Obesity controlling method

Abstract

A method of controlling obesity by injecting bio-compatible bulking material into the pyloric sphincter area of the stomach. The injection of this material bulks the pyloric sphincter, retarding stomach emptying and producing a feeling of satiation in the patient. The method may be supplemental and augmented by inducing flacid paralysis of the stomach by injecting botulinum toxin into the muscle tissue of the antrum or fundus of the stomach.

1 . A method for treating obesity in a body of a patient having a mouth and a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter formed by a wall comprising passing an implant-forming material through the mouth and down the gastrointestinal tract to the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter and forming at least one implant in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter from the implant-forming material to retard emptying of the stomach. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the wall has a muscle layer, the at least one implant being formed in the muscle layer of the wall. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the passing step includes the step of introducing an endoscope through the mouth and into the gastrointestinal tract and passing the implant-forming material through the endoscope. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the forming step includes the step of injecting the implant-forming material into the wall. 
   
   
       5 . A method for treating obesity in a body of a patient having a mouth and a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach formed by a wall comprising passing an implant-forming material through the mouth and down the gastrointestinal tract to the stomach and forming at least one implant in the wall of the stomach from the implant-forming material to provoke longer periods of satiety. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the wall has a muscle layer, the at least one implant being formed in the muscle layer of the wall. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the passing step includes the step of introducing an endoscope through the mouth and into the gastrointestinal tract and passing the implant-forming material through the endoscope. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the forming step includes the step of injecting the implant-forming material into the wall. 
   
   
       9 . A method for treating obesity in a body of a patient having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter formed by a wall comprising the step of forming at least one implant in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to retard emptying of the stomach. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the wall has a muscle layer, the at least one implant being formed in the muscle layer of the wall. 
   
   
       11 . A method for treating obesity in a body of a patient having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach formed by a wall, comprising the step of introducing a solution into the wall of the stomach to form at least one implant in the wall so as to provoke longer periods of satiety. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the wall has a muscle layer, the at least one implant being formed in the muscle layer of the wall. 
   
   
       13 . A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a mouth and a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter formed by a wall comprising passing an implant-forming material through the mouth and down the gastrointestinal tract to the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter and forming at least one implant in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter from the implant-forming material to inhibit emptying of the stomach. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the wall has a muscle layer, the at least one implant being formed in the muscle layer of the wall. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the passing step includes the step of introducing a catheter through the mouth and into the gastrointestinal tract and passing the implant-forming material through the catheter. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the forming step includes the step of injecting the implant-forming material into the wall. 
   
   
       17 . A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a mouth and a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach formed by a wall comprising passing an implant-forming material through the mouth and down the gastrointestinal tract to the stomach and forming at least one implant in the wall of the stomach from the implant-forming material to provoke longer periods of satiety. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the wall has a muscle layer, the at least one implant being formed in the muscle layer of the wall. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the passing step includes the step of introducing a catheter through the mouth and into the gastrointestinal tract and passing the implant-forming material through the catheter. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the forming step includes the step of injecting the implant-forming material into the wall.