Abstract: A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments having an open mesh configuration is formed into an oblate shape having dimensions greater than the esophageal opening and gastric outlet of a stomach. The resulting prosthesis is deployed in the stomach and is of a size to be retained in the proximate portion thereof for exerting pressure on the upper fundus. The prosthesis limits the amount of food that may be held within the stomach, and exerts pressure on the fundus to create a sensation of being full, resulting in weight loss.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments having an open mesh configuration is formed into an oblate shape having dimensions greater than the esophageal opening and gastric outlet of a stomach. The resulting prosthesis is deployed in the stomach and is of a size to be retained in the proximate portion thereof for exerting pressure on the upper fundus. The prosthesis limits the amount of food that may be held within the stomach, and exerts pressure on the fundus to create a sensation of being full, resulting in weight loss.

Abstract: A guide conduit for facilitating insertion of flexible instruments into body lumens, the conduit defining a lumen extending from an opening at a proximal end of the conduit to a distal opening at the distal end of the conduit, the conduit comprises an outer layer forming a substantially smooth outer surface and a plastically deformable layer radially within the outer layer, the plastically deformable inner layer constructed to maintain its shape when subjected to a force below a predetermined threshold level and to assume a new shape when subjected to a bending force greater than the threshold level, wherein the threshold level is selected to be greater than a range of forces to which the conduit will be subjected by instruments inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen comprises an elongated body portion defining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism including an expanding structure on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The anchoring mechanism moves the expanding structure from an insertion configuration in which the expanding structure is constricted against the device to an operative configuration in a body in which the expanding structure expands away from the device without altering a length of the anchoring mechanism in combination with a control mechanism for selectively engaging the anchoring mechanism.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.

Abstract: Cryogenic tissue ablation instruments for treating body tissue include an elongate flexible body with a proximal supply port for coupling with a pressurized coolant (e.g., liquid N2O), a supply lumen in fluid communication with the proximal supply port, and an expandable cryogenic balloon carried on a distal portion of the elongate body, the balloon having a wall defining an interior of the balloon.

Abstract: Endoluminally delivered tissue patches and related systems and methods for delivering the tissue patches for treating lesions of the alimentary tract are disclosed. A tissue patch includes a substrate, a tissue implant attached to the substrate, and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the tissue implant. A method includes providing a tissue patch having a tissue implant attached to a substrate and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the tissue implant. The tissue patch is formed into a contracted state and inserted into a lumen containing the lesion. The tissue patch then is positioned in the vicinity of the lesion. After removing the protective liner to reveal the tissue implant, the tissue implant is placed in the lesion.

Abstract: Endoluminally delivered tissue patches and related systems and methods for delivering the tissue patches for treating lesions of the alimentary tract are disclosed. A tissue patch includes a substrate, a tissue implant attached to the substrate, and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the tissue implant. A method includes providing a tissue patch having a tissue implant attached to a substrate and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the tissue implant. The tissue patch is formed into a contracted state and inserted into a lumen containing the lesion. The tissue patch then is positioned in the vicinity of the lesion. After removing the protective liner to reveal the tissue implant, the tissue implant is placed in the lesion.

Abstract: Described herein are multi-part instrument systems and methods of use. The instrument can include an inner and outer body member where the inner body member is adapted to dock with the outer body member. When docked, driving the outer body member via a manipulation section can control the inner body. In use, an inner body member can be removed and replaced by a different inner body member to change the tool end effector. Alternatively, driving a manipulation section of the inner body member can control the outer body member. The outer body member can be disposable while the inner body member is reusable.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes an elongated elevator configured to receive and direct a treatment instrument for placement at a treatment location.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle and a shaft having a working channel. A biopsy port at the exterior of the handle provides a path for instruments leading to the working channel. A conduit that runs through the handle for supplying fluids is also provided a path to the working channel. As compared between the path from the biopsy port to the working channel and the path from the conduit to the working channel, the path from the biopsy port to the working channel is the more direct path of the two.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for creating and securing a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall. An aspect of the invention includes a two-piece tissue clip configured to be installed through an endoluminal device to secure a tissue fold. The clip includes a female member and a male member configured to engage one another to secure the tissue fold. Another aspect of the invention includes a clipping device comprising a tissue clip magazine. The magazine is configured to hold a plurality of tissue clips and install the plurality of tissue clips in a single actuation of the magazine. A method for using the clipping device together with the tissue clips of the present invention to create and secure a fold of tissue during an endoluminal procedure also is disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a medical device (e.g., tissue acquisition device) having a separate hemostasis capability and related methods of use are disclosed. The device may include an elongated tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, a tissue cutting member proximate the distal end of the tubular member, and a hemostatic member proximate the distal end of the tubular member and adjacent the tissue cutting member. At least one of the tissue cutting member and the hemostatic member may be fixedly connected to the tubular member.

Abstract: A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments having an open mesh configuration is formed into an oblate shape having dimensions greater than the esophageal opening and gastric outlet of a stomach. The resulting prosthesis is deployed in the stomach and is of a size to be retained in the proximate portion thereof for exerting pressure on the upper fundus. The prosthesis limits the amount of food that may be held within the stomach, and exerts pressure on the fundus to create a sensation of being full, resulting in weight loss.

Abstract: A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments is encased in an elastic membrane to form a thin-walled stent. The stent is sized to be snugly fitted in the proximate portion of the duodenum of a patient, to induce weight loss by limiting uptake of food passing through the stent. After a predetermined period, the stent degrades and passes from the body without surgical intervention.

Abstract: A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments having an open mesh configuration is formed into an oblate shape having dimensions greater than the esophageal opening and gastric outlet of a stomach. The resulting prosthesis is deployed in the stomach and is of a size to be retained in the proximate portion thereof for exerting pressure on the upper fundus. The prosthesis limits the amount of food that may be held within the stomach, and exerts pressure on the fundus to create a sensation of being full, resulting in weight loss.

Abstract: A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments is encased in an elastic membrane to form a thin-walled stent. The stent is sized to be snugly fitted in the proximate portion of the duodenum of a patient, to induce weight loss by limiting uptake of food passing through the stent. After a predetermined period, the stent degrades and passes from the body without surgical intervention.