Methods and systems for treating hiatal hernias

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to medical methods and systems used to restore the angle of His and treat hiatal hernias and other conditions of the lower esophagus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system that allows fixation of the distal esophagus and fundus of the stomach directly to the diaphragmatic crus muscle. The present invention provides a method where the diaphragmatic crus muscle is identified and precisely located from within and through the gastrointestinal lumen followed by the placement of a translumenal anchor which connects and secures the esophagus and stomach to the diaphragmatic crus muscle. This procedure reduces the hiatal hernia, restores the normal anatomy and treats conditions associated with the lower esophagus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for treating a hiatal hernia which extends into a patient's esophagus, said method comprising:
 moving the hiatal hernia downwardly to capture a crus muscle between a lower esophageal wall and a gastric fundus;   confirming that the crus muscle is located between the lower esophageal wall and the gastric fundus at a target site; and   fastening at least the lower esophageal wall to the gastric fundus with a fastener that passes through the crus muscle at a target site.