Apparatus for treating GERD

Abstract

An apparatus for the treatment of acid reflux disease comprising two or more movement restriction device segments adapted to be movement restriction device of a controlled size. The movement restriction device can at least partly be invaginated by a patient's stomach fundus wall. A substantial part of the outer surface of the movement restriction device is adapted to rest against the stomach wall without injuring the latter in a position between the patient's diaphragm and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall, such that movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm is restricted, to thereby prevent the cardia from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax, so as to maintain the supporting pressure against the patient's cardia sphincter muscle exerted from the patient's abdomen.

Claims

1. An apparatus for treating reflux disease in a human or animal mammal patient, the apparatus comprising: a first movement restriction device segment; and a second movement restriction device segment; wherein: the first and second movement restriction device segments are configured to form an implantable movement restriction device having a shape and size allowing it to be at least partly invaginated by the patient's stomach fundus wall, and to be arranged to restrict movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm without causing an obstruction of a food passage way of the patient; said movement restriction device is adapted to disassemble upon leaving its invaginated position in the patient's stomach fundus wall; the first movement restriction device segment having an inner face configured to engage with an inner face of the second movement restriction device segment, wherein each of said inner faces are provided with a rugged texture for increasing friction between the segments to facilitate relative fixation between the segments, and the first movement restriction device segment and the second movement restriction device segment being shaped such that the implantable movement restriction device, formed when the segments are assembled, has an outer surface having an elliptical point; and each one of said first and second movement restriction device segments has a shape and size allowing it to separately pass through the food passage way, thereby reducing the risk of causing obstruction or ileus in the patient's intestine.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second movement restriction device segments are adapted to pass through a trocar, for assembly and implantation of the movement restriction device into the abdominal cavity.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first and second movement restriction device segments comprise a flexible outer shape allowing them to pass through the trocar.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second movement restriction device segments are solid.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a largest circumference of the assembled movement restriction device is 50 millimeters or more.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will now be described in more detail by way of non-limiting examples, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIGS. 1A-C are schematic views of various embodiments of an apparatus for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease implanted in a human patient.

(3) FIGS. 2A-B are schematic views of various embodiments of an apparatus for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease implanted in a human patient.

(4) FIGS. 3A-B are schematic views of various embodiment of an apparatus for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease implanted in a human patient.

(5) FIGS. 4A-D are schematic views of embodiments of an apparatus for treating Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease and obesity implanted in a human patient.

(6) FIGS. 5A and B are schematic views of an embodiment of an apparatus for treating Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease implanted in a human patient.

(7) FIGS. 6A-D and 7-9 show alternative shapes of a movement restriction device for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease adapted to be implanted in a human patient.

(8) FIG. 10 is an overall view of a patient with an implanted movement restriction device for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

(9) FIGS. 11-27 are schematic views of various ways of powering an apparatus for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

(10) FIGS. 28-33 and 34a-34c are schematic views of various ways of arranging the hydraulic or pneumatic powering of an apparatus of the invention for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

(11) FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed when implanting a movement restriction device for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

(12) FIGS. 36-41 illustrate methods for restoring the location of the cardia and the fundus in a patient suffering from reflux disease.

(13) FIGS. 42-46 show different shapes and features of a reflux treatment device comprised in an apparatus according to the invention,

(14) FIGS. 47a-d show a deflated inflatable reflux treatment device comprised in an apparatus according to the invention and an instrument for placing the reflux treatment device on the outside of the stomach wall of the patient.

(15) FIGS. 48a-i illustrate different steps of invaginating the inflatable device of FIG. 47a on the outside of a stomach wall of a patient,

(16) FIG. 49a shows an embodiment wherein the reflux treatment apparatus is also adaptable to treat obesity and comprises a plurality of movement restriction device segments.

(17) FIG. 49b shows an embodiment wherein the plurality of movement restriction device segments is provided in a pouch created by part of the stomach wall without any containing outer layer.

(18) FIG. 49c shows an embodiment similar to the one shown in FIG. 49b but wherein proximal part of the combined reflux and obesity treatment apparatus has a different composition from the distal part the combined reflux and obesity treatment apparatus.

(19) FIGS. 50-51 show an embodiment wherein the reflux treatment apparatus adapted also for treating obesity

(20) FIGS. 52a-f and 52h-i illustrate different steps of invaginating the inflatable device of FIG. 47a on the inside of a stomach wall of a patient,

(21) FIGS. 53 a-c show an instrument for creating an invagination of the wall of the stomach.

(22) FIGS. 54-55 show an abdominal method for treating reflux disease.

(23) FIG. 56 shows an embodiment of the movement restriction device before assembly

(24) FIG. 57 shows an embodiment of the movement restriction device when first part and second part are assembled.

(25) FIG. 58 shows the embodiment of FIG. 57 when a third and a fourth part are assembled.

(26) FIG. 59 shows the embodiment of FIG. 58 when assembling the final part.

(27) FIG. 60 shows the embodiment of FIGS. 56-59 when finally assembled.

(28) FIG. 61a shows the core part of the embodiment of FIG. 56 with the operation channels.

(29) FIGS. 61b to 61f show crossectional views of the core part of FIG. 61a according to planes I-I; II-II, III-III, IV-IV, respectively.

(30) FIGS. 62 and 63 show other embodiments of the movement restriction device to be assembled.

(31) FIGS. 64a-d illustrate the insertion of the movement restriction device segments shown in FIG. 62 by means of an instrument.

(32) FIGS. 65a-c illustrate a preferred method of invaginating a plurality of movement restriction device segments into a stomach wall using an instrument.

(33) FIG. 66 illustrates an alternative instrument for invaginating a plurality of movement restriction device segments.

(34) FIGS. 67a-e illustrate different shapes of movement restriction devices when using a plurality of movement restriction device segments to form a movement restriction device.

(35) FIG. 68 is a sectional view of a movement restriction device comprising fluid.

(36) FIG. 69 is a sectional view of a movement restriction device defining a plurality of movement restriction device segments.

(37) FIG. 70 is a view of a movement restriction device comprising a plurality of movement restriction device segments contained in a fluid.

(38) FIG. 71 is a sectional view of a movement restriction device defining a plurality of movement restriction device segments contained in a fluid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(39) As used herein, the term “segment” should be construed broadly to define any of the parts into which something can be divided.

(40) FIG. 1A is a schematic view depicting an apparatus 11, including a movement restriction device 10 of a biocompatible material, for treating reflux disease, in accordance with the invention, implanted in a human patient. In FIG. 1A, the device 10 is invaginated in the fundus. The device 10 comprises a body 13 having an outer surface 15 suitable for resting against a portion of the outside wall 16a of the stomach fundus wall 16 in a position between the patient's diaphragm 18 and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall 16. Thus, with the device 10 invaginated in this fashion, movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm is restricted, thereby the cardia is prevented from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax 20 and the supporting pressure against the patient's cardia sphincter muscle exerted from the patient's abdomen is maintained

(41) The body 13 is inflatable and adapted to be inflated with a gel or fluid. A fluid or gel receiving member for receiving fluid to inflate said movement restriction device may be provided. Alternatively, the body 13 includes a homogenous material and be a solid body. Alternatively, the body 13 includes an outer wall in the form of an enclosure wall defining a chamber. The outer wall may be rigid, elastic or flexible. Where the outer wall is rigid, it is rigid enough to maintain non-deformed when subject to forces created by stomach movements.

(42) The body 13 of the movement restriction device 10 can be affixed to the wall 16a of the fundus 16 in a number of different ways. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the device 10 is invaginated in the fundus stomach wall from outside the stomach. After invagination, a first fixation device consisting of a number of stomach-to-stomach sutures or staples 22a is applied to keep the invagination in tact in the short term. This allows the growth of human tissue to keep the invagination intact over the long term.

(43) There may optionally be a second fixation device consisting of a number of sutures or staples 22b that are provided between the wall 16a of the fundus 16 and the wall 24a of the oesophagus 24 to hold the device 10 in said position between the patient's diaphragm 18 and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall 16a. Thus, the device 10 is affixed in this position by this second fixation apparatus. A direct or indirect affixation of the device 10 to the diaphragm muscle 18 or associated muscles may be provided. As an alternative, a direct or indirect affixation of the device 10 to the oesophagus His can be provided. Alternatively, or additionally, there may be a third fixation device in the form of sutures or staples 22c provided between the wall 16a of the fundus 16 and the diaphragm 18 to hold the device 10 in said position.

(44) FIG. 1B shows an embodiment substantially similar to the one shown in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B the body 13 and invagination are, in addition to the affixation 22, fixed by means of sutures and/or staples 22c between the reflux body 13 and the diaphragm 18, to hold the device in position above the cardia 14.

(45) FIG. 1C shows another embodiment substantially similar to the one shown in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1C the reflux treatment device is held in place by stomach-to-stomach sutures or staplers 22a that connects the wall 16a of the fundus 16 to the wall 16a of the fundus 16. In addition the reflux treatment device 10 is held in place by sutures 22b or staplers from the wall 16 of the fundus 16a to the wall of the esophagus 24a, and by sutures or staples from the wall of the fundus 16a to the diaphragm.

(46) An alternative embodiment of an apparatus 17 for the treatment of reflux disease in accordance with the invention is depicted in FIG. 2A. This embodiment is, in many aspects, similar to the one described above with reference to FIG. 1A-C. Thus, a movement restriction device 10 is shown implanted in a human patient and invaginated in the fundus. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the device 10 is invaginated from the inside of the stomach, instead of from outside of the stomach, as in FIG. 1A-C. The movement restriction device 10 comprises a body 13 adapted to rest against a portion of the inside wall of the stomach fundus wall 16 in a position between the patient's diaphragm 18 and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall 16. In this embodiment, the body 13 is situated above the cardia area 14 of a standing human or animal mammal patient. The body 13 of the device 10 is shaped to rest against the wall 16a of the fundus 16, and further, has an outer surface 15 suitable to rest against this fundus wall. Thus, with the device 10 invaginated in this fashion as described above in connection with FIG. 1A, movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm is restricted, thereby the cardia is prevented from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax 20 and the supporting pressure against the patient's cardia sphincter muscle exerted from the patient's abdomen is maintained.

(47) After invagination, a number of stomach-to-stomach sutures or staples 33a comprising a first fixation device are applied from inside the stomach 16 to keep the invagination in tact in the short term. This allows the growth of human tissue, keeping the invagination in tact over the long term. Additional sutures or staples 22b comprising a second fixation device can be provided between a wall portion 16b of the fundus 16 forming part of the invagination of the device 10 and the wall 24a of the oesophagus 24 to hold the device 10 in said position. Similarly, a third fixation device in the form of sutures or staples 22c can be provided between another wall portion 16c of the fundus 16 forming part of the invagination of the device 10 and the diaphragm 18 to hold the device 10 in said position.

(48) An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 2B. This embodiment is in many aspects similar to the one described with reference to FIG. 2A. However, here the sutures and staples 22b and 33a are all connected to the fixator of the reflux treatment device 10. This embodiment lacks stomach-to-diaphragm sutures or staples.

(49) An alternative an apparatus 19 for the treatment of reflux disease is depicted in FIG. 3A. This alternative is in many aspects similar to the ones described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-C and 2 A-B. Thus, a movement restriction device 10 is shown implanted in a human patient. The device 10 comprises a body 13 adapted to rest against a portion of the stomach fundus wall 16 in a position between the patient's diaphragm 18 and stomach fundus wall 16. However, in this alternative, the device 10 is not invaginated in the stomach 16. Instead, the affixation of the device 10 comprises an attachment structure 10a, preferably a net like-structure that is adapted to be in contact with the fundus stomach wall 16a to promote the growth of human tissue to secure long term placement of the reflux disease treatment device attached to the stomach wall. In the short term, a first fixation device in the form of sutures or staples 44a may be provided between the attachment structure 10a and the fundus wall 16a to keep the attachment structure 10a in place.

(50) The attachment structure 10a may be adapted for a second fixation device in the form of sutures or staples 44b that are provided between the wall 16a of the fundus 16 and the wall 24a of the oesophagus 24 to hold the device 10 in said position between the patient's diaphragm 18 and stomach fundus wall 16. Similarly, the attachment structure 10a may also be adapted for a third fixation device in the form of sutures or staples 44c that are provided between the wall 16a of the fundus 16 and the diaphragm 18, again, to hold the device 10 in said position.

(51) An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 3B. This embodiment is in many aspects similar to the one described with reference to FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, the reflux treatment device 10 is, like in FIG. 2A-B invaginated from the inside of the stomach. The attachment structure 10a is positioned on the wall 16a of the fundus 16 above and around the invagination created by the reflux treatment device 10.

(52) An alternative embodiment of an apparatus 21 for treatment of reflux disease in accordance with the invention is depicted in FIG. 4A. This embodiment is in many aspects similar to the one described above with reference to FIG. 1A-C. In FIG. 4A, a view of a device 10 for treatment of reflux disease in accordance with the invention is shown implanted in a human patient. In FIG. 4A, the movement restriction device 10 is again invaginated in the fundus 16. The device 10 comprises a body 13 having an outer surface 15 suitable for resting against a portion of the outside wall 16a of the stomach fundus wall 16 in a position between the patient's diaphragm 18 and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall 16. The body 13 is shaped to rest against the outside wall 16a of the fundus 16. Thus, with the device 10 invaginated in this fashion, movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm is restricted, thereby the cardia is prevented from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax 20 and the supporting pressure against the patient's cardia sphincter muscle exerted from the patient's abdomen is maintained.

