Title of Invention

"AN APPARATUS FOR DIVERTING DIGESTIVE SECRETION DISCHARGED INTO A PATIENT'S INTESTINAL TRACT"

Abstract The invention relates to an apparatus for diverting digestive secretions discharged into a patient's intestinal tract from at least one of the duodenal papilla, the apparatus comprising (a) a tubular lined anchor, wherein when the anchor is deployed, a proximal end and a distal end of the anchor attach to the duodenum wall proximally and distally respectively about the duodenal papilla, for the creation of a substantially isolated chamber between an outer surface of the lined anchor and the duodenum wall, the anchor further comprising an opening extending through the lined anchor between the proximal end and distal end of the lined anchor for the passage of digestive secretions from the generally isolated chamber into the intestinal tract; (b) a diversionary tube comprising a proximal end in fluid communication with the opening and being operative to receive digestive secretions discharged therefrom, a distal end which when deployed is operative to discharge the digestive secretions into the intestinal tract, and whereby when deployed, the apparatus is operative to transfer the digestive secretions from the isolated chamber adjacent the anchor to the distal end of the diversionary tube while exposing a substantial portion of the intestinal tract about the apparatus to contact with food.
Full Text
"AN APPARATUS FOR DIVERTING DIGESTIVE SECRETIONS
DISCHARGED INTO A PATIENT'S INTESTINAL TRACT"
BACKGROUND
It is generally recognized that the mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract,
also known as the alimentary tract. Digestion starts as soon as you take the first bite
of a meal. Chewing breaks the food into pieces that are more easily digested, while
saliva mixes with food to begin the process of breaking it down into a form the body
can absorb and use. The throat, also called the pharynx, is the next destination for
food. From here, food travels to the esophagus or swallowing tube.
The esophagus is a muscular tube extending from the pharynx to the
stomach. By means of a series of contractions, called peristalsis, the esophagus
delivers food to the stomach. Just before the connection to the stomach there is a
zone of high pressure, called the lower esophageal sphincter, which functions
something like a valve to keep food from passing backwards into the esophagus.
The stomach is a sac-like organ with strong muscular walls. In addition to holding the
food, it is also a mixer and grinder. The stomach secretes acid and powerful
enzymes that continue the process of breaking the food down. When food leaves the
stomach, it is the consistency of a liquid or paste. From there the food moves to the
small intestine.
The small intestine is a long tube loosely coiled in the abdomen and is made
up of three segments (the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). The small intestine
continues the process of breaking down food by using digestive secretions
comprising enzymes released by the pancreas and bile from the liver. Peristalsis is
also at work in the small intestine, moving food through and mixing it up with
digestive secretions. The duodenum is largely responsible for continuing the process
of breaking down food, with the jejunum and ileum being mainly responsible for the
absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
Three organs help the stomach and small intestine digest food: the pancreas,
liver, and gallbladder. Among other functions, the pancreas secretes enzymes into
the small intestine. These enzymes break down protein, fat, and carbohydrate from
the food we eat. The liver has many functions, two of which are to make and secrete
bile, and to cleanse and purify the blood coming from the small intestine containing
the nutrients just absorbed. Bile is a compound that aids in the digestion of fat and
eliminates waste products from the blood. The gallbladder is a reservoir that sits just
under the liver and stores bile. Bile travels from the liver to the gallbladder through a
channel called the cystic duct. During a meal, the gallbladder contracts sending bile

to the small intestine. Once introduced into the small intestine, the bile and
pancreatic secretions aid in the digestion of food.
Once the nutrients have been absorbed and the leftover liquid has passed
through the small intestine, the remainder is passed to the large intestine, or colon.
The colon is a long muscular tube that connects the small intestine to the rectum. It
is made up of the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, and
the sigmoid colon that connects to the rectum. Stool, or waste left over from the
digestive process, is passed through the colon by means of peristalsis, first in a
liquid state and ultimately in solid form. As stool passes through the colon, the rest of
the water is removed. Stool is stored in the sigmoid colon until a mass movement
empties it into the rectum. The stool itself is mostly food debris and bacteria. These
bacteria perform several useful functions, such as synthesizing various vitamins,
processing waste products and food particles, and protecting against harmful
bacteria. When the descending colon becomes full of stool, or feces, it empties its
contents into the rectum to begin the process of elimination.
The rectum is a short chamber that connects the colon to the anus. It is the
rectum's job to receive stool from the colon and to hold the stool until evacuation
happens. When anything (gas or stool) comes into the rectum, sensors send a
message to the brain. The brain then decides if the rectal contents can be released
or not. If they can, the sphincters relax and the rectum contracts, expelling its
contents. If the contents cannot be expelled, the sphincters contract and the rectum
accommodates, so that the sensation temporarily goes away.
The anus is the last part of the digestive tract. It consists of the pelvic floor
muscles and the two anal sphincters (internal and external muscles). The lining of
the upper anus is specialized to detect rectal contents, indicating whether the
contents are liquid, gas, or solid. The pelvic floor muscle creates an angle between
the rectum and the anus that stops stool from coming out when it is not supposed to.
The anal sphincters provide fine control of stool. The internal sphincter is always
tight, except when stool enters the rectum.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One example of the invention is an apparatus for diverting digestive
secretions, such as bile or pancreatic secretions. The apparatus comprises a tube
which when deployed is positioned substantially within the small intestine. The tube

