APPARATUS FOR FORMING IMPLANTS IN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AND KIT FOR USE THEREWITH

Abstract: An apparatus (40) comprising an elongate probe member (41) having proximal and distal extremities (54a, 54b) for use with a suction source (220) to treat a portion of a wall forming a cavity in a body having a natural body opening for accessing the cavity. The elongate probe member has a length so that when the distal extremity is in the vicinity of the portion of the wall the proximal extremity is outside of the body. The distal extremity of the elongate probe member has an outer surface (224) and is provided with at least one recess (227) opening onto the outer surface and an internal passageway (223) communicating with the recess. When the suction source is coupled to the apparatus a suction is created in the recess by means of the passageway to draw the portion of the wall into the recess. A hollow needle (96) is slidably disposed in the elongate probe member and has a distal end portion. The needle is actuatable from outside the body for movement from a retracted position to an extended position in which the distal end portion of the needle extends into the recess. The needle can be extended into the portion of the wall drawn into the recess so as to introduce a material into the portion of the wall and form an implant in the portion of the wall.

Description: APPARATUS FOR FORMING IMPLANTS IN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AND KIT FOR USE THEREWITH This mvention pertains to the treatment of a portion of a wall forming a cavity in a body. More particularly, this invention pertains to an apparatus for forming implants in a portion of the wall forming the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a failure of the anti-reflux barrier, allowing abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus of the gastrointestinal tract Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a disorder which is usually characterized by a defective lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a gastric emptying disorder with or without failed esophageal peristalsis. The disease usually manifests itself during "transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation" episodes, the frequency of which is greatly increased in patients who reflux. Medical or drug therapy is the first line of management for gastroesophageal refluxes. However, drug management does not address the condition's mechanical etiology. Thus symptoms recur in a significant number of sufferers within one year of drug withdrawal In addition, while medical therapy may effectively treat the acid-mduced symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal mucosal injury may continue due to ongoing alkaline reflux Since gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic condition, medical therapy involving acid suppression and/or promotihty agents may be required for the rest of a patient's life The expense and psychological burden of a lifetime of medication dependence, undesirable life style changes, uncertainty as to the long term effects of some newer medications and the potential for persistent mucosal changes despite symptomatic control, all make surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease an attractive option. Unfortunately, surgical intervention is a major operation with all attendant morbidities, mortality and πsk of failure requirmg further surgery in the case of over-correction. Laparoscopic surgery requires a very high level of skill and special training for it to be successful Minimally invasive procedures have been provided for forming implants in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract to treat GERD and other ailments. It would be desirable to have a method and device for forming implants of a predetermined size in a consistent manner to enhance the reproducabihty of such procedures In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a minimally invasive apparatus for in j ecting a material into a portion of a wall forming a cavity in a body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, to form one or more implants of a substantially consistent size in the wall. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the above character in which a recess in a probe is utilized to shape the portion of the wall into a protrusion into which the material is injected Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the above character in which the probe guides and positions an injection needle into the protrusion Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the above character in which consistently sized multiple implants may be formed in a portion of the wall of the cavity Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the above character which can inhibit the in j ection need from being pushed through the wall Another object of the present mvention is to provide an apparatus of the above character which can be used for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for treating a portion of a wall forming a cavity m a body m accordance with the present mvention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along lme 2-2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along the lme 5-5 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an elevahonal view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 treating a lower esophageal sphmcter in accordance with the present mvention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lower esophageal sphincter of FIG. 6 at the level of the gastric cardia taken along the lme 7-7 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of the apparatus of the present mvention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view, broken apart, of the distal end of the apparatus of FIG. 8. FIG 10 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 taken along the lme 10-10 of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal portion of the apparatus of FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a plurality of needles for use in the apparatus of FIG. 8. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 10, of a further embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view, similar to FIG. 11, of the distal portion of the apparatus of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the distal portion of yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a distal portion of yet a further embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention FIG 17 is a cross-sectional and partially exploded view of the distal portion of FIG. 16, shown treating a portion of a wall of a cavity in accordance with the present invention, taken along lme 17-17 of FIG. 16 FIG 18 is an enlarged perspective view, similar to FIG. 11 , of a distal portion of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present mvention. FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view, similar to FIG. 18, of a distal portion of a further apparatus of the present invention FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 3, of a distal portion of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention shown treating a portion of a wall of a cavity in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view, similar to FIG 11, of a distal portion of a further embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the distal portion of FIG. 21 taken along lme 22-22 of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a distal portion of yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present mvention. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a distal portion of yet a further embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a distal portion of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present mvention. FIG. 26 is a plan view of a kit, somewhat schematic and partially cut away, for treating a portion of a wall forming a cavity in a body m accordance with the present invention. FIG. 27 is an exploded side elevational view of the distal portion of a further embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 27. FIG 29 is an assembled perspective view of the portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 28. Reference will now be made m detail to the preferred embodiments of the mvention, examples of which are illustrated m the accompanymg drawings While the invention will be described m conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments On the contrary, the mvention is mtended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the mvention as defined by the appended claims In general, an apparatus 40 for treating the gastrointestinal tract in a body of a mammal is provided. The apparatus 40 comprises an elongate probe member 41 that can include an overtube member and/or overtip member used in combination with a probe for mtroducmg a material into a wall of the gastrointestmal tract to form one or more implants in the wall. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a tubular assembly such as an overtube assembly 42 is used in combination with a conventional probe device 44 to form a protrusion in a portion of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract into which an implant-forming solution is injected. Medical apparatus or medical treatment device 40 shown in FIG 1 includes probe member or probe 44 and overtube assembly 42, with the overtube assembly 42 being considered part of the distal extremity of elongate probe member 41. An optical viewmg device 48 is included in probe 44 and a needle assembly 52 is shdably carried by elongate probe member 41, and m this embodiment by probe 44 Treatment device 40 further includes a supply assembly 58 mounted to the proximal end portion of needle assembly 52. Overtube assembly 42 is removably mounted on the distal extremity of probe 44 In another embodiment, a shortened tubular assembly such as an overtip assembly is used in combination with the probe, instead of an overtube assembly, to form a protrusion and mtroduce the solution. In a further embodiment, an overtube member is used in combination with an overtip assembly and a probe. In each embodiment, a solid is formed in the wall from the material to treat the wall A kit for use in the above procedure is provided A conventional or other suitable gastroscope or endoscope can be used for probe 44. The exemplary probe 44 shown in FIGS 1-3 is an Olympus CF Type 40L/I endoscope made by Olympus Corporation of Tokyo Japan Probe 44 includes a flexible elongate tubular member or insertion tube 54 having proximal and distal extremities 54a and 54b and a distal face 56 A handle means or assembly is coupled to proximal extremity 54a of elongate first member or insertion tube 54 and includes a conventional probe handle 62. The tubular insertion tube 54 mcludes a plurality of bores or passageways extendmg axially from proximal extremity 54a to distal extremity 54b A plurality of five such passageways, including a central passageway 64, are shown in FIG 2 Referring to FIGS 1 and 2, optical viewmg device 48 is formed integral with probe 44 and has an optical element or objective lens 66 carried by the central passageway 64 of msertion tube 54 Lens 66 has a field of view at distal face 56 which permits the operator to view forwardly of msertion tube distal extremity 54b In particular, lens 66 has a field of view that mcludes the portion of a pressure chamber 68 formed within a distal end 72b of a second member or overtube member 72 and the portion of end cap 74 which are located forwardly of msertion tube distal extremity Optical viewmg device 48 further mcludes an eye piece 76 mounted on a proximal end of probe handle 62 Second and third illumination passageways 78, 80 are provided in msertion tube 54 peripherally of central passageway 64 for carrying respective light fiber assemblies or light guides 82 A connection cable 84, a portion of which is shown in FIG 1, extends from probe handle 62 to a