| abstract |
An inflatable balloon (10) is placed in the stomach, to treat obesity by reducing appetite for food. The balloon can be inflated by liquid delivered to it by a supply line, (Fig. 1), by the gaseous reaction product of a chemical reaction within the ballon (Fig. 3) or by absorption of liquid through its semi-permeable wall (Fig. 4). The balloon is preferably piriform or ellipsoidal. Delivery to the stomach of the balloon (10) and supply line (13) by an overtube (14) with a closed smooth end presentation (16) is achieved by providing a fully-bounded side slit (17) in the overtube (14) from which the balloon (10) exists the overtube during its inflation. The balloon valve (11) and supply line (13) are preferably a mutual friction fit, enabling traction on the supply line alone to leave the balloon free-floating in the stomach following its inflation. |