Methods and devices for tissue reconfiguration

US7776057B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael D. Laufer · Menlo Park, US
• Jeffrey C. Cerier · Franklin, US
• Amos Cruz · Wrentham, US
• Jonathan O'Keefe · Scituate, US
• Richard E. Andrews · Manchester, US
• Vincent A. Puicci, Jr. · Spencer, US
• Michael Barenboym · Framingham, US
• Neal Marshall · Bolton, US
• Randal B. Chinnock · Sturbridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 19, 2004
• Grant date: Aug 17, 2010
• Expiry date: May 30, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M25/0147
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method includes advancing an apparatus having an elongated member transorally into the stomach. The apparatus includes a distal end effector having first and second members configured to engage tissue. The first and second members are movable relatively toward one another generally in a first plane. The method includes moving the distal end effector relative to the elongated member in the first plane such that the distal end effector is retroflexed out of alignment with the elongated member to position the first and second members for engagement with the tissue. At least one of the first and second members carries a fixation device for fixing engaged portions of tissue together.