An assembly includes an obstruction device including a proximal obstruction balloon and a distal obstruction balloon mounted on a shaft, the balloons being inflatable via one or more inflation lumens, and a space-occupying device mounted on a positioning member that extends from a portion of the obstruction device, the space-occupying device being proximal to the proximal obstruction balloon and inflatable via a space-occupying-device inflation lumen.

A medical implant system for implantation in a patient to treat erectile dysfunction includes a first fluid path, an inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder, an electric pump, and implant controller, and an implantable power supply. The inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder is in fluid communication with the first fluid path and is configured for implantation in a corpus cavernosum of a patient. The electric pump is in fluid communication with the first fluid path. The implant controller is electrically coupled to the pump and is configured to activate the pump to drive a flow of fluid through the first fluid path and into the cylinder. The implantable power supply provides electrical power to the pump.

A intragastric device that contains a compressible free-floating structure and a sleeve attached thereto is provided. The device is considered to be anchorless as the sleeve is not physically attached to any portion of the GI tract. The device is configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration and an expanded post-deployment configuration. The free-floating device may be composed of a shape memory material such a nitinol. In some embodiments, the free-floating structure is space occupying and non-porous. The sleeve may be attached to the free-floating structure, such as with sutures and/or glue. In some embodiments, a stent may be inserted at the proximal end of the sleeve. A second free-floating structure may be connected to the free-floating structure such that there is an upper structure and a lower structure. In some embodiments, the gastrointestinal device is used to deliver prebiotic and/or probiotic therapy to a patient.

A method for modifying the eating behavior of a patient equipped with a gastric restriction apparatus includes the steps of: a. providing an adjustable gastric band (AGB); b. providing a pressure sensor to measure pressure within the AGB; c. providing a processing unit containing instructions to collect a set of pressure measurement and to analyze the set pressure measurement; d. providing a data base comprising data concerning pressure exerted within the AGB by a bolus of liquid food, a bolus of semiliquid food, and a bolus of solid food; e. recording the sets of pressure measurements; f. recording the results; g. communicating the results; h. placing the AGB in position; i. measuring the pressure within the AGB; j. using the distinction of the current eating pattern to modify the eating behavior of the patient.

A transorally implanted intragastric balloon or treating obesity and for weight control including a variable size balloon with one or interconnected regions acting to exert a pressure on the stomach, to provide a stomach volume occupying effect, and/or to anchor the balloon within the stomach.

A gastroscopic method and instrument for treating obesity of a patient, using a device adapted to stretch a part of the stomach wall of said patient. The method comprises the steps of: inserting the device into the stomach through the esophagus, placing the device in contact with the stomach wall, and fixating the device to the stomach wall such that the device can stretch a part of the stomach wall.

The invention relates to a device for inserting an inflatable balloon which comprises a main body of revolution (12) which defines a cone-shaped distal end and a proximal end, said main body also comprising: a first internal channel (123) passing from the proximal end to the distal end of said body for inserting a thread (3) for guiding said device; an internal compartment (125) arranged in a portion of the distal end of said body for housing an inflatable balloon (4), said compartment comprising a breakable outer surface (1251) which is continuous with the surface of said body, and a second internal channel passing from the distal end of said body to said compartment, for housing a balloon inflation tube (5) suitable for connection at the distal end thereof with an inflatable balloon inside said compartment.

Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided, including intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, locating, tracking, monitoring, deflating, and retrieving the same. In one embodiment, a device includes a balloon capsule having a distal end, a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a connector, a light sensor, and a balloon valve. At least one optical fiber extends along the length of the interior of the catheter and through the valve such that a distal end of the optical fiber is positioned at a distal end of the balloon capsule when the catheter is placed within the balloon capsule, and such that a proximal end of the optical fiber can be received by the light sensor.

Provided are ingestible polymeric formulations and oral dosage forms for the reduction of gastric volume in the treatment of overweight and obese patients. The formulation includes an acid-sensitive, gelatin coating over a dehydrated hydrophilic polymer. When ingested, the acid-sensitive coating is quickly dissolved by gastric secretions and the hydrophilic polymer is exposed to the aqueous environment of the gastric milieu. The polymer absorbs water and expands to the point that will not allow the polymer to pass beyond the pyloric valve, and the expanded polymer is therefore trapped in the stomach.

Apparatus (90) is provided for use in a stomach of a subject. The apparatus includes a balloon (92), adapted for placement in the stomach, and an anchor (102), coupled to the balloon. The anchor is adapted to prevent the balloon from passing into a duodenum of the subject. The apparatus further includes an inflation tube (96), coupled to the balloon to permit inflation of the balloon, and is adapted to stretch from the stomach to a mouth of the subject to facilitate inflation of the balloon. Other embodiments are also described.