Patent ID: 8142450
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing gastric volume comprising: accessing an external surface of a wall of the gastrointestinal tract; positioning a device having at least a first tissue engagement mechanism and a second tissue engagement mechanism in proximity to the external surface of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract; piercing a first tissue site on the external surface of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract with the first tissue engagement mechanism and piercing a second tissue site on the external surface of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract with the second tissue engagement mechanism, wherein the first and second tissue sites are spaced apart from one another; manipulating the tissue engagement mechanisms to approximate said engaged first and second tissue sites to create at least one invaginated tissue fold extending between the approximated first and second tissue sites; fastening the approximated tissue sites in proximity to one another to secure the tissue fold; and repeating the steps recited above any desired number of times, thereby creating at least one plication extending into an interior space of the gastrointestinal tract.