conventional light source 86 First and second light guides 82 extend through msertion tube 54 and cable 84 for providing illumination forwardly of insertion tube 54 A working passageway or channel 88 is further provided m msertion tube 54 and extends to a side port 90 formed in probe handle 62 An additional passageway 92 extends through msertion tube 54 and can be used as an air and or water mlet or outlet or a lumen for providing suction Insertion tube 54 is flexible so as to facilitate its insertion and advancement through a body and mcludes a bendable distal end for selectively directing distal face 56 in a desired direction A plurality of finger operable controls 94 are provided on probe handle 62 for, among other things, operating the bendable distal end of msertion tube 54 and the supply and removal of fluids through the msertion tube 54 Referring to FIGS 1 and 4, needle assembly 52 can be of any conventional type such as a modified sclerotherapy needle similar to the Bard® Flexitip™ needle manufactured by C R Bard, Inc of Billeπca, Maryland Needle assembly 52 includes a needle member or needle 96 havmg a proximal end portion 96a and a distal end portion 96b Needle assembly 52 may include an optional sleeve member or sleeve 98 havmg a proximal end portion or extremity 98a and a distal end portion or extremity 98b Sleeve or elongate tubular member 98 is made from any suitable material such as flexible plastic or metal and has a lumen extendmg longitudinally therethrough for receiving needle 96 The sleeve 98 and the needle 96 are shdable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction In this regard, tubular needle 96 is shdably disposed m sleeve 98 and movable from a retracted position in which tubular needle 96 is recessed within distal end portion 98b to an extended position in which needle 96 pro j ects distally of sleeve 98 Needle 96 and sleeve 98 can be shdably disposed within workmg channel 88 and side port 90 of insertion tube 54 and each have a length so that when distal end portions 96b and 98b are extendmg from distal extremity 54b of insertion tube 54 or otherwise in the vicinity of distal face 56, proximal end portions 96a and 98a are accessible at side port 90 Needle 96 is provided with a lumen or internal passage 100 extending longitudinally therethrough for carrying liquids or other materials through the needle Hollow or tubular needle 96 has an internal passage 100 extendmg longitudinally therethrough from proximal end portion 96a to distal end portion 96b The modified needle distal end portion 96b is made from any suitable material such as stamless steel and has a size ranging from 16 to 28 gauge and preferably rangmg from 21 to 26 gauge As shown most clearly in FIG 4, the distal end portion 96b has a cylindrical wall 102 for forming internal passage 100 and also has a sharpened or beveled distal end 104 formed in part by a tapered end surface 106 At least one opening is provided m distal end portion 96b and can include or consist of an opening 108a provided m tapered end surface 106 As an alternative to or m addition to openmg 108a, at least one and as shown a plurality of openmgs can be provided m cylindrical wall 102 For example, two openmgs 108b and two additional openmgs 108c are provided m wall 102 Openmgs 108b are diametrically disposed relative to each other, so as to be 180° apart, and openmgs 108c are also diametrically disposed relative to each other but offset 90° from openmgs 108b The openmgs 108c are spaced longitudinally behind the openings 108b Openmgs 108b and 108c can be any suitable shape or size and are shown as bemg elongate or oblong in shape It should be appreciated that a needle distal end portion 96b havmg only openmgs 108b or openmgs 108c can be provided and be within the scope of the present invention In one embodiment (not shown), tapered surface 106 may be closed and openmgs 108 are provided only in cylindrical wall 102 Needle proximal end portion 96a and the central portion of needle 96 can be made from plastic, metal or any other suitable material Other needle configurations may also be used For example, the needle may be provided with a sharpened or pointed distal end which is generally conical m shape and has no opening (not shown) Also, three or more c rcumferentially-disposed openings may be provided at substantially equal separation angles For example, m the case of three circumferentially spaced openmgs, each may be spaced 120° from the other openmgs (not shown) A fluid connector 110 is secured or coupled to proximal end portion 96a of needle 96 and a gπppmg member or grip 112 is secured to the proximal end portion 98a of sleeve 98, as shown in FIG 1 Fluid connector 110 mcludes first and second Luer fitting portions 114 and 116, or any other suitable fitting portions, which communicate with passage 100 in needle 96 First Luer fitting portion 114 is capped in FIG 1 Fluid connector 110 and grip 112 are longitudinally movable relative to each other so as to cause relative longitudinal movement between needle 96 and sleeve 98 More specifically, grip 112 can be slid forwardly and rearwardly on proximal end portion 96a of needle 96 relative to fluid connector 110 Movement of grip 112 forwardly relative to fluid connector 1 10 causes distal end portion 98b of sleeve 98 to extend fully over distal end portion 96b of needle 96 so that the needle has fully retracted within sleeve 98 Conversely, movement of grip 112 rearwardly relative to fluid connector 110 causes sleeve distal end portion 98b to retract relative to needle distal end portion 96b so as to expose needle distal end portion 96b The handle means of treatment device 40 includes supply assembly 58 coupled to proximal extremity 54a ofinsertion tube 54 (FIG 1) More specifically, supply assembly 58 is secured to the proximal extremity of needle assembly 52 The supply assembly 58 is mcluded withm the means of treatment device 40 for mtroducmg a liquid, solution or other material through passage 100 of needle 96 and out one or more of the openings 108 provided in needle distal end portion 96b Supply assembly 58 may comprise a conventional syringe or first syringe 118 havmg a reservoir or barrel 120 provided with any suitable fitting portion such as Luer fitting portion 122 at the forward end thereof and a plunger 124 for dispelling liquid within barrel 120 through Luer fitting portion 122 Any suitable material, from which an implant can be formed when the fluid, separately or m conjunction with another fluid, is introduced into the body, can be provided in syringe 118 Although aqueous or non-aqueous solutions are amongst the fluids that can be used, an inert, nonresorbable mateπal is preferred One such mateπal comprises at least one solution which when introduced mto the body forms a nonbiodegradable solid As used herein, a solid means any substance that does not flow perceptibly under moderate stress, has a definite capacity for resistmg forces which tend to deform it (such as compression, tension and strain) and under ordinary conditions retains a definite size and shape, such a solid mcludes, without limitation, spongy and/or porous substances One such embodiment of the at least one solution is first and second solutions which when combmed m the body form the nonbiodegradable solid Another such embodiment is a nonaqueous solution which can be introduced into the body as a liquid and from which a solid thereafter precipitates A preferred embodiment of such a nonaqueous solution is a solution of a biocompatible polymer and a biocompatible solvent which can optionally mclude a contrast agent for facilitating visualization of the solution in the body A particularly preferred implant-forming or bulking solution is a composition comprising from about 2 5 to about 8 0 weight percent of a biocompatible polymer, from about 52 to about 87 5 weight percent of a biocompatible solvent and optionally from about 10 to about 40 weight percent of a biocompatible contrast agent having a preferred average particle size of about 10 μm or less It should be appreciated that any percentages stated herein which include a contrast agent would be proportionally adjusted when the contrast agent is not utilized Any contrast agent is preferably a water insoluble biocompatible contrast agent The weight percent of the polymer, contrast agent and biocompatible solvent is based on the total weight of the complete composition In a preferred embodiment, the water insoluble, biocompatible contrast agent is selected from the group consisting of baπum sulfate, tantalum powder and tantalum oxide In still a further preferred embodiment, the biocompatible solvent is dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, ethyl lactate or acetone The term "biocompatible polymer" refers to polymers which, in the amounts employed, are non-toxic, chemically inert, and substantially non-immunogenic when used internally m the patient and which are substantially insoluble in physiologic liquids Suitable biocompatible polymers include, by way of example, cellulose acetates (including cellulose diacetate), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers, hydrogels (e g , acrylics), poly(C,-C 6 ) acrylates, acrylate copolymers, polyalkyl alkacrylates wherein the alkyl and alk groups independently contain one to six carbon atoms, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylacetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, copolymers of urethane/carbonate, copolymers of styrene/maleic acid, and mixtures thereof Copolymers of urethane/carbonate include polycarbonates that are diol terminated which are then reacted with a dnsocyanate such as methylene bisphenyl dnsocyanate to provide for the urethane/carbonate copolymers Likewise, copolymers of styrene/maleic acid refer to copolymers having a ratio of styrene to maleic acid of from about 7 3 to about 3 7 Preferably, the biocompatible polymer is also non-inflammatory when employed in situ The particular biocompatible polymer employed is not cπtical and is selected relative to the viscosity of the resulting polymer solution, the solubility of the biocompatible polymer m the biocompatible solvent, and the like Such factors are well within the skill of the art The polymers of polyacrylonitrile, polyviny lacetate, poly(C , -C 6 ) acrylates, acrylate copolymers, polyalkyl alkacrylates wherein the alkyl and alk groups mdependently contam one to six carbon atoms, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, copolymers of urethane/carbonate, copolymers of styrene/maleic acid and mixtures thereof typically will have a molecular weight of at least about 50,000 and more preferably from about 75,000 to about 300,000. Preferred biocompatible polymers mclude cellulose diacetate and efhylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. In one embodiment, the cellulose diacetate has an acetyl content of from about 31 to about 40 weight percent. Cellulose diacetate polymers are either commercially available or can be prepared by art recognized procedures. In a preferred embodiment, the number average molecular weight, as determined by gel permeation chromatography, of the cellulose diacetate composition is from about 25,000 to about 100,000 more preferably from about 50,000 to about 75,000 and still more preferably from about 58,000 to 64,000. The weight average molecular weight of the cellulose diacetate composition, as determined by gel permeation chromatography, is preferably from about 50,000 to 200,000 and more preferably from about 100,000 to about 180,000. As is apparent to one skilled in the art, with all other factors being equal, cellulose diacetate polymers havmg a lower molecular weight will impart a lower viscosity to the composition as compared to higher molecular weight polymers Accordingly, ad j ustment of the viscosity of the composition can be readily achieved by mere adjustment of the molecular weight of the polymer composition Ethylene vmyl alcohol copolymers comprise residues of both ethylene and vinyl alcohol monomers Small amounts (e.g., less than 5 mole percent) of additional monomers can be included in the polymer structure or grafted thereon provided such additional monomers do not alter the implanting properties of the composition. Such additional monomers include, by way of example only, maleic anhydride, styrene, propylene, acrylic acid, vmyl acetate and the like Ethylene vmyl alcohol copolymers are either commercially available or can be prepared by art recognized procedures Preferably, the ethylene vmyl alcohol copolymer composition is selected such that a solution of 8 weight-volume percent of the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer m DMSO has a viscosity equal to or less than 60 centipoise at 20° C and more preferably 40 centipoise or less at 20° C. As is apparent to one skilled m the art, with all other factors being equal, copolymers having a lower molecular weight will impart a lower viscosity to the composition as compared to higher molecular weight copolymers Accordingly, adjustment of the viscosity of the composition as necessary for catheter delivery can be readily achieved by mere adjustment of the molecular weight of the copolymer composition As is also apparent, the ratio of ethylene to vinyl alcohol in the copolymer affects the overall hydrophobicity/hydrophihcity of the composition which, in turn, affects the relative water solubility/insolubility of the composition as well as the rate of precipitation of the copolymer m an aqueous solution. