Implantable medical device affixed internally within the gastrointestinal tract

摘要

A GI tract stimulator and/or monitor IMD comprising a housing enclosing electrical stimulation and/or monitoring circuitry and a power source and an elongated flexible member extending from the housing to an active fixation mechanism adapted to be fixed into the GI tract wall is disclosed. After fixation is effected, the elongated flexible member bends into a preformed shape that presses the housing against the mucosa so that forces that would tend to dislodge the fixation mechanism are minimized. The IMD is fitted into an esophageal catheter lumen with the fixation mechanism aimed toward the catheter distal end opening whereby the bend in the flexible member is straightened. The catheter body is inserted through the esophagus into the GI tract cavity to direct the catheter distal end to the site of implantation and fix the fixation mechanism to the GI tract wall. The IMD is ejected from the lumen, and the flexible member assumes its bent configuration and lodges the hermetically sealed housing against the mucosa. A first stimulation/sense electrode is preferably an exposed conductive portion of the housing that is aligned with the bend of the flexible member so that it is pressed against the mucosa. A second stimulation/sense electrode is located at the fixation site.