Devices for treatments of diseases and disorders associated with the
gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, or urinogenital tract are
described herein. Initially, the device is in a temporary form which is
suitable for oral or rectal administration. After exposure to a stimulus,
such as a temperature or pH change, the device changes shape to a
permanent form, which allows it to become mechanically fixed in the
stomach, esophagus or intestine. In one embodiment, the device is used to
reduce the volume of the stomach, esophagus or intestine without
interfering with the flow of the food through the gastrointestinal tract.
The device may be used to help overweight patients lose weight and to
deliver drugs to treat disorders and diseases in the in the stomach or
intestine. The devices are manufactured from a stimuli-sensitive
polymeric material, which is biocompatible and primarily adapted to the
mechanical properties and geometry in the area to which it is applied. In
the preferred embodiment, the material is a shape memory polymer.
Depending on the desired application, the polymer may be either
biodegradable or non-degradable.