
has a diameter of 20 mm. In various embodiments, the second opening 3364 has a
diameter
ranging from 10 to 75 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the second opening 3364
has a diameter
of 30 mm.
Figure 34A is an illustration of another exemplary double-wire mesh
intragastric device
3400a in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. The pictured embodiment includes a first wire mesh structure
3401 positioned on
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top of a second wire mesh structure 3411 and a sleeve 3402 coupled to the
distal end of the second
wire mesh structure 3411. A first anti-migration component 3404 at the base of
the first wire mesh
structure 3401 rests inside the second wire mesh structure 3411 and functions
to couple the two
wire mesh structures 3401, 3411 together. The first anti-migration component
3404 also helps to
prevent the second wire mesh structure 3411 from being compressed by gastric
contractions and
keeps the device 3400a out of the pylorus. A second anti-migration component
3414, at the base
of the second wire mesh structure 3411, acts to prevent the entirety of the
device 3400a from being
passed through the pylorus. Food first passes through openings in the top of
the combined
intragastric device 3400a and is sequestered in the first wire mesh structure
3401. The food then
slowly passes into, and is sequestered in, the second wire mesh structure
3411. Finally, the food
slowly releases through the openings in the bottom of the combined
intragastric device 3400a into
a sleeve 3402 attached to distal end of the second wire mesh structure
3411that bypasses the
pylorus to release the food into the small intestine. In one embodiment, there
is no attached sleeve
3402 and the food is released through the openings in the bottom of the
combined intragastric
device 3400a back into the stomach. The combined wire mesh structures 3401,
3411 work together
to occupy an increased volume in a patient's stomach and further delay the
passage of food through
the gastrointestinal tract. The combined two wire mesh structures 3401, 3411
also act to induce
satiety even more quickly and induce a longer lasting satiety than a single
mesh structure device.
The two wire-mesh structures are able to move relative to each other as
compared to a single
structure, allowing them to adjust better to the shape of the stomach,
resulting in better tolerability
and/or less complications.
Figure 34B is an illustration of another exemplary double-wire mesh
intragastric device
3400b in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. The pictured embodiment includes a first wire mesh structure
3421 positioned on
top of a second wire mesh structure 3431. The two wire mesh structures 3421,
3431 work together
to occupy an increased volume in a patient's stomach and further delay the
passage of food through
the gastrointestinal tract. The two wire-mesh structures are able to move
relative to each other as
compared to a single structure, allowing them to adjust better to the shape of
the stomach, resulting
in better tolerability and/or less complications.
Figure 34C is an illustration of another exemplary double-wire mesh
intragastric device
3400c in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
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specification. The pictured embodiment includes a first wire mesh structure
3451 positioned on
top of a second wire mesh structure 3461. An anti-migration component 3464 at
the base of the
second wire mesh structure 3461 acts to prevent the entirety of the device
3400c from being passed
through the pylorus. The two wire mesh structures 3451, 3461 work together to
occupy an
increased volume in a patient's stomach and further delay the passage of food
through the
gastrointestinal tract. The two wire-mesh structures are able to move relative
to each other as
compared to a single structure, allowing them to adjust better to the shape of
the stomach, resulting
in better tolerability and/or less complications
Figure 34D is an illustration of another exemplary double-wire mesh
intragastric device
3400d in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. The pictured embodiment includes a first wire mesh structure
3471 positioned on
top of a second wire mesh structure 3481. A first anti-migration component
3474 at the base of
the first wire mesh structure 3471 rests inside the second wire mesh structure
3481 and functions
to couple the two wire mesh structures 3471, 3481 together. The first anti-
migration component
3474 also helps to prevent the second wire mesh structure 3481 from being
compressed by gastric
contractions and keeps the device 3400d out of the pylorus. A second anti-
migration component
3484 at the base of the second wire mesh structure 3481 acts to prevent the
entirety of the device
3400d from being passed through the pylorus. The two wire mesh structures
3471, 3481 work
together to occupy an increased volume in a patient's stomach and further
delay the passage of
food through the gastrointestinal tract.
Figure 34E is an illustration of another exemplary double-wire mesh
intragastric device
3400e in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. The pictured embodiment includes a first wire mesh structure
3493 positioned on
top of a second wire mesh structure 3495. An anti-migration component 3497 at
the base of the
first wire mesh structure 3493 rests inside the second wire mesh structure
3495 and functions to
couple the two wire mesh structures 3493, 3495 together. The anti-migration
component 3497
also helps to prevent the second wire mesh structure 3495 from being
compressed by gastric
contractions and keeps the device 3400e out of the pylorus. The two wire mesh
structures 3493,
3495 work together to occupy an increased volume in a patient's stomach and
further delay the
passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract.
