Device and method for treating obesity

1. A method for treating obesity comprising the steps of:

implanting a stimulator in a duodenum of a patient in a manner that allows passage of material through the duodenum;

providing electrical stimulation to the duodenum of the patient, for a predetermined period of time after ingestion of a meal, to control contraction of a pylorus of the patient and thereby treat obesity.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of sensing ingestion of food into the stomach prior to providing stimulation.

3. A method for treating obesity comprising:

providing a stimulator comprising:

a fixation device including a radially expandable member and an outer portion;

at least one electrode coupled to the outer portion of the fixation device; and

electronic circuitry coupled to the at least one electrode and configured to deliver electrical stimulation through the at least one electrode;

implanting the stimulator in a duodenum of a patient in a manner that allows passage of material through the duodenum by;

positioning the fixation device in the duodenum of a patient so that the at least one stimulating electrode is in electrical contact with the wall of the duodenum; and

fixing the fixation device with the radially expandable member within a portion of a gastrointestinal tract so that the electrode is in electrical contact with the gastrointestinal tract; and

providing electrical stimulation to the duodenum of a patient to control the contraction of the pylorus and thereby treat obesity, wherein providing electrical stimulation comprises providing stimulation pulses from the electronic circuitry to the duodenum through the at least one electrode and thereby affecting the contraction of the pylorus.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of stimulating the duodenum comprises stimulating the duodenum to cause gastric retention of food.

5. A device for treating obesity comprising:

a stimulator comprising:

a fixation device;

at least one electrode coupled to the fixation device; and

a sensor configured to sense ingestion of food by a patient;

electronic circuitry coupled to the at least one electrode and the sensor and configured to deliver electrical stimulation through the at least one electrode, the electronic circuitry comprising a responsive element configured to provide stimulation to a duodenum after sensing ingestion of food by the patient;

the fixation device configured to fix the stimulator in the duodenum of a patient so that the at least one stimulating electrode is in electrical contact with the wall of the duodenum while permitting movement of material through the duodenum.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the responsive element is configured to provide stimulation for a predetermined amount of time.