Apparatus and methods are described for treatment of morbid obesity using
minimally invasive techniques. The apparatus includes a system of
components that may be used separately or in combination for effectively
reducing stomach volume, bypassing a portion of the stomach and/or small
intestines, reducing nutrient absorption in the stomach and/or small
intestines and/or depositing minimally or undigested food farther than
normal into the intestines, thereby stimulating intestinal responses. The
components described include an artificial stoma device, a gastric sleeve
device, an intestinal sleeve device, a combined gastrointestinal sleeve
device and permanent and detachable attachment systems. Also described
are devices for delivering and deploying the components of the system.