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In various embodiments, any of the double-wire mesh intragastric devices of
Figures 34B-
34E further includes a sleeve attached to the distal end of the second wire
mesh structure. In
various embodiments, the anti-migration components, or collars, of the devices
of the present
specification have a length ranging from 1 mm to 100 mm and an outer diameter
of 25 mm to 75
mm for a ratio of length to outer diameter ranging from 0.01 to 4. In one
embodiment, the anti-
migration component, or collar, has a length equal to 15 mm and an outer
diameter of 60 mm for
a ratio of length to outer diameter of 0.25. In various embodiments, the wire
meshes of the
intragastric devices of the present specification are configured to be fatigue
resistant for a period
of at least six months, wherein fatigue resistant is defined as break
resistant under intended use.
Figure 34F is an illustration of another exemplary double-wire mesh
intragastric device
3400f in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. The pictured embodiment includes a first wire mesh structure
3491 positioned on
top of a second wire mesh structure 3499 and a sleeve 3492 coupled to the
distal end of the second
wire mesh structure 3499. An anti-migration component 3494 at the base of the
second wire mesh
structure 3499 acts to prevent the entirety of the device 3400f from being
passed through the
pylorus. The two wire mesh structures 3491, 3499 work together to occupy an
increased volume
in a patient's stomach and further delay the passage of food through the
gastrointestinal tract.
Figure 34G is an illustration of another exemplary double-wire mesh
intragastric device
3400g in a post-deployment configuration in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
specification. The pictured embodiment includes a first wire mesh structure
3403 positioned on
top of a second wire mesh structure 3405 and a sleeve 3407 coupled to the
distal end of the second
wire mesh structure 3405. A first anti-migration feature 3409 at the base of
the first wire mesh
structure 3403 functions to couple the two wire mesh structures 3403, 3405
together. The first anti-,
migration feature 3409 also helps to prevent the second wire mesh structure
3403 from being
compressed by gastric contractions when the first wire mesh structure 3405 is
being compressed
and keeps the device 3400f from passing through the pylorus in its entirety. A
second anti-
migration component 3413, at the base of the second wire mesh structure 3405,
acts to prevent the
entirety of the device 3400g from being passed through the pylorus. The
combined wire mesh
structures 3403, 3405 work together to occupy an increased volume in a
patient's stomach and
further delay the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. In an
embodiment, the device
3400g is covered with a protective covering such as a silicon or a PTFE
sheath. In some
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embodiments, the first and second wire mesh structures 3403, 3405 are made of
hand braided
Nitinol wires having a thickness in a range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm and, more
preferably,
approximately 0.4 mm, and the sleeve 3407 is made of machine braided Nitinol
wires having a
thickness in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.7 mm and, more preferably, approximately
0.127 mm.
In an embodiment, the device 3400g has a total length of approximately 100 to
850 mm.
In an embodiment, the first wire mesh 3403 has a central diameter of
approximately 90 mm. In an
embodiment, the lengths of each of the first wire mesh 3403 and the second
wire mesh 3405 are
approximately 70 mm and a total length measured from the proximal end of the
first wire mesh
3403, including the first anti-migration component 3409, to the distal end of
the second mesh 3405
is approximately 145 mm. In various embodiments, the diameter of an opening
3425 in the
proximal end is approximately 5 mm to 25 mm and the diameter of an opening
3423 in the distal
end of the sleeve 3407 ranges from 5 mm to 35 mm. Also, in an embodiment, the
width of the first
anti-migration component 3409 at the base of the first wire mesh structure
3403 is approximately
5 mm. In an embodiment, the diameter of the sleeve 3407 is approximately 25
mm. Further, in an
embodiment, an overall length of the sleeve is approximately 505 mm, wherein
the length from
proximal point 3415 to midpoint 3417 is approximately 137 mm, and the length
from distal point
3419 to distal end 3423 is approximately 57 mm.
FIG. 34H illustrates an intragastric device 3400h having two wire meshes
coupled with an
anti-migration feature, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
specification. As shown,
the device 3400h comprises a first wire mesh structure 3462 positioned on top
of a second wire
mesh structure 3472 and an anti-migration collar 3473 coupled to the distal
end of the second wire
mesh structure 3472. A first anti-migration feature 3463 at the base of the
first wire mesh structure
3462 functions to couple the two wire mesh structures 3462, 3472 together. The
first anti-migration
feature 3463 also helps to prevent the first wire mesh structure 3462 from
being compressed by
antral contractions while the second wire mesh structure 3472 is being
compressed by the antral
contractions and keeps the device 3400h out of the pylorus. The anti-migration
collar 3473, at the
base of the second wire mesh structure 3472, acts to prevent the entirety of
the device 3400g from
being passed through the pylorus.
