Patent ID: 7590452
Filing Date: 2009-09-15
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M,A61N,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for treating or diagnosing a patient with a functional device comprising the steps of: visualizing a desired attachment site from within a stomach; advancing a guide from within a stomach so that a distal portion of the guide extends through a wall of the stomach at a desired attachment site along an inner surface of the stomach wall; coupling an electrode to a proximal portion of the guide while the proximal portion and electrode device are accessible from outside the patient; guiding the electrode device with the use of the guide through an esophagus of the patient to the attachment site from within the stomach; advancing an elongate portion of an anchor into the stomach wall and retaining the elongate portion within the stomach wall by engaging the inner surface of the stomach wall with a first surface of the anchor and engaging an outer surface of the stomach wall with a second surface of the anchor, wherein the elongate portion comprises a stimulating electrode, and wherein the first and second surfaces of the anchor protrude laterally from the elongate portion so as to capture the stomach wall therebetween and retain the electrode within the stomach wall; coupling electronic circuitry to the anchor and transmitting signals so as to allow stimulation of the stomach at the attachment site by the functional device.