Methods and devices for delivering or delaying lipids within a duodenum

Abstract

Devices and methods described include a flow reduction device adapted and configured for use within the duodenum of a mammal having a spine, a first atraumatic feature, a second atraumatic feature, and a flow reduction element having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior portion, an exterior portion and a variable porosity between the proximal end and the distal end. One aspect of the device includes a spine having a proximal end and a distal end, an atraumatic feature positioned on at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the spine, and a flow reduction element positioned along the spine and having a variable porosity along its length.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device configured to adjust the passage of ingesta through the duodenum of a mammal, comprising:
 a spine having a proximal end and a distal end, the spine having a length such that when the proximal end is in a stomach of the mammal, the distal end is in a duodenum of the mammal; and   a flow reduction element positioned along the spine;   wherein at least one portion of the device comprises a material configured to attract a component of the ingesta.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material is a lipid-philic material. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one portion is the flow reduction element. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein there are a plurality of flow reduction elements, and wherein each of the flow reduction elements comprises the material. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow reduction element is configured to expand when used in the duodenum. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the flow reduction element is configured to self-expand. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one portion is the spine. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material is a coating on the spine or the flow reduction element. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material forms the spine or the flow reduction element. 
     
     
         10 . A method for adjusting the passage of ingesta through the duodenum of a mammal, comprising:
 placing a device in the mammal, the device comprising a spine having a proximal end and a distal end such that the proximal end is in a stomach of the mammal and the distal end is in the duodenum;   expanding a flow reduction element positioned along the spine in the duodenum; and   attracting a component from the ingesta to at least one portion of the device so as to hold the component for a period of time.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one portion is formed from or coated with a material configured to attract the component. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the material is a lipid-philic material. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the component comprises a lipid. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising releasing the component from the device after the period of time. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the releasing step occurs as peristalsis squeezes the at least one portion of the device. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein expanding the flow reduction element comprises allowing the flow reduction element to self-expand. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein there are a plurality of flow reduction elements, and wherein the expanding step comprises expanding each of the plurality of flow reduction elements. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one portion is the flow reduction element. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one portion is the spine.