A gastrointestinal device for implanting within a patient's gastrointestinal tract, the device having a central axis and a first expandable portion comprising a hollow tubular braided structure of wire and having a first cylinder extending parallel to the central axis, the first cylinder having a length and a first face; a neck portion extending from the first face of the first expandable portion parallel to the central axis, the neck portion having a first end, a second end, a wall extending between the first end and second end, and a diameter sized to fit within a pylorus; and a second expandable portion comprising a hollow tubular braided structure of wire and having a second cylinder extending parallel to the central axis, the second cylinder having a second face located at the proximal end of the second cylinder and oriented transverse to the central axis.

A surgical or laparoscopic method of treating obesity of a patient using a device adapted to stretch a portion of the stomach wall of said patient. The method comprising the steps of: cutting a hole in the abdominal wall of said patient, dissecting an area around the stomach, placing said device in contact with the stomach, and fixating, direct or indirect, through invagination of the stomach wall, said device to the stomach wall such that said device can stretch a portion of said stomach wall.

A plurality of scents that produce a particular effect on an individual's appetite are identified. The plurality of scents are delivered to produce the particular effect on the individual's appetite. The particular effect may include one of suppression of the individual's appetite and enhancement of the individual's appetite. Identifying a plurality of scents that produce a particular effect on an individual's appetite may include delivering a second plurality of scents to the individual, detecting a response of the individual to each respective one of the second plurality of scents, and identifying the plurality of scents that produce the particular effect on the individual's appetite based on the responses detected. A schedule for delivery of scents may be generated based on data relating to the individual's responses, and the plurality of scents may be delivered in accordance with the schedule.

The invention relates to a transpyloric device for accepting chyme from the stomach and conducting said chyme on in a bypass-like manner through a patient's duodenum; said device is held in place by balloon segments which sit on a preferably radially collapsible and self-erecting transpyloric conducting element; the filling level of the balloon segments, and thus the axial sealing force acting primarily on the shoulder surfaces of the pylorus or the surrounding area thereof, can be adjusted by the user, and the force applied to the stomach and duodenum structures adjoining the pylorus is reduced to a level that is permanently bearable for the organs even when the filling pressure of the segments rolling against each other is elevated. The invention also relates to an applicator for putting a bypass device of said type in place in the region of the transition from the stomach to the duodenum.

The invention relates to novel a high-volume swelling hydrogel which comprises a plurality of pores which are defined by an interpenetrating network, and/or a semi-interpenetrating network and/or simple cross-linked arrangement of a plurality of one or more species of hydrophilic polymers, optionally together with one or more biocompatible polymers and optionally together with one or more plasticising agents, characterised in that at least some of the pores are at least partially collapsed and/or flattened, and further characterised in that the interpenetrating network and/or semi-interpenetrating network and/or cross-linked arrangement which defines the collapsed and/or flattened pores is substantially unbroken. The invention also relates to a process for preparing such hydrogels, and to their use as an appetite suppressant.

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.

An obesity treatment device is provided, the device comprising: at least one operable stretching device implantable in an obese patient and adapted to stretch a portion of the patient's stomach wall and an operation device for operating the stretching device when implanted to stretch the stomach wall portion such that satiety is created.

The present invention relates to a reflux disease treatment apparatus, comprising two or more movement restriction device segments adapted to form an implantable movement restriction device with an elongated shape that maintains cardia in the correct position. The movement restriction device has proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end is adapted to stabilize and hold the proximal end. The invention further comprises a control device for controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the cardia sphincter. The distal end can be further adapted to treat obesity, for example by stretching the wall of the stomach or filling out a volume of the stomach.

An intraluminar method of treating a reflux disease in a patient by implanting a device comprising a non-encircling implantable movement restriction device that, when implanted in a patient, restricts the movement of the cardiac notch in relation to the diaphragm muscle, preventing the cardia from sliding through the esophageal hiatus. The intraluminar method comprises introducing an instrument through the esophagus and into the stomach of the patient, introducing the non-encircling implantable movement restriction device through the esophagus using said instrument, affixing the non-encircling movement restriction device to the fundus wall, such that it does not encircle the esophagus or stomach, thereby preventing the cardia from sliding through the esophageal hiatus and thus reducing reflux disease without encircling the esophagus or stomach.

This invention is an arcuate wearable device with a circumferential or annular array of spectroscopic sensors which measures a person's body hydration. In an example, this invention can be embodied in a modular smart watch band, a specialized hydration-monitoring band, or a finger ring. A circumferential or annular array of spectroscopic sensors helps to ensure continuous measurement of body hydration, even if a wearable device shifts and/or rotates on a person's wrist, arm, or finger.