(53) In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, after invagination of the device 10 in the fundus 16, a first fixation device consisting of a number of stomach-to-stomach sutures or staples 22a is applied to keep the invagination in tact in the short term. A second fixation device consisting of a number of sutures or staples 22b is provided to hold the device 10 in said position between the patient's diaphragm 18 and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall 16. Additionally, a third fixation device in the form of sutures or staples 22c may be provided between the wall 16a of the fundus 16 and the diaphragm 18, again, to hold the device 10 in said position.

(54) In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A, the size of the movement restriction device 10 can be regulated while being implanted. The device 10 is associated with a hydraulic reservoir 52 connected to the device 10 by a lead 52b, whereby a non-invasive regulation can be performed by manually pressing the reservoir 52. The device 10 is, in turn, connected to one or more smaller chambers 10b.

(55) Furthermore, the embodiment above may alternatively be used to also treat obesity. The apparatus may, in this embodiment, be adapted to treat obesity by using the volume of the movement restriction body 13 to contain a fluid, and further using one or more smaller chambers 10b connected to the body 13 with a pump to be filled with fluid to stretch the fundus wall to create satiety. The small chambers 10b are also adapted to be invaginated to in the fundus stomach wall, and when filled with fluid, an expansion occurs that results in human sensor feedback creating satiety. By placing the small hydraulic reservoir/pump subcutaneously in the patient, the patient is able to pump hydraulic fluid to fill the small chambers to feel full on request.

(56) An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 4B. This embodiment is substantially similar to the one shown in FIG. 4A but differs in how the reflux treatment device 10 and chambers 10b are controlled. Here, the chambers 10b are not controlled by a subcutaneous pump but a powered internal control unit 56. The internal control unit 56 comprises means for the patient to control the device 10 in how it shall be used regarding treatment of reflux and/or obesity. It may also comprise means of supplying power to the device.

(57) The internal control unit 56 may comprise a battery 70, an electric switch 72, a motor/pump 44, a reservoir 52, and an injection port 1001. An energy transmission device 34 with a remote control is adapted for controlling and powering the device. The items being selected depending on the circumstances, e.g. if the device is electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically operated.

(58) The control unit may receive input from any sensor 76, specially a pressure sensor. Any type of sensor may be supplied. The internal control unit 56 preferable includes intelligence in forms of a FPGA or MCU or ASIC or any other circuit, component or memory (For a more extensive description see below under “system”).

(59) FIG. 4C shows essentially the same as FIG. 4A with the difference that there is one small chamber 10b instead of two small chambers as in 4A. FIG. 4C shows the small chamber 10b in its empty state whereas FIG. 4D shows the small chambers 10b when it has been filled and enlarged to create satiety.

(60) Yet an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 23 for the treatment of reflux disease in accordance with the invention is depicted in FIG. 5A. This embodiment is, again, in many aspects similar to the one described above with reference to FIG. 1A-C. Thus, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, a movement restriction device 10, which is invaginated in the fundus, is comprised of a body 13 having an outer surface 15 suitable for resting against a portion of the outside wall 16a of the stomach fundus wall 16 in a position between the patient's diaphragm 18 and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall 16. The body 13 of the device 10 is shaped to rest against the outside wall 16a of the fundus 16 and has a generally smooth outer surface 15 suitable for resting against this fundus wall. And, again, after invagination of the device 10 in the fundus 16, a first fixation device consisting of a number of stomach-to-stomach sutures or staples 22a is applied to keep the invagination in tact in the short term. A second fixation device consisting of a number of sutures or staples 22b applied between the wall 16a of the fundus 16 and the wall 24a of the oesophagus 24 is provided to hold the device 10 in said position.

(61) In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the apparatus 23 further comprises a stimulation device 26 for sending out stimulation pulses adapted to stimulate the cardia muscle to further close the cardia to additionally prevent reflux disease. The apparatus 23 comprises at least one conductor 26a and at least one electrode 26b adapted to receive the stimulation pulses.

(62) The stimulation device 26 preferably comprises an electronic circuit and an energy source, which in the preferred embodiment is provided in the device 10.

(63) The stimulation device 26 preferably sends stimulation pulses as a train of pulses, wherein the pulse train is adapted to be repeated with a time break in between, the break extending the break between each pulse in the pulse train.

(64) FIG. 5B shows essentially the same embodiment as in FIG. 5A, with the addition of an internal control unit 56, a remote control 28 and an external energy transmission device 34. The internal control unit 56 is connected to the stimulation device with a power lead 56b. The internal control unit 57 may comprise a battery 70 and an electric switch 72 and other components described below under “system”. The reflux disease treatment device 10 can, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, be formed as a generally egg shaped body, as is shown in FIG. 6A. The reflux disease treatment device 10 can, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, also be formed as an egg or sphere shaped body with an indent in its middle, as is shown in FIG. 6B. The reflux disease treatment device 10 can, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, further be formed as a slightly bent egg shaped body as shown in FIG. 6C.

(65) The reflux disease treatment device 10 can, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, be formed as a generally spherically-shaped body, as shown in FIG. 6D.

(66) As discussed above, the reflux treatment device 10 is fixed in a position which is above the esophagus in a standing patient. To enable this, one embodiment of the reflux treatment shown in FIG. 7 comprises a fixator 10d that may, for example, serve as an attachment point for sutures or staples. The fixator may be a loop or a ridge with or without holes or have any other shape that makes it suitable for fixating the reflux treatment device 10.

(67) FIG. 8 show an embodiment of the reflux treatment device 10 where it is adjustable by a hydraulic means, and 10e is an injection port where hydraulic fluid can be in order to expand the device. Alternatively, in one embodiment the reflux treatment device 10 can be inflated from a small size to a larger size during a surgical procedure where it is advantageous that the device is initially of small size, for example during a laparoscopic procedure. In such an embodiment, any filling material, solid, liquid or gas many injected trough the injection port 10e in order for the reflux treatment device 10 to achieve its final shape.

(68) FIG. 9 shows an embodiment where the reflux treatment device 10 has a sunken ridge 10f adapted to being held with a surgical tool. This is to be used, for example, during a surgical procedure when the reflux treatment device is implanted.

(69) When the reflux disease treatment device 10 is generally spherical, whereby it can be made to wholly or partly encompass the esophagus, the inner diameter D of the reflux disease treatment device 10, is preferably such that it can encompass the esophagus and at least a part of the fundus so that the device does not rest directly against the wall of the esophagus when implanted.

(70) The movement restriction device 10 may take any form that enables the device 10 to rest in a position in which movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm is restricted, thereby the cardia is prevented from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax and the supporting pressure against the patient's cardia sphincter muscle exerted from the patient's abdomen is maintained

(71) System

(72) An energy and operation system, generally designated 28, to be incorporated in the apparatus according to the invention, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 10-27.

(73) The system 28 shown in FIG. 10 comprises an internal energy source in the form of an implanted energy transforming device 30 adapted to supply energy consuming components of the reflux disease treatment apparatus with energy via a power supply line 32. An external energy transmission device 34 includes a wireless remote control transmitting a wireless signal, which is received by a signal receiver which may be incorporated in the implanted energy transforming device 30, or be separate. The implanted energy transforming device 30 transforms energy from the signal into electric energy which is supplied via the power supply line 32.

(74) The system 28 of FIG. 10 is shown in a more generalized block diagram form in FIG. 11, wherein the patient's skin 36, generally shown by a vertical line, separates the interior of the patient 29 to the right of the line from the exterior to the left of the line.

(75) FIG. 11 shows a simplified block diagram showing the movement restriction device 10, the energy transforming device 30 powering the device 10 via power supply line 32, and the external energy transmission device 34.

(76) FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 11, except that a reversing device in the form of an electric switch 38 operable by polarized energy also is implanted in the patient 29 for reversing the device 10. The wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 34 transmits a wireless signal that carries polarized energy and the implanted energy transforming device 30 transforms the wireless polarized energy into a polarized current for operating the electric switch 38. When the polarity of the current is shifted by the implanted energy transforming device 30 the electric switch 38 reverses the function performed by the device 10.

(77) FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 11, except that an operation device 40 implanted in the patient for regulating the reflux disease treatment device 10 is provided between the implanted energy transforming device 30 and the device 10. This operation device can be in the form of a motor 40, such as an electric servomotor. The motor 40 is powered with energy from the implanted energy transforming device 30, as the remote control of the external energy transmission device 34 transmits a wireless signal to the receiver of the implanted energy transforming device 30.

(78) FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 11, except that it also comprises an operation device is in the form of an assembly 42 including a motor/pump unit 78 and a fluid reservoir 46 is implanted in the patient. In this case the device 10 is hydraulically operated, i.e. hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 44 from the fluid reservoir 46 through a conduit 48 to the device 10 to operate the device, and hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 44 back from the device 10 to the fluid reservoir 46 to return the device 10 to a starting position. The implanted energy transforming device 30 transforms wireless energy into a current, for example a polarized current, for powering the motor/pump unit 44 via an electric power supply line 50.

(79) Instead of a hydraulically operated movement restriction device 10, it is also envisaged that the operation device comprises a pneumatic operation device. In this case, pressurized air can be used for regulation and the fluid reservoir is replaced by an air chamber and the fluid is replaced by air.

(80) In all of these embodiments the energy transforming device 30 may include a rechargeable accumulator like a battery or a capacitor to be charged by the wireless energy and supplies energy for any energy consuming part of the apparatus.

(81) The external energy transmission device 34 is preferably wireless and may include a remotely controlled control device for controlling the device 10 from outside the human body.

(82) Such a control device may include a wireless remote control as well as a manual control of any implanted part to make contact with by the patient's hand most likely indirect for example a button to press placed under the skin.

(83) FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising the external energy transmission device 34 with its wireless remote control, the device 10, in this case hydraulically operated, and the implanted energy transforming device 30, and further comprising a hydraulic fluid reservoir 52, a motor/pump unit 44 and an reversing device in the form of a hydraulic valve shifting device 54, all implanted in the patient. Of course the hydraulic operation could easily be performed by just changing the pumping direction and the hydraulic valve may therefore be omitted. The remote control may be a device separated from the external energy transmission or included in the same. The motor of the motor/pump unit 44 is an electric motor. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 34, the implanted energy transforming device 30 powers the motor/pump unit 44 with energy from the energy carried by the control signal, whereby the motor/pump unit 44 distributes hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic fluid reservoir 52 and the device 10. The remote control of the external energy transmission device 34 controls the hydraulic valve shifting device 54 to shift the hydraulic fluid flow direction between one direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 44 from the hydraulic fluid reservoir 52 to the device 10 to operate the device 10, and another opposite direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 44 back from the device 10 to the hydraulic fluid reservoir 52 to return the device 10 to a starting position.

(84) FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 15, except that an internal control unit 56 controlled by the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 34, an accumulator 58 and a capacitor 60 also are implanted in the patient. The internal control unit 56 arranges storage of electric energy received from the implanted energy transforming device 30 in the accumulator 58, which supplies energy to the device 10. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 34, the internal control unit 56 either releases electric energy from the accumulator 58 and transforms the released energy via power lines 62 and 64, or directly transforms electric energy from the implanted energy transforming device 30 via a power line 66, the capacitor 60, which stabilizes the electric current, a power line 68 and the power line 64, for the operation of the device 10.

(85) The internal control unit is preferably programmable from outside the patient's body. In a preferred embodiment, the internal control unit is programmed to regulate the device 10 to stretch the stomach according to a pre-programmed time-schedule or to input from any sensor sensing any possible physical parameter of the patient or any functional parameter of the device.

(86) In accordance with an alternative, the capacitor 60 in the embodiment of FIG. 16 may be omitted. In accordance with another alternative, the accumulator 58 in this embodiment may be omitted.

(87) FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 10, except that a battery 70 for supplying energy for the operation of the device 10 and an electric switch 72 for switching the operation of the device 10 also are implanted in the patient. The electric switch 72 is operated by the energy supplied by the implanted energy transforming device 30 to switch from an off mode, in which the battery 70 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the battery 70 supplies energy for the operation of the device 10.

(88) FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 16, except that an internal control unit 56 controllable by the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 34 also is implanted in the patient. In this case, the electric switch 72 is operated by the energy supplied by the implanted energy transforming device 30 to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control is prevented from controlling the internal control unit 56 and the battery is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the internal control unit 56 to release electric energy from the battery 70 for the operation of the device 10.

(89) FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 17, except that an accumulator 58 is substituted for the battery 70 and the implanted components are interconnected differently. In this case, the accumulator 58 stores energy from the implanted energy transforming device 30. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 34, the internal control unit 56 controls the electric switch 72 to switch from an off mode, in which the accumulator 58 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the accumulator 58 supplies energy for the operation of the device 10.

(90) FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 18, except that a battery 70 also is implanted in the patient and the implanted components are interconnected differently. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 34, the internal control unit 56 controls the accumulator 58 to deliver energy for operating the electric switch 72 to switch from an off mode, in which the battery 70 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the battery 70 supplies electric energy for the operation of the device 10.

(91) Alternatively, the electric switch 72 may be operated by energy supplied by the accumulator 58 to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control is prevented from controlling the battery 70 to supply electric energy and is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the wireless remote control is permitted to control the battery 70 to supply electric energy for the operation of the device 10.

