Anti-reflux devices and methods for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

摘要

Devices, systems, and methods for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) include anti-reflux valves and retainers for securing them within the lumen of the esophagus, stomach, or a hiatal hernia. The retainers contain inflatable balloons, some of which may be enveloped by a flexible shell that is used to secure the balloon to tissue. Methods are described for treating GERD patients who (1) have no hiatal hernia, (2) have a hiatal hernia that is fixed in place, or (3) have a hiatal hernia that slides above and below the diaphragm. Methods are also described for delivering GERD-treatment devices to their target locations within the patient's gastrointestinal tract.

主权项

1. A device for treating a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease and a hiatal hernia, comprising:
a first anchor movable between a compressed configuration for advancement through an esophagus of the patient into the hiatal hernia and an expanded configuration for residing within the hiatal hernia, the first anchor being inflatable with an inflation fluid; a hollow sleeve having proximal and distal end portions; wherein the proximal end portion is coupled to the first anchor and the sleeve is sized and configured to allow material to pass distally from the esophagus at the location of the hiatal hernia through the hollow sleeve and into a stomach of the patient; a second anchor coupled to the distal end portion of the sleeve and movable between a compressed configuration for advancement through the esophagus of a patient into the stomach and an expanded configuration for residing within the stomach, the second anchor being inflatable with the inflation fluid; a valve structure coupled to said second anchor configured for inhibiting passage of liquids and solids proximally from the stomach of the patient into the esophagus; a plurality of hollow tubes integrated within said hollow sleeve and connecting said first anchor and said second anchor to allow transfer of the inflation fluid there between; and a two-way valve within each of the hollow tubes configured to allow immediate inflation fluid flow from the first anchor to the second anchor when the hiatal hernia compresses and creates pressure against the first anchor and to delay inflation fluid flow back into said first anchor when the hiatal hernia pressure is removed.