Abstract: The present invention includes a single molded strip of suture anchors frangibly connected to each other that can be preloaded with a suture and then deployed at the site of use inside the body. This configuration eliminates the need to reload an anchor when multiple anchors are required. Further, this molded strip of anchors can include different variations of a suture anchor or locking device all in the same single strip. The strip would typically be molded from plastic or metal and would offer the additional advantage of being injection molded in a one piece shot which would not only save on cost per anchor but would offer assembly advantages as well.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of endoscopically ablating/resecting/excluding (A/R/E) the mucosa of the gastric fundus and body. The method of the present invention is intended to cause cellular death to the X/A-like, ghrelin producing and other hormone cells. This is in contrast to present methods to provide only transient ischemia. The use of the method of the present invention results in a more permanent and robust method of reducing ghrelin and other hormone levels. In addition, a method according to the present invention can be used to induce scarring of the gastric fundus which will reduce gastric accommodation of excess food and result in early satiety.

Abstract: Intrabiliary hydrodynamic injection of nucleic acid for in vivo gene therapy for treatment of liver or pancreas disease and other disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of endoscopically ablating/resecting/excluding (A/R/E) the mucosa of the gastric fundus and body. The method of the present invention is intended to cause cellular death to the X/A-like, ghrelin producing and other hormone cells. This is in contrast to present methods to provide only transient ischemia. The use of the method of the present invention results in a more permanent and robust method of reducing ghrelin and other hormone levels. In addition, a method according to the present invention can be used to induce scarring of the gastric fundus which will reduce gastric accommodation of excess food and result in early satiety.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for selective guide wire cannulation of a bile duct, removal of biliary calculi, and delivering hydrodynamic gene delivery are also provided. There is provided a method for straightening the terminal common bile duct to allow biliary calculi to be removed, assisting in creation of a gastoejunostomy, and selective guidewire cannulation. A method for isolating a segment of biliary epithelium for hydrodynamic gene delivery is also provided, in which a segment of the bile duct is isolated and plasmids (oncogenic or therapeutic) are injected under pressure to allow entry into cholangiocytes. There is also provided a method for isolating the cystic duct or left/right intrahepatic ducts to allow the insertion of a guide wire and subsequent therapy. A single catheter platform may be used to perform the above procedures.