In various embodiments, the total length of device 3400h ranges from 30 mm to
300 mm
In an embodiment, the first wire mesh 3462 has a central diameter of
approximately 90 mm, range
20 to 200. In an embodiment, the lengths of each of the first wire mesh 3462
and the second wire
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mesh 3472 are in a range of 20 mm to 100 mm and, more preferably,
approximately 70 mm, and
a total length measured from the proximal end of the first wire mesh 3462,
including the first anti-
migration feature 3463, to the distal end of the second mesh 3472 in a range
of 30 mm to 200 mm,
and more preferably, approximately 145 mm. In an embodiment, the diameter of
an opening 3465
in the proximal end is approximately 5mm to 35 mm and the diameter of an
opening 3475 in the
distal end ranges from 5 mm to 60 mm. Also, in an embodiment, the width of the
first anti-
migration component 3463 at the base of the first wire mesh structure 3462 is
approximately 5
mm. In some embodiments, the length of the anti-migration collar 3473 ranges
from 5 mm to 100
mm. In embodiments, an inner diameter 3476 of anti-migration collar 3473
ranges from
approximately 10 mm to 30 mm while an outer diameter 3477 ranges from 25 mm to
77 mm.
In embodiments, (as explained with reference to FIG. 3D and 3E), the wire mesh
device
3400h comprises a plurality of loops formed in the wires of the first and
second wire mesh
structures 3462, 3472 at their proximal and distal ends as well as the distal
end of anti-migration
collar 3473. In an embodiment, a thickness of the wire forming the loops, such
as wire loop 3466,
is approximately 0.4 mm and a diameter of a circular portion 3467 of wire loop
3466 is
approximately 2 mm. In an embodiment, the distal end of anti-migration collar
3473 comprises 9
loops, such as the wire loop 3466 shown in Figure 34H. In various embodiments,
first anti-
migration component 3463 is attached to the first and second wire mesh
structure 3462, 3472 by
means of soft PTFE wires 3468 having a diameter of approximately 0.20 mm.
Also, in
embodiments, anti-migration collar 3473 is also attached to the wire mesh 3472
by means of soft
PTFE wires 3438 having a diameter of approximately 0.20 mm.
Figure 35 is an illustration of one single intragastric device 3530 being
passed over a
guidewire 3535 and attached to a previously deployed single intragastric
device 3520 in a stomach
3512. A catheter 3521 is depicted passing through the esophagus 3511 and into
the stomach 3512.
The catheter 3521 is deploying the second single intragastric device 3530 and
assisting in its
attachment to the previously deployed intragastric device 3520. Operationally,
the catheter 3521
will be passed into an opening of the existing intragastric device 3520,
preferably the opening used
by the original catheter to deploy the device. The second device 3530 is then
deployed with a
portion of the second device, such as a neck, protrusion, or other member,
fixedly attached to the
first device 3520, thereby anchoring the two devices together. In another
embodiment, the two
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devices are pre-attached outside the body and are than deployed inside a human
subject as a single
unit.
Figure 36 is an illustration of a fully deployed combined intragastric device
3600 in a
stomach 3612. The two single intragastric devices 3620, 3630 are depicted
attached one on top of
the other, occupying a greater stomach 3612 volume than one single
intragastric device 3620.
Figures 37A and 37B are side and oblique perspective views, respectively, of
another
exemplary combined or dual-wire mesh intragastric device 3700 in a post-
deployment
configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification
The pictured
embodiment includes a first wire mesh structure 3701 flexibly connected,
attached or coupled to a
second wire mesh structure 3702 to form a substantially dumbbell or barbell
shaped intragastric
device 3700. In a pre-deployment configuration, corresponding to a fully
compressed or
constrained state, the first wire mesh structure 3701 has a first volume and,
in a post-deployment
configuration, corresponding to a fully expanded or relaxed state, the first
wire mesh structure
3701 has a second volume. In various embodiments, the first volume is less
than the second
volume. In a pre-deployment configuration, corresponding to a fully compressed
or constrained
state, the second wire mesh structure 3702 has a third volume and, in a post-
deployment
configuration, corresponding to a fully expanded or relaxed state, the second
wire mesh structure
3702 has a fourth volume. In various embodiments, the third volume is less
than the fourth volume
In accordance with embodiments, the first wire mesh structure 3701 has a first
shape and
size or dimension in a pre-deployment configuration and a second shape and
size or dimension in
a post-deployment configuration. In accordance with embodiments, the second
wire mesh structure
3702 has a third shape and size or dimension in a pre-deployment configuration
and a fourth shape
and size or dimension in a post-deployment configuration. In some embodiments,
the post-
deployment shapes and dimensions are similar for the first and second wire
mesh structures 3701,
3702. In other embodiments, the post-deployment shapes and dimensions are
dissimilar for the
first and second wire mesh structures 3701, 3702. In various embodiments, the
post-deployment
shapes are substantially spherical, oval, obloid, kidney bean, ovoid or
inverted egg shapes.
