Apparatus and methods for minimally invasive obesity treatment

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for the effective and minimally invasive treatment of obesity. In one embodiment, a device for providing therapy to a patient includes an inflatable structure adapted and configured for positioning at least partially within a gastroesophageal (GE) space formed between an inner wall of a phrenoesophageal ligament (POL) and outer walls of the esophagus and cardiac orifice and an electrode structure adapted and configured for positioning at least partially within the GE space. In another embodiment, a method for treating a patient includes introducing an electrode at least partially into a gastroesophageal (GE) space formed between an inner wall of a phrenoesophageal ligament (POL) and outer walls of the esophagus and cardiac orifice and modulating tissue using the electrode.

主权项

1. A minimally invasive method for treating a patient, comprising:
advancing a working catheter from one of an abdomen or thorax to between a stomach and a diaphragm of the patient; engaging the phrenoesophageal ligament (POL); tearing at the POL to form an opening in the POL for introducing an electrode attached to an outer surface of a balloon at least partially into a gastroesophageal (GE) space formed between an inner wall of the POL and outer walls of an esophagus, a fundus of the stomach and a cardiac orifice; inflating the balloon; and modulating tissue using the electrode.