(92) It should be understood that the switch should be interpreted in its broadest embodiment. This means an FPGA or a DA converter or any other electronic component or circuit may switch power on and off preferably being controlled from outside the patient's body or by an internal control unit.

(93) FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 17, except that a motor 40, a mechanical reversing device in the form of a gear box 74, and an internal control unit 56 for controlling the gear box 74 also are implanted in the patient. The internal control unit 56 controls the gear box 74 to reverse the function performed by the device 10 (mechanically operated). Even simpler is to switch the direction of the motor electronically.

(94) FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 20 except that the implanted components are interconnected differently. Thus, in this case, the internal control unit 56 is powered by the battery 70 when the accumulator 58, suitably a capacitor, activates the electric switch 72 to switch to an on mode. When the electric switch 72 is in its on mode the internal control unit 56 is permitted to control the battery 70 to supply, or not supply, energy for the operation of the device 10.

(95) FIG. 23 schematically shows conceivable combinations of implanted components of the apparatus for achieving various communication options. Basically, there are the device 10, the internal control unit 56, motor or pump unit 44, and the external energy transmission device 34 including the external wireless remote control. As already described above the wireless remote control transmits a control signal which is received by the internal control unit 56, which in turn controls the various implanted components of the apparatus.

(96) A feedback device, preferably in the form of a sensor 76, may be implanted in the patient for sensing a physical parameter of the patient, such as a contraction wave in the oesophagus informing the patient is eating. The internal control unit 56, or alternatively the external wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 34, may control the device 10 in response to signals from the sensor 76. A transceiver may be combined with the sensor 76 for sending information on the sensed physical parameter to the external wireless remote control. The wireless remote control may comprise a signal transmitter or transceiver and the internal control unit 56 may comprise a signal receiver or transceiver. Alternatively, the wireless remote control may comprise a signal receiver or transceiver and the internal control unit 56 may comprise a signal transmitter or transceiver. The above transceivers, transmitters and receivers may be used for sending information or data related to the device 10 from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof.

(97) Alternatively, the sensor 76 may be arranged to sense a functional parameter of the device 10.

(98) Where the motor/pump unit 44 and battery 70 for powering the motor/pump unit 44 are implanted, the battery 70 may be equipped with a transceiver for sending information on the condition of the battery 70. To be more precise, when charging a battery or accumulator with energy feedback information related to said charging process is sent and the energy supply is changed accordingly.

(99) FIG. 24 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the device 10 is regulated from outside the patient's body. The system 28 comprises a movement restriction device 10 connected to a battery 70 via a subcutaneous switch 80. Thus, the regulation of the device 10 is performed non-invasively by manually pressing the subcutaneous switch, whereby the operation of the device 10 is switched on and off. It will be appreciated that the shown embodiment is a simplification and that additional components, such as an internal control unit or any other part disclosed in the present application can be added to the system.

(100) FIG. 25 shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the system 28 comprises a movement restriction device 10 in fluid connection with a hydraulic fluid reservoir 52. Non-invasive regulation is performed by manually pressing the hydraulic reservoir connected to the device 10.

(101) A further embodiment of a system to be incorporated in the apparatus according to the invention comprises a feedback device for sending information from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof to give feedback information related to at least one functional parameter of the movement restriction device or apparatus or a physical parameter of the patient, thereby optimizing the performance of the apparatus.

(102) One preferred functional parameter of the device is correlated to the transfer of energy for charging the internal energy source.

(103) In FIG. 26, an arrangement is schematically illustrated for supplying an accurate amount of energy to a system 28 implanted in a patient, whose skin 36 is indicated by a vertical line. A movement restriction device 10 is connected to an implanted energy transforming device 30, likewise located inside the patient, preferably just beneath the patient's skin 36. Generally speaking, the implanted energy transforming device 30 may be placed in the abdomen, thorax, muscle fascia (e.g. in the abdominal wall), subcutaneously, or at any other suitable location. The implanted energy transforming device 30 is adapted to receive wireless energy E transmitted from an external energy source 34a provided in the external energy transmission device 34 located outside the patient's skin 36 in the vicinity of the implanted energy transforming device 30.

(104) As is well known in the art, the wireless energy E may generally be transferred by means of any suitable Transcutaneous Energy Transfer (TET) device, such as a device including a primary coil arranged in the external energy source 34a and an adjacent secondary coil arranged in the implanted energy transforming device 30. When an electric current is fed through the primary coil, energy in the form of a voltage is induced in the secondary coil which can be used to operate a movement restriction device, e.g. after storing the incoming energy in an energy storing device or accumulator, such as a battery or a capacitor. However, the present invention is generally not limited to any particular energy transfer technique, TET devices or energy storing devices, and any kind of wireless energy may be used.

(105) The amount of energy received inside the body to the device may be compared with the energy used by the device. The term used by the device is then understood to include also energy stored by the device. The amount of transferred energy can be regulated by means of an external control unit 34b controlling the external energy source 34a based on the determined energy balance, as described above. In order to transfer the correct amount of energy, the energy balance and the required amount of energy can be determined by means of an internal control unit 56 connected to the reflux disease treatment device 10. The internal control unit 56 may thus be arranged to receive various measurements obtained by suitable sensors or the like, not shown, measuring certain characteristics of the r10, somehow reflecting the required amount of energy needed for proper operation of the device 10. Moreover, the current condition of the patient may also be detected by means of suitable measuring devices or sensors, in order to provide parameters reflecting the patient's condition. Hence, such characteristics and/or parameters may be related to the current state of the device 10, such as power consumption, operational mode and temperature, as well as the patient's condition reflected by, e.g., body temperature, blood pressure, heartbeats and breathing.

(106) Furthermore, an energy storing device or accumulator 58 may optionally be connected to the implanted energy transforming device 30 for accumulating received energy for later use by the device 10. Alternatively or additionally, characteristics of such an accumulator, also reflecting the required amount of energy, may be measured as well. The accumulator may be replaced by a battery, and the measured characteristics may be related to the current state of the battery, such as voltage, temperature, etc. In order to provide sufficient voltage and current to the device 10, and also to avoid excessive heating, it is clearly understood that the battery should be charged optimally by receiving a correct amount of energy from the implanted energy transforming device 30, i.e., not too little or too much. The accumulator may also be a capacitor with corresponding characteristics.

(107) For example, battery characteristics may be measured on a regular basis to determine the current state of the battery, which then may be stored as state information in a suitable storage means in the internal control unit 56. Thus, whenever new measurements are made, the stored battery state information can be updated accordingly. In this way, the state of the battery can be “calibrated” by transferring a correct amount of energy, so as to maintain the battery in an optimal condition.

(108) Thus, the internal control unit 56 is adapted to determine the energy balance and/or the currently required amount of energy, (either energy per time unit or accumulated energy) based on measurements made by the above-mentioned sensors or measuring devices on the reflux disease treatment device 10, or the patient, or an energy storing device if used, or any combination thereof. The internal control unit 56 is further connected to an internal signal transmitter 82, arranged to transmit a control signal reflecting the determined required amount of energy, to an external signal receiver 34c connected to the external control unit 34b. The amount of energy transmitted from the external energy source 34a may then be regulated in response to the received control signal.

(109) Alternatively, sensor measurements can be transmitted directly to the external control unit 34b wherein the energy balance and/or the currently required amount of energy can be determined by the external control unit 34b, thus integrating the above-described function of the internal control unit 56 in the external control unit 34b. In that case, the internal control unit 56 can be omitted and the sensor measurements are supplied directly to the internal signal transmitter 82 which sends the measurements over to the external signal receiver 34c and the external control unit 34b. The energy balance and the currently required amount of energy can then be determined by the external control unit 34b based on those sensor measurements.

(110) Hence, the present solution employs the feedback of information indicating the required energy, which is more efficient than previous solutions because it is based on the actual use of energy that is compared to the received energy, e.g. with respect to the amount of energy, the energy difference, or the energy receiving rate as compared to the energy rate used by the device 10. The device 10 may use the received energy either for consuming or for storing the energy in an energy storage device or the like. The different parameters discussed above would thus be used if relevant and needed and then as a tool for determining the actual energy balance. However, such parameters may also be needed per se for any actions taken internally to specifically operate the device.

(111) The internal signal transmitter 82 and the external signal receiver 34c may be implemented as separate units using suitable signal transfer means, such as radio, IR (Infrared) or ultrasonic signals. Alternatively, the internal signal transmitter 82 and the external signal receiver 34c may be integrated in the implanted energy transforming device 30 and the external energy source 34a, respectively, so as to convey control signals in a reverse direction relative to the energy transfer, basically using the same transmission technique. The control signals may be modulated with respect to frequency, phase or amplitude.

(112) To conclude, the energy supply arrangement illustrated in FIG. 26 may operate basically in the following manner. The energy balance is first determined by the internal control unit 56. A control signal reflecting the required amount of energy is also created by the internal control unit 56, and the control signal is transmitted from the internal signal transmitter 82 to the external signal receiver 34c. Alternatively, the energy balance can be determined by the external control unit 34b instead depending on the implementation, as mentioned above. In that case, the control signal may carry measurement results from various sensors. The amount of energy emitted from the external energy source 34a can then be regulated by the external control unit 34b, based on the determined energy balance, e.g. in response to the received control signal. This process may be repeated intermittently at certain intervals during ongoing energy transfer, or may be executed on a more or less continuous basis during the energy transfer.

(113) The amount of transferred energy can generally be regulated by adjusting various transmission parameters in the external energy source 34a, such as voltage, current, amplitude, wave frequency and pulse characteristics.

(114) A method is thus provided for controlling transmission of wireless energy supplied to an electrically operable reflux disease treatment device implanted in a patient. The wireless energy E is transmitted from an external energy source located outside the patient and is received by an internal energy receiver located inside the patient, the internal energy receiver being connected to the device 10 for directly or indirectly supplying received energy thereto. An energy balance is determined between the energy received by the internal energy receiver and the energy used for the device 10. The transmission of wireless energy E from the external energy source is then controlled based on the determined energy balance.

(115) A system is also provided for controlling transmission of wireless energy supplied to an electrically operable movement restriction device 10 implanted in a patient. The system is adapted to transmit the wireless energy E from an external energy source located outside the patient which is received by an implanted energy transforming device located inside the patient, the implanted energy transforming device being connected to the device 10 for directly or indirectly supplying received energy thereto. The system is further adapted to determine an energy balance between the energy received by the implanted energy transforming device and the energy used for the device 10, and control the transmission of wireless energy E from the external energy source, based on the determined energy balance.

(116) The functional parameter of the device is correlated to the transfer of energy for charging the internal energy source.

(117) In yet an alternative embodiment, the external source of energy is controlled from outside the patient's body to release electromagnetic wireless energy, and released electromagnetic wireless energy is used for operating the device 10.

(118) In another embodiment, the external source of energy is controlling from outside the patient's body to release non-magnetic wireless energy, and released non-magnetic wireless energy is used for operating the device 10.

(119) Those skilled in the art will realize that the above various embodiments according to FIGS. 14-26 could be combined in many different ways. For example, the electric switch 38 operated polarized energy could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 12, 15-21, the hydraulic valve shifting device 54 could be incorporated in the embodiment of FIG. 24, and the gear box 74 could be incorporated in the embodiment of FIG. 33. It should be noted that the switch simply could mean any electronic circuit or component.

(120) Wireless transfer of energy for operating the movement restriction device 10 has been described to enable non-invasive operation. It will be appreciated that the device 10 can be operated with wire bound energy as well. One such example is shown in FIG. 26, wherein an external switch 84 is interconnected between the external energy source 34a and an operation device, such as an electric motor regulating the device 10, by means of power lines 86 and 88. An external control unit 34b controls the operation of the external switch to effect proper operation of the device 10.

(121) Hydraulic or Pneumatic Powering

(122) FIGS. 28-31 show in more detail block diagrams of four different ways of hydraulically or pneumatically powering a movement restriction device according to the invention.

(123) FIG. 28 shows a system for treating reflux disease as described above with. The system comprises a device 10 and further a separate regulation reservoir 46, a one way pump 44 and an alternate valve 54.

(124) FIG. 29 shows the device 10 and a fluid reservoir 46. By moving the wall of the regulation reservoir or changing the size of the same in any other different way, the adjustment of the device may be performed without any valve, just free passage of fluid any time by moving the reservoir wall.

(125) FIG. 30 shows the device 10, a two way pump 44 and the regulation reservoir 46.

(126) FIG. 31 shows a block diagram of a reversed servo system with a first closed system controlling a second closed system. The servo system comprises a regulation reservoir 46 and a servo reservoir 90. The servo reservoir 90 mechanically controls a movement restriction device 10 via a mechanical interconnection 94. The device 10 has an expandable/contactable cavity. This cavity is preferably expanded or contracted by supplying hydraulic fluid from the larger adjustable reservoir 92 in fluid connection with the device 10. Alternatively, the cavity contains compressible gas, which can be compressed and expanded under the control of the servo reservoir 90.

(127) The servo reservoir 90 can also be part of the device itself.