In various embodiments of the present specification, the first wire mesh
structure and/or
the second wire mesh structure 3702 has a variable post-deployment volume such
that one or both
can be expanded to different sizes. During deployment, variable levels of
deployment size are
used to check the position of the device and any deployment issues. For
example, in some
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embodiments, the device is slowly deployed in steps of deployment and is
checked for appropriate
deployment and positioning at the different steps. After full deployment, in
some embodiments,
the size is fixed. In some embodiments, the two wire mesh structures are
weaved separately or the
wire mesh design in a single weave is different, allowing for different
stiffness, compression, and
sizing of the two wire mesh structures.
In a preferred embodiment, the post-deployment shapes are substantially
spherical or
elliptical with similar dimensions.
In various embodiments, the present specification provides a wire mesh device
as a
prosthetic that is sized small enough such that the device may be easily
delivered via a catheter
into a patient's body but is also large enough such that it does not pass
through the patient's
antrum/pylorus and cause damage. In addition, the device is adequately sized
to be effective in
sequestering food and delaying gastric emptying. For example, in various
embodiments, a device
having a combined post-deployment volume of less than 50 ml is not effective
in sequestering
food and delaying gastric emptying and could be passed through the pylorus,
while a device having
a post-deployment volume of greater than 3,500 ml is too large and would
adversely affect
digestive processes. Further, the wire mesh devices are not anchored or
permanently attached to
any stomach structure, are free floating, and serve to position the optional
sleeve in the patient's
intestine, without a physician having to physically attach or anchor the
sleeve to the patient's GI
tract. This allows both the mesh and sleeve structure to move relative to the
GI tract wall. In
various embodiments, the devices are free to move about the stomach such that
a patient's pylorus
is blocked less than 100% of time and said blocking comprises less than 100%
of an opening
defined by the pylorus. In various embodiments, the devices block the pylorus
over 50% of the
time, more preferably over 90% of the time, and most preferably over 95% of
the time.
In various embodiments, the wire mesh structures, both single and double wire
mesh
configurations, of the intragastric devices of the present specification,
provide several benefits over
conventional gastrointestinal space-occupying balloons. While traditional
balloons can be
deformed by gastric pressure, the volume of the balloons is substantially
constant. High stomach
wall pressure is reciprocated by fixed volume balloons and water filled
balloons can create pressure
ulcers due to gravity and/or inertia. Air filled balloons can create a gassy
feeling in the patient.
Since the volume of the wire mesh devices of the present specification is
variable, the wire mesh
devices avoid these problems. Additionally, over stretching trauma of the
stomach wall can occur
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with traditional balloons as food cannot enter the balloon. Food is intended
to pass through the
wire mesh devices of the present specification and therefore over stretching
is not a concern. The
intragastric devices of the present specification also allow for delayed
gastric emptying as food is
retained in the wire mesh structure, a benefit that is not provided by
traditional balloons. The
constant low outward pressure of the wire mesh structures also induces satiety
while the variable
volume and shape provide natural comfort.