comprises a proximal end which when deployed is operative to receive digestive
secretions, a distal end which when deployed is operative to discharge the digestive
secretions into the alimentary tract, and a tube wall having an inner surface and an
outer surface, the tube wall inner surface defining passage extending between the
proximal and distal ends. When deployed the passage is operative to transfer the
digestive secretions from the proximal end to the distal end and the tube wall is
operative to separate the digestive secretions from food in the small intestine.
Another example of the invention is an apparatus to facilitate nutritional
malabsorption by diverting bile and pancreatic secretions. A tube comprises a
proximal end, a distal end, a tube wall having an inner surface and an outer surface,
and a passage extending between the proximal end and distal end and being
defined by the inner surface of the wall. A stent is connected to the proximal end of
the tube and being dimensioned for engaging an anatomical lumen (such as the
hepatopancreatic ampulla, bile duct, pancreatic duct, and/or duodenum) through
which digestive secretions flow. When deployed in a patient the stent is positioned
in the anatomical lumen, a substantial portion of the tube is positioned in the small
intestine, and the bile and pancreatic secretions of the patient enter the proximal
end, flow through the passage and discharge from the distal end into the small
intestine or large intestine thereby reducing digestive contact between the bile and
pancreatic secretions and food in the small intestine.
Yet another example of the invention is a method to treat obesity by diverting
digestive secretions to facilitate malabsorption. A tube is placed in the small intestine
of a patient, the tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a tube wall having an
inner surface and an outer surface, a passage extending between the proximal end
and distal end and being defined by the inner surface of the wall, and a stent
connected to the proximal end. The stent is attached in or near the major duodenal
papilla such that the proximal end of the tube receives bile and pancreatic
secretions. The distal end of the tube is in the small intestine of a patient in a
location distal to the major duodenal papilla. Digestive contact is prevented between
the bile and pancreatic secretions and food in the small intestine by passing bile and
pancreatic secretions through the tube passage. The bile and pancreatic secretions
are discharged from the distal end of the tube into the small intestine.
The foregoing brief description of examples of the invention should not be
used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects,

embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the
best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the
invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and
distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better
understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same
elements and in which:
Fig. 1 depicts an example of a diversionary tube deployed in a small intestine;
Fig. 2 depicts an example of diversionary tube with a stent;
Fig. 3 depicts a dissected anatomical view with a Y-stent;
Fig. 4 depicts a dissected anatomical view with a permeable stent; and
Fig. 5 depicts an example of a duodenum stent with diversionary tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the human digestive tract, including
a section of the stomach (8) and the small intestine (10). As shown here the small
intestine (10) includes the duodenum (12) and a section of the jejunum (16). Also
shown are sections of the bile duct (22) and pancreatic duct (24), which transport
bile and pancreatic secretions that discharge through the major duodenal papilla (20)
into the duodenum (12). The anatomy of the bile duct (22), pancreatic duct (24) and
major duodenal papilla (20) can vary. In some cases, the bile duct (22) and
pancreatic duct (24) merge together into the hepatopancreatic ampulla (26), a
common duct which opens through the major duodenal papilla (20) into the
duodenum (12). The hepatopancreatic ampulla (26) can vary in length from one
person to the next. In other cases, a person lacks a hepatopancreatic ampulla (26) in
which case the bile duct (22) and pancreatic duct (24) both open directly into the
duodenum (12), typically through the major duodenal papilla (20).