(128) In one embodiment, the regulation reservoir is placed subcutaneous under the patient's skin and is operated by pushing the outer surface thereof by means of a finger. This reflux disease treatment system is illustrated in FIGS. 32-c. In FIG. 31, a flexible subcutaneous regulation reservoir 46 is shown connected to a bulge shaped servo reservoir 90 by means of a conduit 48. This bellow shaped servo reservoir 90 is comprised in a flexible movement restriction device 10. In the state shown in FIG. 32, the servo reservoir 90 contains a minimum of fluid and most fluid is found in the regulation reservoir 46. Due to the mechanical interconnection between the servo reservoir 90 and the device 10, the outer shape of the device 10 is contracted, i.e., it occupies less than its maximum volume. This maximum volume is shown with dashed lines in the figure.

(129) FIG. 32 shows a state wherein a user, such as the patient in with the device is implanted, presses the regulation reservoir 46 so that fluid contained therein is brought to flow through the conduit 48 and into the servo reservoir 90, which, thanks to its bellow shape, expands longitudinally. This expansion in turn expands the device 10 so that it occupies its maximum volume, thereby stretching the stomach wall (not shown), which it contacts.

(130) The regulation reservoir 46 is preferably provided with means 46a for keeping its shape after compression. This means, which is schematically shown in the figure, will thus keep the device 10 in a stretched position also when the user releases the regulation reservoir. In this way, the regulation reservoir essentially operates as an on/off switch for the reflux disease treatment system.

(131) An alternative embodiment of hydraulic or pneumatic operation will now be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34a-34c. The block diagram shown in FIG. 33 comprises with a first closed system controlling a second closed system. The first system comprises a regulation reservoir 46 and a servo reservoir 90. The servo reservoir 90 mechanically controls a larger adjustable reservoir 92 via a mechanical interconnection 94. A movement restriction device 10 having an expandable/contactable cavity is in turn controlled by the larger adjustable reservoir 92 by supply of hydraulic fluid from the larger adjustable reservoir 92 in fluid connection with the device 10.

(132) An example of this embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 34a-34c. Like in the previous embodiment, the regulation reservoir is placed subcutaneous under the patient's skin and is operated by pushing the outer surface thereof by means of a finger. The regulation reservoir 46 is in fluid connection with a bellow shaped servo reservoir 90 by means of a conduit 48. In the first closed system 46, 48, 90 shown in FIG. 32a, the servo reservoir 90 contains a minimum of fluid and most fluid is found in the regulation reservoir 46.

(133) The servo reservoir 90 is mechanically connected to a larger adjustable reservoir 92, in this example also having a bellow shape but with a larger diameter than the servo reservoir 90. The larger adjustable reservoir 92 is in fluid connection with the device 10. This means that when a user pushes the regulation reservoir 46, thereby displacing fluid from the regulation reservoir 46 to the servo reservoir 90, the expansion of the servo reservoir 90 will displace a larger volume of fluid from the larger adjustable reservoir 92 to the device 10. In other words, in this reversed servo, a small volume in the regulation reservoir is compressed with a higher force and this creates a movement of a larger total area with less force per area unit.

(134) Like in the previous embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 32a-c, the regulation reservoir 46 is preferably provided with means 46a for keeping its shape after compression. This means, which is schematically shown in the figure, will thus keep the device 10 in a stretched position also when the user releases the regulation reservoir. In this way, the regulation reservoir essentially operates as an on/off switch for the reflux disease treatment system.

(135) In FIG. 35, a flow chart illustrating steps performed when implanting a device in accordance with the present invention. First in a step 102, an opening is cut in the abdominal wall. Next, in a step 104 an area around the stomach is dissected. Thereupon, in a step 106 at least one movement restriction device in accordance with the invention is placed in contact with the stomach wall, in particular the fundus wall. The stomach wall is then sutured in a step 108.

(136) Method for the Restoration of the Location of the Cardia and the Fundus

(137) FIG. 36 shows how an instrument 200 having at least one flexible part 201 is introduced into the esophagus 24 of a patient that is suffering from a hiatal hernia 202 where a part of the esophagus 24 and fundus 16 that is supposed to be located below the diaphragm 18 has moved through the hiatus opening 18a to a position above the diaphragm 18.

(138) In FIG. 37 it is shown how, in a subsequent step, a member 203 having a larger cross sectional area than said instrument 200 is released from the instrument 200. The member 203 is adapted as to have a cross-sectional that is larger than the opening of the cardia 14. This can be achieved by radial expansion of the member 203. The instrument 200 is then pushed in a distal direction so that the cardia 14 and the fundus 16, or part of fundus 16, incorrectly located above diaphragm 18, slide through the hiatus opening 18a back to a correct position below the diaphragm 18.

(139) FIG. 38 shows an alternative method to the one shown in FIG. 37 which is an embodiment of the invention. In many aspects, this figure is similar to FIG. 37. In FIG. 38, the instrument 200 is adapted to release a balloon member 204 at the end 205 of the instrument 200 in the lower part of the stomach 206, and using the balloon member 204 to push the instrument 200 against the lower wall part of the stomach 207 so that the cardia 14 and the fundus 16 or part of fundus 16 slide through the hiatus opening 18a to a position below the diaphragm 18.

(140) FIG. 39 shows yet an alternative method which is an embodiment of the invention. Again, this figure is in many aspects similar to FIG. 37. However, in FIG. 39 the method involves attaching the member 203 to the wall of the stomach 207 by a fixation 208. As described above the instrument is then pushed in a distal direction so the cardia 14 and the fundus 16 or, part of fundus 16, slides below the diaphragm 18.

(141) FIG. 40 shows how the fundus 16 and cardia 14 is located in a position below the diaphragm 18 after having been pushed through the hiatal opening 18a by the instrument 200. FIG. 41 shows a subsequent step of the method. After the fundus 16 and cardia 14 has been pushed into its correct position below the diaphragm 18, the wall of the fundus 16a is affixed to the lower part of the oesophagus 24. This is carried out by using a member 209 in the proximal part 205 of the instrument 200 which is capable of providing sutures or staples 210. The fixation hinders the movement of the cardia 14 and the fundus 16 to a position above the diaphragm 18.

(142) Other Methods According to the Invention are Briefly Described Below.

(143) A method of treating reflux disease of a patient comprises the step of implanting a reflux disease treatment system according to the invention into the patient's body.

(144) A method of using the system for treating reflux disease according to the invention comprises the step of regulating the device postoperatively to prevent reflux.

(145) A method for surgically placing a movement restriction device according to the invention in a patient comprises the steps of cutting an opening in the abdominal wall of the patient, dissecting the area around the stomach, placing a movement restriction device attached to the stomach wall, and suturing the stomach wall.

(146) A method of using a reflux disease treatment system, postoperatively controlled from outside the body, regulating the device, comprises the steps of filling out a volume attached to a part of the stomach wall, and regulating the device from outside the patient's body to affect the reflux of the patient.

(147) A method of using a movement restriction device comprises the steps of filling out a volume in a first part of the stomach wall by placing a first part of the device, filling out a volume in a second part of the stomach wall by placing a second part of the device, and regulating the devices from outside the patient's body to affect the reflux of the patient.

(148) A method of treating reflux disease in a patient comprises the steps of inserting a needle or a tube like instrument into the abdomen of the patient's body, using the needle or tube like instrument to fill the patient's abdomen with gas thereby expanding the abdominal cavity, placing at least two laparoscopic trocars in the patient's body, inserting a camera through one of the laparoscopic trocars into the patient's abdomen, inserting at least one dissecting tool through one of said at least two laparoscopic trocars and dissecting an intended placement area of at least one portion of the stomach of the patient, placing a movement restriction device according to the invention on the stomach fundus wall, invaginating the device in the stomach fundus wall, suturing the stomach wall to itself to keep the device in place, suturing the fundus of the stomach towards the lower part of the oesophagus, and preventing the cardia to slide up through the diaphragm into the thorax. Using the method and device as described herein will provide a treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease which is very effective and which does not suffer from complications such as damaging of tissue and undesired migration of non tissue into tissue.

(149) The filling body of the device can be adapted to be pushed or pulled through a trocar for laparoscopic use, where the trocar has a diameter that is smaller than the relaxed diameter of the body. The filling body can include an outer wall and a hollow gas filled inner part that allow the body to pass through the trocar. Alternatively, the filling body can include an outer wall and a hollow fluid filled inner part that allow the body to pass through the trocar. In this latter case, the fluid can be a gel. The filling body can further include multiple parts that can be inserted into the trocar, and that can then be put together into one unitary piece inside the patient's body, allowing the filling body to pass through the trocar. The filling body can include an outer wall and a hollow compressed inner part that is filled with a fluid or gel after insertion into the patient's body. The can further include an injection port that can be used to fill the filling body with a fluid after insertion into the patient's body through the injection port.

(150) The filling body of the device can be an elastic compressible material, allowing the filling body to pass through the trocar. The filling body can be made from a material that is softer than 25 shure, or even 15 shure.

(151) The filling body can also include an outer wall substantially taking the shape of a ball. The filling body can also include at least one holding device adapted to be used for pushing or pulling the filling body through a trocar for laparoscopic use. The holding device can be adapted to hold a prolongation of the device that is adapted to be held by a surgical instrument. The holding device can also hold a tread or band inserted through the holding device. The holding device can also be at least partly placed inside the outer wall of the filling body. The filling body of the device can preferably have a size that is larger than the intestinal outlet from the stomach to avoid ileus if the ball, as a complication, should enter into the stomach. Preferably, the body has a smallest outer diameter between 30 mm and 40 mm or larger. Preferably, the body has a smallest outer circumference between 30 mm and 150 mm.

(152) Preferred embodiments of a device for treating reflux disease, a system comprising a device for treating reflux disease, and a method according to the invention have been described. A person skilled in the art realizes that these could be varied within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, although the different features have been described in specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that they can be combined in different configurations when applicable. For example, although hydraulic control has been described in association with the device configuration of FIG. 4A-B, it can also be applied to the device configurations of FIGS. 2A-B and 3A-B. It is important that the implanted reflux treatment device is firmly kept in place in the stomach wall in which it is invaginated. To this end, the reflux treatment device can be provided with one or more through holes adapted for receiving sutures or staples used for fixation of the invagination. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 42, where the reflux treatment device 10 is provided with a row of holes 10i provided on a protruding flange-like protrusion on the reflux treatment device. In this embodiment, the row of holes extend along the longitudinal axis of the reflux treatment device.

(153) FIG. 43 illustrates how sutures 314 are provided so that they run through the stomach wall 12a and through the holes 10i. In this way, the reflux treatment device is fixed in place in the pouch created from the stomach wall and will thus be prevented from sliding.

(154) Although a plurality of holes is illustrated in the FIG. 42, it will be appreciated that one single hole is sufficient to obtain improved fixation of the reflux treatment device 10.

(155) FIG. 44 illustrates a reflux treatment device provided with an inlet port 10h. The reflux treatment device is invaginated in the stomach wall and the inlet port 10h is available for connection to a tube or the like from the abdominal area of the patient.

(156) FIG. 45 illustrates an invaginated reflux treatment device wherein, instead of an inlet port, a fixed tube 10g extends into the abdominal area of the patient.

(157) FIG. 46 is a figure similar to FIG. 44 but also illustrating tunneling of a connection tube 10g in the stomach wall between the inlet port 10h and the reflux treatment device 10.

(158) It has been shown that the shape of the reflux treatment device can take many different forms. It will be appreciated that also the material of the reflux treatment device can vary. It is preferred that the reflux treatment device is provided with a coating, such as a Parylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyurethane coating, or a combination of such coatings, i.e., a multi-layer coating. This coating or multi-layer coating improves the properties of the reflux treatment device, such as its resistance to wear.

(159) In one embodiment, the reflux treatment device comprises an inflatable device expandable to an expanded state. In this case, the inflatable device is provided with an inlet port for a fluid and is adapted to be connected to a gastroscopic instrument. This embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 47a-47d.

(160) An inflatable reflux treatment device in its non-expanded state is shown in FIG. 47a. It is essentially a balloon-like, deflated device 10 having an inlet port 10h. In this state, the inflatable device has a diameter of a few millimeters at the most, allowing it to be inserted into the stomach through the esophagus of the patient by means of a gastroscopic, tube-like instrument 600, depicted in FIG. 47b. The instrument comprises an outer sleeve 600a and an inner sleeve 600b which can be displaced longitudinally relatively to the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is provided with a cutter in the form of a cutting edge 615 at the distal end thereof. This cutting edge can be used for cutting a hole in the stomach wall, as will be explained in detail in the following.

(161) When the instrument reaches a stomach wall, see FIG. 47c, the inner sleeve is brought forward from its position in the outer sleeve and into contact with the stomach wall 12a. The cutting edge 615 of the inner sleeve then cuts a hole in the stomach wall so as to allow subsequent insertion of the reflux treatment device 10 into and through this hole, see FIG. 47d. In order to push the reflux treatment device through the hole, a piston 602 may be provided in the instrument. Thus, the instrument further comprises a piston 602 adapted for pushing a deflated reflux treatment device 10 out from a position in the inner sleeve, this position being shown in FIG. 47b, to a position outside of the inner sleeve, this being shown in FIG. 47d.

(162) In order to protect the deflated reflux treatment device 10 from the cutting edge 615 of the inner sleeve, a further protective sleeve (not shown) can be provided around the reflux treatment device.

