Access Systems and Methods of Intra-Abdominal Surgery

Abstract

An access system includes a proximal handle, an overtube coupled to the handle, and an endoscope port extending through handle and overtube sized for receiving an endoscope therethrough. The overtube includes anatomic wall securing system that secures a distal portion of the overtube within a hole in the anatomic wall. The overtube is provided with a shaped distal portion or a controllably shapeable distal portion that aids in directing an endoscope inserted through the port to a particular location within the peritoneal cavity. The access system includes a system for insufflating/deflating the peritoneal space separately from the body cavity accessible via a natural orifice. The access system includes a closure system to cinch closed the hole made in the anatomical wall after the access system has been removed from the hole. Methods are provided for inserting the access system through the anatomical wall to perform intra-abdominal surgery.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Ser. No. 11/775,996, filed Jul. 11, 2007, and U.S. Ser. No. 12/030,244, filed Feb. 13, 2008, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to access systems for accessing and providing access to the peritoneal cavity via a body cavity accessible through a natural orifice, and methods of performing intra-abdominal surgical procedures through such an access system using an endoscope.

2. State of the Art

Traditional gallbladder removals are either performed via laparoscopic or open surgery techniques Laparoscopic procedures utilize electrocautery electrodes to dissect the gallbladder. These electrodes remain dangerously hot and may cause damage to adjacent viscera. Moreover, the surgical approach requires a large wound or several holes through the abdominal wall.

The field of gastrointestinal endoscopy has for many years been limited to diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to observe, modify and remove tissues located in the digestive tract. Only recently have there been efforts to expand gastrointestinal endoscopic surgery to within the peritoneal cavity to remove large tissue masses such as the appendix and gallbladder. Generally, in these newer procedures, a natural orifice translucent endoscopic surgery (NOTES) access system is used to gain access to the peritoneal cavity through the stomach or another natural orifice. However, there are still significant limitations to the techniques for visualizing, manipulating and removing masses of tissue on current NOTES systems. In particular, once the NOTES system is in place, an endoscope is used to navigate instrumentation to the subject tissue for removal. Endoscopes are limited in their maneuverability, generally having only a single axis along which they can be bent to direct instrumentation.

Further, the en bloc removal of large tissue masses, such as the gallbladder, presents numerous problems for current endoscopic tools and techniques. Currently, access to and removal of these types of tissue masses requires tissue separation and dissection that can be particularly difficult from an endoscopic approach. Also, after removal of tissues from the surgical site, current system require extremely skilled closure techniques. These closure techniques can prevent acceptance of such procedures from a large number of even skilled surgeons and also greatly increase the time for completing a procedure and the safety of the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to embodiments of the invention, an access system is provided for enabling and facilitating access to the peritoneal cavity from a body cavity accessible through a natural orifice, such as an intragastric approach or a transvaginal approach. The access system includes a proximal handle, an overtube coupled to the handle, and an endoscope port extending through handle and overtube sized for receiving an endoscope therethrough. The overtube includes a securing system that secures a distal portion of the overtube within a hole in an anatomical wall of a body cavity accessible through a natural orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the securing system includes proximal and distal inflatable cuffs provided on an external portion of the overtube. The cuffs are coupled to discrete injection ports extending from the handle through the overtube that permit individual pressurization to fixate the cuffs on opposite sides of the anatomical wall. The anatomical wall can be captured between the two cuffs to secure the access system to the anatomical wall and provide a seal between the space of the natural orifice accessible body cavity (e.g., intragastric space) and the peritoneal cavity. The overtube is also provided with a shaped distal portion or a controllably shapeable distal portion that aids in directing an endoscope inserted through the port to a particular location within the peritoneal cavity. The access system is optionally provided with means for insufflating/deflating the peritoneal space separately from the body cavity (e.g. intragastric space). In addition, the access system optionally includes a closure means for deploying and acting on fastening to effect closure of the hole made in the anatomical wall in which the access system is secured to seal the hole after the access system has been removed from the hole.

In one embodiment, the preshaped distal portion of the access system is a preshaped portion of a port separate from the overtube and extendable therethrough. The preshaped port is molded or otherwise formed with a biased shape to aid in directing an endoscope to a particular location within the peritoneal cavity. After the overtube is inserted into the patient, the preshaped port is inserted through the overtube, which initially counters the bias so that the biased distal portion of the port straightens as its passes through the overtube. Once the distal portion of the port exits the distal end of the overtube, the port assumes the shape of its preshape, thereby able to direct an endoscope or other instruments to a designated structure. The port can be rotated within the overtube to redirect the instruments. At the conclusion of the procedure, the port is withdrawn from the overtube and then the overtube is removed from the patient.

In another embodiment, the preshaped distal portion is configured from an integral tubular element that is cut to define segmental recesses or cut-outs along its length. One or more pull wires extend from the handle of the access system to the distal end. When the appropriate pull wire(s) is/are activated at the handle, the tubular element bends along the cutouts and can be maintained in such configuration to orient the endoscopic port toward the target tissue. If necessary to reconfigure the access port or at the conclusion of the procedure, the handle can be operated to release the tension on the wire(s) and straighten the distal portion to aid in withdrawing the access port from the patient.

The means to control insufflation/deflation includes a first port extending from the handle to a location intermediate the handle and the proximal cuff, and a second port extending from the handle to a location at or distal the distal cuff. The handle is also provided with a gas control system to inject or evacuate air through the respective first and second ports. In embodiments including means to control insufflation/deflation, the endoscopic port includes a seal sealing valve, preferably located within the handle. In this manner, once the cuffs have separated the natural orifice from the peritoneal space, the pressures in the peritoneal space and natural orifice accessible body cavity can be separately controlled, e.g., to reduce stomach pressure while maintaining peritoneal pressure to provide increase visibility at the surgical site.

The closure means facilitates rapidly closure of the hole in the anatomical wall. In one embodiment, the closure means includes a cinching system preferably incorporating T-tags. In such embodiment, the access port is operable to implant hollow needles in a spaced apart manner about the hole. The access port is then operable to insert T-tags having a trailing suture through the hollow needles. Then, means are integrated with the access port or an independent tool is operable therewith that cinches the suture of the T-tags together about the hole to effect closure at the appropriate point in the procedure.

The access system facilitates methods of getting through the anatomical wall. According to a first method, described with respect to an intragastric approach, an initial piercing is made from the exterior of the stomach to the interior of the stomach. According to a second method, also described with respect to an intragastric approach, an initial piercing is made from the interior of the stomach to the exterior of the stomach. Both methods include the dilatation of the stomach piercing using a balloon catheter. Once inside the peritoneal cavity and sufficiently oriented towards a surgical site a medical procedure can be conducted. By way of example, the gallbladder can be separated from the liver using tunneling and dissection balloons. Such methods are also useable in a transvaginal approach to a medical procedure.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a broken side elevation of a first embodiment of an access system according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a broken section view of an overtube of the access system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view across line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a broken side elevation view of a shaped port device of the access system of FIG. 1, shown in two different configurations.