In one example of the invention, a diversionary tube (30) is positioned
substantially within the small intestine (10) of a patient. The diversionary tube (30)
comprises a proximal end (32), a distal end (34), and a tube wall having an inner
surface and an outer surface whereby the inner surface defines a passage extending
between the proximal end (32) and distal end (34). In the present example, the
deployed state of the diversionary tube (30) comprises the proximal end (32) being
positioned so as to receive digestive secretions, the distal end (34) being positioned
to discharge the digestive secretions into the small intestine (10), and the passage
being operative to transfer the digestive secretions from the proximal end (32) to the
distal end (34). The tube wall is operative to separate the digestive secretions from
food in the small intestine (10). The digestive secretions continue to flow freely but
digestive contact between the bile and pancreatic secretions and food in the small
intestine (10) is reduced thereby facilitating malabsorption of food nutrients and
reducing caloric uptake to the patient. In addition, because the digestive secretions
flow inside the diversionary tube (30), direct contact is minimized between the
intestine wall and the digestive secretions, which can be irritating or caustic when not
mixed with food.
The diversionary tube (30) will generally be deployed transorally using
endoscopic techniques known in the art, however, the diversionary tube (30) could
be deployed transanally or intrabdominally. The proximal end (32) is anchored using
any one of a variety of different techniques, including without limitation using stents,
sutures, staples, flanges, rings, clips, hooks, adhesives, and the like. As shown here,
the proximal end (32) is anchored on or near the major duodenal papilla (20) and
receives both bile and pancreatic secretions, however, it is also contemplated that
the proximal end (32) could receive only one of the two digestive secretions. Before
or after anchoring the proximal end (32), the distal end (34) is positioned distally in
the small intestine (10). In one embodiment, the distal end (34) is deployed using the
natural peristalsis and movement of food through the small intestine (10) until the
diversionary tube (30) is fully extended in the small intestine (10). The degree of the
malabsorption sought can be controlled by the length of the diversionary tube (30). In
most cases, the distal end (34) will be positioned in the jejunum (16) or the ileum,
however, it is possible the distal end (34) could be positioned in any distal location in
the alimentary tract such as the duodenum (12) or the colon. The diversionary tube

(30) length can be relatively long initially to maximize malabsorption, and shortened
during later procedures to tailor a longer-term malabsorption rate.
Nutrient malabsorption can be used for a number of reasons. One such use is
to induce weight loss as a treatment for morbid obesity. An alternative malabsorption
technique is to perform a biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) procedure, which involves
significant surgery to reroute the proximal portion of the small intestine. While the
BPD procedure can successfully diminish the adverse effects of the co-morbidities
associated with morbid obesity and significantly enhance the patient's quality of life,
the treatment is highly invasive and difficult to reverse. In contrast, deployment of the
diversionary tube (30) is minimally invasive and comparatively simple to reverse
while providing the same or similar therapeutic benefits.
Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a diversionary tube (30). Attached to the
proximal end (32) is a stent (36) for engaging an anatomical lumen through which
digestive secretions flow, such as the bile duct (22), pancreatic duct (24), or
hepatopancreatic ampulla (26). The stent (36)may or may not hold sphincters open
corresponding to the respective anatomical lumens. The stent (36) can take any one
of a variety of configurations known in the art and dimensioned to fit in the desired
anatomical lumen. In addition, the stent (36) can be lined with a sleeve of the same
or different material as the diversionary tube (30). In one example, the stent (36) is
an expanding nitinol stent.
The diversionary tube (30) can be made from any one of a variety of materials
known in the art, including without limitation polytetrafluoroethylene or other
fluropolymers, polyolefins, dacron, latex, silicone, and the like. The diversionary tube
(30) may be made from a homogenous material or from a composite structure. For
instance, the diversionary tube (30) could comprise an isolating layer and a separate
stiffening component so as to prevent crimping or knotting. It is further contemplated
that the diversionary tube (30) could be made; from materials that biodegrade within
a predetermined time so the diversionary tube (30) could be removed through the
normal digestive processes.
The wall of the diversionary tube (30) in the present example is generally
impermeable so as to minimize communication of the digestive secretions with the
food until the secretions are discharged through the distal end (34). It is
contemplated, however, that the diversionary tube (30) wall could be semi-
permeable, for example through pores or perforations, to facilitate a gradual release