(163) An intraluminar method of invaginating a reflux treatment device 10 on the outside of the stomach wall 12a will now be described with reference to FIGS. 48a-i. Initially, an instrument 600, preferably a gastroscopic instrument, is inserted into the mouth of the patient, see FIG. 48a. The instrument comprises an injection device 601, 602 for injecting either fluid or a device into the stomach of the patient. The instrument 600 further comprises a control unit 606 adapted for controlling the operation of the instrument. To this end, the control unit 606 comprises one or more steering devices, in the embodiment shown in the figure in the form of two joysticks 603 and two control buttons 604. A display 605 is provided for displaying the image provided by a camera (not shown) arranged at the outer end of the elongated member 607, see FIGS. 48e-i. The camera may be assisted by a light source (not shown).

(164) The instrument is further inserted into the esophagus and into the stomach of the patient, see FIG. 48b. By means of the instrument 600, a hole 12b is created in the wall of the stomach 12. To this end, the instrument is provided with one or more cutters 615 at the distal end thereof, for example in the way described above with reference to FIGS. 47a-d. These cutters can of course be designed in different ways, such as a toothed drum cutter rotating about the center axis of the tube-like instrument. The instrument 600 is hollow providing a space for the reflux treatment device 10 in its deflated state.

(165) After cutting a hole in the stomach wall, the distal end of the instrument 600 is inserted into and through the hole 12b so that it ends up outside the stomach wall 12a. This is shown in FIG. 48c, showing a side view of the stomach 12, and FIG. 48d, which is a sectional view through the stomach of FIG. 48c taken along the lines Vd-Vd. The deflated reflux treatment device 10 is then inserted in the abdominal area.

(166) The instrument 600 is adapted to create a “pocket” or “pouch” on the outside of the stomach 12 around the hole 12b in the stomach wall. Such an instrument and the method of providing the pouch will now be described.

(167) FIGS. 48e-i show a gastroscopic or laparoscopic instrument for invaginating a reflux treatment device 10 in the stomach wall 12a of the patient by creating a pouch of stomach wall 12a material in which the reflux treatment device is placed. The instrument, generally designated 600, and which may comprise the features described above with reference to FIGS. 47a-d, comprises an elongated member 607 having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated member 607 having a diameter less than that of the patient's esophagus and being flexible such as to allow introduction of the flexible elongated member 607 with its distal end first through the patient's throat, esophagus and into the stomach 12 to the stomach wall 12a.

(168) The stomach penetration device or cutter 615 is provided on the elongated member 607 at the distal en thereof for penetrating the stomach wall 12a so as to create a hole in the stomach wall 12a, to allow introduction of the elongated member 607 through the hole. The stomach penetration device 615 could be adapted to be operable for retracting said stomach penetration device 615 after the stomach fundus wall 12a has been penetrated, for not further damaging tissue within the body. The instrument further comprises a special holding device 609 provided on the elongated member 607 on the proximal side to the penetration device 615.

(169) The elongated member further comprises an expandable member 611 which is adapted to be expanded after the elongated member has penetrated the stomach wall 12a and thereby assist in the creation of a cavity or pouch adapted to hold the reflux treatment device 610. The expandable member 611 may comprise an inflatable circular balloon provided circumferentially around the distal end portion of the flexible elongated member 607.

(170) The method steps when invaginating the reflux treatment device will now be described in detail. After the instrument 600 has been inserted into the stomach 12, the stomach penetration device 615 is placed into contact with the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 48e. The stomach penetration device or cutter 615 is then brought to create the hole 12b in the stomach wall, whereafter at least the expandable member 611 is brought through the hole 12b in the stomach wall. The special holding device 609 is in this step brought to a holding state wherein it expands radially so as to form an essentially circular abutment surface to the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 48f. In this way, the insertion of the stomach penetration device 615 and the expandable member 611 through the hole 12a in the stomach wall is limited to the position shown in FIG. 48f.

(171) The expandable member 611 is then expanded. In the case the expandable member comprises a balloon or the like, air or other fluid is injected into it.

(172) The part of the elongated member 607 comprising the expandable member 611 is then retracted in the proximal direction, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 48g, thereby pulling the stomach wall 612 into a basket like structure created by the special holding device 609.

(173) A suturing or stapling device 608 is further provided, either as a device connected to the elongated member 607 or as a separate instrument. The suturing or stapling member comprises a suturing or stapling end 613 which is adapted to close the cavity or pouch by means of stomach to stomach sutures or staples 14.

(174) In a further step, illustrated in FIG. 48h, an inflatable reflux treatment device 10 is placed in its deflated state in the basket like structure. The reflux treatment device 10 is then inflated to its inflated or expanded state, see FIG. 48i. This inflation of the reflux treatment device 10 can be accomplished by injecting a fluid or a gel into the deflated reflux treatment device. It can also be accomplished by injecting a material which is allowed to cure, thereby forming a solid device 10. Thus, the reflux treatment device 10 shown in FIGS. 48h and 48i can illustrate either a balloon-like device which is subsequently filled with fluid or gel or alternatively a material which is simply injected into the basket like structure formed by the stomach wall 12a.

(175) The fluid which is used to fill the reflux treatment device 10 could be any suitable fluid suitable to fill the inflatable device 10, such as a salt solution. In another embodiment, when this fluid is a fluid which is adapted to be transformed into solid state, the fluid could be liquid polyurethane.

(176) In order to minimize or entirely eliminate leakage, the fluid is isotonic, i.e., it has the same osmolarity as human body fluids. Another way of preventing diffusion is to provide a fluid which comprises large molecules, such as iodine molecules in non-isotonic solution.

(177) The stomach-to-stomach sutures or staples are preferably provided with fixation portions exhibiting a structure, such as a net like structure, adapted to be in contact with the stomach wall to promote growth in of human tissue to secure the long term placement of the reflux treatment device attached to the stomach wall.

(178) After the inflatable device 10 has been inflated, partly or fully, the inlet port 10b (not shown in FIGS. 48h and 48i) of the reflux treatment device 10, is sealed and the instrument 600 is retracted from the hole 12b, which is subsequently closed in some suitable way, such as by means of the instrument 600. The instrument is then removed from the stomach 600 and the inflatable device 10 in its inflated or expanded state is invaginated by a stomach wall portion of the patient on the outside of the stomach wall. During one or more of the above described steps, the stomach may be inflated with gas, preferably by means of the gastroscopic instrument.

(179) The reflux treatment device 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 48a-i has been described as an inflatable reflux treatment device. It will be appreciated that is also can be an elastic reflux treatment device with an elasticity allowing compression so as to be inserted into a gastroscopic instrument and which expands to an expanded state after leaving the instrument.

(180) The apparatus for treating reflux can have the additional functionality of treating obesity. In such an embodiment, the reflux treatment device may be a movement restriction device that fills a volume of the stomach and thereby creating satiety. An embodiment having this function is shown in FIG. 49a, wherein a combined reflux treatment device and obesity treatment device 310 is invaginated in the stomach wall close to and at least partially above the patient's cardia 14 when the patient is in a standing position and is fixed to a position above the cardia area 14c by a fixation, such as sutures or staples 22. For example a direct or indirect fixation to the diaphragm muscle or associated muscles may be provided. As an alternative a direct or indirect fixation to the esophagus above and close to the angle of His can be provided. In this alternative embodiment, the combined device 310 rests in a position against stomach wall of the fundus when implanted and which also fills a volume above the cardia area 14c between the cardia and the diaphragm muscle so that the cardia is prevented from slipping up into the thorax cavity, whereby reflux disease is prevented.

(181) In this preferred embodiment, the apparatus for treating reflux disease comprises two or more movement restriction device segments adapted to form the movement restriction device 310. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of spherical movement restriction device segments in the form of small balls which are contained in a movement restriction device segment in the form of an outer layer or shell, which preferably is elastic or flexible. In this way, the outer layer can be inserted into the stomach as a separate part, which subsequently is filled with a plurality of small, preferably spherical or polyhedral movement restriction device segments. This method will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 117a-c.

(182) By providing a movement restriction device 310 with a plurality of movement restriction device segments, the movement restriction device 310 easily adapts to the movement of the stomach into which it is invaginated.

(183) In an alternative embodiment, the small movement restriction device segments are inserted or injected into a pouch previously created by part of the stomach wall of the patient without any collecting outer layer or shell. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 49b and corresponds to the method described below with reference to FIG. 117a-c.

(184) In order to provide a movement restriction device which is more stable in the proximal part 310′, this part can be made of a different configuration from the distal part 310″. Thus, in an embodiment shown in FIG. 49c, the proximal part 310′, which is fixed to a position above the cardia area 14c, comprises a larger ball shaped part or segment, while the distal part 310″ comprises a plurality of small movement restriction device segments. This embodiment combines the advantages of a stable proximal part 310′ used for preventing reflux with a more adaptable distal part 310″ used as a volume filling device for treating obesity. Generally, the proximal and distal parts can have different configurations and contents, independent of each other. This content can be a mixture of solid and fluid content, such as friction enhancing or reducing fluid.

(185) Such a combined device 310 may be used for keeping electronics and/or an energy source and/or hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid from that device may be distributed to several smaller inflatable device areas to vary the stretching area from time to time avoiding any possible more permanent stretching effect of the stomach wall. Even mechanically several stretching areas may be used.

(186) Combination Reflux Treatment Device—Stretching Device

(187) In an alternative embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 50, the volume of an inflatable reflux treatment device 310 may be in fluid connection with one or more preferably smaller inflatable devices or chambers 10b. These chambers are adapted to communicate with fluid or air being moved between the chambers.

(188) Thus, the large chamber 310 is adapted to, with its main volume to be a reflux treatment device for reducing the size of the food cavity and for treating obesity and the one or several small chambers are adapted to function as the inflatable devices to treat obesity, wherein the main chamber is adapted to communicate with fluid or air to the small chambers causing a stretching effect in the stomach wall thereby further treating obesity.

(189) FIG. 51 show an embodiment with a combination of a movement restriction device invaginated in the central or lower portion of the stomach and a stretching device invaginated in the upper portion or fundus of the patient's stomach. These two devices serve to treat obesity.

(190) The movement restriction device 399 fills a volume of the stomach creating satiety. The stretching device stretches the wall of the stomach. This stretches the tissue setting off an endogenous signaling that creates satiety. This mimics the stretching effect of filling the stomach with food. Thus, in FIG. 51 there is shown an adjustable movement restriction device 399, which is invaginated in the stomach wall of a patient's stomach 312. Additionally, an adjustable stretching device 350 with the previously described function is invaginated in the stomach fundus wall of the patient. It is preferred that the movement restriction device 399 is substantially larger than the stretching device 350.

(191) The movement restriction device 399 and the stretching device 350 can be adapted to treat reflux. In one embodiment, the movement restriction device and the stretching device are positioned to prevent the cardia 14 from slipping upwards trough the opening of the hernia 18a to a position above the diaphragm 18.

(192) The movement restriction device 399 and the stretching device 350 are in fluid communication with each other via a first fluid tube 352, in which a pump 354 is provided. The pump 354 is under the control from an energy transforming device 330, which is adapted to supply the pump 350 with energy via a power supply line 356. The energy transforming device 330 is also connected to a sensor 319 provided in the esophagus of the patient so that food intake can be detected.

(193) The reflux treatment device 10 and the stretching device 350 are also in fluid communication with each other via a second fluid tube 358, which preferably has a smaller cross-sectional area than the first fluid tube 352.

(194) The operation of this arrangement is as follows. The movement restriction device 399 functions as in the above described embodiments, i.e., it reduces the size of the food cavity of the patient's stomach 12. Additionally, when the stretching device 350 is enlarged by pumping fluid from the movement restriction device 10 and to the stretching device 350 by means of the pump 354, the stomach fundus wall is stretched, creating a feeling of satiety for the patient. Thus, for example when food intake is detected by means of the sensor 319, fluid is automatically pumped into the stretching device 350 to increase the feeling of satiety and thereby limit the food intake.

(195) When fluid has been injected into the stretching device 350, the internal pressure therein is higher than the internal pressure in the reflux treatment device 399. This difference in pressure will create a flow of fluid in the second, preferably narrower tube 358 from the stretching device 350 to the reflux treatment device 399. The flow rate will be determined by among other things the difference in pressure and the cross-sectional area of the second tube 358. It is preferred that the second tube is so dimensioned, that the pressures in the volume filing device 399 and the stretching device 350 will return to equilibrium after 3 hours after fluid has been injected into the stretching device 350 to create the feeling of satiety.

(196) In this embodiment, the function of the second tube 358 is to allow fluid to return from the stretching device 350 to the movement restriction device 399. It will be appreciated that this function also can be performed by the pump 354 in the first tube 352 and that the second tube 358 then can be omitted.

(197) Method for Placing a Reflux Treatment Device on the Inside of the Stomach Wall

(198) In the following a method and an instrument for placing a reflux treatment device on the inside of the stomach wall will be described.

(199) The invagination instrument described in FIG. 52a-1 generally designated 630, comprises an elongated tube member 632 similar to the elongated member 607 described above with reference to FIGS. 48a-i. Thus, it can be connected to a control unit 606, see FIG. 48a. The invagination instrument 630 further comprises a perforated suction portion 634, which preferably is elongated. The suction portion 634 exhibits a plurality of small holes 636, into which air will be sucked by providing suction in the tube member 632. This suction effect will be used to create a “pocket” or “pouch” in a part of a stomach wall, generally designated 12a.

(200) In other words, when the tip of the suction portion 634 is pressed against the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 52a, a small recess will be formed therein. When the suction portion 634 is further pressed against the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 52b, a larger recess will be formed. The part of the stomach wall 12a that forms the recess will, due to the suction effect, adhere to the suction portion 634 of the invagination instrument 630. As the suction portion 634 is further pressed into the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 52c, a deeper recess will be formed until the entire suction portion 634 is embedded in the recess, see FIG. 18d.

