Patent ID: 8608642
Filing Date: 2013-12-17
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: (a) a sensor device configured for implantation within a patient's gastrointestinal tract, wherein the sensor device comprises: (b) a restriction forming device configured for implantation within the patient, wherein the restriction forming device is configured to form a restriction in an anatomical structure of the patient, wherein the restriction forming device is coupled with the sensor device via a conduit such that the restriction forming device and the sensor device are in fluid communication via the conduit, wherein the restriction forming device selectively varies the degree of restriction formed by the restriction forming device based at least in part on whether the hydrogel is in a swelled state or a collapsed state, wherein the restriction forming device contains a fluid, wherein the degree of restriction formed by the restriction forming device is based on an amount of fluid in the restriction forming device, wherein the hydrogel is formulated to swell in response to being exposed to gastric fluids indicating consumption of food by the patient such that swelling by the hydrogel forces actuation fluid from the reservoir toward the restriction forming device to add fluid to the restriction forming device to thereby increase the degree of restriction formed by the restriction forming device; and (c) a catheter, wherein the catheter couples the restriction forming device with the fluid reservoir of the sensor device such that the fluid reservoir of the sensor device is in communication with the restriction forming device.