of the digestive secretions into the small intestine (10). In another example, the
diversionary tube (30) wall is permeable to water so moisture in the small intestine
(10) would hydrate the digestive secretions in the diversionary tube (30) by virtue of
an osmotic gradient and facilitate flow through the diversionary tube (30) passage. In
such example, the diversionary tube (30) wall could be semi-permeable or
impermeable to the digestive secretions.
Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment where a Y-stent (40) is connected to the
proximal end (32). The Y-stent (40) includes a biliary portion (42) inserted in the bile
duct (22) and a pancreatic portion (44) inserted in the pancreatic duct (24). The Y-
stent (40) may or may not extend into the hepatopancreatic ampulla (26). The
diversionary tube (30) extends from the Y-stent (40) in the hepatopancreatic ampulla
(26) and into the small intestine (10) through the major duodenal papilla (20).
Accordingly, bile flowing through the bile duct (22) and pancreatic secretions flowing
through the pancreatic duct (24) will enter the proximal end (32) and flow through the
diversionary tube (30).
Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment where a permeable stent (50) is connected to
the proximal end (32). As shown in this example, the permeable stent (50) is partially
lined and is inserted in the bile duct (22) and hepatopancreatic ampulla (26).
Accordingly, bile flowing through the bile duct (22) will enter proximal end (32) of the
diversionary tube (30) through the permeable stent (50). The permeable stent (50)
includes a passage (52) through which pancreatic secretions flowing from the
pancreatic duct (24) pass through the wall of the permeable stent (50) and enter the
proximal end (32) of the diversionary tube (30). The passage (52) may take a variety
of forms, including holes (as shown here), an unlined band in the permeable stent
(50), or the permeable stent (50) being devoid of any lining. Alternative embodiments
include the permeable stent (50) being inserted in the pancreatic duct (24) and
hepatopancreatic ampulla (26), or not inserted in the hepatopancreatic ampulla (26)
at all.
In another variation, the bile and pancreatic secretions are received by two
diversionary tubes that maintain separation between the two digestive secretions.
The diversionary tubes may be co-axial (i.e., one inside the other) or independent.
One advantage of separate diversionary tubes is that the corresponding digestive
secretions can be discharged at different locations along the alimentary tract by
changing the length of the respective diversionary tubes. For instance, one

diversionary tube could be long enough to discharge bile into the jejunum while the
other diversionary tube could be long enough to discharge the pancreatic secretions
into the ileum. In yet another variation, only one of the digestive secretions is
diverted. For instance, pancreatic secretions can be channeled in a diversionary tube
while the bile naturally discharges into the duodenum through the major duodenal
papilla (or vice versa).
Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment where a duodenum stent (60) (shown here in
a partial cross-section) is deployed in the anatomical lumen of the duodenum (12). In
this example the duodenum stent (60) is flexible, lined, and generally hourglass-
shaped. When deployed the proximal end (64) and distal end (66) substantially
engage the duodenum wall (14) such that food flowing through the duodenum (12)
passes through the duodenum stent (60). An annulus (62) is defined between the
duodenum stent (60) and duodenum wall (14). The duodenum stent (60) is
positioned in the duodenum (12) such the annulus (62) encompasses the major
duodenal papilla (20). Optionally, the annulus (62) may also encompass the minor
duodenal papilla (not shown). The proximal end (32) of the diversionary tube (30)
extends through the distal end (66) and opens into the annulus (62), thus providing
fluid communication between the annulus (62) and distal end (34) of the diversionary
tube (30). Accordingly, digestive secretions will enter the annulus (62) through the
major duodenal papilla (20) and/or minor duodenal papilla, enter the diversionary
tube (30) through the proximal end (32), flow through the diversionary tube (30), and
discharge into the small intestine (10) through the distal end (34). One advantage of
the present embodiment is that it can accommodate a variety of anatomies of the
bile duct (22), pancreatic duct (24) and major duodenal papilla (20). A further
advantage is the device may be deployed without intervening with the pancreatic
anatomy.
Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,
further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein can be
accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential
modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in
terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of
structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

WE CLAIM
1. An apparatus for diverting digestive secretions discharged into a patient's
intestinal tract from at least one of the duodenal papilla, the apparatus
comprising:
a) a tubular lined anchor, wherein when the anchor is deployed, a
proximal end and a distal end of the anchor attach to the duodenum
wall proximally and distally respectively about the duodenal papilla, for
the creation of a substantially isolated chamber between an outer
surface of the lined anchor and the duodenum wall, the anchor further
comprising an opening extending through the lined anchor between
the proximal end and distal end of the lined anchor for the passage of
digestive secretions from the generally isolated chamber into the
intestinal tract;
b) a diversionary tube comprising a proximal end in fluid communication
with the opening and being operative to receive digestive secretions
discharged therefrom, a distal end which when deployed is operative
to discharge the digestive secretions into the intestinal tract, and
whereby when deployed, the apparatus is operative to transfer the
digestive secretions from the isolated chamber adjacent the anchor to
the distal end of the diversionary tube while exposing a substantial
portion of the intestinal tract about the apparatus to contact with food.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube wall is substantially
impermeable.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube wall is at least
partially permeable to water.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the tube wall has an osmotic
gradient.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube is a sufficient
length so that when deployed the distal end of the tube is positioned in
the jejunum.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube is a sufficient
length so that when deployed the distal end of the tube is positioned in
the ileum.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anchor comprises a
stent.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the anchor is generally
hourglass-shaped.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liner material is the
same material as the tube wall.
10.The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube wall further
comprises a stiffening component.
11.The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube wall is
biodegradable.