(201) The rim of the recess will at this stage be fixated by means of fixation elements 638 and the suction portion be removed from the instrument, see FIG. 52e. A compressed elastic reflux treatment device 10 will subsequently be inserted into the recess, see FIG. 52f, for example in the way described above with reference to FIG. 47d. This compressed reflux treatment device is then expanded to its final shape, see FIG. 52h, where after the pouch is sealed by suturing or stapling by means of the fixations elements, see FIG. 52i.

(202) All the alternatives described above with reference to FIGS. 1-51 are also applicable to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 52a-1, i.e., to the embodiment where the reflux treatment device is invaginated on the inside of the stomach wall.

(203) FIGS. 53 a-c show an instrument for creating an invagination of the wall of the stomach that can either be placed on the outside of the wall of the stomach or on the inside of the wall of the stomach depending if the reflux treatment device is place on the inside or the outside of the wall. The instrument uses vacuum to such a portion of the wall of the stomach into the cup of the instrument.

(204) It has been described how the reflux treatment device 10 is invaginated in the stomach wall by means of a gastroscopic instrument. The gastroscopic instrument can be used for either placing the reflux treatment device on the outside of the wall of the stomach as shown in FIG. 1A or on the inside of the stomach as shown in FIG. 2A. In the latter case, the instruments will be used to make an incision in the wall of the stomach from the inside of the stomach.

(205) It will be appreciated that abdominal operation methods can be used as well. Such methods will now be described in with reference to FIGS. 54-55. In FIG. 54 it is shown how the stomach is accessed by creating an incision 380 in the abdomen of the patient. In FIG. 55 it is shown how an instrument 381 is inserted into the abdomen of the patient. Any of the instruments and methods described can be selected an adapted for this purpose. Thus, for example, the reflux treatment device can be placed on the outside of the stomach as shown in FIG. 1A or on the inside as shown in FIG. 2A. In the later case an incision is made in the wall of the stomach.

(206) It is important that the implanted reflux treatment device is firmly kept in place in the stomach wall in which it is invaginated. To this end, the reflux treatment device can be provided with one or more through holes adapted for receiving sutures or staples used for fixation of the invagination. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 42, where the reflux treatment device 10 is provided with a row of holes 10i provided on a protruding flange-like protrusion on the reflux treatment device. In this embodiment, the row of holes extends along the longitudinal axis of the reflux treatment device.

(207) FIG. 43 illustrates how sutures 314 are provided so that they run through the stomach wall 12a and through the holes 10i. In this way, the reflux treatment device is fixed in place in the pouch created from the stomach wall and will thus be prevented from sliding.

(208) Although a plurality of holes is illustrated in the FIG. 42, it will be appreciated that one single hole is sufficient to obtain improved fixation of the reflux treatment device 10.

(209) FIG. 44 illustrates a reflux treatment device provided with an inlet port 10h. The reflux treatment device is invaginated in the stomach wall and the inlet port 10h is available for connection to a tube or the like from the abdominal area of the patient.

(210) FIG. 45 illustrates an invaginated reflux treatment device wherein, instead of an inlet port, a fixed tube 10g extends into the abdominal area of the patient.

(211) FIG. 46 is a figure similar to FIG. 44 but also illustrating tunneling of a connection tube 10g in the stomach wall between the inlet port 10h and the reflux treatment device 10.

(212) It has been shown that the shape of the reflux treatment device can take many different forms. It will be appreciated that also the material of the reflux treatment device can vary. It is preferred that the reflux treatment device is provided with a coating, such as a Parylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyurethane coating, or a combination of such coatings, i.e., a multi-layer coating. This coating or multi-layer coating improves the properties of the reflux treatment device, such as its resistance to wear.

(213) In one embodiment, the reflux treatment device comprises an inflatable device expandable to an expanded state. In this case, the inflatable device is provided with an inlet port for a fluid and is adapted to be connected to a gastroscopic instrument. This embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 47a-47d.

(214) An inflatable reflux treatment device in its non-expanded state is shown in FIG. 47a. It is essentially a balloon-like, deflated device 10 having an inlet port 10h. In this state, the inflatable device has a diameter of a few millimeters at the most, allowing it to be inserted into the stomach through the esophagus of the patient by means of a gastroscopic, tube-like instrument 600, depicted in FIG. 47b. The instrument comprises an outer sleeve 600a and an inner sleeve 600b which can be displaced longitudinally relatively to the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is provided with a cutter in the form of a cutting edge 615 at the distal end thereof. This cutting edge can be used for cutting a hole in the stomach wall, as will be explained in detail in the following.

(215) When the instrument reaches a stomach wall, see FIG. 47c, the inner sleeve is brought forward from its position in the outer sleeve and into contact with the stomach wall 12a. The cutting edge 615 of the inner sleeve then cuts a hole in the stomach wall so as to allow subsequent insertion of the reflux treatment device 10 into and through this hole, see FIG. 47d. In order to push the reflux treatment device through the hole, a piston 602 may be provided in the instrument. Thus, the instrument further comprises a piston 602 adapted for pushing a deflated reflux treatment device 10 out from a position in the inner sleeve, this position being shown in FIG. 47b, to a position outside of the inner sleeve, this being shown in FIG. 47d.

(216) In order to protect the deflated reflux treatment device 10 from the cutting edge 615 of the inner sleeve, a further protective sleeve (not shown) can be provided around the reflux treatment device.

(217) An intraluminar method of invaginating a reflux treatment device 10 on the outside of the stomach wall 12a will now be described with reference to FIGS. 48a-i. Initially, an instrument 600, preferably a gastroscopic instrument, is inserted into the mouth of the patient, see FIG. 48a. The instrument comprises an injection device 601, 602 for injecting either fluid or a device into the stomach of the patient. The instrument 600 further comprises a control unit 606 adapted for controlling the operation of the instrument. To this end, the control unit 606 comprises one or more steering devices, in the embodiment shown in the figure in the form of two joysticks 603 and two control buttons 604. A display 605 is provided for displaying the image provided by a camera (not shown) arranged at the outer end of the elongated member 607, see FIGS. 48e-i. The camera may be assisted by a light source (not shown).

(218) The instrument is further inserted into the esophagus and into the stomach of the patient, see FIG. 48b. By means of the instrument 600, a hole 12b is created in the wall of the stomach 12. To this end, the instrument is provided with one or more cutters 615 at the distal end thereof, for example in the way described above with reference to FIGS. 47a-d. These cutters can of course be designed in different ways, such as a toothed drum cutter rotating about the center axis of the tube-like instrument. The instrument 600 is hollow providing a space for the reflux treatment device 10 in its deflated state.

(219) After cutting a hole in the stomach wall, the distal end of the instrument 600 is inserted into and through the hole 12b so that it ends up outside the stomach wall 12a. This is shown in FIG. 48c, showing a side view of the stomach 12, and FIG. 48d, which is a sectional view through the stomach of FIG. 48c taken along the lines Vd-Vd. The deflated reflux treatment device 10 is then inserted in the abdominal area.

(220) The instrument 600 is adapted to create a “pocket” or “pouch” on the outside of the stomach 12 around the hole 12b in the stomach wall. Such an instrument and the method of providing the pouch will now be described.

(221) FIGS. 48e-i show a gastroscopic or laparoscopic instrument for invaginating a reflux treatment device 10 in the stomach wall 12a of the patient by creating a pouch of stomach wall 12a material in which the reflux treatment device is placed. The instrument, generally designated 600, and which may comprise the features described above with reference to FIGS. 47a-d, comprises an elongated member 607 having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated member 607 having a diameter less than that of the patient's esophagus and being flexible such as to allow introduction of the flexible elongated member 607 with its distal end first through the patient's throat, esophagus and into the stomach 12 to the stomach wall 12a.

(222) The stomach penetration device or cutter 615 is provided on the elongated member 607 at the distal en thereof for penetrating the stomach wall 12a so as to create a hole in the stomach wall 12a, to allow introduction of the elongated member 607 through the hole. The stomach penetration device 615 could be adapted to be operable for retracting said stomach penetration device 615 after the stomach fundus wall 12a has been penetrated, for not further damaging tissue within the body. The instrument further comprises a special holding device 609 provided on the elongated member 607 on the proximal side to the penetration device 615.

(223) The elongated member further comprises an expandable member 611 which is adapted to be expanded after the elongated member has penetrated the stomach wall 12a and thereby assist in the creation of a cavity or pouch adapted to hold the reflux treatment device 610. The expandable member 611 may comprise an inflatable circular balloon provided circumferentially around the distal end portion of the flexible elongated member 607.

(224) The method steps when invaginating the reflux treatment device will now be described in detail. After the instrument 600 has been inserted into the stomach 12, the stomach penetration device 615 is placed into contact with the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 48e. The stomach penetration device or cutter 615 is then brought to create the hole 12b in the stomach wall, whereafter at least the expandable member 611 is brought through the hole 12b in the stomach wall. The special holding device 609 is in this step brought to a holding state wherein it expands radially so as to form an essentially circular abutment surface to the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 48f. In this way, the insertion of the stomach penetration device 615 and the expandable member 611 through the hole 12a in the stomach wall is limited to the position shown in FIG. 48f.

(225) The expandable member 611 is then expanded. In the case the expandable member comprises a balloon or the like, air or other fluid is injected into it.

(226) The part of the elongated member 607 comprising the expandable member 611 is then retracted in the proximal direction, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 48g, thereby pulling the stomach wall 612 into a basket like structure created by the special holding device 609.

(227) A suturing or stapling device 608 is further provided, either as a device connected to the elongated member 607 or as a separate instrument. The suturing or stapling member comprises a suturing or stapling end 613 which is adapted to close the cavity or pouch by means of stomach to stomach sutures or staples 14.

(228) In a further step, illustrated in FIG. 48h, an inflatable reflux treatment device 10 is placed in its deflated state in the basket like structure. The reflux treatment device 10 is then inflated to its inflated or expanded state, see FIG. 48i. This inflation of the reflux treatment device 10 can be accomplished by injecting a fluid or a gel into the deflated reflux treatment device. It can also be accomplished by injecting a material which is allowed to cure, thereby forming a solid device 10. Thus, the reflux treatment device 10 shown in FIGS. 48h and 48i can illustrate either a balloon-like device which is subsequently filled with fluid or gel or alternatively a material which is simply injected into the basket like structure formed by the stomach wall 12a.

(229) The fluid which is used to fill the reflux treatment device 10 could be any suitable fluid suitable to fill the inflatable device 10, such as a salt solution. In another embodiment, when this fluid is a fluid which is adapted to be transformed into solid state, the fluid could be liquid polyurethane.

(230) In order to minimize or entirely eliminate leakage, the fluid is isotonic, i.e., it has the same osmolarity as human body fluids. Another way of preventing diffusion is to provide a fluid which comprises large molecules, such as iodine molecules.

(231) The stomach-to-stomach sutures or staples are preferably provided with fixation portions exhibiting a structure, such as a net like structure, adapted to be in contact with the stomach wall to promote growth in of human tissue to secure the long term placement of the reflux treatment device attached to the stomach wall.

(232) After the inflatable device 10 has been inflated, partly or fully, the inlet port 10b (not shown in FIGS. 48h and 48i) of the reflux treatment device 10, is sealed and the instrument 600 is retracted from the hole 12b, which is subsequently closed in some suitable way, such as by means of the instrument 600. The instrument is then removed from the stomach 600 and the inflatable device 10 in its inflated or expanded state is invaginated by a stomach wall portion of the patient on the outside of the stomach wall. During one or more of the above described steps, the stomach may be inflated with gas, preferably by means of the gastroscopic instrument.

(233) The reflux treatment device 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 48a-i has been described as an inflatable reflux treatment device. It will be appreciated that is also can be an elastic reflux treatment device with an elasticity allowing compression so as to be inserted into a gastroscopic instrument and which expands to an expanded state after leaving the instrument.

(234) The apparatus for treating reflux can have the additional functionality of treating obesity. In such an embodiment, the reflux treatment device may be a movement restriction device that fills a volume of the stomach and thereby creating satiety. An embodiment having this function is shown in FIG. 49, wherein a combined reflux treatment device and obesity treatment device 310 is invaginated in the stomach wall close to and at least partially above the patient's cardia 14 when the patient is in a standing position and is fixed to a position above the cardia area 14c by a fixation, such as sutures or staples 22. For example a direct or indirect fixation to the diaphragm muscle or associated muscles may be provided. As an alternative a direct or indirect fixation to the esophagus above and close to the angle of His can be provided. In this alternative embodiment, the combined device 310 rests in a position against stomach wall of the fundus when implanted and which also fills a volume above the cardia area 14c between the cardia and the diaphragm muscle so that the cardia is prevented from slipping up into the thorax cavity, whereby reflux disease is prevented.

(235) Such a combined device 310 may be used for keeping electronics and/or an energy source and/or hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid from that device may be distributed to several smaller inflatable device areas to vary the stretching area from time to time avoiding any possible more permanent stretching effect of the stomach wall. Even mechanically several stretching areas may be used.

(236) Combination Reflux Treatment Device—Stretching Device

(237) In an alternative embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 50, the volume of an inflatable reflux treatment device 310 may be in fluid connection with one or more preferably smaller inflatable devices or chambers 10b. These chambers are adapted to communicate with fluid or air being moved between the chambers.

