METHODS AND DEVICES FOR REDUCING GASTRIC VOLUME

摘要

The present invention involves new interventional methods and devices for reducing gastric volume, and thereby treating obesity. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged and approximated to create one or more tissue folds that are then secured by placing one or more tissue fasteners to produce one or more plications projecting into the gastrointestinal space. The serosal tissue may optionally be treated during the procedure to promote the formation of a strong serosa-to-serosa bond that ensures the long-term stability of the tissue plication. These procedures are preferably carried out entirely extragastrically (i.e. without penetrating through the gastrointestinal wall), thereby minimizing the risks of serious complications. Minimally invasive devices for approximating and fastening soft tissues are disclosed that enable these new interventional methods to be carried out safely, efficiently and quickly. Methods for reversing the procedure are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method for manipulating tissue, comprising: accessing an external surface of a wall of the gastrointestinal tract; engaging at least two tissue sites spaced apart from one another on the external surface of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby providing at least two engaged tissue sites; manipulating each of the at least two engaged tissue sites to form a tissue shoulder at each engaged tissue site; approximating the tissue shoulders toward one another and moving the tissue shoulders in proximity to one another to form a tissue fold extending into an internal gastric space; and securing the tissue shoulders to one another by applying a tissue fastener, thereby securing the tissue fold.