Table 1 lists ranges of post-deployment diameter, height, volume and pre-
deployment
compressed length of various intragastric double-mesh devices, in accordance
with some
embodiments of the present specification. In some embodiments, a double-mesh
intragastric
.. device has a post-deployment diameter, at its widest point, ranging from 20
to 200 mm. More
preferably, in some embodiments, a double-mesh intragastric device has a post-
deployment
diameter, at its widest point, ranging from 50 to 150 mm, and, still more
preferably, ranging from
80 to 100 mm. In one embodiment, a double-mesh intragastric device has a post-
deployment
diameter of 90 mm. In some embodiments, a double-mesh intragastric device has
a post-
deployment height ranging from 45 to 400 mm. More preferably, in some
embodiments, a double-
mesh intragastric device has a post-deployment height ranging from 105 to 300
mm, and, still more
preferably, a post-deployment height of 145 mm In some embodiments, a first
wire mesh structure
has a first length equal to or less than 75 cm, and more preferably,
approximately 15 cm. In some
embodiments, a first wire mesh structure has a pre-deployment volume equal to
or less than 5 ml,
and more preferably, equal to or less than 110 ml and a post-deployment volume
equal to or greater
than 5 ml, and more preferably, equal to or greater than 125 ml. In some
embodiments, a second
wire mesh structure has a second length equal to or less than 70 cm. In some
embodiments, a
second wire mesh structure has a pre-deployment volume equal to or less than 5
ml, and more
preferably, equal to or less than 100 ml and a post-deployment volume equal to
or greater than 5
ml, and more preferably, equal to or greater than 110 ml. In some embodiments,
the first wire
mesh structure has a post deployment volume greater than 5 ml and less than
5000 ml. In some
embodiments, the second wire mesh structure has a post deployment volume
greater than 20 ml
and less than 4000 ml. In some embodiments, a double-mesh intragastric device
has a post-
deployment volume (both meshes together) ranging from 8 to 8381 ml. More
preferably, in some
embodiments, a double-mesh intragastric device has a post-deployment volume
(both meshes
together) ranging from 131 to 3536 ml, and, still more preferably, ranging
from 442 to 826 ml. In
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one embodiment, a double-mesh intragastric device has a post-deployment volume
(both meshes
together) of 657 ml. In some embodiments, a double-mesh intragastric device
has a pre-
deployment compressed length ranging from 63 to 629 mm. Pre-deployment
compressed length
refers to the total length of the device when compressed into a catheter for
deployment into a
subject's body. More preferably, in some embodiments, a double-mesh
intragastric device has a
pre-deployment compressed length ranging from 157 to 471 mm, and, still more
preferably,
ranging from 236 to 290 mm. In one embodiment, a double-mesh intragastric
device has a pre-
deployment compressed length of 269 mm.
Table 1
Diameter Height Volume (ml) two Compressed Length
(mm) (mm) meshes (mm)
200 400 8381 629
150 300 3536 471
100 145 826 290
90 145 657 269
80 145 442 236
50 105 131 157
20 45 8 63
Each of the first and second wire mesh structure 3701, 3702 has a top or upper
half surface
or hemisphere, a bottom or lower half surface or hemisphere and an interior
volume defined by
the respective post-deployment shapes and sizes or dimensions of the wire mesh
structures 3701,
3702. The first wire mesh structure 3701 includes at least one first opening
(or first surface area of
openings) 3705 proximate the top or upper half surface or hemisphere and at
least one second
opening (or second surface area of openings) 3706 proximate the bottom or
lower half surface or
hemisphere such that food enters the structure 3701 through the at least one
first opening 3705,
passes through the interior, and exits the structure 3701 through the at least
one second opening
3706. The second wire mesh structure 3702 includes at least one third opening
(or third surface
area of openings) 3707 proximate the top or upper hemisphere and at least
one fourth opening (or
fourth surface area of openings) 3708 proximate the bottom or lower hemisphere
such that food
enters the structure 3702 through the at least one third opening 3707, passes
through the interior,
and exits the structure 3702 through the at least one fourth opening 3708. In
various embodiments,
the post-deployment shape of the first wire mesh structure includes a first
plurality of curved
surfaces defined by an arc which is determined by a radius in a range of
0.2 cm to 20 cm and a
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central angle in a range of 5 to 175 degrees. In various embodiments, the post-
deployment shape
of the second wire mesh structure includes a second plurality of curved
surfaces defined by an arc
which is determined by a radius in a range of 0.1 cm to 15 cm and a central
angle in a range of 1
to 179 degrees.
In accordance with some embodiments, the first and second wire mesh structures
3701,
3702 are porous structures. In other embodiments, the first and second wire
mesh structures 3701,
3702 are substantially covered with a membrane to further impede the passage
of food out of the
intragastric device 3700 In various embodiments, the membrane covers 10% to
99% of the device
3700 leaving only the at least one first, second, third and fourth openings
3705, 3706, 3707, 3708
uncovered. This directs the food to enter the device 3700 through the at least
one first opening
3705 and leave the device 3700 through the at least one fourth opening 3708.