(238) Thus, the large chamber 310 is adapted to, with its main volume to be a reflux treatment device for reducing the size of the food cavity and for treating reflux disease and the one or several small chambers are adapted to function as the inflatable devices to treat obesity, wherein the main chamber is adapted to communicate with fluid or air to the small chambers causing a stretching effect in the stomach wall thereby further treating obesity.

(239) FIG. 51 show an embodiment with a combination of a movement restriction device invaginated in the central or lower portion of the stomach and a stretching device invaginated in the upper portion or fundus of the patient's stomach. These two devices serve to treat obesity.

(240) The movement restriction device 399 fills a volume of the stomach creating satiety. The stretching device stretches the wall of the stomach. This stretches the tissue setting off an endogenous signaling that creates satiety. This mimics the stretching effect of filling the stomach with food. Thus, in FIG. 51 there is shown an adjustable movement restriction device 399, which is invaginated in the stomach wall of a patient's stomach 312. Additionally, an adjustable stretching device 350 with the previously described function is invaginated in the stomach fundus wall of the patient. It is preferred that the movement restriction device 399 is substantially larger than the stretching device 350.

(241) The movement restriction device 399 and the stretching device 350 can be adapted to treat reflux. In one embodiment, the movement restriction device and the stretching device are positioned to prevent the cardia 14 from slipping upwards trough the opening of the hernia 18a to a position above the diaphragm 18.

(242) The movement restriction device 399 and the stretching device 350 are in fluid communication with each other via a first fluid tube 352, in which a pump 354 is provided. The pump 354 is under the control from an energy transforming device 330, which is adapted to supply the pump 350 with energy via a power supply line 356. The energy transforming device 330 is also connected to a sensor 319 provided in the esophagus of the patient so that food intake can be detected.

(243) The reflux treatment device 10 and the stretching device 350 are also in fluid communication with each other via a second fluid tube 358, which preferably has a smaller cross-sectional area than the first fluid tube 352.

(244) The operation of this arrangement is as follows. The movement restriction device 399 functions as in the above described embodiments, i.e., it reduces the size of the food cavity of the patient's stomach 12. Additionally, when the stretching device 350 is enlarged by pumping fluid from the movement restriction device 10 and to the stretching device 350 by means of the pump 354, the stomach fundus wall is stretched, creating a feeling of satiety for the patient. Thus, for example when food intake is detected by means of the sensor 319, fluid is automatically pumped into the stretching device 350 to increase the feeling of satiety and thereby limit the food intake.

(245) When fluid has been injected into the stretching device 350, the internal pressure therein is higher than the internal pressure in the reflux treatment device 399. This difference in pressure will create a flow of fluid in the second, preferably narrower tube 358 from the stretching device 350 to the reflux treatment device 399. The flow rate will be determined by among other things the difference in pressure and the cross-sectional area of the second tube 358. It is preferred that the second tube is so dimensioned, that the pressures in the volume filing device 399 and the stretching device 350 will return to equilibrium after 3 hours after fluid has been injected into the stretching device 350 to create the feeling of satiety.

(246) In this embodiment, the function of the second tube 358 is to allow fluid to return from the stretching device 350 to the movement restriction device 399. It will be appreciated that this function also can be performed by the pump 354 in the first tube 352 and that the second tube 358 then can be omitted.

(247) Method for Placing a Reflux Treatment Device on the Inside of the Stomach Wall:

(248) In the following a method and an instrument for placing a reflux treatment device on the inside of the stomach wall will be described.

(249) The invagination instrument described in FIG. 52a-1 generally designated 630, comprises an elongated tube member 632 similar to the elongated member 607 described above with reference to FIGS. 48a-i. Thus, it can be connected to a control unit 606, see FIG. 48a. The invagination instrument 630 further comprises a perforated suction portion 634, which preferably is elongated. The suction portion 634 exhibits a plurality of small holes 636, into which air will be sucked by providing suction in the tube member 632. This suction effect will be used to create a “pocket” or “pouch” in a part of a stomach wall, generally designated 12a.

(250) In other words, when the tip of the suction portion 634 is pressed against the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 52a, a small recess will be formed therein. When the suction portion 634 is further pressed against the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 52b, a larger recess will be formed. The part of the stomach wall 12a that forms the recess will, due to the suction effect, adhere to the suction portion 634 of the invagination instrument 630. As the suction portion 634 is further pressed into the stomach wall 12a, see FIG. 52c, a deeper recess will be formed until the entire suction portion 634 is embedded in the recess, see FIG. 18d.

(251) The rim of the recess will at this stage be fixated by means of fixation elements 638 and the suction portion be removed from the instrument, see FIG. 52e. A compressed elastic reflux treatment device 10 will subsequently be inserted into the recess, see FIG. 52f, for example in the way described above with reference to FIG. 47d. This compressed reflux treatment device is then expanded to its final shape, see FIG. 52h, where after the pouch is sealed by suturing or stapling by means of the fixations elements, see FIG. 52i.

(252) All the alternatives described above with reference to FIGS. 1-51 are also applicable to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 52a-1, i.e., to the embodiment where the reflux treatment device is invaginated on the inside of the stomach wall.

(253) FIGS. 53 a-c show an instrument for creating an invagination of the wall of the stomach that can either be placed on the outside of the wall of the stomach or on the inside of the wall of the stomach depending if the reflux treatment device is place on the inside or the outside of the wall. The instrument uses vacuum to such a portion of the wall of the stomach into the cup of the instrument.

(254) It has been described how the reflux treatment device 10 is invaginated in the stomach wall by means of a gastroscopic instrument. The gastroscopic instrument can be used for either placing the reflux treatment device on the outside of the wall of the stomach as shown in FIG. 1A or on the inside of the stomach as shown in FIG. 2A. In the latter case, the instruments will be used to make an incision in the wall of the stomach from the inside of the stomach.

(255) It will be appreciated that abdominal operation methods can be used as well. Such methods will now be described in with reference to FIGS. 54-55. In FIG. 54 it is shown how the stomach is accessed by creating an incision 380 in the abdomen of the patient. In FIG. 55 it is shown how an instrument 381 is inserted into the abdomen of the patient. Any of the instruments and methods described can be selected an adapted for this purpose. Thus, for example, the reflux treatment device can be placed on the outside of the stomach as shown in FIG. 1A or on the inside as shown in FIG. 2A. In the later case an incision is made in the wall of the stomach.

(256) FIG. 56 shows an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 56 shows the segments of a movement restriction device to be assembled before implantation in a patient in the need of treatment for a reflux disease. The movement restriction device segments include a core part 560 and four outer parts 561a-561d. The generally cylindrical core part is provided with an upper part 560′ and is provided with four slits 562a-562d which are symmetrically distributed end extend along the peripheral outside of the core part, The outer parts 561a-561s are shown as generally being a part of sphere having an inner and outer surface and each part is provided with a protruding flange 563a-563d extending along the inner surface. The flanges 563a-563d matches the slits 562a-562d in the depicted embodiment, but can be arranged with loose fits between flanges and slits so the assembled movement restriction device sufficiently is assembled at its implanted target position above the cardia. If the movement restriction device inadvertently is displaced from this position to the stomach cavity, a loose fit arrangement contributes to a more rapid disassembly its segments. The core part is connected to a guiding wire 564 which extends through first channel 565 in the core part through a corresponding channel 565a between two neighboring orifices in the protrusion 563a in the first outer part 561a. When operating on the guiding wire 564 by displacing it away from the core part upper surface 560′ the first outer part 561a will be displaced towards the core part and the flange 563a meets the slit 562a so the first outer part is assembled to the core part 560. As demonstrated in FIG. 57, this performance is repeated with the second outer part, now by the guiding wire 564 through the second channel 566 connected to a corresponding channel in the flange 563b of second outer part 561b. FIG. 58 shows this performance again for assembling the third outer part 561c and third channel 567 connecting the guiding wire 564 to flange 563c. FIG. 59 shows the fourth and last outer part 561d being assembled through flange 563d and channel 568. FIG. 60 shows the finally assembled movement restriction device. FIG. 61a is a more detailed view of the core part showing the system of channels for the guiding wire. FIGS. 61b to 61d are crossectional views of planes I-I, II-II, III-III and IV-IV, respectively each at the level for four channels. The guiding wire is made of a biodegradable material that is degraded so the segments readily become disassembled if the movement restriction device accidently becomes displaced from its implanted position. The segments depicted are made from a biocompatible solid material and are each of size and shape so they readily pass through the gastrointestinal system if the movement restriction device is disassembled. When implanting the so assembled movement restriction device any of the previously described methods will be suitable.

(257) FIG. 62 shows an embodiment of the movement restriction device to be assembled. The outline of the core part and the segments is identical as has been shown in FIG. 56, but the flanges of the segments 563a-d are provided with recesses 563′a-d that match protrusions 562′a-d of the slits 562a-d of the core part so the assembled movement device becomes locked along two different planes. In this embodiment, these planes are perpendicularly arranged. FIG. 63 shows another embodiment of the movement restriction device according to FIG. 62 without any guiding wire and without any features for the guiding wire in the segments. This embodiment requires that matching element locking elements are adapted to assist with the disassembly if the movement restriction device inadvertently becomes displaced from its implanted position.

(258) A method of injecting or inserting a plurality of movement restriction device segments into a pouch formed by a part of a stomach wall will now be described with reference to FIGS. 64a-d. In this example, a movement restriction device as described above with reference to FIG. 50 will be used. A tube-like instrument, generally designated 600, such as the one also depicted in FIG. 4b, comprises a sleeve 600a having a cross-sectional diameter and shape so as to allow the passage of the core part 560 and the four outer parts 561a-561d. A piston 602 is provided to displace the movement restriction device segments through the sleeve 600a and into a space, wherein the movement restriction device segments are to be assembled into or form a movement restriction device. As shown in FIG. 64a, in this example the instrument 600 is used to insert or inject the movement restriction device segments through a hole 12a in a stomach wall portion 12 of a patient.

(259) As shown in FIG. 64b, the guiding wire 564 forces the outer parts 561a-d to take a respective position like petals to allow the core part 560 to take a position allowing the outer parts 561a-d and the core part 560 to assemble into an essentially spherical movement restriction device 10. By pulling the guiding wire 564, see FIG. 64c, the outer parts 561a-d are moved into engagement with the core part 560, being kept in position by means of the interlocking flanges 563a-d.

(260) After being fully assembled, see FIG. 64d, the essentially spherical movement restriction device 10 is invaginated in part of the stomach wall 12 by means of sutures or staples 14. The limited space of the pouch formed by the stomach wall prevents the movement restriction device 10 from falling apart, even after the biodegradable guiding wire 564 has been degraded. However, in the event that movement restriction device 10 comes loose, such as by the sutures or staples 14 breaking, the movement restriction device 10 falls apart so that the different segments, each being smaller than the assembled movement restriction device 10, can pass through the gastrointestinal system.

(261) It is evident from the general description and the appended claims that many of other ways designing the movement restriction device is possible without departing from the inventive concept. One such way is to let a plurality of relatively small movement restriction device segments form a movement restriction device, which will now be described with reference to FIGS. 65a-c.

(262) This method of injecting or inserting movement restriction device segments into a pouch is similar to the one described above with reference to FIGS. 4a-d, after a pouch has been created in the stomach wall. Thus, FIG. 65a illustrates a stomach wall portion 12a after sutures or staples 14 have been applied to create a pouch in the stomach wall. The pouch can be provided by using the method described above with reference to FIGS. 5a-i.

(263) Movement restriction device segments 10 are inserted or injected into the pouch by means of a gastroscopic or laparoscopic, tube-like instrument 600, such as the one also depicted in FIG. 4b. The instrument comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, see FIG. 4b, which can be displaced longitudinally relatively to the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is provided with a cutter in the form of a cutting edge 615 at the distal end thereof. This cutting edge can be used for cutting a hole in the stomach wall, as will be explained in detail in the following.

(264) When the instrument reaches a stomach wall, the inner sleeve is brought forward from its position in the outer sleeve and into contact with the stomach wall 12a. The cutting edge 615 of the inner sleeve then cuts a hole in the stomach wall so as to allow subsequent insertion of the movement restriction devices 10 into and through this hole, see FIG. 65b. In order to push the movement restriction device through the hole, a piston 602 may be provided in the instrument. Thus, the instrument further comprises a piston 602 adapted for pushing a plurality of movement restriction devices 10 out from a position in the inner sleeve, this position being shown in FIG. 65a, to a position outside of the inner sleeve, this being shown in FIG. 65b.

(265) In order to protect the deflated movement restriction device 10 from the cutting edge 615 of the inner sleeve, a further protective sleeve (not shown) can be provided around the movement restriction device.

(266) The tube-like instrument 600 is in the shown embodiment provided with a cup-shaped extension keeping the pouch in place during the insertion of the movement restriction device segments 10 into the pouch. By gradually withdrawing the tube-like instrument 600 during this process, see FIG. 65b, the pouch can be filled with movement restriction device segments 10 in a controlled way.

(267) After the pouch has been filled with movement restriction device segments to a desired degree, see FIG. 65c, the hole 12b cut in the stomach wall 12a by means of the tube-shaped instrument 600 is permanently closed by means of suturing or stapling, for example.

(268) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 65a-c, the tube-like instrument 600 comprises a piston 602 adapted to push or displace the movement restriction device segments 10 along the sleeve 600b. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 65, pressure exerted by fluid can be used to push or displace the movement restriction device segments 10.

