Devices and methods for attaching an endolumenal gastrointestinal implant
View Patent ↗The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endoluminal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve device or an attachment cuff, within a patient's digestive tract for treatment of obesity.
1. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient, comprising the steps of:
identifying a patient with an implanted first gastrointestinal bypass tube having a first length, the first bypass tube releasably connected to a support which is attached to tissue in the vicinity of the gastroesophageal junction;
separating the first bypass tube from the support and removing the first bypass tube from the patient after separating the first bypass tube from the support;
providing a second bypass tube, having a second length which is different than the first length; and
attaching the second bypass tube to the support.
2. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein the second length is longer than the first length.
3. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein the second length is shorter than the first length.
4. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein the attaching step is accomplished endoscopically.
5. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein attaching the second bypass tube to the support comprises attaching the proximal end of the second bypass tube to the distal end of the support.
6. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein the support comprises an attachment cuff having a lumen therethrough for the passage of ingested contents from the cuff into the first bypass tube.
7. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 6 , wherein the attachment cuff is flexible.
8. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 6 , wherein the attachment cuff is configured to stretch by at least about 150% in the radial direction.
9. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein the first bypass tube has a length of at least about 50 cm.
10. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein the first bypass tube has a length of at least about 75 cm.
11. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein the first bypass tube has a length of at least about 100 cm.
12. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein attaching the second bypass tube to the support comprises suturing the second bypass tube to the support.
13. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein attaching the second bypass tube to the support comprises hooking the second bypass tube to the support.
14. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein attaching the second bypass tube to the support comprises stapling the second bypass tube to the support.
15. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 1 , wherein attaching the second bypass tube to the support comprises connecting a first attachment surface on the support to a second attachment surface on the second bypass tube.
16. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 15 , wherein the first attachment surface comprises an annular ridge.
17. A method of adjusting therapy in a patient as in claim 15 , wherein the second attachment surface comprises a ring.