A collapsible gastrointestinal anchor can be characterized in various
embodiments by a radial force of about 0.1 Newtons (N) or greater at a
compressed diameter of 25 millimeters (mm); by an average spring rate of
about 13 Newtons/meter (N/m) or greater in a range of motion between a
relaxed diameter and a compressive elastic deformation diameter; or by a
radial force over the range of motion of about 0.1 N or greater.
Typically, the anchor can be adapted to be retained within a subject's
intestine, more typically in the duodenum, or particularly in the
duodenal bulb just distal to the pylorus. A gastrointestinal implant
device includes the collapsible gastrointestinal anchor and a floppy
sleeve. The sleeve is open at both ends and adapted to extend into a
subject's intestine, the anchor being coupled to a proximal portion of
the sleeve. Also include are methods of implanting the gastrointestinal
implant device in a subject, and methods of treating a subject for
disease. The disclosed gastrointestinal invention leads to an improved
ability to secure anchors and devices in the gastrointestinal tract while
tending to minimize migration.