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the copolymers employed herein comprise a mole percent of ethylene of from about 25 to about 60 and a mole percent of vinyl alcohol of from about 40 to about 75, more preferably a mole percent of ethylene of from about 40 to about 60 and a mole percent of vmyl alcohol of from about 40 to about 60 The term "contrast agent" refers to a biocompatible (non-toxic) radiopaque material capable of bemg monitored durmg inj ection into a mammalian subj ect by , for example, radiography The contrast agent can be either water soluble or water insoluble. Examples of water soluble contrast agents mclude metπzamide, lopamidol, lothalamate sodium, lodomide sodium, and meglumine. The term "water insoluble contrast agent" refers to contrast agents which are insoluble in water (i.e., has a water solubility of less than 0.01 milligrams per millihter at 20°C) and include tantalum, tantalum oxide and barium sulfate, each of which is commercially available in the proper form for in vivo use and preferably havmg a particle size of 10 μm or less. Other water insoluble contrast agents include gold, tungsten and platmum powders Methods for preparing such water insoluble biocompatible contrast agents having an average particle size of about 10 μm or less are described below. Preferably, the contrast agent is water insoluble (i.e., has a water solubility of less than 0.01 mg/ml at 20° C) The term "biocompatible solvent" refers to an organic matenal liquid at least at body temperature of the mammal m which the biocompatible polymer is soluble and, m the amounts used, is substantially non-toxic Suitable biocompatible solvents include, by way of example, dimethylsulfoxide, analogues/homologues of dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol, ethyl lactate, acetone, and the like. Aqueous mixtures with the biocompatible solvent can also be employed provided that the amount of water employed is sufficiently small that the dissolved polymer precipitates upon injection into a human body Preferably, the biocompatible solvent is ethyl lactate or dimethylsulfoxide The term "encapsulation" as used relative to the contrast agent bemg encapsulated in the precipitate is not meant to mfer any physical entrapment of the contrast agent within the precipitate much as a capsule encapsulates a medicament. Rather, this term is used to mean that an integral coherent precipitate forms which does not separate into individual components, for example into a copolymer component and a contrast agent component. The compositions employed in the methods of this invention are prepared by conventional methods whereby each of the components is added and the resulting composition mixed together until the overall composition is substantially homogeneous. For example, sufficient amounts of the selected polymer are added to the biocompatible solvent to achieve the effective concentration for the complete composition. Preferably, the composition will comprise from about 2.5 to about 8 0 weight percent of the polymer based on the total weight of the composition and more preferably from about 4 to about 5.2 weight percent. If necessary, gentle heating and stirring can be used to effect dissolution of the polymer into the biocompatible solvent, e g., 12 hours at 50° C. Sufficient amounts of the contrast agent are then optionally added to the biocompatible solvent to achieve the effective concentration for the complete composition. Preferably, the composition will comprise from about 10 to about 40 weight percent of the contrast agent and more preferably from about 20 to about 40 weight percent and even more preferably about 30 to about 35 weight percent When the contrast agent is not soluble in the biocompatible solvent, stirring is employed to effect homogeneity of the resulting suspension. In order to enhance formation of the suspension, the particle size of the contrast agent is preferably mamtamed at about 10 μm or less and more preferably at from about 1 to about 5 μm (e.g., an average size of about 2 μm). In one preferred embodiment, the appropriate particle size of the contrast agent is prepared, for example, by fractionation. In such an embodiment, a water insoluble contrast agent such as tantalum having an average particle size of less than about 20 microns is added to an organic liquid such as ethanol (absolute) preferably in a clean environment. Agitation of the resulting suspension followed by settling for approximately 40 seconds permits the larger particles to settle faster Removal of the upper portion of the organic liquid followed by separation of the liquid from the particles results m a reduction of the particle size which is confirmed under an optical microscope The process is optionally repeated until a desired average particle size is reached The particular order of addition of components to the biocompatible solvent is not critical and stirring of the resultmg suspension is conducted as necessary to achieve homogeneity of the composition Preferably, mixing/stirring of the composition is conducted under an anhydrous atmosphere at ambient pressure The resultmg composition is heat sterilized and then stored preferably in sealed amber bottles or vials until needed Each of the polymers recited herem is commercially available but can also be prepared by methods well known in the art For example, polymers are typically prepared by conventional techniques such as radical, thermal, UV, gamma irradiation, or electron beam mduced polymerization employmg, as necessary, a polymerization catalyst or polymerization initiator to provide for the polymer composition The specific manner of polymerization is not critical and the polymerization techniques employed do not form a part of this invention In order to mamtam solubility in the biocompatible solvent, the polymers described herein are preferably not cross-linked In another particularly preferred embodiment of the implant-forming or augmenting solution, the biocompatible polymer composition can be replaced with a biocompatible prepolymer composition containing a biocompatible prepolymer In this embodiment, the composition comprises a biocompatible prepolymer, an optional biocompatible water insoluble contrast agent preferably havmg an average particle size of about 10 μm or less and, optionally, a biocompatible solvent The term "biocompatible prepolymer" refers to matenals which polymerize in situ to form a polymer and which, in the amounts employed, are non-toxic, chemically inert, and substantially non-immunogenic when used internally in the patient and which are substantially insoluble in physiologic liquids Such a composition is introduced into the body as a mixture of reactive chemicals and thereafter forms a biocompatible polymer within the body Suitable biocompatible prepolymers include, by way of example, cyanoacrylates, hydroxyethyl mefhacrylate, silicon prepolymers, and the like The prepolymer can either be a monomer or a reactive ohgomer Preferably, the biocompatible prepolymer is also non-inflammatory when employed in situ Prepolymer compositions can be prepared by adding sufficient amounts of the optional contrast agent to the solution (e g , liquid prepolymer) to achieve the effective concentration for the complete polymer composition Preferably, the prepolymer composition will comprise from about 10 to about 40 weight percent of the contrast agent and more preferably from about 20 to about 40 weight percent and even more preferably about 30 weight percent When the contrast agent is not soluble in the biocompatible prepolymer composition, stirring is employed to effect homogeneity of the resulting suspension In order to enhance formation of the suspension, the particle size of the contrast agent is preferably mamtamed at about 10 μm or less and more preferably at from about 1 to about 5 μm (e g , an average size of about 2 μm) When the prepolymer is liquid (as in the case of polyurethanes), the use of a biocompatible solvent is not absolutely necessary but may be preferred to provide for an appropπate viscosity in the implant-forming solution Preferably, when employed, the biocompatible solvent will compπse from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of the biocompatible prepolymer composition based on the total weight of the prepolymer composition When a biocompatible solvent is employed, the prepolymeπc composition typically comprises from about 90 to about 50 weight percent of the prepolymer based on the total weight of the composition In a particularly preferred embodiment, the prepolymer is cyanoacrylate which is preferably employed m the absence of a biocompatible solvent When so employed, the cyanoacrylate adhesive is selected to have a viscosity of from about 5 to about 20 centipoise at 20° C The particular order of addition of components is not critical and stirring of the resultmg suspension is conducted as necessary to achieve homogeneity of the composition Preferably, mixmg/stirπng of the composition is conducted under an anhydrous atmosphere at ambient pressure The resultmg composition is sterilized and then stored preferably m sealed amber bottles or vials until needed Several specific embodiments of implant-forming solutions suitable for use with the apparatus of the present invention are descπbed in U S PatentNos 5,667,767 dated September 16, 1997, 5,580,568 dated December 3, 1996, and 5,695,480 dated December 9, 1997 and International Publication Number WO 97/45131 having an International Publication Date of December 4, 1997, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by this reference Supply assembly 58 further mcludes second and third reservoirs in the form of second and third syringes 126 and 128 Second syrmge 126 is filled with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or any other suitable liquid Third syringe 128 is filled with a saline solution or any other suitable aqueous or physiologic solution A manifold assembly or manifold 130 is provided for coupling syringes 118, 126 and 128 to fluid connector 110 In one embodiment, the manifold 130 has a plurality of three stopcocks 132, 134, 136 and a plurality of at least two and as shown a plurality of four ports or Luer fitting portions A first Luer fitting portion 138 cooperatively mates with forward Luer fitting portion 122 of syringe 118 A second Luer fitting portion 140 cooperatively mates with second Luer fitting portion 84 of fluid connector 110 Third and fourth