Apparatus and method for treating GERD
An apparatus for the treatment of acid reflux disease comprising two or more movement restriction device segments adapted to be assembled movement restriction device of a controlled size. The assembled 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.
1. An apparatus for treating reflux disease in a human or animal mammal patient, the apparatus comprising:
two or more implantable movement restriction device segments comprising a biocompatible material, wherein each implantable movement restriction device segment is provided with at least one assembly element that fits with at least one assembly element of another of said two or more implantable movement restriction device segment, so the two or more implantable movement restriction device segments by said assembly elements can be assembled into an implantable assembled movement restriction device adapted to be invaginated in a stomach fundus wall of the patient,
wherein said two or more implantable movement restriction device segment comprise recesses or protrusions for fixating said two or more implantable movement restriction device segments in relation to each other in at least one direction, and
wherein each one of said two or more implantable movement restriction device segments comprises an outer surface portion configured to become part of an outer surface of the implantable assembled movement restriction device, and
wherein said assembled movement restriction device is adapted to disassemble into its segments upon leaving its invaginated position in the stomach wall, allowing the movement restriction device segments to move separately from one another.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the movement restriction device segments are adapted to pass through a trocar, for assembly and implantation of said movement restriction device into the abdominal cavity.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 , the movement restriction device segments have a flexible outer shape adapted to pass through a trocar.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the movement restriction device segments are adapted to have a shape allowing them to be assembled into said movement restriction device, when implanted.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the movement restriction device segments are hollow with a flexible outer surface.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the movement restriction device segments are solid.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the movement restriction device segments are adapted to temporary be holding their assembled position.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the movement restriction device segments are adapted to permanently hold their assembled position by the invaginated stomach wall.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the segments comprise a core part and at least two outer parts.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the assembly element is selected among fitting flanges and slits.
11. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the core part is adapted to receive and assemble the outer elements into an implantable movement restriction device.
12. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the core part comprises assembly slits, and wherein the outer parts comprise assembly flanges, and wherein the assembly slits of the core part are adapted to receive the assembly flanges of the outer parts when assembling the movement restriction device.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the slits are distributed around the outer peripheral area of the core part.
14. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said at least two or more segments comprise a connecting portion comprising at least one flat surface for connecting another movement restriction device segment.