FIGS. 5 through 21 illustrate methods of securing the access system of FIG. 1 within the stomach wall to access the peritoneal cavity.

FIG. 22 is broken side elevation view of a balloon tunneling device for use with methods of the invention.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged broken longitudinal section view of the distal end of the balloon tunneling device of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is broken side elevation view of a balloon dissection device for use with methods of the invention, with the balloon shown in collapsed and expanded states.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged broken longitudinal section view of the distal end of the balloon dissection device of FIG. 24.

FIGS. 26 through 35 illustrate a method of performing an intra-abdominal surgery through the access system secured within the stomach wall.

FIG. 36 is a broken side elevation of a second embodiment of an access system according to the invention.

FIG. 36A is a broken side elevation of the access system of FIG. 36, showing bending of the port into a pre-shape.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged schematic view of the preshaped port shown in non-actuated and actuated (broken line) configurations.

FIGS. 38 through 47 illustrate a method of securing the access system of FIG. 36 within the stomach wall to access the peritoneal cavity.

FIG. 48 is broken side elevation view of a third embodiment of an access system according to the invention.

FIG. 48A is a cross-section across line 48A-48A in FIG. 48.

FIG. 49 is broken side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of an access system according to the invention.

FIG. 50 is broken side elevation view of a fifth embodiment of an access system according to the invention.

FIG. 51 is a broken perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an access system according to the invention.

FIG. 52 is a enlarged broken perspective view of sixth embodiment of the access system coupled to the stomach wall to access the peritoneal cavity.

FIG. 53 illustrates the access system being used to deploy hollow needles into the stomach wall.

FIG. 54 illustrates a T-shaped fasteners in a collapsed configuration being forced through a needle into the opposite side of the stomach wall.

FIG. 55 illustrates the access system being used to deploy fasteners through the hollow needle and the stomach wall.

FIG. 56 illustrates the T-shaped fasteners deployed within the stomach wall and the hollow needles retracted within the access system.

FIG. 57 illustrates the access system being used to cinch the fasteners together about a hole in the stomach wall to provide closure of the hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIGS. 1 through 3, a natural orifice translucent endoscopic surgery (NOTES) access system 10 is provided for enabling and facilitating access to the peritoneal cavity through an anatomical wall, the anatomical wall separating the peritoneal cavity and a natural orifice accessible body cavity. While the invention is primarily described with respect to a through-the-esophagus transgastric approach for such surgery, where the body cavity is the stomach and the anatomical wall is the stomach wall, the systems and methods described herein are equally applicable to procedures performed transanally, wherein the body cavity is the colon and the anatomic wall is the colon wall, and transvaginally wherein the body cavity is the vagina and the anatomic wall is the vaginal wall.

The access system 10 includes an overtube 12 and a discrete preshaped port 14 insertable therethrough. The overtube 12 includes a first tubular member 16, a circular lumen 18 defined through the center of the first tubular member, and a handle 20 provided at the proximal end of the first tubular member 16. The overtube 12 has length in the range of 10 to 50 inches with a preferred range of 25 to 35 inches; a lumen diameter in the range of about 8 to 18 mm; and an outer diameter in the range of about 10 to 25 mm. The overtube 12 includes a gastric wall securing system that secures a distal portion of the overtube within a hole in the gastric wall. In a preferred embodiment, the gastric wall securing system includes proximal and distal inflatable cuffs 22, 24 provided on an external portion of the distal end 25 of the first tubular member 16. The cuffs 22, 24 are in communication with respective injection ports 26, 28 at the handle 20 through air channels 30, 32 to permit individual pressurization with a fluid, e.g., air, to fixate the cuffs on opposite sides of the gastric wall. This secures the overtube 12 to the gastric wall and provides a seal between the intragastric space and the peritoneal cavity, as described in more detail below.

The first tubular member 16 is sufficiently longitudinally flexible to assume the contour required for insertion through a patient's esophagus and into the stomach. Notwithstanding the longitudinally flexibility, the first tubular member preferably has sufficient lateral strength and stability to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the lumen along its length. Such strength may be provided by a metal or a polymeric coil or braid reinforcement along its length.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the preshaped port 14 has a proximal instrument receiving end 40 and a second tubular member 42. The port 14 has length in the range of 20 to 60 inches, with a preferred range of 30 to 45 inches; a lumen diameter in the range of about 5 to 16 mm; and an outer diameter in the range of about 8 to 18 mm. The port body length is sufficient to extend from a patient's mouth to a patient's stomach or from any other natural orifice to a body cavity accessible therefrom. The receiving end 40 is sized to prevent passage through the lumen 18 of the overtube 12 and functions as a stop against the handle 20 of the overtube 12. The second tubular member 42 has a distal portion 44 preshaped so that it is biased to bend in a predetermined direction and preferably by a predetermined amount; i.e., the preshape is a portion biased to curve at a distal portion of the second tubular member 42 (as shown in broken lines in FIG. 4). The second tubular member 42 can be molded or extruded, and heat treated, provided with a metal or polymeric shape providing/effecting element, or otherwise formed with such biased shape. The preshape bias is readily overcome such that when the distal portion 44 is inserted through the lumen 18 of the first tubular member 16 of the overtube 12, the preshaped distal portion 44 straightens or otherwise conforms to the longitudinal shape of the first tubular member 16 of the overtube. However, once the preshaped distal portion 44 extends from the distal end of the overtube 16, the preshaped distal portion 44 of the port 14 conforms to its bias, thereby able to direct an endoscope or other instrument(s) extending within and through its lumen 46 toward a designated anatomical structure. The port 14 can be also rotated within the overtube 12 to further direct or redirect the endoscope and/or instrument(s) toward anatomical structures. The port 14 can be withdrawn together with or separately from the overtube 12 as the access system is removed from the patient.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a method of intra-abdominal surgery on a patient 50 using the access system 10 is now described. The access system 10 facilitates methods of accessing tissue 54 in the peritoneal cavity 56 through the stomach wall 52. According to a first method, described below, an initial piercing is made from the exterior of the stomach 58 to the interior of the stomach. According to a second method, also described below, an initial piercing is made from the interior of the stomach to the exterior of the stomach. Both methods include the dilatation of the stomach piercing using a balloon catheter to create a hole in stomach wall 52 of sufficient dimension to receive the distal end of the access system. The distal end of the access system is then anchored within the hole with cuffs 22, 24 (FIG. 1) at the distal end 25 of the access system. Once a passageway is provided through the access system 10 to the peritoneal cavity 56, the access system can be used to orient an endoscope 60 toward a tissue 54 in the peritoneal cavity 56, e.g., using the preshaped port, as described in more detail below. Then, by way of example, the tissue, such as the gallbladder, can be separated from other tissue, such as the liver, using tunneling and dissection balloons or other techniques.