Luer fitting portions 142 and 144 are additionally provided Third Luer fitting portion 142 is connected by a tube 146, aportion of which is shown in FIG 1, to second syringe 126 and fourth Luer fitting portion 108 is connected by a tube 148, a portion of which is shown in FIG 1, to third syringe 128 Stopcocks 132, 134, 136 operate in a conventional manner to direct fluid flow between Luer fitting portions 138, 140, 142 and 144 In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown), syringe 118 can be secured directly to fluid connector 110 or proximal end portion 96a of needle 96 It should be appreciated that manifold 130 can alternatively be provided with any number of Luer fitting portions or be of any other configuration for coordinatmg fluid flow from a plurality of syringes or other fluid reservoirs Supply assembly 58 further includes a delivery device or gun 150 for supplying a plurality of discrete preselected amounts of the fluid withm barrel 120 to needle 96 (see FIGS 1 and 5) Gun 150 has a cylindrical housmg 152 made from plastic or any other suitable material for receiving syrmge baπel 120 Housing 152 is formed from a base portion 154 and a cover portion 156 pivotally secured to base portion 154 by hinge 158 A latch 160 is pivotally coupled to cover portion 156 for engaging base portion 154 and thereby lockmg cover portion 156 in a closed position Housing 152 has a forward opening 162 for receiving Luer fitting portion 122 of syringe 118 A handle 164 made from plastic or any other suitable material depends from base portion 154 Handle 164 has an mternal cavity 166. First and second spaced-apart remforcmg members 168 and 170 extend downwardly from base portion 154 at the front and rear of handle 164. Remforcmg members 168 and 170 are longitudinally aligned and are each provided with a bore 172 extendmg longitudinally therethrough and openmg into internal cavity 166. A rod 174 made from plastic or any other suitable material is shdably disposed within bores 172. Rod 174 has a paddle 176 extending upwardly from the rear thereof perpendicularly to the longitudmal axis of the rod Paddle 176 is adapted to engage the end of syrmge plunger 124. A rmg 178 sized for receiving a finger of a human hand extends rearwardly from paddle 176 for facilitating the pulling of rod 174 rearwardly m bores 172. Rod 174 and paddle 176 are mcluded within the finger operable means of gun 150 for causmg mcremental relative movement between barrel 120 and plunger 124 of syrmge 118. A trigger 180 extends from an openmg 182 at the front of handle 164 below rod 174. The trigger is shdably disposed in a direction parallel to the longitudmal axis of rod 174 between first and second spaced-apart guides 184 provided in internal cavity 166 Trigger 180 moves between a first or fully extended position to a second or fully retracted position. A lever 186 is pivotally coupled to handle 164 by means of a pin 188. The lever 186 has a first end portion 186a which extends behind trigger 180 and a second end portion 186b having a wedge-like shape for engaging one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart notches formed in the bottom of rod 174 When trigger 180 is pulled rearwardly by the finger of a human hand, the tπgger engages lever first end portion 186a to cause lever 186 to pivot about pin 188 from a first or home position to a second or operational position. Lever second end portion 186b moves forwardly during this half-stroke to engage one of notches 190 and cause rod 174 to move forwardly relative to housmg 152. Paddle 176 follows rod 174 and incrementally pushes plunger 124 into barrel 120 for each pull of tπgger 180 A fixed stop 192 is provided m handle 164 for limiting the rearward movement of trigger 180 and thus determining the mcremental amount of fluid within barrel 120 dispelled from syringe 118 with each pull of tπgger 180 The rearward travel of trigger 180 can be selectively limited by means of one or more additional pins or stops 194, one of which is shown m FIG. 5 Adjustable limit pin 194 is shdably mounted withm handle 164 for movement from a first position out of the path of trigger 180 to a second position within the path of trigger 180 so as to selectively limit the rearward stroke of trigger 180 when engaged and placed m its second position A coil spring or any other suitable biasmg number is provided having one end coupled to a pm mounted withm handle 164 and a second end secured to second end portion 186b of lever 186 The coil spring urges lever 186 back to its home position, out of engagement with notches 190, when the finger pressure on trigger 180 is released. The coil sprmg causes lever first end portion 186a to push trigger 180 outwardly from opening 182 to its home position. A finger operable adjustment mechanism 196 is connected to needle proximal end portion 96a and sleeve proximal end portion 98a for causmg longitudinal relative movement between the needle 96 and sleeve 98. The ad j ustment mechanism 196 can be of any suitable type for use with any suitable needle assembly having a needle and sleeve which are adjustable relative to each other One embodiment of such an adjustment mechanism 196 is carried by gun 150 As shown in FIG. 1, such adjustment mechanism 196 has a first or forward post 198 and a second or rear post 200 extendmg upwardly from the top of cover portion 156 The longitudinally spaced-apart posts 198 and 200 extend perpendicularly to baπel 120 A slidable member or slide bar 202 is shdably mounted m a bore (not shown) provided m forward post 198 for forward and rearward movement m a direction parallel to barrel 120 A thumb screw 204 havmg an enlarged head 204a is shdably disposed m a bore (not shown) provided in rear post 200 Screw head 204a abuts rear post 200 and the other end of screw 204 is threadably received withm the back end of slide bar 202 Counterclockwise rotation of thumb screw 204 relative to rear post 200 causes slide bar 202 to move rearwardly toward forward post 198, while clockwise rotation of thumb screw 204 results m slide bar 202 moving forwardly away from post 198 An L-shaped coupler 206 is pivotally coupled to the forward end of slide bar 202 by means of a pin 208 Coupler 206 has first and second spaced-apart arms 210 forming a slot 212 therebetween for receivmg the central portion of grip 112 A screw 214 extends between arms 210 for lockmg the arms to grip 112 and thus longitudinally lockmg sleeve 98 relative to needle 96 Overtube assembly 42 of the present invention mcludes an elongate tubular member or overtube member 72 (see FIGS 1-3) Overtube member 72 may be formed of either rigid or flexible materials For example, overtube member 72 may be formed of rigid plastic tubing, flexible plastic tubing or flexible silicon tubmg and can be made from any suitable material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polypropylene (PP) or fluoπnated ethylene propylene (FEP) Preferably, overtube member 72 is optically clear and is flexible such that it provides a tight fπctional seal against insertion tube 54 at its proximal portion and/or at its distal portion end cap 74 Overtube member 72 includes a proximal end portion 72a and a distal end portion 72b Overtube assembly 42 has a length preferably approximate the length of msertion tube 54, as for example a length rangmg from 100 to 150 centimeters and preferably approximately 125 centimeters, and a diameter ranging from 0 5 to 2 5 centimeters and preferably ranging from 0 75 to 1 5 centimeters One should appreciate, however, the length of overtube assembly 42 may vary depending upon the size of probe 44, the intended patient and other factors The overtube assembly 42 is rotatably mounted on at least a portion of insertion tube 54 A seal 216 having a seal aperture 218 is provided on overtube member 72 and is shown as being provided on the proximal end of the overtube member 72 Insertion tube 54 may be inserted into overtube assembly 42 through seal aperture 218 thereby forming an internal chamber or pressure chamber 68 between insertion tube 54 and overtube assembly 42 A suction source 220 is coupled with overtube assembly 42 via a suction source coupling 222 to produce negative pressure withm pressure chamber 68 Suction source 220 may mclude any well known suction devices such as a suction pump or a conventional 50 cubic centimeter syrmge Overtube assembly 42 includes an end cap 74 secured to distal end portion 72b of overtube member 72 by any suitable means such as heat sealmg, adhesive, threads or press fit End cap 74 has a length ranging from one to ten centimeters and preferably ranging from two to three centimeters and may be formed by injection moldmg or machinmg from any suitable material The end cap 74 is preferably made from a clear plastic such as polymethylpentene (PMP) or acrylic The end cap 74 has an outer surface preferably m the form of outer cylindrical surface 224 and an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of overtube member 72 End cap 74 includes a rounded end or blunt nose 225 which facilitates msertion into and advancement through the gastrointestinal tract thus preventmg or minimizing injury to thereto End cap 74 is provided with a central passageway or bore 223 that communicates with chamber 68 and terminates at an openmg formed in blunt nose 225 An optical wmdow 226 made from any suitable matenal is secured to nose 225 at the openmg to enable optical viewmg device 48 to provide visual feedback of the gastrointestinal tract beyond end cap 74 End cap 74 is formed with at least one recess or vacuum cavity 227 that opens onto outer surface 224 One should appreciate that one, two, three, four or more recesses or vacuum cavities 227 may be provided m the distal extremity of overtube assembly 42 Such vacuum cavities can be circumferentially disposed about the end cap, as shown in FIG 1 where three of four circumferentially spaced-apart cavities 227 are shown and as shown in FIG 7 where four circumferentially spaced-apart cavities 227 are shown Each of the vacuum cavities 227 of end cap 74 is elongated and is formed m part by a flat cavity base 229 A peπpheral wall 231 serves as the side wall of the vacuum cavity 227 One should appreciate that the size and shape of vacuum cavity may vary m accordance with the medical procedure with which it is used For example, vacuum cavity may have a semispheπcal shape Each vacuum cavity 227 is fluidly connected to pressure chamber 68 by means of at least one passageway 232 which extends from the cavity 227 to central bore 223 Vacuum openings or apertures 228 are located in a portion of end cap 74 which forms a cavity base 229 of each vacuum cavity 227, as shown m FIG 3, and serve as the openings for respective internal passageways 232 mto the vacuum cavity Each recessed wall or base 229 is provided with a plurality of apertures 228 therem and, more specifically, has a plurality of six apertures arranged in two rows with three apertures in each row Although base 229 is shown as bemg planar, it should be appreciated that the base 229 can be nonplanar, such as concave or convex, and be withm the scope of the present invention Insertion tube 54 extends through overtube member 72 such that distal extremity 54b is adjacent to distal end 72b (see FIGS 1 and 3) Optical viewmg device 48 provides visual feedback about needles 96 when they are extended from distal face 56 of insertion tube 54 mto vacuum cavity 227 Overtube assembly 42 may include four vacuum cavities 227 and four coπesponding needle guides 234 An identifying reference mark 236 such as a spline may be provided on the inside of overtube member 72 adjacent distal end 72b that is viewable through probe 44 to define a reference point for determining the position of needle 96 with respect to the four vacuum cavities 227 Any other suitable identifying reference mark 236, such as an etched and inked mark on the inside of the overtube member 72, can alternatively be provided Use of the identifying mark 236 