Abstract: There is provided an anastomosis system for performing an anastomosis in a body. The system includes an anastomosis button, which has two foldable flange portions and a tubular main body portion extending between the flange portions, for coupling two lumen portions in the body to each other, and a housing which can receive the anastomosis button as the flange portions are folded. The system further includes a guide, which has a distal end to be inserted through a patient's mouth to a target portion in the body and a proximal end arranged outside the body, for guiding the housing to the target portion. A release line having a distal end to be inserted to the target portion along the guide and a proximal end held outside the body is operated, whereby the anastomosis button can be ejected from the housing and be held at the target portion.

Abstract: A technique is described for reducing the stomach cavity endoscopically, from within the stomach or, in the alternative, from within the peritoneal cavity via a wall of the digestive tract. This new approach for reducing gastric capacity uses a flexible endoscope and a specially adapted ligating loop that is secured at spaced locations about an inner periphery of the stomach. After attachment, the loop is constricted to draw together the associated gastric wall portions to reduce the food receiving cavity defined at the base of the esophagus. The ligating loop is preferably a slip knotted loop.

Abstract: A technique is described for reducing the stomach cavity endoscopically, from within the stomach or, in the alternative, from within the peritoneal cavity via a wall of the digestive tract. This new approach for reducing gastric capacity uses a flexible endoscope and a specially adapted ligating loop that is secured at spaced locations about an inner periphery of the stomach. After attachment, the loop is constricted to draw together the associated gastric wall portions to reduce the food receiving cavity defined at the base of the esophagus. The ligating loop is preferably a slip knotted loop.

Abstract: A novel approach to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the peritoneal cavity is described. More specifically, a technique for accessing the peritoneal cavity via the wall of the digestive tract is provided so that examination of and/or a surgical procedure in the peritoneal cavity can be conducted via the wall of the digestive tract with the use of a flexible endoscope. As presently proposed, the technique is particularly adapted to transgastric peritoneoscopy. However, access in addition or in the alternative through the intestinal wall is contemplated and described as well. Transgastric and/or transintestinal peritoneoscopy will have an excellent cosmetic result as there are no incisions in the abdominal wall and no potential for visible post-surgical scars or hernias.