Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved device and method for acquiring, and optionally, fastening a tissue fold. The device has an improved configuration for forming a single, two-layer tissue fold.

Abstract: A device for use in guiding the position of a surgical tool from a remote location is disclosed. The device includes a handle, an elongate shaft mounted on the handle, an elongate articulation assembly carried at its proximal end to the shaft and adapted to receive the surgical tool at the assembly's distal end, and a cable operatively connecting the handle to the articulation assembly. The position of the articulation assembly is controlled by rotating a knob on the handle, which moves the articulation into different angled configurations depending on whether the knob is rotated in clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: Described herein are endoscopic plicators passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed plicators allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver sutures, staples or other means for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications is formed, medical devices may be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.

Abstract: A staple housing includes an array of staples each in a staple delivery position or “ready position” ready to be fired into target tissue. A staple driver is advanceable to drive the ready-position staples from the staple head into the tissue using staple pushers. During use, the staples in the ready positions are simultaneously fired into the target tissue using the staple pushers, forming an array of staples in the target tissue. After the array has been fired, one or more feed mechanisms within the staple housing advance a second group of staples from one or more staple storage locations into the ready positions in preparation for firing of the second group of staples.

Abstract: In a method of stapling layers of tissue within a body cavity, an engaging instrument is passed between a stapler cartridge and anvil and used to engage a region of tissue. The engaging instrument is retracted to move the engaged tissue into the stapling position, and driving staples from the cartridge through at least two layers of the engaged tissue. The method and associated system may be used to form plications in body tissue, such as stomach wall tissue. Staples simultaneously driven thorugh tissue may simultaneously capture a reinforcing elements positioned adjacent the cartridge and/or anvil prior to stapling.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for inducing weight loss in a patient, which comprises an extragastric space occupier positionable in contact with an exterior surface of a stomach wall to form an inward protrusion of wall into the stomach, and a retention device positionable in contact with the wall to retain the inward protrusion and to thereby capture the extragastric space occupier within the protrusion.

Abstract: The present application describes an implant system useable for positioning an implant device such as a device useful for restricting passage of ingested food into the stomach. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a plurality of anchors that may be coupled to tissue within the stomach, or to a tissue tunnel formed by plicating stomach wall tissue. The anchor includes a loop. During use, the implant device is inserted through the loop and expanded such that it retains its position within the loop until removed. Instruments for implanting and explanting the implant device are also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is described that is positionable within the gastro-esophageal junction region of a patient. The prosthetic device includes a proximal opening and a distal orifice that is adjustable in size prior to and/or following implantation. During use, the prosthetic device is attached to tissue of the gastro-esophageal junction region of the patient, with the device positioned such that food ingested by the patient passes from the esophagus through the proximal opening into the interior of the prosthetic device, and eventually exits the prosthetic device via the distal opening.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for inducing weight loss in a patient, which comprises an extragastric space occupier positionable in contact with an exterior surface of a stomach wall to form an inward protrusion of wall into the stomach, and a retention device positionable in contact with the wall to retain the inward protrusion and to thereby capture the extragastric space occupier within the protrusion.

Abstract: The present application describes an implant system useable for positioning an implant device such as a device useful for restricting passage of ingested food into the stomach. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a plurality of anchors that may be coupled to tissue within the stomach, or to a tissue tunnel formed by plicating stomach wall tissue. The anchor includes a loop. During use, the implant device is inserted through the loop and expanded such that it retains its position within the loop until removed. Instruments for implanting and explanting the implant device are also described.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: An intestinal implant includes a proximal anchor self-expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expandable position for engagement with a wall of the intestinal lumen and a flexible sleeve coupled to the anchor. The sleeve is implanted with the anchor downstream from the pylorus and the sleeve extending further downstream through the intestinal lumen.

Abstract: An intestinal implant includes a proximal anchor self-expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expandable position for engagement with a wall of the intestinal lumen and a flexible sleeve coupled to the anchor. The sleeve is implanted with the anchor downstream from the pylorus and the sleeve extending further downstream through the intestinal lumen.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction.

Abstract: Systems for controlling obesity utilize a number of space occupiers positioned in the stomach to reduce the effective volume of the stomach. Such arrangements provides sufficient stomach volume consumption to induce weight loss, but enable use of space occupiers that are proportioned to minimize the threat of obstruction even if they should migrate into the intestine. In general, numerous small volume space occupiers are placed in the stomach such that the total volume equals or exceeds the single volume of prior art single unit space occupiers. However, each individual space occupier is proportioned so that it will pass without obstruction if it moves into the intestine.