provides a relative position, for example a twelve o'clock position, of probe 44 withm overtube assembly 42 Treatment device 40 can be used for any suitable procedure withm the upper gastrointestmal tract, such as the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) A portion of a human body 238 is shown in FIGS 6 and 7 and has an internal cavity in the form of esophagus 240 extending through a lower esophageal sphincter 242 to a stomach 244 Such cavity is accessible by a natural body openmg in the form of a mouth (not shown) and is defined by an intraluminal wall 232 Esophagus 240 is part of the gastrointestinal tract of body 238 that extends from the mouth to an anus (not shown) An esophageal mucosa 246 serves as the inner layer of intraluminal wall 232 in the esophagus 240 and gastric mucosa 248 serves as the inner layer of the intramural wall 232 m stomach 244 The esophageal mucosa and the gastric mucosa meet at a squamocolumnar junction 250 Wall 232 has a muscle layer comprising layer of circular muscle 252 extending beneath mucosa layers 246 and 248 and layer of longitudinal muscle 254 beneath circular muscle 252 The muscle layers 252 and 254 each extend around esophagus 240 and stomach 244 Wall 232 further includes a submucosal layer or submucosa 256 extendmg between the mucosa and the muscle layers A submucosal space, that is a potential space, can be created between mucosa layer 246 or 248 and circular muscle layer 252 by the separation of layer 246 or 248 from muscle layer 252 In addition, as with any muscle, wall 232 mcludes an intramuscular potential space, that is a space which can be created intramuscularly by distension and separation of muscle fibers withm a single muscle or between layers of muscle Wall 232 has a depth or thickness which mcludes at least mucosa layers 246 and 248, muscle layers 252 and 254 and submucosa 256 A phreno-esophageal ligament 258 and a diaphragm 260 extend around esophagus 240 above lower esophageal sphincter 242 In one method of the present mvention, at least one implant- forming solution is introduced mto the wall 232 of the gastrointestmal tract to form at least one implant 264 m the wall 232 of the gastrointestmal tract In one prefeπed method of operation and use, the apparatus of the present invention is used to inject the implant-forming solution mto a portion of a wall forming a cavity m a body in a procedure similar to that disclosed in U S Patent Application Serial No 09/286,245 filed April 15, 1999, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by this reference In particular, overtube assembly 42 and treatment device 40 are used in accordance with the present invention to form a protrusion 230 m a portion of wall 232 into which an implant-forming solution is injected In one embodiment, syrmge 118 is filled with the implant- forming solution m preparation of the procedure Syrmge 118 is loaded into gun 150 by opening cover portion 156 to permit placement of baπel 120 withm housing 152 Ring 178 is grasped to pull rod 174 rearwardly relative to housing 152 so that paddle 176 is disposed behind the retracted plunger 124 Cover portion 156 is closed and secured to base portion 154 by means of latch 160 The physician thereafter pulls trigger 180 as necessary to cause paddle 176 to engage the rear of plunger 124 Supply assembly 58 is attached to needle assembly 52 after needle 96 and sleeve 98 have been disposed in working channel 88 of probe 44 Alternatively, supply assembly 52 can be attached to the needle assembly prior to such disposition of the needle assembly within probe 44 In either case, attachment is accomplished by coupling first Luer fitting portion 138 of manifold 130 to Luer fitting portion 122 of syringe 118 and second Luer fitting portion 106 of the manifold to first Luer fitting portion 156 of fluid connector 110 Coupler 206 is pivoted downwardly so that first and second arms 176 thereof engage grip 112 and screw 179 tightened to secure gπp 112 in slot 178 between arms 176 Thumb screw 204 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to rear post 186 to ensure that needle 96 is fully retracted within sleeve 98 Thereafter, saline solution syringe 128 is coupled by means of tube 148 to third Luer fitting portion 142 of manifold 130 and DMSO syringe 126 is coupled by means of tube 146 to fourth Luer fitting portion 144 of the manifold Probe 44 is prepared by connecting light cable 84 to light source 86 and attaching the proper eyepiece 76 to probe handle 62 In addition, all other conventional attachments are applied to probe 44 Insertion tube 54 is then inserted withm overtube assembly 42 via aperture 218 of seal 216 After the patient has been appropπately sedated or anesthetized, probe handle 62 is grasped by the physician to mtroduce distal end 72b of overtube assembly 42 and distal extremity 54b of probe 44 into the mouth of the patient and to advance overtube assembly 42 with insertion tube 54 down esophagus 240 Optical viewing device 48 facilitates advancement by the physician of the insertion tube 54 and the overtube assembly 42 In addition, the optical viewing device 48 enables the physician to ensure that overtube assembly 42 is properly disposed withm esophagus 240. Insertion tube 54 and overtube assembly 42 each have a length so that when distal extremity 54b and distal end 72b are m the vicinity of lower esophageal sphincter 242, proximal extremity 54a and proximal end 72a are outside of body 238. The optically clear mateπal of end cap 74 permits light from light guides 82 to illuminate the esophagus and thus enhance visualization by optical viewmg device 48 through window 226 Although the method of positioning overtube assembly 42 withm the esophagus is described herein as utilizing an optical viewing device, it should be appreciated that the overtube assembly can be introduced into the esophagus without the aid of an optical viewing device. For example, the overtube assembly 42 can be positioned in the esophagus by merely mtroducmg the distal end of the overtube assembly a predetermined distance to the desired treatment site The insertion distance of overtube assembly 42 can be measured by external observation of the proximal extremity of assembly and optionally by gradations (not shown) provided on the outer surface of such proximal extremity A portion of the procedure for treating wall 232 in the vicinity of lower esophageal sphincter 242 is shown in FIG. 6. Under the guidance of optical viewing device 48, which has a field of view forward distal face 56 of insertion tube 54 and forward of overtube assembly 42 through optical window 226, overtube assembly 42 is maneuvered to a position such that at least one vacuum cavity 227 is adjacent the portion of wall 232 which is to be treated. Suction source 220 is then activated to draw air from and evacuate pressure chamber 68 of overtube assembly 42 A negative pressure is thus created withm the pressure chamber 68 and the vacuum cavities 227. This negative pressure creates a suction effect which draws targeted tissue, that is a portion of wall 232 to be treated, mto vacuum cavity 227 to form a protrusion 230 in the targeted tissue, as shown in FIG 6. It should be appreciated that FIGS.6 and 7 are somewhat schematic and that, in this regard, the size of esophagus 240 has been exaggerated relative to the size of insertion tube 54 and overtube 72 in FIG. 6. The sizing of esophagus 240 relative to insertion tube 54 and overtube 72 are more accurate m FIG 7. Distal end portions 96b and 98b of needle assembly 52 are now advanced until such distal end portions of needle 96 and sleeve 98 are in the vicinity of insertion tube distal extremity 54b, overtube distal end 72b and end cap 74 Needle 96 and sleeve 98 are each movable from a first position m which distal end portions 96b and 98b are each retracted withm insertion tube 54 and thus recessed withm working channel 88 to a second position in which the distal end portions 96b and 98b extend distally beyond the end of insertion tube 54 The needle and sleeve each have a sufficient length so that the physician holding gun 150 can extend both the needle and the sleeve distally from distal extremity 54b. The physician retracts sleeve 98 relative to needle 96 by means of adjustment mechanism 196 so that needle distal end portion 96b extends beyond sleeve distal end portion 98b a selected amount of at least two millimeters and preferably ranging from two to 15 millimeters Such amount of extension can be easily determined for example by coπelating such extension as a function of the rotation of thumb screw 204 and properly calibrating the position of thumb screw 204 relative to rear post 200 in this regard The physician primes needle 96 with the salme or other aqueous or physiologic solution from syrmge 128 and ensures that needle passage 100 is filled with salme solution by observing with optical viewing device 48 the saline solution being dispelled from the one or more openings 108 m needle distal end portion 96b. For simplicity, the operation of conventional stopcocks 132, 134, 136 for directing appropπate fluids to and from needle passage 100 will not be discussed in connection with the procedure The physician advances sleeve 98 and needle 96 distally from msertion tube distal extremity 54b mto a respective needle guide 234 such that sleeve 98 and needle 96 are proximate to the protrusion 230 The physician extends needle 96 through needle guide 234 into vacuum cavity 227, which is occupied by the portion of wall 232 to be treated, by moving the needle 96 and sleeve 98 closer to side port 90 This causes sharpened end 104 of needle 96 to penetrate protrusion 230 of wall 232 The field of view of optical viewing device 48 permits the physician to observe movement of needle 96 mto needle openmg or guide 234 and, m some cases, penetration of protrusion 230 The optically clear material of end cap 74 permits light guides 82 to enhance such visualization It is noted that the amount of extension of needle 96 into vacuum cavity 227 can be determmed for example by coπelating such extension as a function of the rotation of thumb screw 204 and properly calibrating the position of thumb screw 204 in relation to rear post 200, as discussed above Saline solution may be injected into wall 232 to cause esophageal mucosa 246 or gastric mucosa 248, as the case may be, to separate from circular muscle 252 and further enlarge protrusion 230 in wall 232 providing an internal space 262 filled with the saline solution The amount of saline solution required to create space 262 can range from 0 25 to ten cubic centimeters and preferably range from one to three cubic centimeters The physician then retracts needle 96 from space 262, cavity 227 and guide 234 and withdraws the remainmg saline solution from passage 100 by means of pulling back the plunger on syrmge 128 or by any other suitable method The physician next cleanses needle passage 100 with DMSO from syrmge 126 to ensure that the salme solution has been removed from passage 100 DMSO cleansmg can be determmed by observing a slight amount of DMSO being dispelled from needle distal end portion 96b This cleansing step is enhanced by the introduction of the DMSO downstream of saline stopcock 103 and upstream of implant-formmg solution stopcock 101 The DMSO is now removed from passage 100 by withdrawing the plunger of syrmge 126 or by any other suitable means Removal of the saline solution from passage 100 and the cleansing of the passage with DMSO inhibits premature precipitation withm syrmge 118 of the biocompatible polymer in the implant- forming solution from the DMSO in the implant-forming solution Needle passage 100 is next pruned with the implant-forming solution earned by syrmge 118 until such solution is available at the openings 108 in needle distal end portion 96b The physician again positions insertion tube distal extremity 54b withm overtube assembly 42 such that needle 96 aligns with needle guide 234 and causes needle distal end portion 96b to extend through needle guide 234 and penetrate protrusion 230 and extend mto space 262 Thereafter, the physician pulls tπgger 180 to cause the desired preselected amount of implant- forming solution to be introduced through needle 96 extending through probe 44 into space 262 The openmgs 108 in needle distal end portion 96b are positioned so that the implant-forming solution is preferably introduced mto the middle of space 262 The contrast agent within the implant-formmg solution permits the viewmg of the implant- forming solution by means of fluoroscopy In addition, the introduction of the implant-formmg solution into wall 232 can be monitored transabdominally or transesophageally by ultrasound The rate of injection of the implant-formmg solution mto space 262 can range from 0 1 cubic centimeters per m ute to ten cubic centimeters per minute Once the implant-formmg solution has been introduced mto wall 232, the biocompatible polymer of the implant-formmg solution precipitates to form one or more discrete deposits or solid implants 264 (see FIG. 6). The amount or bolus of implant- forming solution mjected into wall 232 for each implant can range from 0.05 cubic centimeters to 10 cubic centimeters The ratio of implant-formmg solution to salme m space 262 can range from 2: 1 to 1 -8 and preferably range from approximately one part implant-formmg solution to two to three parts salme solution In one embodiment, space 262 created by the salme solution predefines the configuration of the precipitant or implant 264. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the discrete implant 264 shown therem occupies less than all of space 262. In another embodiment (not shown), more implant-formmg solution than salme is introduced into wall 232 so that the discrete implant 264 more than fills the space 262 created by the salme. An in j ection of a suitable aqueous or physiologic solution such as a salme solution into wall 232 prior to the in j ection of the implant-formmg solution creates a space 262 which pushes wall 232 agamst vacuum cavity 227 The in j ection of the implant-formmg solution mto the salme filled space 262 facilitates rapid precipitation and enhanced solidification of the biocompatible polymer. This rapid solidification facilitates the desired shapmg of implant 264, which is shown m FIG 6 as bemg somewhat spheπcal and elongated in shape and as substantially corresponding to the shape of vacuum cavity 227 It has also been found that the salme solution facilitates the creation of a relatively soft and spongy implant 264. After completion of the injection of implant-formmg solution and the solidification of the biocompatible polymer, the remammg solution withm space 262 disperses within body 238 and the space 262 contracts about implant 264 (see FIG. 7) Although only a smgle implant 264 in wall 232 m the vicinity of the lower esophageal sphmcter 242 is shown in FIGS 6 and 7, additional implants may be created in wall 232 In preparation thereof, needle 96 is removed from protrusion 230, vacuum cavity 227 and needle guide 234, and the implant-formmg solution within passage 100 withdrawn by pulling back on plunger 124. The needle 96 is cleansed with DMSO by filling the needle passage 100 with DMSO from syrmge 128 and thereafter withdrawing the DMSO from the passage 100. Afterthe subsequent priming needle passage 100 with salme solution from syringe 128, the physician positions overtube assembly 42 within the gastrointestinal tract so that the desired recess 227 is disposed agamst the desired portion of wall 232. Insertion tube distal extremity 54b is then positioned within overtube assembly 42 such that needle 96 aligns with the needle guide 234 coπesponding to such cavity 227 and the procedure discussed above is repeated thus creatmg one or more additional implants 229. The physician may rotate probe 44 with msertion tube 54 with respect to overtube assembly 42 to align needle 96 with the desired needle guide 234, such as second needle guide 234' shown in FIG 6 if vacuum cavity 227' is positioned agamst the portion of wall 232 to be treated. The number and configurations of implants 229 formed in wall 232 can vary. Specific examples of implant configurations are disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No 09/286,245 filed April 5, 1999 For example, a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart implants (not shown) may be created in wall 232 below lower esophageal sphmcter 242 and below squamocolumnar junction 250. The implants may be disposed substantially in a plane extending perpendicularly to a longitudmal axis extending along the centerlme of esophagus 240 and mto the stomach 244 The implants may be also be substantially equally spaced apart around the centerlme, for example, at approximately 90° intervals in the case of four implants It should be appreciated, however, that less than four or greater than four implants can be provided and can be circumferentially spaced apart at approximately equal angular intervals or asymmetrically disposed about the center lme. The plane of implants can be disposed above, below and/or at the lower esophageal sphmcter 242. In other embodiments, implants can be formed which are not disposed m a smgle plane. Furthermore, the sizing, spacmg and configuration of implants determmes whether the esophagus is augmented or partially or completely coapted. A plurality of implants may also be formed m additional planes spaced apart from a first plane of implants. Such an array of implants can be longitudinally centered on the squamocolumnar junction. In another embodiment, a smgle implant can be provided for augmenting or partially or completely coapting esophagus m the vicinity of the lower esophageal sphincter. It should be appreciated that one or more implants can be formed in portions of the wall other than the mucosal layers For example, one or more implants can be formed in one or both of or between the muscle layers 252 and 254. Such implants can serve to augment or partially or completely coapt the esophagus in the vicinity of the lower esophageal sphincter and can also serve to reduce the distensibihty of the muscle layers. Implants formed within or between muscle layers 252 and 254 can be aπanged in a variety of configurations, including any of the various configuration of implants described above. The implants created by the apparatus of the invention can add bulk to wall 232 so as to form a bamer between the stomach and the esophagus and/or, if introduced mto one or both of the muscle layers 252 and 254 of the wall 232, can serve to reduce the distensibihty of such muscle layers 252 and 254 and thereby increase the resistance of the wall 232 m the vicinity of the lower esophageal sphmcter 242. Implants can also be formed in wall 232 to form a valve-like mechanism as disclosed in copending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/447,663 filed November 23, 1999, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by this reference Although the method of the invention has been described as including the formation of a space 262 by a salme solution injected into the wall 232 prior to an injection of implant-formmg solution into wall 232, it should be appreciated that space 262 can be formed by other aqueous or physiologic solutions or by a local anesthetic. It is also noted that injection of an aqueous or other solution prior to injection of the implant-forming solution is not essential. It is within the scope of the present invention, for example, to inject the implant-formmg solution directly into the protrusion 230 without the prior formation of a space 262 by an injection of salme solution or otherwise The implant-formmg solution can also be mjected directly into wall 232 without an injection of salme or any other solution for any secondary purpose described herem or otherwise. A salme or other aqueous or physiologic solution can optionally be introduced mto such a space formed by the implant-forming solution, that is after the mtroduction of the implant-formmg solution mto wall 232, to facilitate dispersion of the DMSO or other biocompatible solvent present m the implant-formmg solution. It can thus be seen that the invention is broad enough to cover the introduction of any conditioning solution into the tissue before, durmg or after the treatment to facilitate the treatment In an alternative method for forming a plurality of implants within wall 232, a plurality of spaces 262 can be formed by saline solution from syrmge 128 Subsequently, the implant-forming solution from syrmge 118 can be sequentially mjected into each of such spaces It should be appreciated that the implants of the present mvention can be used as delivery vehicles for other materials such as radioisotopes, chemotherapeutic agents, anti-inflammatory agents and/or antibiotics. In addition, treatment device 40 can be used for forming implants from other suitable mateπals m wall 232 of a body. Such mateπals mclude suitable suspensions such as mjectable bioglass of the type descπbed m Walker et al., "In j ectable Bioglass as a Potential Substitute for Injectable Polytetrafluorethylene Particles", J Urol., 148-645-7, 1992, small particle species such as polytetrafluoroefhylene (PTFE) particles in glycerine such as Polytef®, biocompatible compositions comprising discrete, polymeric and sihcone rubber bodies such as descnbed m U.S. Patent Nos 5,007,940, 5, 158,573 and 5,116,387 to Berg and biocompatible compositions compπsmg carbon coated beads such as disclosed in U.S Patent No 5,451 ,406 to Lawin. Such suitable materials for forming implants further mclude collagen and other biodegradable material of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No 4,803,075 to Wallace et al. and other known injectable mateπals The optional contrast agent m the implants permits the implants to be monitored after completion of the procedure described above Thus the stability of the implant and its configuration can be observed over time Further procedures can be performed to supplement previously formed implants The apparatus for use with the implant-formmg solution described above can be used in other gastrointestinal procedures for other than the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and be withm the scope of the present invention For example, the apparatus can be used to augment luminal walls in the vicinity of fistulas to aid in the stenting or other treatment of fistulas as disclosed in copending U.S. Patent Application Serial No 09/286,531 filed April 5, 1999, the entire content of which is incorporated herem by this reference The apparatus also has applications for the treatment of veins and arteries as disclosed in copending U.S Patent application Serial No. 09/412,105 filed October 4, 1999, the entire content of which is incorporated herem by this reference. In this regard, a modified apparatus could be used to inject a solution mto veins in the lower esophagus to treat esophageal vaπces and into veins m the vicinity of ulcers to treat for example gastric ulcers In addition, similar apparatus can be used to bulk other muscles in a body such as muscles m the vicinity of the anal sphincter to treat incompetent anal sphincters as disclosed in copending U S Patent Application Serial No 09/286,245 filed April 5, 1999, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by this reference Similarly, the apparatus can be used for the treatment of hemoπhoids The present invention encompasses a minimally invasive apparatus to shape a portion of a wall forming a cavity m a body to be treated, that is to shape targeted tissue of the wall for injecting a material therein Vacuum cavities 227 advantageously allow a physician to shape the target tissue mto protrusions 230 and form implants 264 m the protrusions which have a consistent and predetermined size and shape The ability to provide consistently sized and shaped implants 264 contributes to the repeatability of the procedure