12.The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the stent is expandable to
attach the anchor to the duodenum.
13.The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the opening extends into a
generally open passageway extending between the proximal end and the
distal end.
14.The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the opening extends into a
narrow waist of the passageway.
15.The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diversionary tube has a
cross section substantially smaller than the passageway to allow passage
of food around the diversionary tube.
16.The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anchor is sized to
expose a substantial potion of the duodenum to contact with food.
17.The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diversionary tube has a
cross section substantially smaller than the small intestine to allow
passage of food around the diversionary tube.
: "AN APPARATUS FOR DIVERTING DIGESTIVE SECRETIONS
DISCHARGED INTO A PATIENT'S INTESTINAL TRACT"
The invention relates to an apparatus for diverting digestive secretions
discharged into a patient's intestinal tract from at least one of the duodenal
papilla, the apparatus comprising (a) a tubular lined anchor, wherein when the
anchor is deployed, a proximal end and a distal end of the anchor attach to the
duodenum wall proximally and distally respectively about the duodenal papilla,
for the creation of a substantially isolated chamber between an outer surface of
the lined anchor and the duodenum wall, the anchor further comprising an
opening extending through the lined anchor between the proximal end and distal
end of the lined anchor for the passage of digestive secretions from the generally
isolated chamber into the intestinal tract; (b) a diversionary tube comprising a
proximal end in fluid communication with the opening and being operative to
receive digestive secretions discharged therefrom, a distal end which when
deployed is operative to discharge the digestive secretions into the intestinal
tract, and whereby when deployed, the apparatus is operative to transfer the
digestive secretions from the isolated chamber adjacent the anchor to the distal
end of the diversionary tube while exposing a substantial portion of the intestinal
tract about the apparatus to contact with food.

Documents:

500-KOL-2004-(07-12-2011)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

500-KOL-2004-(09-04-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

500-KOL-2004-(09-04-2012)-FORM-1.pdf

500-KOL-2004-(09-04-2012)-FORM-2.pdf

500-KOL-2004-(19-03-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

500-KOL-2004-(19-12-2011)-PA-CERTIFIED COPIES.pdf

500-KOL-2004-ABSTRACT-1.1.pdf

500-kol-2004-abstract.pdf

500-KOL-2004-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

500-kol-2004-assignment.pdf

500-kol-2004-claims.pdf

500-kol-2004-correspondence.pdf

500-KOL-2004-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE)-1.1.pdf

500-kol-2004-description (complete).pdf

500-kol-2004-drawings.pdf

500-KOL-2004-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.pdf

500-kol-2004-examination report.pdf

500-KOL-2004-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

500-kol-2004-form 1.pdf

500-kol-2004-form 18.pdf

500-KOL-2004-FORM 2-1.1.pdf

500-kol-2004-form 2.pdf

500-KOL-2004-FORM 3-1.1.pdf

500-kol-2004-form 3.pdf

500-kol-2004-form 5.pdf

500-KOL-2004-FORM-(19-12-2011)-1.pdf

500-KOL-2004-OTHERS.pdf

500-KOL-2004-PA.pdf

500-KOL-2004-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

500-kol-2004-specification.pdf

500-kol-2004-translated copy of priority document.pdf

500-KOL-2004.-(19-12-2011)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf


Patent Number 252710
Indian Patent Application Number 500/KOL/2004
PG Journal Number 22/2012
Publication Date 01-Jun-2012
Grant Date 28-May-2012
Date of Filing 20-Aug-2004
Name of Patentee ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC
Applicant Address 4545 CREEK ROAD, CINCINNATI, OH, OHIO, 45242
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 ROBERT H. MCKENNA 8197 HEARTHSTONE COURT, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45241
2 JEAN M. BEAUPRE 8014 BUCKLAND DR. CINCINNARTI, OHIO 45249
PCT International Classification Number A
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10/644571 2003-08-20 U.S.A.