(269) The movement restriction device segments 10 can take many different shapes. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 64a-c and 65, they are essentially spherical. However, in alternative embodiments, they exhibit one or a plurality of flat or essentially flat surfaces. Preferably, they then take the shape of polyhedrons, such as tetrahedrons, hexahedrons, octahedrons, dodecahedrons or icosahedrons, i.e., regular polyhedrons with four, six, eight, twelve, and twenty flat surfaces, respectively. These examples of movement restriction device segments are shown in FIGS. 67a-e.

(270) The movement restriction devices can additionally be kept in their mutual relationship by means of additional measures. For example, the surfaces of the movement restriction device segments can be provided with friction enhancing agent or material to minimize slipping of the movement restriction device segments. The friction enhancing agent can be some kind of glue or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the surface or surfaces of the movement restriction device segments can be given a rugged texture to increase the friction between adjacent movement restriction device segments.

(271) As mentioned above, the movement restriction device 10 may be inflated with a gel or fluid supplied into a chamber defined by the movement restriction device 10, see FIG. 68.

(272) Insertion or injection of a plurality of movement restriction device segments 10 into a natural pouch provided by a stomach wall portion 12 has been described above with reference to FIGS. 65a-d. However, in an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for treating obesity, the movement restriction device segments can also comprise a movement restriction device segment for collecting two or more other movement restriction device segments, which are of a different kind. Thus, the apparatus comprises an expandable second movement restriction device segment 10′ for collecting two or more first movement restriction device segments 10 different from the second movement restriction device segment, wherein the second movement restriction device segment and the first movement restriction device segments together form the movement restriction device. It is preferred that the second movement restriction device segment is flexible or stretchable.

(273) In an alternative embodiment, to allow reshaping of the movement restriction device, there may be a friction reducing fluid to reduce the friction between adjacent movement restriction device segments. In FIG. 70, it is shown how a plurality of movement restriction device segments 10 are provided in a pouch created by part of a stomach wall 12 and a fluid has been injected into this pouch, which allows mutual movement between adjacent first movement restriction device segments so that the shape of the movement restriction device adapts to stomach wall movements, when said movement restriction device is invaginated in a stomach wall.

(274) The embodiments of FIG. 69 and FIG. 70 may be combined, so that an outer movement restriction device segment 10′ encloses both a plurality of different, in this case spherical, movement restriction device segments 10 as well as a fluid, see FIG. 71, which reduces the friction between the different movement restriction device segments.

(275) The fluid described above may, instead of reducing the friction between adjacent movement restriction device segments, enhance the friction between adjacent movement restriction device segments, thus making the movement restriction device more stable. The friction enhancing material may also be a glue or an adhesive, i.e., a solidifying liquid.

(276) Movement restriction device segments adapted to be used in a plurality to form a movement restriction device have been described above with reference to FIGS. 65a-c and 67a-e. It will be appreciated that these movement restriction device segments can be given the same properties as the movement restriction devices described earlier regarding materials, properties etc.

(277) A method or part of method to be used in any combination and using any apparatus or part of apparatus or any feature in any combination where the following method steps is applicable, wherein said method may comprise one or more of the following operational method steps: introducing an instrument into the throat, passing down the esophagus, placing an anvil or unit for delivery of fixating members in the esophagus between the cardia and the diaphragm level, for engaging in the fixation of the esophagus to the stomach tissue, passing down the esophagus and additionally further down into the stomach, filling the stomach with gas to expand the stomach, sucking fluid from the stomach, looking at a guiding vision when said instrument comprising a camera, engaging the instrument with the stomach, creating and suturing at least one pouch of the stomach wall, filling said at least one pouch with a fluid and/or volume filling device or two or more volume filling devices, deliver a plurality of volume filling devices into said pouch created in the stomach tissue through a tubular member, passing through the stomach wall with said instrument, passing through the stomach wall with said instrument for the placement of a volume filling device on the outside of the stomach wall, passing through the stomach wall with said instrument for the placement of a tube allowing placement of a subcutaneous injection port, placing an subcutaneous injection port, suturing or stapling the stomach wall from the inside thereof to the esophagus, suturing or stapling the stomach wall to stomach wall from the inside of the stomach, engaging the instrument with the esophagus, suturing or stapling one layer of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, suturing or stapling two layers of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, suturing or stapling three layers of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, suturing or stapling four layers of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, suturing or stapling one or more layers of stomach tissue to two or more positions on the esophageal tissue, the esophagus having an esophagus center axis, the esophagus further having an inner and outer substantially cylindrical surface extending radially in relation to the esophagus center axis and wherein the stomach tissue is attached to esophageal tissue both at a first point along a first esophagus surface length axis, substantially parallel to said esophagus center axis and at a second point along a second esophagus surface length axis, substantially parallel to said esophagus center axis, at a distance from said first esophagus surface length axis, radially in relation to said esophagus center axis, delivering fixating members by a unit placed on said instrument, penetrating at least one layer of stomach tissue and one layer of esophagus tissue with said fixating members, placing said fixating members above the gastro-esophageal junction for creating a tunnel between the esophagus and stomach above said junction, placing an esophagus part in the esophagus and a stomach part in the stomach, placing the fixating member substantially between the stomach and esophagus part, inserting said instrument into the main stomach cavity through the cardia and adapted to direct the instrument in cranial direction to reach a position of said unit above said junction, allowing the tunnel a substantially unrestricted contraction and release of the cardia closing sphincter muscle placed in said junction, when such a tunnel has been created.

(278) A method or part of method to be used in any combination and using any apparatus or part of apparatus or any feature in any combination where the following method steps is applicable, wherein said method comprises one or more of the following operational method steps: cutting the skin of a patient creating an opening in the abdominal wall of the patient Introducing said instrument into the abdominal cavity through said opening in the abdominal wall, engaging the instrument with the stomach, pulling down into the stomach wall for creating at least one pre-shaped pouch of the stomach wall, clamping the stomach wall for creating at least one pre-shaped pouch of the stomach wall, suturing or stapling at least one pouch in the stomach wall, filling said at least one pouch with a fluid and/or volume filling device or two or more volume filling devices, deliver a plurality of volume filling devices into said pouch created in the stomach tissue through a tubular member, passing through the stomach wall into the stomach with said instrument, passing through the stomach wall with said instrument for the placement of a volume filling device on the inside of the stomach wall, passing through the stomach wall with said instrument for suturing the stomach wall to the esophagus wall, placing a volume filling device on the outside of the stomach wall, invaginating said volume filling device in the stomach wall placing a subcutaneous injection port, suturing or stapling the stomach wall to stomach wall from the outside of the stomach, suturing or stapling the stomach wall to stomach wall from the outside of the stomach without penetrating the mucosa, suturing or stapling two layers of stomach wall to one or two layers of stomach wall, engaging the instrument with the esophagus, clamping the on both sides of the esophagus for fixating one layer of esophageal wall to stomach tissue, clamping the on both sides of the esophagus and the stomach fundus wall for fixating one layer of esophageal wall to one or two layers of stomach tissue, introducing a tube or a gastroscopic instrument into the esophagus comprising an anvil member or a fixating delivery member involving in the fixation of the esophagus to the stomach, coordinating the position of the anvil member or a fixating delivery member inside the esophagus to said instrument clamping around the esophagus, suturing or stapling one layer of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, suturing or stapling two layers of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, suturing or stapling three layers of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, stapling using staplers of different stapling depths at different positions in a stapler row, stapling stomach to esophagus with one first stapler depth and stapling stomach to stomach with a second smaller stapler depth, stapling a pouch with stomach to stomach sutures in a stapler row, further comprising stapling the esophagus with staplers of a larger depth included as a part of said stapler row, suturing or stapling one or more layers of stomach tissue to two or more positions on the esophageal tissue, the esophagus having an esophagus center axis, the esophagus further having an inner and outer substantially cylindrical surface extending radially in relation to the esophagus center axis and wherein the stomach tissue is attached to esophageal tissue both at a first point along a first esophagus surface length axis, substantially parallel to said esophagus center axis and at a second point along a second esophagus surface length axis, substantially parallel to said esophagus center axis, at a distance from said first esophagus surface length axis, radially in relation to said esophagus center axis, delivering fixating members by a unit placed on said instrument, penetrating at least one layer of stomach tissue and one layer of esophagus tissue with said fixating members, placing said fixating members above the gastro-esophageal junction for creating a tunnel between the esophagus and stomach above said junction, allowing the tunnel a substantially unrestricted contraction and release of the cardia closing sphincter muscle placed in said junction, when such a tunnel has been created, placing an esophagus part in the esophagus and a stomach part in the stomach via an introduction into the stomach cavity, placing the fixating member substantially between the stomach and esophagus part, inserting said instrument into the main stomach cavity below said junction and adapted to direct the instrument in cranial direction to reach a position of said unit above said junction, operating a joint comprised in said instrument, for enabling said instrument to be inserted into the main stomach cavity bending said joint in a direction to reach a position of said part of the unit in the esophagus above said junction.

(279) A method or part of method to be used in any combination and using any apparatus or part of apparatus or any feature in any combination where the following method steps is applicable, wherein said method comprises one or more of the following laparoscopic operational method steps: cutting the skin of a patient introducing a tube through the abdominal wall, filling a fluid or gas into the abdominal cavity, introducing two or more trocars into the abdominal cavity, introducing a camera into the abdominal cavity through one of the trocars, introducing said instrument into the abdominal cavity through a trocar, engaging the instrument with the stomach, pulling down into the stomach wall for creating at least one pre-shaped pouch of the stomach wall, clamping the stomach wall for creating at least one pre-shaped pouch of the stomach wall, suturing or stapling at least one pouch in the stomach wall, filling said at least one pouch with a fluid and/or a volume filling device or two or more volume filling devices, deliver a plurality of volume filling devices into said pouch created in the stomach tissue through a tubular member, passing through the stomach wall into the stomach with said instrument, passing through the stomach wall with said instrument for the placement of a volume filling device on the inside of the stomach wall, passing through the stomach wall with said instrument for suturing the stomach wall to the esophagus wall, placing a volume filling device on the outside of the stomach wall, invaginating said volume filling device in the stomach wall placing a subcutaneous injection port, suturing or stapling the stomach wall to stomach wall from the outside of the stomach, suturing or stapling two layers of stomach wall to one or two layers of stomach wall, suturing or stapling the stomach wall to stomach wall from the outside of the stomach without penetrating the mucosa, engaging the instrument with the esophagus, clamping the on both sides of the esophagus for fixating one layer of esophageal wall to stomach tissue, clamping the on both sides of the esophagus and the stomach fundus wall for fixating one layer of esophageal wall to one or two layers of stomach tissue, introducing a tube or a gastroscopic instrument into the esophagus comprising an anvil member or a fixating delivery member involving in the fixation of the esophagus to the stomach, coordinating the position of the anvil member or a fixating delivery member inside the esophagus to said instrument clamping around the esophagus, suturing or stapling one layer of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, suturing or stapling two layers of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, suturing or stapling three layers of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, suturing or stapling four layers of stomach tissue to one layer of esophageal tissue, stapling using staplers of different stapling depths at different positions in a stapler row, stapling stomach to esophagus with one first stapler depth and stapling stomach to stomach with a second smaller stapler depth, stapling a pouch with stomach to stomach sutures in a stapler row, further comprising stapling the esophagus with staplers of a larger depth included as a part of said stapler row, suturing or stapling one or more layers of stomach tissue to two or more positions on the esophageal tissue, the esophagus having an esophagus center axis, the esophagus further having an inner and outer substantially cylindrical surface extending radially in relation to the esophagus center axis and wherein the stomach tissue is attached to esophageal tissue both at a first point along a first esophagus surface length axis, substantially parallel to said esophagus center axis and at a second point along a second esophagus surface length axis, substantially parallel to said esophagus center axis, at a distance from said first esophagus surface length axis, radially in relation to said esophagus center axis, delivering fixating members by a unit placed on said instrument, penetrating at least one layer of stomach tissue and one layer of esophagus tissue with said fixating members, placing said fixating members above the gastro-esophageal junction for creating a tunnel between the esophagus and stomach above said junction, allowing the tunnel a substantially unrestricted contraction and release of the cardia closing sphincter muscle placed in said junction, when such a tunnel has been created, placing an esophagus part in the esophagus and a stomach part in the stomach via an introduction into the stomach cavity, placing the fixating member substantially between the stomach and esophagus part, inserting said instrument into the main stomach cavity below said junction and adapted to direct the instrument in cranial direction to reach a position of said unit above said junction, operating a joint comprised in said instrument, for enabling said instrument to be inserted into the main stomach cavity bending said joint in a direction to reach a position of said part of the unit in the esophagus above said junction.

(280) Please note that any embodiment or part of embodiment as well as any method or part of method or any apparatus or part of apparatus or any feature or part of feature or any system or part of system could be combined in any applicable way. All examples herein should be seen as part of the general description and therefore possible to combine in any way in general terms.

(281) Please note that all the embodiments or features of an embodiment as well as any method or step of a method could be combined in any way if such combination is not clearly contradictory. Please also note that the description in general should be seen as describing both an apparatus and a device adapted to perform a method as well as this method in itself.

(282) While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is realized that numerous other embodiments may be envisaged and that numerous additional advantages, modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and illustrated examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within a true spirit and scope of the invention. Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.