Abstract: Transluminal access system includes a stent delivery catheter having a handle control mechanism. The catheter comprises a number of components for establishing an initial penetration between adjacent body lumens and subsequently implanting a stent or other luminal anchor therebetween. Manipulation of the stent components is achieved using control mechanisms on the handle while the handle is attached to an endoscope which provides access to a first body lumen.

Abstract: An ablation cap and a method of delivering energy to a tissue are provided. An ablation cap includes a tubular body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending therethrough. The ablation cap also includes a cover portion covering a portion of the tubular body, the covering portion having a region at least partially spaced apart from the tubular body and an electrode portion movably positionable relative to the cover portion. The electrode portion has a covered position where the electrode portion is positioned within the cover portion and an exposed position where the electrode portion is exposed relative to the cover portion. The proximal portion of the body is sized and shaped to fit on a distal end of an endoscope and the distal portion of the body extends distal to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An ablation cap and a method of delivering energy to a tissue are provided. An ablation cap includes a tubular body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending therethrough. The ablation cap also includes a cover portion covering a portion of the tubular body, the covering portion having a region at least partially spaced apart from the tubular body and an electrode portion movably positionable relative to the cover portion. The electrode portion has a covered position where the electrode portion is positioned within the cover portion and an exposed position where the electrode portion is exposed relative to the cover portion. The proximal portion of the body is sized and shaped to fit on a distal end of an endoscope and the distal portion of the body extends distal to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing needle guided interventions and especially needle guided dilations of tissue to create a therapeutic conduit between two luminal organs or structures. The device is particularly useful for creation of an artificial lumen between two hollow body organs using the working lumen of an endoscope.

Abstract: A housing is described to introduce an endosurgical or endoscopic instrument to a surgical site in a sterile manner with a sleeve that is filled with disinfecting fluid into which a the instrument can be placed and the sleeve has a membrane at one end that can be punctured by the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing needle guided interventions and especially needle guided dilations of tissue to create a therapeutic conduit between two luminal organs or structures. The device is particularly useful for creation of an artificial lumen between two hollow body organs using the working lumen of an endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods of operating the devices that contribute to curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake. In some embodiments, the methods and devices of the present invention include as intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety. Some embodiments of the inserted device are anchored at the duodenal site by an anchoring member residing in the stomach, other embodiments of the device are stabilized at a targeted site by appropriate dimensions of length as well as one or more angled portions of the device that correspond to angled portions of the targeted site in the dodenum. Embodiments of the device exert effects by virtue of physical presence, as well as by more active forms of intervention, including release of bioactive materials and electrical stimulation of neurons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue securement system, device and method for endoscopy or endosonography-guided transluminal interventions whereby a ligation is placed and secured into tissue. An objective of this invention is to provide a stable securement platform for the coupling of secondary anchors to the gastro-intestinal tract. Specifically, endosonography is used to insert an anchoring element through the walls of adjacent body cavities. The ends of the anchoring element are coupled together to form a loop. This anchoring element can be used to secure other anchors or devices to the gastro intestinal tract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue securement system, device and method for endoscopy or endosonography-guided transluminal interventions whereby a ligation or anchor is placed and secured into soft tissue. An objective of this invention is to provide a method to reduce gastroesophageal reflux by endosonography-guided intervention. Specifically, endosonography is used to insert a ligation element through the esophageal wall, through the diaphragmatic crus and into the fundus of the stomach. This ligation element placed from the esophagus and around the angle of His that may create a barrier to gastroesophageal reflux.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for use with endoscopic instruments. More specifically, the presently described devices, systems and methods utilize overtube devices for use with endoscopic instruments that allow more diagnostic and therapeutic interventions than previously possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices that help to curb appetite and/or reduce food intake. In one embodiment, the methods and devices of the present invention include a small intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to endoscopic clips with multiple independently-controlled legs. The present invention also relates to a method for using a clip with multiple independently actuated legs. The clips and methods of the present invention may be used, for example and without limitation, for repairing tears and other defects endoscopically.

Abstract: A device and method for illuminating, viewing and monitoring internal body surfaces without an external attachment is disclosed. The present device includes a housing that is suitable for swallowing by the patient or by placement with an endoscope, either through the working lumen or attached to the endoscope. The device has an optical or sensor element coupled to the housing that can be used for illuminating, visualizing or monitoring a body surface. A power source may be located in the housing to provide power to the optical or sensor element. The device may be secured to the body using securement elements.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating device for endoscopy or endosonography-guided transluminal interventions using an automated spring-loaded mechanism is taught. Various modifications and uses including tissue anchoring, affixing, and creating an anastomosis are explained.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treatment of morbid obesity by placement of a series of flow reduction elements in the small intestine to induce satiety are disclosed. The flow reduction elements restrict the movement of partially digested food and reduce the flow rate through the small intestine which causes the emptying of the stomach and the duodenum to occur slower. The flow reduction elements are attached to an elongated tube and are constructed from various shapes and configurations. The flow reduction elements may be inflated with fluid or may be constructed from self-expandable materials. The device is anchored in the antrum of the stomach with an anchoring member. The transoral gastric device can be inserted with a delivery catheter through the working lumen of an endoscope or alongside an endoscope and may be removed with the aid of an endoscope if desired.