A fixation device for holding stimulating electrodes in electrical contact
with the wall of a portion of the gastrointestinal tract is provided. In
one embodiment, the fixation device includes an expandable member that
fixes the electrodes in electrical contact with the gastrointestinal
tract wall. Also provided is an implantable device and method for
controlling the opening and/or closing of the pylorus. In particular a
device and method is provided for stimulating the duodenum to control the
closing/and or opening of the pylorus.
Finally, a method is provided for treating obesity by controlling the
pylorus to retain food in the stomach for a desired period of time, among
other things to provide a feeling of satiety and/or to reduce hunger. One
aspect includes controlling the pylorus's contraction by electrical
stimulation of the duodenum.
