Gastrointestinal implant with drawstring
A gastrointestinal implant device includes a flexible, floppy sleeve, open at both ends, that extends into the duodenum. The device further includes a collapsible anchor coupled to the proximal portion of the sleeve. The device further includes a drawstring that is threaded through a proximal end of the anchor, and barbs that extend from the exterior surface of the anchor. The collapsible anchor can be a wave anchor. The drawstring can be used to collapse at least a proximal portion of the implant device. This is useful in removing or repositioning the implant device.
1. A gastrointestinal implant device comprising:
a flexible sleeve, open at both ends, to extend into the duodenum, the sleeve having a smooth exterior surface to prevent tissue in-growth;
a collapsible anchor coupled to a proximal portion of the sleeve, the anchor being a wave anchor comprising interconnected struts with a webbing material coupled to the struts, the webbing material having a smooth exterior surface to prevent in-growth, and the anchor being configured to be retained within the duodenal bulb;
a drawstring threaded through a proximal end of the anchor; and
rigid protrusions extending radially outward from the exterior surface of the anchor at fixed angles.
2. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the drawstring is woven over and under the struts.
3. The implant of claim 2 , further comprising a second drawstring that is woven over and under the struts.
4. The implant of claim 2 , further comprising a second drawstring that is woven through pairs of holes between the struts.
5. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is at least one foot in length.
6. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the protrusions are barbs that penetrate muscle.
7. A method of repositioning a gastrointestinal device within a natural bodily lumen comprising:
engaging a drawstring disposed on the implantable device, the implantable device comprising;
a flexible sleeve, open at both ends, to extend into the duodenum, the sleeve having a smooth exterior surface to prevent tissue in-growth;
a collapsible anchor coupled to a proximal portion of the sleeve, the anchor being a wave anchor comprising interconnected struts with a webbing material coupled to the struts, the webbing material having a smooth exterior surface to prevent in-growth, and the anchor being configured to be retained within the duodenal bulb;
the drawstring threaded through a proximal end of the anchor; and
rigid protrusions extending radially outward from the exterior surface of the anchor at fixed angles;
radially collapsing at least a proximal portion of the implantable device by pulling the drawstring; and
moving the implantable device within the natural bodily lumen.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the drawstring is woven over and under the struts.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising a second drawstring that is woven over and under the struts.
10. The method of claim 8 , further comprising a second drawstring that is woven through pairs of holes between the struts.
11. The method of claim 7 wherein the sleeve is at least one foot in length.
12. The method of claim 7 , wherein the repositioning comprises removing the implantable device from the patient's body.
13. The method of claim 7 , wherein the protrusions are barbs that penetrate muscle.