Patent ID: 8282598

Claim:
A gastrointestinal implant system for treating metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity, the system comprising: a tubular implant adapted for placement within at least a portion of a duodenum, the tubular implant having a securing feature; and an external band configured for implantation around at least one of a pylorus, and the duodenum, the external band having a coupling feature for removably engaging and coupling with the securing feature of the tubular implant, without penetrating the duodenum or pylorus, such that the tubular implant resists migration within the gastrointestinal tract, and the external band having an implanted inner diameter generally equal to a corresponding outer diameter of the duodenum or pylorus; wherein the securing feature and coupling feature are configured such that the tubular implant is releasably coupled to the external band to facilitate removal of the tubular implant.