More particularly, turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, with the port 14 (FIGS. 1 and 4) removed from the access system 10, a steerable endoscope 60 is inserted through the lumen of the overtube 12. The overtube 12 and endoscope 60 are inserted together into the stomach 58 of the patient 50, with the endoscope 60 steering the assembly through the natural orifices, esophageal sphincter, and into the stomach. The distal end 25 of the overtube 12 with the endoscope is maneuvered adjacent the stomach wall 52.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in accord with one embodiment of the method, a piercing catheter (or other preferably tubular piercing/cutting instrument) 70 is inserted into the patient's peritoneal cavity 56 from outside the stomach wall 52. The piercing catheter 70 can be provided into the peritoneal cavity 56 by insertion through the abdominal wall, by introduction up the colon via an endoscope and then piercing through the colon into the peritoneal cavity 56, or by introduction through the vagina. The piercing catheter 70 is pierced through the stomach wall 52 and introduced into the stomach 58.

Referring to FIG. 8, a snare device 72 is introduced through the piercing catheter 70 and into the stomach 58. A balloon catheter 74 fixed along a guidewire 76 is introduced into the stomach 58 through the endoscope 60. The guidewire 76 is preferably integrated with the balloon catheter 74.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the snare device 72 and cutting instrument 70 are operated to grasp the guidewire 76 and/or balloon catheter 74, and pull the balloon catheter 74 through the piercing 78 in the stomach wall 52. Once the balloon 80 on the balloon catheter 74 is positioned within the piercing 78, the snare device 72 releases the guidewire 76 and/or balloon catheter 74 so as to decouple the snare device 72 from the balloon catheter 74, as shown in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 12 through 14, in accord with an alternate embodiment of positioning a balloon catheter within a piercing in the stomach wall, once the distal end 25 of the overtube and endoscope 60 are positioned within the stomach 58 adjacent the stomach wall 52, a cutting instrument (not shown) is advanced through the endoscope (or a port provided within the overtube) to define a piercing 78 in the stomach wall 52 from the interior of the stomach. The guidewire 76 and balloon catheter 74 are then advanced through the piercing to position the balloon 80 within the piercing 78.

Then, referring to FIGS. 15 through 17, regardless of the method used to position the balloon 80 within the piercing 78, the balloon 80 is expanded upon activation from outside the patient by pressurizing a fluid through the balloon catheter 74. The balloon 80 can be located partially inside the distal end 25 of the overtube (as shown) or completely external the distal end of the overtube. As the balloon 80 is expanded, the piercing 78 (FIG. 14) is dilated to create a hole 82 of sufficient size to receive the distal end 25 of the overtube. The proximal cuff 22 is expanded, and the distal end 25 of the overtube is inserted through the hole 82 up to cuff 22. Then the distal cuff 24 is expanded to secure the distal end 25 of the overtube to the stomach wall 52 between the proximal and distal cuffs 22, 24 and to thereby provide a seal between the intragastric space (at the stomach 58) and the peritoneal cavity 56.

Referring to FIG. 18, the balloon 80 is deflated, and the balloon catheter 74 and guide 76 are withdrawn from the overtube 12. The endoscope 60 (FIG. 12) can then be used within the peritoneal cavity 56 along with other instruments advanced within the overtube.

However, referring to FIGS. 19 through 21, in accord with a preferred aspect of the method, the endoscope is also withdrawn from the overtube 12 and the preshaped port 14 is advanced through the overtube 12 into the peritoneal cavity 56. As the preshaped port 14 is advanced to an extent allowing the preshaped distal portion 44 to bend in accord with it preshaped bias, the port 14 will provide a predefined (although rotationally orientable) pathway for re-introduction of the endoscope 60 into the peritoneal cavity 56. The endoscope 60 is then reintroduced through the port 14.

It is appreciated that various surgical procedures can be performed once the endoscope and other instruments are located in the peritoneal cavity. For example, the access system 10 can be used to perform a cholecystectomy, or dissection of the gallbladder from the liver. In accord with a preferred method of performing a cholecystectomy, tunneling and dissecting instruments, as disclosed in previously incorporated U.S. Ser. No. 11/,775,996, are preferably used in conjunction with the access system 10. While detailed descriptions of suitable instruments are described in the aforementioned application, it is helpful to generally describe the tunneling and dissection instruments here for a point of reference.

Referring to FIG. 22, a tunneling instrument 150 includes a catheter 152 having proximal and distal ends and a balloon member 154 located adjacent the distal end. Positioned on the exterior of catheter 152 adjacent the distal end is a series of markers 156. These markers may be visible under direct visualization of the endoscope and may be additionally visible under fluoroscopy. Adjacent the proximal end of catheter 152 is an auxiliary device port 158. The proximal end of catheter 152 is attached to connector tubing 160 to access inflation port 162. Valve assembly 164 provides a seal for fluid introduced into inflation port 162. Tether slide 166 is slidably positioned on handle body 168. Handle body 168 includes distance markers 170 to gauge the movement of tether slide 166. A cross sectioned view of the distal end of tunneling instrument 150 is shown in more detail in FIG. 23. Catheter 152 has a distal end 172 and a first lumen 174. Located within first lumen 174 is balloon member 154. The balloon member 154 is preferably non-compliant of the type generally known in the art, however, balloon member 154 may be of the compliant or semi-compliant type. The balloon member 154 may be formed from biocompatible polymer types such as olefins, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned. The proximal end 176 of balloon member 154 is attached to the distal end 172 of catheter 152. The distal end 178 of balloon member 154 is positioned within the first lumen 174 in an everted configuration. A tether member 180 is connected to the distal end 178 of balloon member 154. Tether member 180 is flexible and preferably takes the form of a filament, as shown, however tether member 180 may take the form of a tube. The proximal end of tether member 180 is connected to tether slide 166 through valve assembly164. Tether member 180 aids in initially positioning balloon member 154 within the first lumen 174 of catheter 152. Catheter 152 has a second lumen 182 that extends from auxiliary device port 158 to distal end 184. Distal end 184 is located proximal to distal end 172 of catheter 152. Slidably disposed within second lumen 182 is a needle knife 186 that has a knife tip 188. Needle knife 186 is preferably of the endoscopic electrosurgical type however any form of incision device that may be operated to form an incision in tissue such as mechanical cutters, water jets or lasers may be suitable.

Further, referring to FIG. 24, a dissecting instrument 270 is provided and includes a dissection catheter 272 having a distal end 274 and a dissection balloon 276 having a large diameter expanded dissection balloon configuration 276a that operates to separates adjacent tissues. The dissection balloon 276 can be non-compliant of the type generally known in the art or dissection balloon 276 may be of the compliant or semi-compliant type. The dissection balloon 276 may be formed from biocompatible polymer types such as olefins, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned. The dissection catheter 272 has insertion markers 278 positioned along its shaft. The proximal end of dissection catheter 272 includes both an inflation port 280 that is in fluid communication with dissection balloon 276, and a valve assembly 282.

