SATIATION POUCHES AND METHODS OF USE
A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction.
1 . A method of treating obesity in a patient comprising:
introducing by passing through the patient's esophagus and into the patient's stomach a satiation device having a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, and
attaching the device to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction,
wherein the biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said attaching step includes attaching the device to the stomach by anchor loops.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the biasing structure in the device includes a plurality of spring members biased in a radially outward direction, and the method further includes, after said attaching, releasing the spring members to bias the webbing against the stomach wall.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the biasing structure is biased radially inwardly when the device is everted, and said attaching includes attaching the device to the stomach in its everted condition, the inverting the device to cause outward bias.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the stent includes a stent structure spring biased in a radially outward direction.
6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of anchors positioned on the stomach portion, and said attaching comprises passing a fastener through the anchor and into surrounding tissue.
7 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
imparting pressure against portions of the body with the stomach portion to produce satiety in the patient.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the portions of the body are selected from the stomach, esophagus, and esophageal sphincter.
9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein imparting pressure affects the levels of hormones to produce satiety.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the stomach portion is formed of a flexible material.
11 . The method of clam 10 , wherein the flexible material is reinforced with supporting members.