SUPPORT DEVICE FOR GASTROINTESTINAL IMPLANT

摘要

A support device for a gastrointestinal implant has a lumen configured to extend through a submucosal tunnel and a mouth located at a proximal end of the lumen and in fluid communication with the lumen. The mouth may be configured to face proximally within a gastrointestinal tract to receive GI contents, and the mouth may be configured to direct the GI contents into the lumen. The support device may further include a support structure, where the lumen extends through the support structure, and where the support structure is configured to apply an outward radial force on an inner wall of the gastrointestinal tract. An artificial tunnel may extend distally from the support structure, may form at least a portion of the lumen, and may be configured to extend through the submucosal tunnel.