Abstract: A method for treating obesity by reducing the volume and/or alter the functioning of the gastric cavity to limit food consumption and induce early satiety. The method includes accessing the cavity endoscopically to visualize the interior of the cavity. The peritoneal cavity is accessed through a small incision in the abdominal wall. Using endoscopic visualization, suture anchoring devices are introduced into the peritoneal cavity through the incision and deployed from the exterior surface through the gastric cavity wall. Suture from pairs of the anchoring devices is drawn through the gastric cavity wall and tightened outside of the cavity to form a serosa to serosa plication. Any number of plications may be formed in the cavity wall and the contacting tissue within a plication may be treated to promote healing and a more durable bond.

Abstract: A method for approximating tissue within a body including the step of providing a device having a handle, at least one actuator, an elongated hollow housing having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom, a first and second cartridge. Each the cartridge contains at least one fastener having at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The first cartridge being releasably connected to the distal end of hollow housing. The method also includes the step of inserting the first cartridge into a body and deploying each anchor into tissue in a spaced apart position. The method also involves moving the anchors adjacent one another by moving the suture in a proximal direction, and removing the first cartridge from the body and from the housing. The method then involves placing the second cartridge onto the housing thereby replacing the first cartridge with the second cartridge.

Abstract: A cartridge containing a fastener, wherein the cartridge releasably connected to a fastener deploying device. The cartridge has a housing which houses at least one tissue penetrating member. The penetrating member at least partially houses a fastener. The fastener has at least two rigid anchors connected together by a flaccid member. The cartridge further includes a means for removably attaching the cartridge to a deployment device.

Abstract: A method for approximating tissue within a body including the step of providing a device having a handle, at least one actuator, an elongated hollow housing having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom, a first and second cartridge. Each the cartridge contains at least one fastener having at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The first cartridge being releasably connected to the distal end of hollow housing. The method also includes the step of inserting the first cartridge into a body and deploying each anchor into tissue in a spaced apart position. The method also involves moving the anchors adjacent one another by moving the suture in a proximal direction, and removing the first cartridge from the body and from the housing. The method then involves placing the second cartridge onto the housing thereby replacing the first cartridge with the second cartridge.

Abstract: A reloadable device for deploying fasteners including a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends. The device also includes a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the distal end of hollow housing. The fastener has at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The device also includes a means for facilitating removal the first cartridge and replacing it with a second cartridge.

Abstract: A method of insufflating the interior of a gastric cavity of a patient by accessing the gastric cavity of a patient, sealing the pyloric sphincter so as to prevent passage of fluids therethrough, and introducing a fluid within said gastric cavity proximal to the pyloric sphincter.

Abstract: A method for treating obesity by reducing the volume and/or alter the functioning of the gastric cavity to limit food consumption and induce early satiety. The method includes accessing the cavity endoscopically to visualize the interior of the cavity. The peritoneal cavity is accessed through a small incision in the abdominal wall. Using endoscopic visualization, suture anchoring devices are introduced into the peritoneal cavity through the incision and deployed from the exterior surface through the gastric cavity wall. Suture from pairs of the anchoring devices is drawn through the gastric cavity wall and tightened outside of the cavity to form a serosa to serosa plication. Any number of plications may be formed in the cavity wall and the contacting tissue within a plication may be treated to promote healing and a more durable bond.

Abstract: A device for manipulating gastric tissue with an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends. The housing contains at least one fastener. The fastener includes at least two anchors connected together by a flexible member. The flexible member has a knot disposed thereon. The knot is movable to draw together the anchors and lock them into position with respect to each other. The device also includes a penetrating member disposed at the distal end of the housing, and an actuator for deploying the fasteners distally through the housing and the penetrating member.