In an embodiment seen from FIGS. 24 and 25, the dissecting instrument 270 is provided with tunneling capability to operate as a tunneling dissecting instrument. A tunneling catheter 284 is slidably disposed through valve assembly 282 and extends within a lumen of the dissection catheter 272. The tunneling catheter distal end 286 may extend beyond the dissection catheter distal end 274. Tunneling catheter 284 includes an inflation port 288 and valve assembly 290. A tether slide member 292 is slidably disposed on handle body 294 with distance markers 296. FIG. 26, illustrates a detailed cross section of the distal portion of the tunneling dissecting instrument 270. The distal end 298 and proximal end 300 of dissection balloon 276 are connected to the exterior of dissection catheter 272. An inflation device connects to inflation port 280 to inflate dissection balloon 276. Tunneling catheter 284 is slidably disposed within the lumen 306 of dissection catheter 272. Positioned within the lumen 308 of tunneling catheter 284 there is an everted expandable tunneling balloon 310. The tunneling balloon 310 is preferably non-compliant of the type generally known in the art, however, tunneling balloon 310 may be of the compliant or semi-compliant type. The tunneling balloon 310 may be formed from biocompatible polymer types such as olefins, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned. The distal end of tunneling balloon 310 is connected to a tether member 312 which has a proximal end that is connected to tether slide 292.

The operation of the tunneling dissecting instrument 270 to form a tunnel and large dissected area is similar to the operation of the separate instruments. The tunneling catheter 284 is pressurized with fluid to linearly expand tunneling balloon 3 10. The temperature of the tunneling balloon 310 may be modified, e.g., cooled, via the fluid introduced therein to reduce bleeding. Once a tunnel has been formed, tunneling balloon 310 may be deflated and dissection catheter 272 may be advanced through the opening into the tunnel. The markers 278 may be used to determine the depth in which the dissection catheter 272 has been advanced into the tunnel. Once the dissection catheter 272 has been properly positioned within the tunnel it may be operated. By applying pressurized fluid to inflation port 280, dissection balloon 276 is dilated to an expanded dissection balloon 276a configuration. During the expansion, a dissected area is created. The temperature of the dissection balloon 276 may be modified, e.g., cooled, via the fluid used therein to reduce bleeding.

Other embodiments of tunneling and dissecting instruments disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 11/775,996 can also be used. Now with reference to such tunneling and dissecting instruments, an exemplar embodiment of a cholecystectomy procedure according to the invention is now described. First, access is provided to the peritoneal cavity using the access system, as described above.

Then, referring to FIG. 26, a preferably multilumen device 88 is inserted through the shaped port 14 to a location such that the axis of a lumen of the device is directed between the gallbladder 90 and the liver 92. Multilumen device 88 preferably integrates an endoscope or includes a lumen for receiving an endoscope. A needle knife 186 is advanced through the lumen of the device 88 to define a small hole between the gallbladder 90 and liver 92. A tunneling instrument 150 is advanced into the hole in the tissue preferably through another lumen in the multilumen device 88 (FIG. 27). The needle knife 186 and tunneling instrument 150 may be integrated. The tunneling instrument 150 is operated to advance an elongate balloon member 154 to define an elongate tunnel in the tissue between the gallbladder and the liver (FIG. 28). If the tunneling instrument 150 is a separate instrument from the dissecting instrument, it is removed from the tunnel so that the dissecting instrument 270 can then be (and is) advanced into through another lumen of the multilumen device and into the tunnel (FIG. 29). The dissecting instrument 270 is then operated to expand the dissection balloon 276 within the tunnel to separate the tissues surrounding the balloon (FIG. 30).

Referring to FIGS. 31 through 35, the process is then repeated with the needle knife 186, tunneling instrument 150, and dissecting instrument 270 in different locations to substantially fully separate the gallbladder 90 from the liver 92. If necessary, an electrocautery knife, may be used to separate any remaining connection tissue. The multilumen device 88 permits multiple instrument use without requiring the physician to repeatedly change out the instruments. Of course, two or more of the instruments may be integrated into a single assembly. Further, the use of balloons to dissect the gallbladder (rather than electrocautery) is substantially safer and does not pose a threat to surrounding viscera.

The gallbladder may be completely resected by utilizing additional surgical instruments such ligators, electrocautery knives, and scissors for sealing off and separation of the cystic duct. The resected gallbladder may be placed in an endoscopically delivered specimen retrieval bag using tissue graspers. Once the gallbladder is secured in the retrieval bag, the bag may be withdrawn through the port lumen with the endoscope. Alternatively, if the specimen is too large for removal through the port, the specimen may be positioned adjacent the port distal end and withdrawn along with the port from the body.

Any instruments 150, 270, 184 remaining within the patient, the multilumen device 88, and the pre-shaped port 14 are removed from the overtube 12. Then the distal cuff 24 is deflated, permitting retraction of the overtube into the stomach. The proximal cuff 22 is also deflated. Appropriate instrumentation or means are also used to close the hole in the stomach wall. For example, clips, staples, sutures, other closures, ligatures and ligating bands, etc., can be used. Also, closure means integrated with the access system, as discussed below, can be integrated into any of the access systems described herein. Further, the instruments described can be used to perform dissections of other organs adhered to the abdominal wall or dissections of other tissues from organs. For example, the appendix can be removed by a similar procedure.

Turning now to FIGS. 36 through 37, another embodiment of an access system 410 according to the invention is shown. The access system 410 includes an overtube 412, a preshaped port 414 coupled at a distal end of the overtube (distal of cuff 424), and a handle 420 at a proximal end of the overtube 412. The overtube 412 includes a gastric wall securing system, preferably as described with respect to access system 10, i.e. with cuffs 422, 424 expandable via injection ports 426, 428 at the handle 420.

As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the preshaped port 414 is configured from a preferably unitary tubular element and most preferably an extruded polymeric tube. Breaks, cuts or superficial recesses 440 are provided along the tube to provide flexibility. A silicone lining 442 covers both the outer surface of the tube to prevent tissue from catching in the breaks. A silicone lining 444 may also be provided to the inner surface of the tube to provide a smooth lumen for endoscope passage. One or more control elements 446, e.g., wires or cables, pass through respective conduits within the tube wall. Each control element 446 has a distal end 448 coupled at a distal portion 450 of the tube 414 and a proximal end that is coupled to an actuator, such as knob 452 on the handle 420. When the actuator 452 is operated, the associated control element 446 is tensioned to cause the tube 414 to bend, e.g., up to 180°, along the breaks and to assume a preshape configuration as shown in broken lines in FIG. 36A. The preshaped port 414 can be maintained in such preshaped configuration to orient an endoscope inserted through the overtube toward a target tissue. If more than one control element is provided within the access system for actuation of the preshaped port (e.g., three control elements), more complex directional control of the preshaped port 414 can be provided. It is appreciated that additional actuators can be provided for each such control element. If necessary to reconfigure the access port or at the conclusion of the procedure, the handle 420 can be operated to release the tension on the control element(s) 446 and straighten the preshaped port 414 to aid in reconfiguring or withdrawing the access system 410 from the patient.

