Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved laser systems and methods for endoscopic laser treatment of abnormal tissue such as abnormal mucosal tissue, for example esophageal dysplasia that is also referred to as Barrett's esophagus (BE). The systems and methods described here can also be used in many applications where treatment of shallow surface layers with minimal damage to the tissue beneath is desirable, for example BE tissue comprising hemoglobin. In many embodiments, the system is configured to emit light energy having an optical wavelength to treat tissue having oxygenated hemoglobin.

Abstract: In the case where the living tissues in the patient's body is resected as well, it is possible to suture the resected portion immediately without replacement with another treatment device after resection. Thus, prevention of bleeding from the resected portion or earlier repair of an ulcer that occurs with the resected portion can be carried out for the patent lowly invasively and easily.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating obesity. Pressure is applied to gastric walls in at least one segment of a stomach such that the pressure distends the gastric walls and induces satiety. A hollow capsule can be used to distend the gastric walls. Alternatively, a doughnut- shaped ring may be inflated to an amount sufficient to create intragastric tension and induce satiety. A c-ring including at least one balloon may be placed at a segment of the stomach, where the balloon inflates to a size that creates tension at the segment. A biocompatible material can be injected into the fundus and antrum of the stomach to stiffen the gastric wall to create a fullness feeling.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating an anchor within the gastrointestinal tract for supporting a barrier device therein. The gastrointestinal tract has a first wall, a second wall and a body lumen. The method comprises advancing an anchoring device through the first wall and the second wall, threading the barrier device over the anchoring device and advancing the barrier device into the body lumen, and forming a closed loop with the anchoring device for supporting the barrier device.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, kits, and methods to perform transgastric procedures to removing visceral fat in the peritoneal cavity are described. Am embodiment includes deliberately breaching a wall of a gastrointestinal tract to enter the peritoneal cavity to physically remove visceral fat adjacent or on outer surfaces of organs located within the peritoneal cavity. A user can identify regions of visceral fat desired to be removed. A user can insert an instrument through the mouth into the stomach of the patient. The user makes an incision in the wall of the organ adjacent the visceral fat to be removed. Using visual guidance for the instrument, the user passes a distal end of the instrument through an opening formed by the incision into the peritoneal cavity. A user utilizes removes the visceral fat from outer surfaces of the organ, the opening is closed, and the tool is removed from the patient.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for assisting in endoscopic procedures. The method comprises a cap and a device for deploying a cap on the endoscope while the endoscope is positioned within a body lumen. A method of deploying a cap on an endoscope during an endoscopic procedure is disclosed. The method comprises providing a cap and a device for deploying the cap on the endoscope while the endoscope is positioned with a body lumen, advancing the endoscopic within a body lumen and deploying the cap on the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument used to form an artificial valve for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing electrical stimulation to a liver of a subject which includes providing one or more stimulatory electrodes to the liver of the subject and providing electrical stimulation to the liver of the subject. The invention further relates to methods of reducing risk factors of metabolic syndrome, treating diabetes, treating a subject having eating disorders and reducing glucose levels of a subject using methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of treatment for obesity, in an individual in need thereof, by administering electrical stimulation at dual sites in the gastrointestinal tract. The electrical stimulations are administered by positioning bipolar stimulatory electrodes in contact with the gastric and dudenol cavities, along afferent vagal neural pathways, in the gastrointestinal tract. The electrical stimulations thus administered, activate the vagal afferents associated with the gastric and dudenol sites in the gastrointestinal tract. The activation of vagal afferents modulates the gastrointestinal peptide satiety hormones. Further, the disclosure provides a method of treatment for eating disorders, in an individual in need thereof, by administering electrical stimulation at dual sites, along afferent vagal neural pathways, in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for distending a body lumen in the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The method comprises insufflating the body lumen with contrast agent to distend the body lumen. The contrast agent includes gas.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating an anchor within the gastrointestinal tract for supporting a barrier device therein. The gastrointestinal tract has a first wall, a second wall and a body lumen. The method comprises advancing an anchoring device through the first wall and the second wall, threading the barrier device over the anchoring device and advancing the barrier device into the body lumen, and forming a closed loop with the anchoring device for supporting the barrier device.

Abstract: The invention is a method of treatment for reducing visceral pain by administering in an individual in need thereof gastrointestinal electrical stimulation in repetitive trains of short pulses, where the administration of gastrointestinal electrical stimulation reduces visceral pain in the individual. Also, provided is a method of treating gastrointestinal sensory dysfunction. Further, this invention provides methods for modulating sympathetic nervous system for the treatment of visceral pain by administering in an individual in need thereof repetitive trains of short pulse electrical stimulation of the sympathetic nerves, where the electrical stimulation provided is effective in reducing visceral pain.

Abstract: A ligature and suture device for medical application that ligatures or sutures biomedical tissue that has been suctioned by a suction device using a suturing member. The ligature and suture device includes an insertion portion having a lumen into which an endoscope can be inserted, and a distal end portion that is connected to the lumen and in which at least one side aperture is provided, at least one hollow needle that is able to support inside itself the suturing member, and that is placed inside the insertion portion such that a tip of the hollow needle is able to move between a first position, which is on a base end side of the side aperture, and a second position, which is on a distal end side of the side aperture, an operating section that performs an operation to move the needle, and at least one pledget that can be penetrated by the needle, and that is placed in a vicinity of the distal end of the side aperture so as to be freely removable from the distal end portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of treating an individual having irritable bowel syndrome or a related disorder, comprising the step of administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of a luminally active anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive compound with minimal or no systemic side effects. Further provided is a method of inhibiting the onset of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or a related disorder in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to the individual a prophylactically effective dose of a luminally active anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive compound with minimal or no systemic side effects.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating gastrointestinal motility disorders by targeting the dopamine 3 receptor (D3R). A D3R agonist is administered to a subject to decrease gastrointestinal motility to treat the disorder. A D3R antagonist is administered to a subject to decrease gastrointestinal motility to treat the disorder.

Abstract: The invention discloses the administration of nafadotride partially reverse the effect of dopamine on gastric emptying in patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic system. The system comprises a flexible endoscope insertable into a first tubular organ from a natural opening of a human body. The system further comprises an opening member which forms on a wall part of the first tubular organ an opening used to insert the endoscope into an abdominal cavity from the first tubular organ in the body, an anastomosing member which is able to anastomoses the first tubular organ with a second tubular organ in the abdominal cavity, and a cutting member with which the second tubular organ is able to be cut.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic system. The system comprises a flexible endoscope insertable into a first tubular organ from a natural opening of a human body. The system further comprises an opening member which forms on a wall part of the first tubular organ an opening used to insert the endoscope into an abdominal cavity from the first tubular organ in the body, an anastomosing member which is able to anastomoses the first tubular organ with a second tubular organ in the abdominal cavity, and a cutting member with which the second tubular organ is able to be cut.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating obesity. Pressure is applied to gastric walls in at least one segment of a stomach such that the pressure distends the gastric walls and induces satiety. A hollow capsule can be used to distend the gastric walls. Alternatively, a doughnut-shaped ring may be inflated to an amount sufficient to create intragastric tension and induce satiety. A c-ring including at least one balloon may be placed at a segment of the stomach, where the balloon inflates to a size that creates tension at the segment. A biocompatible material can be injected into the fundus and antrum of the stomach to stiffen the gastric wall to create a fullness feeling.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument used to form an artificial valve for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).