Gastro-intestinal device and method for treating addiction

摘要

A device and a method for treating a medical condition include a reversible member disposed in a patient's gastro-intestinal tract, and a dispensing member coupled to the reversible member that delivers a drug and/or a noxious when a predetermined substance is detected. In a different embodiment, the device and method of the present invention include a polymer infused with a drug and disposed into a preformed shell inside the gastric space, where it expands and hardens, releasing the drug over time. Both the casing and the polymer may be biocompatible. The present invention enables the slow-release of anti-addictive agents without patient tampering and with the appropriate dosage. Ancillary systems such as sensors, actuators, refill and recharge ports, and communication and data processing units may also be included.

主权项

1. A device for treating obesity and/or addiction, the device comprising:
a reversible member structured to have an elongated configuration during insertion into a patient's gastro-intestinal tract and a contracted configuration after the insertion; a locking button positioned along the reversible member; a length of string slidably attached to the locking button; a dispensing member coupled to the reversible member, wherein a distal end of the elongated configuration is coupled to a proximal end of the elongated configuration via the length attached to the locking button where the length is passed entirely through a locking lumen defined through the distal end such that the proximal end is approximated into and through the distal end until the locking button has traversed the locking lumen into the contracted configuration, and wherein the length is removable from the locking button by tensioning one end of the string once the reversible member is in the contracted configuration.