It is appreciated that because the preshaped port 414 is operator manipulatable while within the patient's body, it has steerability that is not provided with access system 1O. Thus, while the use of access system 410 in a surgical procedure is generally similar to access system 10, the integration of preshaped port 414 with overtube 412 permits some differences.

As such, turning now to FIGS. 38 through 47, variations in a surgical procedure with access system 410 relative to the procedure previously described with access system 10 are now described. The access system 410 is introduced into the stomach and advanced adjacent the stomach wall (FIG. 38). An endoscope (not shown) is preferably used within the access system 410 for visualization, but the endoscope for this portion of the procedure is not required to be steerable, as the preshaped port 414 can be actuated to steer the assembly. In accord with an embodiment of the method, a piercing catheter 70 is inserted into the patient's peritoneal cavity 56 from outside the stomach wall 52, pierced through the stomach wall 52, and introduced into the stomach 58 (FIGS. 39 and 40). A snare device 72 is introduced through the piercing catheter 70 and into the stomach 58. A balloon catheter 74 fixed along a guidewire 76 is introduced into the stomach 58 through the preshaped port 414 (FIG. 41).

The snare device 72 and cutting instrument 70 are operated to grasp the guidewire 76 and/or balloon catheter 74, and pull the balloon catheter 74 through the piercing 78 in the stomach wall 52 (FIGS. 41 and 42). Once the balloon 80 on the balloon catheter 74 is positioned within the piercing 78, the snare device 72 releases the guidewire 76 and/or balloon catheter 74 so as to decouple the snare device 72 from the balloon catheter 74, as shown in FIG. 43.

Alternatively, the cutting instrument can be advanced through the access system and preshaped port thereof to define a piercing 78 in the stomach wall 52 from the interior of the stomach. The guidewire 76 and balloon catheter 74 are then advanced through the piercing to position the balloon 80 within the piercing 78.

Then, once the balloon 80 is situated within the piercing, the balloon is expanded upon activation from outside the patient by pressurizing a fluid through the balloon catheter 74. The balloon 80 can be located partially inside the distal end 450 of the preshaped port 414 or completely external the distal end of the port. As the balloon 80 is expanded, the piercing is dilated to create a hole 82 of sufficient size to receive the preshaped port 414 of the access system 410 (FIG. 44). The port 414 is advanced through the hole 82 and then the distal end 425 of the overtube 412 is advanced up to the proximal cuff 422, which is expanded (FIG. 45). Then the distal cuff 424 is expanded to secure the access system to the stomach wall 52 at the distal end 425 of the overtube 412 to the between the proximal and distal cuffs 422, 424 with the preshaped port 414 extending within the peritoneal cavity 56 (FIG. 46).

The balloon 80 is deflated, and the balloon catheter 74 and guide 76 are withdrawn from the access system 410. The preshaped port 414 is then actuated from the handle 420 (FIGS. 36 and 38) to cause the port to assume a curved or bent configuration. An endoscope 60 and other instruments are then advanced through the port 414 and directed to pertinent tissue, as previously described, for performing and concluding a surgical procedure on tissue within the peritoneal cavity (FIG. 47).

Referring now to FIGS. 48 and 48A, another embodiment of an access system 710 is shown. The system includes an overtube 712, as described above with respect to overtube 12, and a port 714. Port 714 includes a tubular member 742 having a proximal end defining multiple lumen 743a, 743b. The distal end of port 714 divides at a Y to include a plurality of pre-shaped tubular distal portions 744a, 744b, each similar to pre-shaped distal portion 44. Each distal portion 744a, 744b is preferably associated with one of lumen 743a, 743b. Each of the pre-shaped distal portions 744a, 744b can be provided with a different shape to direct instruments positioned therethrough toward anatomical structure.

Turning now to FIG. 49, another embodiment of an access system 810 is shown. The system includes an overtube 812, as described above with respect to overtube 12, and a plurality of ports 814a, 814b positionable therethrough. Each port 814a, 814b is generally similar to port 14, through smaller in diameter to permit the multiple ports to be received within the overtube 812 at once.

Referring now to FIG. 50, another embodiment of an access system 910 is shown. The system includes an overtube 812 with a plurality of preshaped port 814a, 814b coupled at a distal end of the overtube, and a handle 820 at a proximal end of the overtube 812. The arrangement of system 810 is similar to system 410, with multiple ports at the distal end of the overtube. The handle includes two actuators 852a, 852b, to apply and release tension on control elements extending from the handle to the distal end of the respective ports to control shaping of the ports 814a, 814b into respective predetermined shapes.

Turning now to FIGS. 51 and 52, another embodiment of an access system 510 according to the invention is shown. The access system includes an overtube 512 and a proximal handle 520. The overtube 512 is provided with a gastric wall securing system preferably as described above, i.e., with expandable proximal and distal cuffs 522, 524 adjacent its distal end 525 and the requisite structural and functional elements to effect such expansion and contraction. The distal tip 525a is tapered to facilitate driving insertion through the anatomical passageway and through the hole created in the stomach wall, as previously described above according to the method. In addition, the overtube 512 includes a coil reinforcement 527 for lateral wall support. The overtube 512 may be used with or integrated with a preshaped port, as described above. According to aspects of access system 510, the access system is provided with a system (means) for insufflating/deflating the peritoneal space separately from the gastric space, and a closure system (means) integrated into the access system to close the hole made in the intragastric wall in which the access system is secured to seal the hole after the access system has been removed from the hole. Either of such systems (means) may be individually provided in any access system in accord with the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 51 and 52, the system to control insufflation/deflation includes a seal and/or valve, collectively 560 and first and second ports 562, 564 extending at least partially through the overtube. The seal/valve 560 is preferably a self-sealing valve 560 within the lumen 518 of the overtube 512 (e.g., at the handle). The first port 562 is a pressure controlled port extending from the handle 520 to an exit location 566 intermediate the handle 520 and the proximal cuff 522. The second port 564 is a pressure controlled port extending from the handle 520 to an exit location 568 at or distal the distal cuff 524. The handle 520 is also provided with a pressure control system 570 to inject or evacuate air through the respective first and second ports 562, 564. For example, control system 570 may include buttons 572a-d to activate injection or evacuation of air through each of the first and second ports 562, 564 (four buttons 572a-d). The pressure control system 570 preferably also includes monitoring system 574 to monitor the pressure in at least one of, and preferably both of, the stomach and the peritoneal cavity, and to provide feedback of such pressure(s) to the access system operator.

