Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for suturing tissue and implanting prosthetic grafts, the device includes 1) at least one flexible cannula having a means to remotely manipulate the configuration of its distal end, and 2) a suction capsule component that may be incorporated or fit within or about the flexible cannula. The flexible cannula and suction capsule component are of a size that allows them to be inserted, independently or as a unit, into a natural body orifice or small surgical incision. The suction component may be used to draw tissue into an opening in the suction capsule component, enabling the at least one needle to be advanced through the at least one flexible cannula thereby passing through the tissue held by the at least one opening in the suction capsule component and thereby delivering the attached suture to the tissue.

Abstract: A ring or rings adapted for endoluminal placement within the stomach, other hollow organ or vessel, and a method for deploying the rings is described. The rings create a small pouch with a reinforced stoma in the stomach for the treatment and control of obesity. An endoluminal suturing device for deploying a circumferential line of interrupted mattress suture bites is inserted into the patient's stomach via the patient's mouth. The distal gastric ring is preloaded on the distal end of the suturing device and is incorporated with suture loops from the double-armed sutures contained within the device. The suturing device can have an expandable area at its distal end that can expand its diameter to between approximately 10 mm and 150 mm. The circumference of this expanded area has a suction opening that is used to draw in tissue when a vacuum is applied to the device. Flexible cannulas containing long flexible suture needles are positioned radially around the circumference of the suction opening.

Abstract: An implantable device including a supporting member, such as a ring, or series of rings, and an impeding member that is used to adjust the effective area of the created orifice after implantation. The rings may hold pleats of gastric tissue in place around their circumference to create a reinforced constriction within an organ. The rings may be attached to one another with folds or pleats of tissue held between them. If the organ is a stomach, the constriction is positioned such that a chamber of a predetermined volume is created proximal to the constriction, leaving a narrow opening or stoma to the remainder of the stomach's volume distal to the constriction. At least one of the rings is adapted to have an impeding member that may be endoscopically adjusted in order to alter the size of the effective orifice area of the opening or outlet. The occluding member may be a ball suspended by a suspension line connected to opposing sides of the supporting member.

Abstract: An implantable device including a supporting member, such as a ring, or series of rings, and an impeding member that is used to adjust the effective area of the created orifice after implantation. The rings may hold pleats of gastric tissue in place around their circumference to create a reinforced constriction within an organ. The rings may be attached to one another with folds or pleats of tissue held between them. If the organ is a stomach, the constriction is positioned such that a chamber of a predetermined volume is created proximal to the constriction, leaving a narrow opening or stoma to the remainder of the stomach's volume distal to the constriction. At least one of the rings is adapted to have an impeding member that may be endoscopically adjusted in order to alter the size of the effective orifice area of the opening or outlet. The occluding member may be a ball suspended by a suspension line connected to opposing sides of the supporting member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for suturing tissue and implanting prosthetic grafts, the device includes 1) at least one flexible cannula having a means to remotely manipulate the configuration of its distal end, and 2) a suction capsule component that may be incorporated or fit within or about the flexible cannula. The flexible cannula and suction capsule component are of a size that allows them to be inserted, independently or as a unit, into a natural body orifice or small surgical incision. The suction component may be used to draw tissue into an opening in the suction capsule component, enabling the at least one needle to be advanced through the at least one flexible cannula thereby passing through the tissue held by the at least one opening in the suction capsule component and thereby delivering the attached suture to the tissue.

Abstract: A device for suturing tissue of a patient includes a tube defining a bore extending longitudinally within the tube and at least one suction opening in the exterior surface. A path is arranged within an interior of the tube. A needle is arranged at least partially within the bore and is attachable to a suture. The suction openings are adapted to be connected to a vacuum source such that, when a vacuum is applied, tissue is drawn into the at least one suction openings and at least partially into the bore. The needle is adapted to advance through the tissue and along the path to place the suture through the tissue.

Abstract: A suturing device for suturing within a subject is provided. The suturing device includes an enclosure defining at least one suction port, wherein the suction port receives tissue within the enclosure to be sutured; at least one cannula arranged at least partially within the enclosure; and at least one needle arranged within the at least one cannula, wherein the needles are adapted to be pushed through the cannula and directed through the tissue within the enclosure to provide a suture to the tissue.

Abstract: A ring or rings adapted for endoluminal placement within the stomach, other hollow organ or vessel, and a method for deploying the rings is described. The rings create a small pouch with a reinforced stoma in the stomach for the treatment and control of obesity. An endoluminal suturing device for deploying a circumferential line of interrupted mattress suture bites is inserted into the patient's stomach via the patient's mouth. The distal gastric ring is preloaded on the distal end of the suturing device and is incorporated with suture loops from the double-armed sutures contained within the device. The suturing device can have an expandable area at its distal end that can expand its diameter to between approximately 10 mm and 150 mm. The circumference of this expanded area has a suction opening that is used to draw in tissue when a vacuum is applied to the device. Flexible cannulas containing long flexible suture needles are positioned radially around the circumference of the suction opening.