Method and apparatus for minimally-invasive fundoplication

摘要

A method and apparatus for performing a non-invasive fundoplication. The method involves: inserting a device through a patient's mouth and esophagus to a location near the gastro-esophageal junction; viewing portions of the stomach and esophagus; engaging the inside anterior wall of the fundus with the device; moving the fundus to a location adjacent the esophagus with the device; and securing the fundus to the side of the esophagus with the device. The device includes a flexible conduit (12) and a gastroscope (14) extending through the conduit. A stapler (16) also extends through the conduit. The stapler (16) sits at the bottom of the conduit in the esophagus just above the gastro-esophageal junction. A gripper (22) extends through and beyond the conduit. The gripper (22) has a gripping head (24) capable of gripping the fundus, and a linkage (28) that can move the gripping head and the gripped part of the fundus to the remote side of the esophagus where the stapler (16) will staple the fundus to the esophagus, using the gripper as an anvil.