In use, once the access system has been secured to the stomach wall to separate the intragastric space from the peritoneal space, the pressures in the peritoneal space and stomach can be separately controlled. With the access system so secured, the first port exit 566 lies within the stomach and the second port exit 568 is located within the peritoneal cavity. In addition, the esophageal sphincter forms a relatively air tight seal about the exterior of the overtube 512. Air can then be evacuated from first port 562, to reduce air pressure within the stomach, while air can be injected to or maintained within the peritoneal cavity to increase or maintain peritoneal pressure. The result will be that the stomach will collapse to increase visibility at the surgical site. Later, peritoneal air pressure can be decreased if desired or the stomach air pressure can be increased as desired.

In addition, the access system 510 includes a closure system that facilitates rapid closure of the hole 82 in the stomach wall 52 after removal of the overtube from the hole. (See, e.g., FIG. 17.) According to an exemplar embodiment, the closure system generally includes a needle deployment and retraction system, a tissue fastener deployment system able to deploy fasteners through needles deployed in tissue, and a cinching mechanism adapted to cinch the proximal ends of multiple tissue fasteners together to close the hole in the tissue, as described hereinafter. The various systems are preferably actuatable from discrete or integrated actuators, e.g., levers 580, 582, 584 on the handle 520, or instruments coupled to the handle or inserted through peripheral lumen 576, 578 exterior to the central lumen 518 of the overtube 512. The actuators operate control members to operate effectors to advance, retract, deploy and cinch, as required. The actuators are coupled to control members required for such operations can be those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,548, U.S. Pub. No. 20040249395, U.S. Pub. No. 20050261708, U.S. Pub. No. 20060004409 and/or U.S. Pub. No. US2006/0004410 which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Such patent and publications describe flexible endoscopic instruments adapted to provide significant pushing force at their distal ends, and the mechanisms therein can be incorporated into the access system to advance (and retract) one or more needles and fasteners in the manner now described. In general, the actuators (e.g., levers) are preferably coupled to the effectors (e.g. needle, push rod) in a simple mechanical arrangement such that depression of a particular lever causes the axial movement of the respective effector. For instance a first actuator coupled to a needle may be actuated to extend the needle from a lumen of the overtube to thereby pierce tissue. A second actuator coupled to a pushrod, which is coaxially positioned within the lumen of the needle, may be actuated to advance the push rod axially within the needle lumen.

More particularly, referring to FIGS. 53 and 54, the access system 510 includes at least one extendable hollow needle, and preferably a plurality of extendable hollow needles 590, 592 from its distal end 525. The needles 590, 592 are initially retracted within the distal end 525 of the access system 510. Upon actuation of an associated actuator 580, the needles 590, 592 are extended from the distal end 525. As shown, the needles 590, 592 can then be pierced through the stomach wall 52. This step is done prior to any hole formation in the stomach wall 52 of sufficient size to permit passage of the distal end 525 of overtube 512. It is appreciated that a piercing instrument and grasper may optionally be inserted from the peritoneal cavity into the stomach may be used in conjunction with the access system to stabilize the distal end 525 during needle insertion.

Referring to FIGS. 54 and 55, after the needles 590, 592 have been inserted into the stomach wall 52 and while such needles are within the stomach wall, the appropriate actuator 582 is manipulated to axially advance a push rod 583 positioned within the needle lumen to deploy fasteners 594, 596 through the needles 590, 592 so as to have a portion which extends through to the other side of the stomach wall (within the peritoneal cavity 56). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the fasteners 594 are T-shaped tags (in a deployed configuration) having a shaft 598 with a head 600 transverse to the shaft at one end, and an eye 602 or other suture engaging structure at the other end. Suture material 604 is coupled to the eye 602. The tag 594 (as shown in FIG. 54) is collapsible into a pre-deployed configuration within each needle, with the head 600 substantially parallel to the shaft 598 and preferably retained within the needles (although the distal end of the head may extend from the needle). Upon deployment, the tag 594 is forced out of the needle, head 600 first, through the stomach wall (and onto the peritoneal side of the stomach wall), while the shaft extends within the tissue and the suture material 604 remains coupled to the access system. The tag 594 may assume a T-shape after deployment by an inherent bias between the head 600 and shaft 598, or by retraction of the shaft 598 relative to the head 600. T-shaped tags 594 of this design are described in detail in previously incorporated U.S. Ser. No. 12/030,244. Other tag configurations or fasteners could also be used. For example one alternate tag configuration may be a modification of tag 594 in which shaft 598 is formed entirely of suture material and coupled directly to a mid portion of head 600. Multiple fasteners 594, 596 may be deployed at once through multiple needles 590, 592 provided to the access system 510. Alternatively, where the access system includes a single needle, individual fasteners may be deployed sequentially using a single needle with a store of fasteners, with the access system rotated between deployments for polar displacement of the fasteners about a subsequent hole for the distal end 525. After the fasteners have been deployed, a procedure through the stomach wall is performed as described above. Referring to FIG. 57, at the conclusion of the procedure, once the access system is withdrawn from a hole in the stomach wall, the third actuator 584 on the handle 520 is operated to pull on the suture material 604 and cinch the fasteners 594, 596 together about the hole 82 to close the hole. The T-shaped tag provides a small profile aiding deployment and provides strong resistance to pull-out during cinching. The suture material 604 of the fasteners is then clipped, knotted or otherwise secured to maintain closure of the hole. Preferably a cinch delivery assembly is used to grasp the suture connecting the T-tags and pull the suture lines within the cinch while drawing the T-tags and associated tissue into close apposition thereby closing a hole. The cinch preferably contains a one way mechanism such that the suture lines may be drawn taught and not allow them to loosen. Various cinch designs such as those described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 20040249395, 20050261708 and 20060004409 are suitable for performing the closure operation.

There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of an access system and methods of performing intra-abdominal surgery. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while a particular gastric wall securing system has been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other gastric wall securing system can be used as well, including mechanically expandable systems. In addition, while particular types of instruments for the cutting and piercing tissue, and drawing a balloon from the stomach cavity to within the stomach wall have been disclosed, it will be understood that other suitable instruments can be used as well. Also, while a preferred system of tunneling and dissection balloons has been disclosed for separation of the tissues within the abdomen, it will be recognized that other tissue tunneling and/or dissection instruments can be used instead. Furthermore, while an exemplar mechanism for operating the closure system has been disclosed, it is understood that other suitable mechanism and handles for operation thereof can be similarly used. Moreover, while a T-shaped tag is preferred for effecting closure of a hole through which the access system is inserted, it is appreciated that other suitable fasteners can be used as well. In addition, while the access system has been described with respect to providing access from the intragastric space to the peritoneal cavity through the stomach, it can likewise be used through the anus and colon. Moreover, it can also be used as an access system into the peritoneal space through the vagina. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed.

