Intragastric balloon with improved valve locating means

Patent 5084061 Issued on January 28, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date:

August 16, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

1008641

1702974

2073766

2700980

Method and apparatus for treating obesity
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Inventors

Application

No. 394545 filed on 08/16/1989

US Classes:

606/195, Detachable from inflation means604/99.02, Valve controlling means604/103, With means bonding or mechanically securing balloon sleeve or connector member (e.g., coupling funnel, etc.) to conduit604/103.1, Having radiopaque characteristics (e.g., ring, marker, tip, etc.)604/909, APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY [A61F 5/00B]606/192Inflatable or expandible by fluid

Examiners

Primary: Yasko, John D.
Assistant: Maglione, Corrine

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Petit; Michael G.

International Class

A61M 029/00

Abstract

An intragastric balloon has an ellipsoid or like configuration so that the balloon implanted in the stomach tends to rotate or rock only about one axis when a surgeon attempts to manipulate the balloon, for example, for the purpose of finding a filler valve and inserting a filler tube into it. For easy location, the filler valve is disposed on the equator. A retrieval tab is mounted to the exterior of the balloon, to permit capturing of the balloon and retrieval from the stomach, after the balloon has been deflated and is no longer desired for weight control purposes. Visual and X-ray opaque markers are located in the proximity of the valve and of the retrieval tab to facilitate their visualization with an endoscopic light when the balloon is in the stomach.