Systems and methods for effecting bariatric procedures are disclosed. Each system includes an instrument, a control valve and, optionally, a suction controller. The instrument is in the form of an elongated, flexible member having a distal end portion arranged for anchoring the instrument in the patient's stomach and for enabling fluids to be removed from the patient's stomach. Suction is applied to the patient's stomach by the distal end portion of the instrument to drain gastric fluids and to bring adjacent portions of the patient's stomach into engagement with the instrument to provide a visually perceptible delineation line along which a portion of the stomach may be resected, sealed and tested.

The present invention relates to an orally administrable intragastric balloon encapsulated so that, once it is in the stomach, the capsules dissolves and increases its volume thanks to the presence, inside thereof, of a superabsorbent edible polymer able of absorbing the water contained in the stomach.

An apparatus for treating obesity in a human or animal mammal patient. The apparatus comprising a first volume filling device segment and a second volume filling device segment. The first and second volume filling device segments are adapted to be assembled into an implantable volume filling device of a controlled size. Each one of the first and second volume filling device segment comprises at least one interconnecting structure. The interconnecting structure of the second volume filling device segment is adapted to be formed fitted, such that the first and second volume filling device segment can be assembled into the volume filling device. The assembled volume filling device is adapted to be at least substantially invaginated by a stomach wall portion of a patient, with the outer surface of the device resting against the stomach wall, such that the volume of the food cavity is reduced in size.

Various devices, systems, and methods that can be used in the treatment of obesity and related illnesses are disclosed. In some instances, a medical device includes a body that is configured to transition from a low-profile state, in which the medical device is passed through the bowel of an obese patient and into the cecum of the patient, to an expanded state, in which the medical device distends the cecum of the patient to a pathophysiological size.

An oral appliance and kit therefor is disclosed. The oral appliance may include generally U-shaped upper and lower body members and a pair of adjustment plates or spacers for removably connecting the upper body member with the lower body member. The generally U-shaped upper and lower body members are adapted to be positioned over at least a portion of first and second arches of teeth, respectively, with the spacers having a system of pins or pegs for adjustably repositioning the upper body member with respect to the lower body member. The upper and lower body members are further configured to provide a lingual-less open space between the upper and lower body members to accommodate a tongue in a relaxed state. The disclosed oral appliance, system and kit therefor is configured for use in correcting the misalignment of a user's jaw.

A topical treatment for anorectal disorders with and without utilization of a contoured seat cushion with a temperature-adapted or electrical stimulation element that can provide hot or cold temperatures or electrical stimulation to the anorectal region.

A surgical weight loss procedure to reduce stomach volume is provided. The procedure involves gathering together a quantity of stomach tissue and securing this tissue together in a gathered position, which can reduce the volume of the stomach. This reduced stomach volume allows a patient to feel satiated with a much smaller amount of food, leading to weight loss.

A medical device has an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element adapted to contract a hollow body organ in such a way that said contractile element is adapted to be in a resting position or in an activated position, the activated position being defined with the contractile element constricting the hollow body organ and the resting position being defined with the contractile element not constricting the hollow body organ. The medical device further includes a tensioning device adapted to apply a force so as to tighten the contractile element around the hollow body organ. The contractile element further includes a closure for forming the contractile element into a closed loop around said hollow body organ, the closure having a plurality of lips arranged to engage the contractile element.

A gastrointestinal implant device (2800) comprises a planar proximal element (220) configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element (222) configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers (224) coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.