Claims

1. An access system for accessing a patient's peritoneal cavity from a body cavity accessible through a natural orifice, the peritoneal cavity and body cavity separated by an anatomical wall, said access system for use with an endoscope, said access system comprising:

a) an overtube having a proximal portion and a distal portion with a distal end, and a length therebetween sufficient to extend from a patient's mouth to a patient's stomach, said overtube defining a lumen for receiving the endoscope therethrough;

b) an anatomical wall securing system at said distal portion of said overtube that temporarily secures said distal portion of said overtube within a hole in the anatomical wall;

c) a handle at said proximal portion of said overtube for operating said securing system; and

d) a tubular port extending from said distal end of said overtube and having a lumen sized to receive an endoscope therethrough, said tubular port having a shape portion with a determinable shape, said shape portion adapted to be in a plurality of shaped configurations including a first shaped configuration when said shape portion is within the body cavity and a second shaped configuration when said shape portion is within the peritoneal cavity.

2. An access system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a system to at least one of insufflate and desufflate the body cavity and peritoneal cavity separately from the other.

3. An access system according to claim 2, further comprising:

a closure system at said distal end of said overtube for deploying fasteners into the anatomical wall and to effect closure of the hole in the anatomical wall by acting on the fasteners.

4. An access system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a closure system at said distal end of said overtube for deploying fasteners into the anatomical wall and to effect closure of the hole in the anatomical wall by acting on the fasteners.

5. An access system according to claim 1, wherein:

said anatomical wall securing system includes proximal and distal inflatable cuffs provided on said overtube.

6. An access system according to claim 5, wherein:

said proximal and distal cuffs are coupled to discrete injection ports extending from said handle and through said overtube.

7. An access system according to claim 1, wherein:

said first flexible tubular member includes a coil to provide lateral reinforcement.

8. An access system according to claim 1, wherein:

said tubular port is separable from said overtube and can be withdrawn from and inserted into said overtube while said anatomical wall securing system is coupled to the anatomical wall of the patient.

9. An access system according to claim 8, wherein:

said tubular port includes a portion formed with a biased shape to aid in directing the endoscope.

10. An access system according to claim 9, wherein:

said tubular port is rotatable within the overtube.

11. An access system according to claim 8, wherein:

said tubular port includes a proximal stop larger than said lumen of said overtube.

12. An access system according to claim 1, wherein:

said tubular port is fixed to said distal end of said overtube.

13. An access system according to claim 12, wherein:

said tubular port includes a portion that defines recesses or cut-outs along its length.

14. An access system according to 13, further comprising:

at least one control element extending from said handle to said shape portion, wherein when said control element is tensioned by actuation from at said handle, said shape portion moves from said first shape configuration to said second shape configuration.

15. An access system according to claim 14, wherein:

said at least one control element includes a plurality of control elements.

16. An access system according to claim 1, wherein:

said tubular port includes a second shape portion with a determinable shape, said second shape portion adapted to be in a plurality of shaped configurations including a first shaped configuration when said second shape portion is within the body cavity and a second shaped configuration when said second shape portion is within the peritoneal cavity.

17. An access system according to claim 8, wherein:

said tubular port includes a second shape portion with a determinable shape, said second shape portion adapted to be in a plurality of shaped configurations including a first shaped configuration when said second shape portion is within the body cavity and a second shaped configuration when said second shape portion is within the peritoneal cavity.

18. An access system according to claim 12, wherein:

said tubular port includes a second shape portion with a determinable shape, said second shape portion adapted to be in a plurality of shaped configurations including a first shaped configuration when said second shape portion is within the body cavity and a second shaped configuration when said second shape portion is within the peritoneal cavity.

19. An access system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a second tubular port extending from said distal end of said overtube, said tubular port having a shape portion with a determinable shape, said shape portion adapted to be in a plurality of shaped configurations including a first shaped configuration when said shape portion is within the body cavity and a second shaped configuration when said shape portion is within the peritoneal cavity.

20. An access system for accessing a patient's peritoneal cavity through a from a body cavity through a natural orifice, the peritoneal cavity and natural orifice separated by an anatomical wall of the natural orifice, said access system for use with an endoscope, said access system comprising:

a) an overtube including a first flexible tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion with a distal end, and a length therebetween sufficient to extend from a patient's mouth to a patient's stomach, said tubular member defining a lumen for receiving the endoscope therethrough;

b) an anatomic wall securing system at said distal portion of said overtube that temporarily secures said distal portion of said overtube within a hole in the anatomic wall;

c) a handle at said proximal portion of said overtube for operating said securing system; and

d) an inflation system integrated into said handle and overtube, said inflation system to at least one of insufflate and desufflate the intragastric space and peritoneal cavity separately from the other, said inflation system including, a first gas port extending from said handle to a location intermediate said handle and said anatomic wall securing system, a second gas port extending from said handle to a location at or distal said anatomic wall securing system, and a gas control at said handle to control injection or evacuation of a gas through the respective first and second gas ports.

21. An access system according to claim 20, further comprising:

a seal for surrounding an endoscope in said lumen of said overtube.

22. An access system according to claim 20, further comprising:

a self-sealing valve in said lumen of said overtube.

23. An access system according to claim 20, further comprising:

a closure system at said distal end of said overtube for deploying fasteners into the anatomic wall and to effect closure of the hole in the anatomic wall by acting on the fasteners, said closure system actuated at said handle.

24. An access system for accessing a patient's peritoneal cavity through a natural orifice accessible body cavity, the peritoneal cavity and body cavity separated by an anatomic wall, said access system for use with an endoscope, said access system comprising:

a) an overtube including a first flexible tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion with a distal end, and a length therebetween sufficient to extend from a patient's mouth to a patient's stomach, said tubular member defining a lumen for receiving the endoscope therethrough;

b) an anatomic wall securing system at said distal portion of said overtube that temporarily secures said distal portion of said overtube within a hole in the anatomic wall;

c) a handle at said proximal portion of said overtube for operating said securing system; and

d) a closure system at said distal end of said overtube for deploying fasteners into the anatomic wall and to effect closure of the hole in the anatomic wall by acting on the fasteners.

25. An access system according to claim 24, wherein:

said closure system includes,

i) a hollow needle deployment and retraction system adapted to insert at least one hollow needle into tissue and thereafter retract said at least one needle from the tissue,

ii) a tissue fastener deployment system able to deploy at least one tissue fastener through a needle deployed in the tissue, the fastener having a flexible element attached at a proximal end thereof,

the needle deployment and retraction system operable to retract a hollow needle from the tissue and over the fastener after or as the fastener has been deployed into the tissue, and

iii) a cinching mechanism adapted to cinch together the flexible elements of multiple fasteners deployed through needles into the tissue to close the hole in the tissue.

