Endolumenal restriction method and apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method for non-surgically creating a restriction in a tissue is provided where a binding mechanism is inserted into the tissue. This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for creating a stoma of a variable and reproducible size in a hollow organ.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A device for extracting a binding mechanism from a restriction in a tubular organ in a patient, comprising:
 a rotatable extractor having an outer surface and an opening located on the outer surface, wherein the opening is configured to engage a portion of the binding mechanism; and   an elongated and flexible delivery mechanism for locating the rotatable extractor proximate the restriction and for use in rotating the extractor such that rotation of the extractor causes rotation of the binding mechanism during extraction of the binding mechanism from the restriction.   
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 41 , further comprising a tapering portion located distal to the rotatable extractor, wherein the tapering portion tapers towards a distal terminal tip. 
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 41 , further comprising an extraction hood secured about the delivery mechanism proximal to the rotatable extractor, wherein a portion of the hood is moveable to cover at least a portion of the rotatable extractor. 
     
     
         44 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein the delivery mechanism comprises an outer tube and wherein the rotatable extractor is rotatable relative to the outer tube. 
     
     
         45 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the delivery mechanism further comprises and inner tube operatively connected to the rotatable extractor and wherein the inner tube is rotatable relative to the outer tube. 
     
     
         46 . A method for extracting a binding mechanism from a restriction in a tubular organ in a patient, comprising:
 locating a rotatable extractor having an outer surface and an opening located on the outer surface, wherein the opening is configured to engage a portion of the binding mechanism proximate the restriction;   engaging the portion of the binding mechanism with the opening of the rotatable extractor;   rotating the rotatable extractor to cause rotation of the binding mechanism; and   removing the binding mechanism from the restriction.   
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the binding mechanism comprises a coil and wherein rotation of the extractor causes rotation of the coil relative to the restriction in the tubular organ. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein rotatable extractor is inserted into the patient through a natural body opening of the subject. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 46 , further comprising: providing an elongated and flexible delivery mechanism for use in performing the locating, engaging, and rotating steps, wherein at least a portion of the flexible delivery mechanism extends from the natural body opening of the subject during performance of said steps. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the flexible delivery mechanism comprises an outer tube and wherein the extractor is rotated relative to the outer tube.