| abstract |
A gastric constriction device (100) comprises an elongate spiral band (101) which may be extended around a stomach (24) in a spiral to constrict the volume of the stomach (24). In use a suction device (105) is inserted through the oesophagus (107), into the interior of the unrestricted stomach (24), until the distal tip (108) of the suction device (105) reaches the pylorus (109). Suction is then applied to the interior of the stomach (24) using the suction device (105). This suction exerts a collapsing force on the stomach (24), and causes the stomach (24) to partially collapse from the normal volume to a reduced volume. The spiral band (101) is positioned relative to the partially collapsed stomach (24) extending around the stomach (24) in a spiral, and the spiral band (101) is fixed in position. The suction may then be released, and the suction device (105) is removed from the stomach (24) and oesophagus (107). The gastric constriction device (100) remains fixed in position around the stomach (24) constricting the volume of the stomach (24). |