Intragastric device

1. A method for inflating an intragastric balloon, the method comprising:

providing an intragastric balloon in an outer container, the intragastric balloon comprising a polymeric wall, wherein the polymeric wall comprises one or more layers, and a balloon valve system comprising a self-sealing septum in a retaining structure, wherein the retaining structure comprises a concentric valve system with a smaller inner cylinder housing the septum and a larger outer cylinder housing a material configured to provide compressive forces against a bell-shaped needle sleeve of an inflation catheter, wherein the material providing compressive forces is a higher durometer material than the septum, and wherein the smaller inner cylinder comprises a lip configured for an interference fit with the bell-shaped needle sleeve;

providing an inflation catheter comprising a needle assembly, the needle assembly comprising a hollow needle and a bell-shaped needle sleeve;

piercing the septum by the needle of an inflation catheter, whereby an interference fit is created between the bell-shaped needle sleeve and the lip of the smaller inner cylinder;

causing the intragastric balloon in an outer container attached by the interference fit to the inflation catheter to be swallowed by a patient in need thereof;

degrading the outer container so as to permit inflation of the intragastric balloon;

inflating the intragastric balloon in the patient's stomach via the inflation catheter, wherein the inflation catheter is connected to an inflation fluid source container; and

detaching the intragastric balloon from the inflation catheter, wherein a detachment liquid comprising a physiological compatible liquid is forced through the inflation catheter to apply hydraulic pressure to the needle assembly such that the interference fit between the lip and the bell-shaped needle sleeve is broken, the needle assembly is ejected from the balloon valve and the self-sealing septum reseals.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inflation catheter is a dual lumen catheter comprising an inflation lumen and a detachment lumen, wherein the inflation lumen is configured for fluid connection to the inflation source container, and wherein the detachment lumen is configured for connection to a detachment liquid source container for detachment of the balloon.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inflation catheter is a single lumen catheter comprising a structural member providing increased tensile strength and an inflation valve configured for first connecting the single lumen catheter to the inflation source container and then to a detachment liquid source container for detachment of the balloon.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising monitoring inflation pressure as a function of time and detaching when a predetermined ending pressure is obtained, wherein successful balloon inflation is indicated by achievement of the preselected ending pressure, which is based on a starting pressure in the inflation source and an inflation volume of the balloon.