It is noted that needle 96 can be provided with a plurality of lumens or passages (not shown) extending longitudinally therethrough for permitting multiple liquids to be separately earned by the needle In a further alternative embodiment, a plurality of needles (not shown) can be introduced through the workmg channels of a suitable probe such as probe 44 Each of the needles can be used m combination with an overtube assembly in accordance with the mvention For example, separate needles can be provided for the mtroduction of the saline solution or other physiologic or aqueous solution, for the mtroduction of the DMSO or other biocompatible solvent, and for the introduction of the implant forming solution mto a protrusion 230 formed in a portion of the wall 232 of the gastrointestmal tract In yet a further alternative embodiment, a plurality of needles m a smgle needle assembly can be introduced through a smgle workmg channel (not shown) of probe 54 The inclusion of multiple needles reduces the complexity of the procedure because the implant forming solution and salme solution are no longer introduced through the same needle Thus, for example, the DMSO priming step may be eliminated The structure of the overtube assembly and the probe may vary and be within the scope of the present invention In another embodiment, a plurality of needles may be provided in either the msertion tube and/or the overtube assembly For example, a modified overtube assembly 266 which mcludes four needles 268, 269, 270 and 271 as shown in FIGS 8-11 Overtube assembly 266 has proximal and distal extremities 266a and 266b and is similar to overtube assembly 72, like reference numerals have been used to describe like components of overtube assemblies 72 and 266 Overtube assembly 266 has an overtube member 276 which is substantially similar to overtube member 72 and an end cap 280 mounted on the distal end of the overtube member 276 The proximal end of end cap 280 is provided with an annular recess 282 for receivmg the distal end of the overtube member 276 (see FIG 9) End cap 280 may be attached to the overtube member 276 by any suitable means such as an adhesive or heat shrinking or by means of a pressure fit, snap fit or screw fit The end cap 280, like end cap 74, is provided with at least one and as shown a plurality of four circumferentially spaced-apart recesses 227 formed by base 229 and peripheral wall 231 A plurality of apertures 228 are formed in a pattern on base 229 and extend therethrough for communicating the vacuum cavity 227 with internal chamber 68 of overtube member 276 by means of passageways (not shown) End cap 280 can be formed integral with overtube member 276, like end cap 74 discussed above, and be within the scope of the present invention Each of needles 268-271 , which are preferably shdably disposed withm respective sleeves 98 (not shown), extends through a respective passageway or lumen 272 located in side wall 274 of overtube member 276 (see FIG 10) The needles each enter the respective lumen 272 through a needle port 273 located in the proximal end 266a of overtube assembly 266, as shown in FIG 8 Although the four needle ports 273 are shown in FIG 8 to be asymmetrically spaced apart in close proximity to each other, one should appreciate that overtube assembly 266 can be provided with a varying number of needle ports which can be asymmetrically or symmetrically spaced about proximal end 266a Side wall lumens 272 extend through side wall 274 of overtube member 276 and terminate in respective vacuum cavities 227 (see FIG 11 ) The four lumens 272 are angularly spaced apart about a longitudinal axis of overtube member 276 at distal extremity 266b to coπespond to the respective vacuum cavities 227 In the embodiment of FIGS 8-11, proximal end 266a includes a conventional fitting which direct needles 268-271 from the asymmetrically spaced-apart ports 273 to the symmetrically spaced-apart lumens 272 provided in side wall 274 of the overtube member 276 Needles 268-271 are preferably provided with equal lengths, although the needles 268-271 can having varying lengths as shown in FIG 12 FIG 10 shows lumens 272 symmetrically spaced around the longitudinal axis of overtube member 276, but it should be appreciated that lumens 272 may be asymmetrically spaced about the longitudinal axis Needles 268-271 of varying lengths, as shown schematically m FIGS 12, can be provided to assist the operating physician m identifying the individual the needles within the body For example, a longer needle may be provided at a relative twelve o'clock position and a shorter needle may be provided at a relative three o'clock position, such positions bemg readily discernable by the physician when the needles are inserted equally mto apparatus 40 Alternatively, the needles may be differently colored or provided with other indicia to assist m their respective identification Needles of various lengths may be used m combmation with an identifying mark to assist in identifying the needles withm the body and to determine their relative position with respect to the overtube Such an identifying mark 236, shown in FIG 3, provides a position within the overtube assembly 42 from which the position of a needle can be ascertained With respect to FIG 10, for example, needle 270 could be positioned at the twelve o'clock position adjacent the identifying mark, not shown in FIG 10, and thus needle 271 would be positioned at the three o'clock position, needle 268 at the six o'clock position, and needle 269 at the nine o'clock position The lengths of the extensions of the needles as they are oriented at distal end 276b of overtube member 276 clarify their spatial position when viewed with reference to the identifying mark located within overtube assembly 266 It should be appreciated that an overtube assembly having needles of various lengths and/or colors can be provided without an identifying mark The use and operation of the embodiment of FIGS 8- 12 is similar to that of the first embodiment discussed above For example, overtube assembly 266 is of a length such that when distal end portion 266b is m the vicinity of the lower esophageal sphincter, proximal end portion 266a is outside the body allowing the physician to manipulate needles 268-271 The provision of several needles is advantageous in that a separate needle may be dedicated to each vacuum cavity 227 thus eliminatmg the need to successively align a probe needle with a coπesponding needle guide of several vacuum cavities In another embodiment, shown in FIGS 13 and 14, overtube member 274 includes pairs of parallel lumens which together terminate in a respective vacuum cavity 227 More specifically, overtube member 276 therem has pairs of lumens 272, 272' which extend through side wall 274 in parallel and terminate in a single vacuum cavity 227 A pair of needles 278, 278' extends through a coπesponding pair of lumens 272, 272' and are insertable into the coπesponding vacuum cavity 227, as shown m Fig 14 An advantage of this embodiment is that each needle may be dedicated to a smgle solution, thus eliminating the need to re-pπme the needles For example, needle 278 may be dedicated to the saline solution in syrmge 128 and needle 278' may be dedicated to the DMSO in syrmge 126 In a further embodiment, an overtube assembly 283 havmg a single vacuum cavity 284 can be provided Overtube assembly 283, shown in FIG 15, is substantially similar to overtube assembly 266 and like reference numerals have been used to describe like components of overtube assemblies 266 and 283 An overtube member 285, similar to overtube member 276, and an end cap 286 are included in assembly 283 End cap 286 can be formed by any suitable means, such as injection moldmg, and is preferably made from an optically clear material The end cap 286 has a length ranging from one to ten centimeters and preferably ranging from one to three centimeters and is secured to overtube member 285 by any suitable means such as an adhesive (not shown) The end cap has an outer cylindrical wall, in which smgle recessed portion or recess 284 is formed, and is provided with a longitudinally-extending lumen 287 which communicates with sidewall lumen 272 of overtube member 285. Lumen 287 terminates in vacuum cavity 284, which is formed by a base 288 and a peripheral wall 289. A plurality of passageways or apertures 290 extend through base 288 and communicate with internal chamber 68 of the overtube assembly 283. The apertures 290 are aπanged m a pattern of four longitudinally-extending rows with two apertures in each row. A needle 96 with a protective sleeve 98 extends through lumens 272 and 287 and is accessible at the proximal extremity of overtube assembly for movement mto and out of the vacuum cavity 284. End cap 286 is formed with a blunt, rounded nose 291 that is closed As discussed above with respect to end cap 74, the optically clear mateπal of end cap 286 enhances visualization by permitting illumination of the esophagus with light guides 82. Such light enhances the claπty of the image received by optical viewmg device 48. The relatively short length of the end cap 286 and the relatively large diameter of pressure chamber 68 distal of msertion tube 54 permit optical viewing device 48 to have a relatively large field of view lookmg distally of the end cap 286 The shape of the end cap nose contributes to the type of image available to viewing device 48 In the embodiment of FIG. 15, rounded, convex nose 291 magnifies the image viewed by optical device 48 The end cap of the present invention may be formed of multiple components. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, an end cap 292 is provided that is mountable m the manner discussed above with respect to end cap 280 to an overtube member similar to those discussed above. Alternatively, end cap 280 can be a separate piece, like end cap 332 discussed below, that is removably mounted to insertion tube 54 by any suitable means such as discussed below with respect to end cap 332. End cap 292 has a cylindrical sleeve member 294 in which at least one and as shown a plurality of openmgs 297 are formed for providing an equal plurality of vacuum recesses 297 in the end cap Sleeve member 294 receives an inner cylindrical portion 302 of an end piece 298 Cylindrical portion 302 serves as the base for the vacuum recesses or cavities 297 of end cap 292 Vacuum apertures 304 are formed within and extend through cylindrical portion 302 for providing suction to vacuum cavities 297. A needle guide 306 extends radially outwardly from inner cylindrical portion 302 for each of the vacuum cavities and is formed with an openmg 307 extendmg therethrough for guiding the respective needle 96 and sleeve 98 caπied within insertion tube 54 toward vacuum recess 296 In the operation of end cap 292, shown m FIG 17, a protrusion 230 is formed in a vacuum cavity 297 in the manner discussed above The operatmg physician then extends needle 96 mto the protrusion to form an implant 264 and thus treat wall 232. The protrusion 230 can be visualized with optical viewmg device 48 durmg needle injection It should be appreciated that the vacuum cavity described herein may take the form of different shapes or geometries in order to form protrusions of various desired shapes or geometries. An end cap 309, for example bemg substantially similar to any of the end caps 74, 280 or 286 described above, can be provided with one or more recesses or vacuum cavities 308 that are substantially semispheπcal m shape (see FIG. 18). Like reference numerals have been used to describe like components of end caps 74, 280, 286 and 309. Each of the openings or recesses 308 is substantially circular in cross section and is formed by a wall 310 that is substantially circular in cross section. An aπay of openings 311 are provided in wall 310 of each recessed portion or vacuum cavity 308. The openmgs 311 communicate with a vacuum source (not shown) by means of a passageway or lumen (not