The first wire mesh structure 3701 includes a first plurality of free ends or
nodes positioned
at the at least one first opening 3705 and a second plurality of free ends or
nodes positioned at the
at least one second opening 3706. The second wire mesh structure 3702 includes
a third plurality
of free ends or nodes positioned at the at least one third opening 3707 and a
fourth plurality of free
ends or nodes positioned at the at least one fourth opening 3708. The
pluralities of nodes comprise
bends or curves in the wires of the wire mesh structures 3701, 3702 which are
unsupported or not
connected to other portions of the wire mesh. In other words, the pluralities
of nodes are loops or
bends comprising the free ends at each end of the wire mesh structures 3701,
3702. In accordance
with various embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth pluralities of
nodes include hoops. In
one embodiment, hoops are formed from twisting the free ends of the
pluralities of nodes into a
hoop shape. In another embodiment, the hoops comprise separate wire hoops that
are sutured to
the free ends of the pluralities of nodes.
In various embodiments, a connection is formed between a portion of a
plurality of free
ends of the first wire mesh structure defining said second surface area of
openings 3706 and a
portion of a plurality of free ends of the second wire mesh structure defining
said third surface area
of openings 3707. In some embodiments, the connection comprises a first
flexible suture attached,
at one end, to a first point on said second surface area of openings 3706 and,
at a second end, to a
second point on said third surface area of openings 3707. In various
embodiments, a length of the
connection is in a range of 0 mm to 200 mm wherein a lower bound ranges from 0
mm to 2 mm
and every increment therein. In some embodiments, the connection comprises a
second flexible
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suture attached, at one end, to a third point on said second surface area of
openings 3706 and, at a
second end, to a fourth point on said third surface area of openings 3707
wherein said third point
is different from the first point and said fourth point is different from the
second point. In various
embodiments, a length of the connection, including the second flexible suture,
is in a range of 0
mm to 300 mm wherein a lower bound ranges from 0 mm to 2 mm and every
increment therein.
In some embodiments, the connection comprises a third flexible suture
attached, at one end, to a
fifth point on said second surface area of openings 3706 and, at a second end,
to a sixth point on
said third surface area of openings 3707, wherein said fifth point is
different from the first point
and the third point and wherein said sixth point is different from the second
point and the fourth
point. In various embodiments, a length of the connection, including the third
flexible suture, is
in a range of 0 mm to 300 mm wherein a lower bound ranges from 0 mm to 2 mm
and every
increment therein. In some embodiments, the connection comprises a fourth
flexible suture
attached, at one end, to a seventh point on said second surface area of
openings 3706 and, at a
second end, to an eighth point on said third surface area of openings 3707,
wherein said seventh
point is different from said the first point, the third point, and the fifth
point and wherein said
eighth point is different from the second point, the fourth point, and the
sixth point. In various
embodiments, a length of the connection, including the second flexible suture,
is in a range of 0
mm to 300 mm wherein a lower bound ranges from 0 mm to 2 mm and every
increment therein.
As shown in Figure 37C, in accordance with an aspect of the present
specification, a portion
of the second pluralities of nodes 3701n of the first wire mesh structure 3701
are flexibly
connected, coupled or attached to a portion of the third pluralities of nodes
3702n of the second
wire mesh structure 3702 using a plurality of sufficiently loose sutures or
suture knots 3710.
Though sutures are depicted in Figure 37C, in other embodiments, the flexible
connection between
the first wire mesh structure and the second wire mesh structure can comprise
any flexible member,
such as a flexible metal wire or plastic component. In these other
embodiments, a suture is not
required. In some embodiments, the plurality of sutures 3710 includes at least
two standalone
flexible connection or suture points wherein at least two nodes of the second
pluralities of nodes
3701n of the first wire mesh structure 3701 are flexibly coupled to at least
two nodes of the third
pluralities of nodes 3702n of the second wire mesh structure 3702 In a
preferred embodiment, the
plurality of sutures 3710 includes three or four standalone flexible
connection or suture points. In
various embodiments, a length of the connection between the openings on the
lower surface of the
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first wire mesh structure and the openings on the upper surface of the second
wire mesh structure
is in a range of 0 mm ¨ 300 mm. In various embodiments, the connection of the
first wire mesh
structure to the second wire mesh structure has a length such that the first
wire mesh structure can
be compressed up to a range of 1% to 99%, and more preferably, 40% to 99%, and
all increments
therein, of its equatorial diameter without leading to a compression of the
second wire mesh
structure. In various embodiments, the plurality of sutures 3710 are
distributed equidistantly along
the peripheries of the second and third openings 3706, 3707. Figure 37E shows
two connection or
suture points 3711 utilized to flexibly connect the first and second wire mesh
structures 3701,
3702. In an embodiment, the two connection or suture points 3711 are separated
from one another
by 180 degrees.