26. An access system according to claim 25, wherein:

said handle includes first, second and third actuators, said first actuator to operate said deployment and retraction system, said second actuator to operate said fastener deployment system, and said third actuator to operate said cinching mechanism.

27. An access system according to claim 25, wherein:

said access system is pre-loaded with a plurality of fasteners.

28. An access system according to claim 27, wherein:

said fasteners each have a shaft with a head at a one end and said flexible element at an opposite end, said fastener assuming a loaded first configuration and a deployed second configuration, wherein

in said loaded first configuration, said head is substantially parallel to said shaft such that said fastener can be loaded into and pushed through said needle, and

in said deployed second configuration, said head is transverse to said shaft.

29. A method of intra-abdominal surgery, comprising:

a) inserting a distal end of a natural orifice translucent endoscopic surgery (NOTES) access system into a hole in an anatomic wall, the access system having an overtube with a distal end;

b) securing the access system to the anatomic wall at the hole;

c) inserting an endoscope through the overtube of the access system; and

d) using a port having a shaped portion at the distal end of the overtube to direct the endoscope along a determined trajectory, the endoscope extending through the port.

30. A method according to claim 29, further comprising: before inserting the access system into the hole in the anatomic wall,

i) making a piercing through the anatomic wall,

ii) inserting a balloon into the piercing; and

iii) expanding the balloon to dilate the piercing and define the hole in the anatomic wall.

31. A method according to claim 30, wherein:

the anatomic wall is the vaginal wall.

32. A method according to claim 30, wherein:

the anatomic wall is a wall of intragastric system.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein:

the anatomic wall is the stomach wall.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein:

said making a piercing includes piercing the stomach wall from an exterior of the intragastric space to the interior of the intragastric space.

35. A method according to claim 33, wherein:

said making a piercing includes piercing the gastric wall from an interior of the intragastric space to the exterior of the intragastric space.

36. A method according to claim 29, further comprising:

inserting a tunneling instrument through the port to form a tunnel between first and second tissues.

37. A method according to claim 36, further comprising:

inserting a dissecting instrument into tunnel and expanding the dissecting instrument to dissect the first and second tissues from each other.

38. A method according to claim 37, wherein:

at least one of the tunneling instrument and the dissecting instrument includes a balloon which upon expansion tunnels and/or dissects.

39. A method according to claim 37, wherein:

the dissecting instrument and tunneling instrument are integrated into a single instrument.

40. A method according to claim 37, wherein:

the first tissue is the gallbladder and the second tissue is the liver.

41. A method according to claim 29, further comprising:

inserting a multilumen device through said port; and

inserting instruments through a plurality of lumen of said multilumen device.

42. A method according to claim 29, wherein:

the access system has a proximal handle, and the port is removable from said overtube at the handle.

43. A method according to claim 29, wherein:

changing the shape of the shape portion of the port before the endoscope is within the port but while the port is within the patient.

44. A method according to claim 29, further comprising:

changing the shape of the shape portion of the port while the endoscope is within the port.

45. A method of intra-abdominal surgery, comprising:

a) inserting a distal end of a natural orifice translucent endoscopic surgery (NOTES) access system into a hole in wall of a body cavity accessible through a natural orifice, the access system having an overtube with a distal end;

b) securing the access system to the wall at the hole;

c) inserting a tunneling instrument through the overtube to form a tunnel between first and second tissues within the peritoneal space; and

d) inserting a dissecting instrument through the overtube and into the tunnel and expanding the dissecting instrument to dissect the first and second tissues from each other, wherein at least one of the tunneling instrument and the dissecting instrument includes a balloon which upon expansion tunnels and/or dissects.

46. A method according to claim 45, further comprising:

before inserting the access system into the hole, i) making a piercing through the wall, ii) inserting a balloon into the piercing, and iii) expanding the balloon to dilate the piercing and define the hole in the wall.

47. A method according to claim 45, wherein:

the anatomic wall is the vaginal wall.

48. A method according to claim 45, wherein:

the anatomic wall is a wall of intragastric system.

49. A method according to claim 48, wherein:

the anatomic wall is the stomach wall.

50. A method according to claim 45, wherein:

both of said tunneling and dissecting instruments include expandable balloons.

51. A method according to claim 45, wherein:

said first tissue is the gallbladder and the second tissue is the liver.

52. A method according to claim 45, wherein:

the dissecting instrument and tunneling instrument are integrated into a single instrument.

53. A method according to claim 46, wherein:

said making a piercing includes piercing the wall from an exterior of the body cavity to the interior of the body cavity.

54. A method according to claim 46, wherein:

said making a piercing includes piercing the wall from an interior of the body cavity to the exterior of the body cavity.

55. A method according to claim 45, further comprising:

using a port at the distal end of the overtube to direct the endoscope along a predetermined trajectory, the endoscope extending through the port.

56. A method of modifying the gas pressure between a body cavity accessible through a natural orifice and the peritoneal cavity of the human body, comprising:

a) securing a natural orifice translucent endoscopic surgery (NOTES) access system within a hole in the wall between the body cavity and the peritoneal cavity, the access system having i) an overtube including a flexible tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion with a distal end, said tubular member defining a lumen for receiving the endoscope therethrough, ii) an anatomic wall securing system at said distal portion of said overtube that temporarily secures said distal portion of said overtube within a hole in the wall, iii) a handle at said proximal portion of said overtube for actuating said securing system; and iv) an inflation system integrated into said handle and overtube to insufflate and deflate the body cavity separately from the peritoneal cavity, said inflation system including, a first gas port extending from said handle to a location intermediate said handle and the wall securing system, a second gas port extending from said handle to a location at or distal said anatomic wall securing system, and a gas control at said handle to control injection or evacuation of a gas through the respective first and second gas ports; and

b) injecting or evacuating gas through said overtube to modify the gas pressure within the one of the body cavity and the peritoneal cavity.

57. A method of intra-abdominal surgery within the peritoneal cavity, comprising:

a) introducing a natural orifice translucent endoscopic surgery (NOTES) access system into a body cavity accessible through a natural orifice, the access system having a proximal end including a handle, and a distal end with a closure system;

b) deploying a plurality of hollow needles from the closure system into an anatomic wall separating the body cavity and the peritoneal cavity;

c) inserting a plurality of tissue fasteners through the needles, the fasteners each having a flexible element attached at a proximal end thereof;

d) retracting the needles from the anatomic wall after each fastener is inserted therethrough;

e) defining a hole in the anatomic wall between the inserted fasteners;

f) securing the access system within the hole in the anatomic wall;

g) performing a surgical procedure within the peritoneal cavity;

h) removing the access system from the hole in the anatomic wall; and

i) closing the hole in the anatomic wall by cinching together the flexible elements at the proximal ends of the fasteners.

58. A method according to claim 57, wherein:

said surgical procedure includes separating the gallbladder from the liver.