A method and device for electrically stimulating one or more structures in
the gastrointestinal tract as described. The one or more structures are
preferably selected from the upper esophageal sphincter, the esophagus
and gastric fundus. The method may involve the step of arranging a
plurality of stimulating electrodes adjacent one or more structures which
may further include the lower esophageal sphincter, the stomach, the
pyloric sphincter, the small intestine, the colon and the vagus. The
method and device may further include sensing electrodes to detect change
in one or more physiological parameters in the gastrointestinal tract and
modulate the stimulating electrodes in response to the change. The device
comprises a pulse generator, a power source, a plurality of stimulating
electrode set, one or more sensing electrodes and means for varying
activity of the stimulating electrodes in response to change detected in
the gastrointestinal tract. The method and device may be used to treat
obesity and/or GERD.