In an alternate embodiment, the first and second wire mesh structures 3701,
3702 are
flexibly coupled by interweaving or meshing (instead of using a plurality of
sutures or suture knots)
a portion of the second pluralities of nodes 3701n of the first wire mesh
structure 3701 to a portion
of the third pluralities of nodes 3702n of the second wire mesh structure
3702.
In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figure 37D, a sleeve 3725, having a
proximal end,
a distal end, and a lumen, is coupled at its proximal end to the lower portion
of the second wire
mesh structure 3702. The sleeve 3725 includes, at its proximal end, a first
opening 3741 in fluid
communication with the fourth opening or fourth surface area of openings (3708
of Figure 37A)
of the second wire mesh structure 3702 and a second opening 3742 at said
distal end. In some
.. embodiments, the sleeve 3725 is coupled, via a plurality of sutures, to the
fourth plurality of nodes
3702p of the second wire mesh structure 3702. The optionally coupled sleeve
3725, when
deployed, extends from the patient's stomach into the duodenum where it
empties, or, in other
embodiments, through the duodenum and into the jejunum. In one embodiment, the
sleeve 3725
functions to transit sequestered food/chyme from the intragastric device 3700
directly to the mid-
.. duodenum or mid-jejunum.
Referring now to Figures 37A through 37C, it should be appreciated that, in
various
embodiments, the first and second wire mesh structures 3701, 3702 are woven
and constructed
separately and flexibly attached or sutured, thereafter, either inside (as
described earlier with
reference to Figures 35, 36) or outside a patient's body. It should also be
appreciated that the
coupling sutures can be cut for removal of the two structures 3701, 3702
separately, from the
patients' stomach.
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In various embodiments, each of the connection or suture points comprises a
figure eight
knot, optionally, additionally secured with glue and a heat shrink tube. In
one embodiment, each
knot comprises 30 lb. break-strength ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene
(UHMWPE)
braided suture line to provide a reliable connection between the first and
second wire mesh
structures 3701, 3702.
In accordance with various aspects of the present specification, the flexible
connection or
attachment of the first and second wire mesh structures 3701, 3702, using the
plurality of sutures
3710, and the resultant intragastric device 3700 provides various benefits and
functionalities
(discussed below).
The flexible connection or attachment enables a fluid communication between
the first and
second wire mesh structures 3701, 3702. That is, food first passes through the
at least one first
opening 3705 in the top of the combined intragastric device 3700 and is
sequestered in the first
wire mesh structure 3701. The food then slowly passes into, and is sequestered
in, the second wire
mesh structure 3702. Finally, the food slowly releases through the at least
one fourth opening 3708
in the bottom of the combined intragastric device 3700 and back into the
stomach. The connected
wire mesh structures 3701, 3702 work together to occupy an increased volume in
a patient's
stomach and further delay the passage of food through the gastrointestinal
tract. The connected
two wire mesh structures 3701, 3702 also act to induce satiety even more
quickly and induce a
longer lasting satiety than a single mesh structure device.
The flexible connection or attachment enables the first and second wire mesh
structures
3701, 3702 to pivot, bend or move in substantially all directions relative to
each other. Referring
to Figure 37F, the first wire mesh structure 3701 has a first longitudinal
axis 3715 passing through
a center of the first structure 3701, a center of a first surface area of
openings 3721 at the proximal
end of the first structure 3701, and a center of a second surface area of
openings 3722 at the distal
end of the first structure while the second wire mesh structure 3702 has a
second longitudinal axis
3716 passing through a center of the second structure 3702, a center of a
third surface area of
openings 3731 at a proximal end of the second structure 3702, and a center of
a fourth surface area
of openings 3732 at a distal end of the second structure. A degree of movement
of the two
structures 3701, 3702, relative to each other, is illustrated and defined by
an angular displacement
3717 between the first and second longitudinal axes 3715, 3716. In various
embodiments, the
flexible connection points 3711 enable the first and second wire mesh
structures 3701, 3702 to
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have a degree of movement (or angular displacement 3717 between the first and
second
longitudinal axes 3715, 3716) of up to 90 degrees relative to each other in
all directions. In some
embodiments, the connection of the first wire mesh structure to the second
wire mesh structure has
a length such that, upon more than 90% compression of the first wire mesh
structure, the second
wire mesh structure has an angular displacement relative to the first wire
mesh structure of 10%
or less.
During a process of deployment, the flexible connection or attachment enables
one wire
mesh structure, for example the first wire mesh structure 3701, to open almost
completely without
the need to deploy the other wire mesh structure, for example the second wire
mesh structure 3702.
