Method for performing endoluminal fundoplication and apparatus for use in the method

Abstract

A method and device for performing endoluminal fundoplication are described. A device is inserted in the patient's stomach through the esophagus, including an unit adapted to grasp and pull a portion of the gastroesophageal junction into the stomach, and an unit adapted to move a portion of the fundus towards the esophagus. The device also can place fasteners to hold the gastric wall and the esophageal wall secured together, thus forming a valve between esophagus and stomach. An adhesive compound can be used to stabilize the juncture of the two walls.

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . A device for performing endoluminal fundoplication of a patient's esophagus and stomach, comprising: 
 a flexible tube having a distal end adapted for insertion in the stomach through the esophagus;    a tissue grasping device disposed at the distal end of the flexible tube, adapted to grasp a selected portion of the esophagus;    a tissue displacement device disposed adjacent the tissue grasping device, adapted to move a fundus portion of the stomach towards the esophagus; and    an anvil portion, pivotable relative the tissue displacement portion, wherein the tissue displacement device and the anvil portion releasably carry complementary portions of a fastener, such that said complementary portions are joined when the fundus portion is moved towards the esophagus.    
   
   
       19 - 22 . (canceled)