Abstract: Devices and methods for acquiring and fastening tissues folds within an internal organ, such as the stomach, and for applying the methods and devices to producing reductions in organ volume or repair of bariatric procedures, are disclosed. An exemplary method for forming a continuous laterally extending tissue fold involves forming a succession of laterally extending folds having adjacent overlapping fold portions. One exemplary tissue-acquisition device has an open-end roller-and-arm structure that allows individual tissue folds to be formed and fastened, then advanced to an adjacent region within the stomach, for capture of a new fold that will form an extension of the existing fold(s).

Abstract: Devices and methods for acquiring and fastening tissues folds within an internal organ, such as the stomach, and for applying the methods and devices to producing reductions in organ volume or repair of bariatric procedures, are disclosed. An exemplary method for forming a continuous laterally extending tissue fold involves forming a succession of laterally extending folds having adjacent overlapping fold portions. One exemplary tissue-acquisition device has an open-end roller-and-arm structure that allows individual tissue folds to be formed and fastened, then advanced to an adjacent region within the stomach, for capture of a new fold that will form an extension of the existing fold(s).

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: 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: Devices and methods for acquiring and fastening tissues folds within an internal organ, such as the stomach, and for applying the methods and devices to producing reductions in organ volume or repair of bariatric procedures, are disclosed. An exemplary method for forming a continuous laterally extending tissue fold involves forming a succession of laterally extending folds having adjacent overlapping fold portions. One exemplary tissue-acquisition device has an open-end roller-and-arm structure that allows individual tissue folds to be formed and fastened, then advanced to an adjacent region within the stomach, for capture of a new fold that will form an extension of the existing fold(s).

Abstract: A magnetic force system uses a magnetic implant sized and configured to be inserted in the pharynx and another magnetic implant sized and configured to be inserted in the tongue, palate, or pharynx. The system establishes different regions of magnetic interaction between the two implants across the airway, attracting and repelling, such that attractive interaction in one region of the implants combines with repelling interaction in another region of the implants, to provide a “hinge” structure. Alternatively, a magnetic force system that uses three magnetic implants sized and configured to be inserted in the tongue, pharynx, and palate, respectively. The tongue implant is attracted to the palatal implant, and repels the pharyngeal implant, forming a modified “hinge” structure. Forces of magnetic attracting bring tissue together to form a magnetic hinge joint, providing an anchor to stabilize the regions where repelling forces work to separate tissue to keep the airway open.

Abstract: Devices and methods for acquiring and fastening tissues folds within an internal organ, such as the stomach, and for applying the methods and devices to producing reductions in organ volume or repair of bariatric procedures, are disclosed. An exemplary method for forming a continuous laterally extending tissue fold involves forming a succession of laterally extending folds having adjacent overlapping fold portions. One exemplary tissue-acquisition device has an open-end roller-and-arm structure that allows individual tissue folds to be formed and fastened, then advanced to an adjacent region within the stomach, for capture of a new fold that will form an extension of the existing fold(s).