Figure 38A illustrates a process of deployment of a combined intragastric
device 3800. As shown,
the device 3800 further includes a catheter or over-tube 3820 wherein a first
wire mesh structure
3801 is nearly or almost completely deployed while a second wire mesh
structure 3802, connected
or attached to the first wire mesh structure 3801 via a plurality of sutures
3810, is still constrained
serially within the catheter or over-tube 3820. In some embodiments, the
catheter 3820 comprises
a housing and a lumen extending through the housing. In some embodiments, the
lumen has a
diameter equal to or less than 2 cm, and more preferably, approximately 0.9
cm. On compression
of one wire mesh structure, for example the second wire mesh structure 3702,
into a tubular
structure (such as an over-tube or catheter) during a process of withdrawal or
removal, the flexible
connection or attachment enables alignment of the other wire mesh structure,
for example the first
wire mesh structure 3701, to be compressed into the tubular structure. Figures
38B through 38D
illustrate a process of withdrawal or removal of the combined intragastric
device 3800. As shown
in Figure 38B, the second wire mesh structure 3802 is partially compressed as
it is being withdrawn
into the catheter 3820 using a grasper 3822 through an endoscope 3825 (for
example), while the
first wire mesh structure 3801 remains unconstrained or in a deployed
configuration. As the second
wire mesh structure 3802 is fully compressed due to its full withdrawal into
the catheter 3820, as
shown in Figure 38C, the plurality of sutures 3810 enable alignment or
orientation of the first wire
mesh structure 3801 for compression into the catheter 3820 for removal.
Finally, as shown in
Figure 38D, the aligned or oriented first wire mesh structure 3801 begins
getting constrained or
compressed into the catheter 3820 for removal, as the fully compressed second
wire mesh structure
3802 is further withdrawn into the catheter 3820 using the endoscope 3825.
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Thus, the flexible connection or attachment enables one wire mesh structure to
be
compressed or withdrawn and released or deployed independent of the other wire
mesh structure.
Referring now to Figures 37A through 37F, it should be noted that the
plurality of sutures
3710 need to be long enough to enable the pivoting, bending or relative degree
of movement of
the two wire mesh structures 3701, 3702 but short enough to communicate
compression forces
from one wire mesh structure (as it is being withdrawn or deployed) to the
other wire mesh
structure. In some embodiments, one wire mesh structure can be compressed up
to 99% of its
equatorial diameter (in embodiments where the first and second wire mesh
structures 3701, 3702
are substantially spherical) without radially compressing the other wire mesh
structure - but
beyond that, the compression is communicated. This has an anti-migration
advantage in that the
intragastric device 3700 is unlikely to pass through a fully relaxed pylorus
even if one of the two
wire mesh structures is substantially compressed while in a post-deployment
configuration. In
various embodiments, a length of a connection or suture point, from a node of
the second pluralities
of nodes to a node of the third pluralities of nodes, is in a range of 1 mm
and twice the diameter of
the third opening 3707 of the second wire mesh 3702 (Figures 37A, 37B).
The combined or dual-wire mesh intragastric device 3700 of the present
specification
provides various benefits or advantages compared to deploying a single large
device. Firstly, the
combined intragastric device 3700 offers better protection against migration
of the device 3700
through a relaxed pylorus of a patient. If a single large device gets
compressed it can migrate
relatively easily through the relaxed pylorus. However, it is unlikely for
both the wire mesh
structures 3701, 3702 of the intragastric device 3700 to be compressed
accidentally thereby
offering mitigation against migration risk.
Secondly, a single large device will be relatively inflexible, thereby,
putting excessive
pressure against the patient's stomach lining, at least for some of the time.
In contrast, the
intragastric device 3700 has a sufficiently large post-deployment structure or
occupied volume
while still minimizing excessive pressure against the stomach wall (and
prevent abrasions on the
stomach wall or lining) because the intragastric device 3700 will bend and
move (owing to the
flexible connection or attachment of the two connected wire mesh structures
3701, 3702), thereby
better suiting the stomach contours. Thus, the intragastric device 3700 of the
present specification,
when deployed, offers improved balance or optimization between a need to
occupy a large stomach
volume and a need to minimize pressure on the stomach. In various embodiments,
the intragastric
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device 3700, when deployed, occupies 25% to 95% of the gastric volume or the
patient's stomach
volume.
It should be appreciated that the present disclosure is intended to provide a
teaching of
several exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is should not be
limited to the specific
structures disclosed herein. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments,
which would be
understood by those of ordinary skill, are covered by the present application
and are within the
scope of the invention, as further defined by the claims
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Representative Drawing