Esophageal sleeve

Abstract

A device for treating acid reflux comprising a sleeve configured and dimensioned for insertion into the esophagus of the patient, the sleeve having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion between the distal and proximal portions. The sleeve includes a an inner member applying a radial force on the sleeve for securement within the esophagus, and a skirt connected to the sleeve to block acid backup from the stomach while not inhibiting passage of food into the stomach.

1 . A device for treating acid reflux comprising a sleeve configured and dimensioned for insertion into the esophagus of the patient, the sleeve having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion between the distal and proximal portions, the sleeve including an inner member applying a radial force on the sleeve for securement within the esophagus, and a skirt connected to the sleeve to block acid backup from the stomach while not inhibiting passage of food into the stomach. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner member is formed in a spiral shape. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve has a retrieval structure at a proximal portion for retrieval of the sleeve. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner member comprises a helical coil in the form of a wire. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner member includes a spiral configuration having a double helix configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of tines extending externally of the sleeve to grasp a wall of the esophagus. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the skirt extends distally beyond a distal end of the sleeve. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the skirt is positioned entirely internally of the sleeve. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the skirt includes a plurality of overlapping flaps. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the flaps are only positioned along an edge to reduce an internal diameter of the sleeve in a collapsed position. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner member comprises a mesh. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner member comprises a stent-like body. 
     
     
         13 - 20 . (canceled)