Patent ID: 9011365
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A device for adjustably reducing absorption of nutrients from consumed food using an Adjustable Gastrointestinal Bifurcation (AGB) comprising: a first opening into which food passing through a person's gastrointestinal tract can enter, wherein food that enters this first opening passes through a first food-flow route; a second opening into which food passing through a person's gastrointestinal tract can enter, wherein food that enters this second opening passes through a second food-flow route, and wherein there is less absorption of nutrients from food that passes through the second food-flow route than if the same food were to pass through the first food-flow route, wherein the upstream ends of the first food-flow route and the second food-flow route form a bifurcation of the person's gastrointestinal tract, and wherein downstream ends of the first food-flow route and the second food-flow route reconverge at a downstream location in the person's gastrointestinal tract; and a flow-control member, wherein this flow-control member is configured to be implanted within the person's body, wherein this flow-control member can post-operatively and reversibly block the first opening, wherein this flow-control member can post-operatively and reversibly block the second opening, wherein the ability to selectively block the first opening or the second opening at different times enables the flow-control member to post-operatively and reversibly adjust the types and/or amounts of food that are sent into the first opening to pass through the first food-flow route versus the types and/or amounts of food that are sent into the second opening to pass through the second food-flow route, and wherein this flow-control member enables this food flow adjustment to be done in a minimally-invasive or non-invasive manner.