Conformationally-stabilized intraluminal device for medical applications

摘要

The invention relates to devices that are stabilized at an intraluminal residence site in the gastrointestinal tract by their conformation, including dimensions of length and curvature. The device as a whole corresponds to the conformation of the residence site; more particularly, the curved or angled portions correspond to the curved or angled portions of the residence site and do not conform to an immediately proximal or distal site. In some embodiments, the conformationally stabilized device may effect a change in the residence site shape that contributes to stability of the device. Some embodiments are directed toward curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake, other embodiments may be directed toward other therapeutic ends. Some embodiments of the device are designed to reside wholly in the duodenum; others reside principally within the duodenum but extend proximally into the gastric antrum, while other embodiments are designed to reside elsewhere within the gastrointestinal tract.

主权项

1. A duodenal device comprising:
an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end and a central longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the central longitudinal axis has a pre-set curvature prior to insertion in a gastrointestinal tract that mimics a transition from a duodenal bulb to a vertical duodenum and a transition from the vertical duodenum to a horizontal duodenum, wherein the central longitudinal axis is configured to return to the pre-set curvature after insertion into the gastrointestinal tract to provide conformational stability for the elongate body; and at least one flow reduction element positioned on the elongate body along the central longitudinal axis.