Gastric device and suction assisted method for implanting a device on a stomach wall
View Patent ↗A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating a patient is provided where a functional device is attached to a stomach wall. The device in one embodiment provides electrical stimulation of the stomach wall. The device may also have other functional aspects such as a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or a substance delivery device. The implant may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals. The device may be modular with a portion of the device accessible for removal and replacement. In one embodiment, an endoscopic delivery system delivers the functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is attached the stomach wall with the assistance of a suction used to stabilize the tissue of the stomach wall. The device includes a chamber for receiving tissue of the stomach wall for attachment where a vacuum pressure is applied through the chamber to draw the tissue into the chamber.
1. A device for attaching to a stomach wall to treat or diagnose a patient, said device comprising:
a housing comprising:
a chamber configured to receive tissue of a stomach wall; and
a port in fluid communication with the chamber and including a connection portion configured to couple the port with a vacuum source to draw the tissue into the chamber;
an attachment mechanism configured to attach the housing to the stomach wall, wherein the connection portion is configured to be detached from the vacuum source leaving the attachment mechanism attaching the housing to the stomach wall; and
a functional portion coupled to the housing;
the attachment mechanism comprising a piercing device, wherein the piercing device comprises a stiff portion and a flexible portion wherein the piercing portion is sufficiently stiff to pierce through the tissue with the flexible portion and wherein the piercing portion is removable from the pierced tissue while leaving the flexible portion in place.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising
electronic circuitry contained within the housing; and
at least one stimulating electrode coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry, and wherein said electronic circuitry is configured to deliver electrically stimulating signals to the stomach through the at least one stimulating electrode.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the at least one stimulating electrode is located on the piercing mechanism.
4. A device for attaching to a stomach wall to treat or diagnose a patient, said device comprising:
a housing comprising:
a chamber configured to receive tissue of a stomach wall; and
a port in fluid communication with the chamber and including a connection portion configured to couple the port with a vacuum source to draw the tissue into the chamber;
an attachment mechanism configured to attach the housing to the stomach wall, wherein the connection port is configured to be detached from the vacuum source leaving the attachment mechanism attaching the housing to the stomach wall;
electronic circuitry contained within the housing; and
at least one stimulating electrode coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry, and wherein said electronic circuitry is configured to deliver electrically stimulating signals to the stomach through the at least one stimulating electrode.
5. The device of claim 4 wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a piercing device configured to pierce the tissue of the stomach wall drawn into the chamber and wherein the at least one stimulating electrode is located on the piercing mechanism.
6. A method for treating or diagnosing a patient comprising the steps of:
providing a functional device to be attached to a stomach wall of the patient, the functional device comprising:
a housing comprising:
a chamber configured to receive tissue of a stomach wall; and
a port in fluid communication with the chamber and including a connection portion configured to couple the port with a vacuum source;
an attachment mechanism configured to attach the housing to the stomach wall; and
a functional portion coupled to the housing;
locating the chamber adjacent a portion of a stomach wall;
applying a vacuum to the chamber to draw the portion of the stomach wall into the chamber; and
attaching the housing to the portion of the stomach wall drawn into the chamber;
providing at least one stimulating electrode coupled to the housing and electronic circuitry electrically coupled to the at least one stimulating electrode; and
delivering electrically stimulating signals to the stomach wall from the electronic circuitry through the at least one stimulating electrode.