shown) provided in the end cap 309 A needle (not shown), for example similar to needle 96 described above, is insertable mto each of the vacuum cavities 308 by means of a passageway or needle guide 312 In a further embodiment, an end cap 313 havmg at least one recess or vacuum cavity 314 that is elongated or elliptical can be provided (see FIG 19) End cap 313 is substantially similar to end cap 309 and like reference numerals have been used to describe like components of end caps 309 and 313 As shown, a plurality of vacuum cavities 314 are provided m end cap 313 Each of the elhptically-shaped vacuum cavities is formed by a substantially planar base 315 and a peripheral side wall 316 that is substantially elliptical m shape An overtube assembly 317 substantially similar to overtube assembly 42 is shown m FIG 20, where like reference numerals have been used to describe like components of overtube assemblies 42 and 317 The overtube assembly has an end cap 318 secured to the distal end of overtube member 72, which end cap 318 is more particularly shown as being formed integral with the overtube member 72 At least one and as shown a plurality of recesses or vacuum cavities 319 are formed in the outer cylindrical wall of end cap 318 More specifically, overtube assembly 317 has a plurality of four vacuum cavities 319 circumferentially spaced apart about the longitudinal axis of the overtube assembly 317 at equal separation angles of 90° Each of the vacuum cavities is formed by an arcuate, concave wall 320, that gently curves substantially the entire length of the vacuum cavity, so as to have a shape which resembles half of a teardrop The operation and use of overtube assembly 317 is similar to the procedure discussed above with respect to overtube assembly 42 After overtube assembly 317 and probe 54 have been properly positioned within the gastrointestmal tract with one of the vacuum cavities 319 disposed adjacent the targeted tissue, suction source 220 is activated by the operatmg physician to provide a negative pressure in chamber 68 and each of vacuum recesses 318 and thus draw a portion of wall 232 into the desired vacuum cavity 319 A protrusion 230 is thereby formed in such vacuum cavity that has substantially the shape of the vacuum cavity (see FIG 20) Needle 96 is inserted through the respective needle guide 234 and into the vacuum cavity to penetrate the protrusion 230 and form an implant withm the protrusion Needle 96 is shown penetratmg circular muscle layer 252 m FIG 20, prior to the injection of the implant-forming solution into the protrusion The arcuate shape of recess wall 320 influences the cross-sectional shape of the implant so formed in wall 232 As can be seen, differently shaped vacuum cavities or recesses can be used to form protrusions 230 of various shapes For example, cavity recess 308 shown m FIG 18 can be used to form a substantially semispheπcal- shaped protrusion and thus a similarly shaped implant It should be appreciated from the foregomg that a multitude of other cavity shapes and profiles may be used m accordance with the present invention For example, other end caps can be provided with one or more vacuum recesses havmg the shape of a square or rectangle Apparatus of the present invention can also be provided with vacuum cavities that extend circumferentially around the distal portion of the apparatus The distal portion of an overtube assembly 321, substantially similar to overtube assembly 42, is shown m FIGS 21 and 22 Like reference numerals have been used m FIGS 21 and 22 to describe like components of overtube assemblies 42 and 321 The overtube assembly 321 has an end cap 322 secured to the distal end of overtube member 72 by any suitable means At least one and as shown a smgle recess or vacuum cavity 323 is formed m the outer cylindrical wall of end cap 322 The recessed portion or vacuum cavity 323 extends circumferentially an angle of 360° about the longitudmal axis of overtube assembly 321, as shown m FIG 21 and is formed by a semicircular-shaped wall 324 A plurality of circumferentially-disposed vacuum apertures 326 extend through wall or recess base 324 The vacuum apertures 326 are radially extendmg and circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis of overtube assembly 324 to fluidly connect circumferential recess 323 with pressure chamber 68 by means of central bore 223 to provide suction to the recess 323 Needle 96 is insertable mto a selected portion of vacuum cavity 323 by means of a plurality of circumferentially-disposed bores or needle guides 330 which extend from the distal end of internal chamber through the proximal portion of recess wall 324 In the operation of overtube assembly 321, a portion of the wall 232 to be treated is drawn into circumferential vacuum recess 323 as suction source 220 is activated Such portion of wall 232 can substantially assume the shape of circumferential vacuum recess 323 so as to form at least a partial arcuate or circumferential protrusion, such as an arcuate protrusion of the type disclosed in U S patent application Serial No 09/447,663 filed November 23, 1999 Needle guides 330 assist m guiding needle 96 mto circumferential vacuum recess 323 as well as any protrusion formed therein Although a smgle mj ection with a single needle 96 can be utilized for forming an implant in the portion of wall 232 drawn into vacuum cavity 323, in an alternate procedure a plurality of in j ections can be made by means of one or more needles 96 Other circumferential recess geometries may also be used to provide various protrusion and implant shapes For example, circumferential vacuum recesses similar to vacuum cavity 323 can be provided with any suitable profile such as any of the profiles or cross sections shown in FIGS 18-20 in order to form circumferential protrusions of various desired shapes One should appreciate that an arcuate vacuum recess can be provided that extends angularly about the longitudinal axis of the overtube assembly less than the entire circumference of the overtube assembly For example, vacuum cavities can be provided that extend approximately 90 ° or 180 ° around an overtube assembly and be within the scope of the present invention In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG 23, a short tubular assembly or overtip assembly 332 is used in combination with a conventional probe such as insertion tube 54 More specifically, second member or overtip assembly 332 is removably attached or mounted to distal end 54b of insertion tube 54 As such, overtip assembly 332 does not extend along the length of msertion tube 54 and, in use with the msertion tube, does not have a proximal portion accessible outside of body 238 In this regard, overtip assembly 332 has a length rangmg from one to ten centimeters and preferably rangmg from two to three centimeters Overtip assembly mcludes a cylindrical body or end cap 333 made from plastic or any other suitable material The end cap 333 has a diameter ranging from 0 5 to 2 5 centimeters and preferably rangmg from 0 75 to 1 5 centimeters A longitudinally-extending internal chamber 334 is provided at the proximal extremity of end cap 333 and a central bore 335 extends distally from chamber 334 to an openmg 391 at the distal end or end cap 333 An optical wmdow 392 similar to optical window 226 is sealably secured to end cap 333 at opening 391 At least one and as shown one vacuum recess or cavity 393 is provided m the outer cylindrical surface of end cap 333 The recess or vacuum cavity 393 is formed in part by a planar wall or base 394 and the cavity can have any suitable size and shape, mcludmg any of the shapes discussed above. A plurality of bores or apertures 395 extend through base 394 to fluidly connect the vacuum cavity 392 with central bore 335. Means including a flexible tubular member or sleeve 397 is mcluded in overtip assembly 332 for removably mountmg end cap 333 to distal end 54b of msertion tube or probe 54. Sleeve 397 is made from any suitable material such as si cone, and is diametπcally sized and has sufficient elasticity to extend over a portion of distal end 54 and secure thereto with a friction fit The proximal end of end cap 333 generally abuts distal end 54b when overtip assembly 332 is so secured to the msertion tube 54. Sleeve 397 further serves as a seal and thus serves to provide a fluid-tight connection between msertion tube 54 and end cap 333. At least one longitudinally- extending bore or guide 398 extends from the distal end of internal chamber 334 to the proximal end of vacuum cavity 393 for permitting a needle 96 earned by insertion tube 54 to be removably inserted into the vacuum cavity 393 In operation and use, overtip assembly 332 is mounted on distal end 54b of the insertion tube 54 prior to insertion of the tube 54 mto the body 238 Suction is provided to internal chamber 334 and thus vacuum cavity 393 by means of insertion tube when it is desired to draw a portion of wall 232 mto the cavity 393. Needle 96, shdably earned by msertion tube 54 and manipulable from outside of body 238, is inserted into the protrusion 230 formed m cavity 393 for injecting the implant-forming solution into protrusion 230 and thus wall 232 in the manner discussed above A further embodiment of an apparatus for forming implants in the wall of a cavity within a body of a mammal is shown in FIG 24 The apparatus 337 therein includes insertion tube 54 and an overtip assembly 338 substantially similar to overtip assembly 332 described above Like reference numerals have been used m FIG. 24 to identify like components of overtip assemblies 332 and 338 An end cap 339 substantially similar to end cap 333 and a flexible attachment sleeve 334 are included in the overtip assembly 338 End cap 339 has a central passageway or bore 340 extendmg longitudinally therethrough for permitting viewing with optical viewmg device 43 forwardly of the overtip assembly 338 The relatively short length of overtip assembly 332 facilitates forward viewing by optical viewmg device 48 Such forward viewing is further enhanced by formmg central bore 340 with a relatively large diameter Overtip assembly 338 does not include an optical window, such as optical window 392, on the distal end of central bore 340 As a result, bore 340 is not capable of providing negative pressure or suction to apertures 395 and the vacuum cavity 393 of end cap 339 External means is included in apparatus 337 for providing suction to vacuum cavity 393 and mcludes an external suction tube 342 that extends externally alongside msertion tube 54 Suction tube 342 has a proximal end 342a connected to a conventional stop cock and fluid fitting assembly 343 for permitting the tube 342 to be connected in a fluid-tight manner to a suitable suction source such as suction source 220 described above The suction tube has a distal end 342b that extends mto end cap 339 and connects in a fluid-tight manner to apertures 395 External suction tube 342 can be secured alongside insertion tube 54 by any suitable means such as a small rubber sleeve 344 concentrically disposed about insertion tube 54 to hold suction tube 342 against its outer circumference Apparatus 337 further mcludes a multi-window overtube member 346 which shdably extends over overtip assembly 338 and msertion tube 54 for rotatable movement therewith Overtube member 346 can be made from any suitable mateπal such as plastic and is provided with a central passageway 347 for shdably and rotatably receiving the overtip assembly and insertion tube. The overtube member 346 has proximal and distal extremities 346a and 346b and has a length so that when the distal extremity 346b is inside the desired cavity of the body, such as the upper gastrointestinal tract, adjacent the targeted tissue, the proximal extremity 346a is outside of the body. A plurality and as shown a plurality of four circumferentially spaced-apart side openmgs 348 are formed m distal extremity 346b. A distal or end openmg 349 is further provided m overtube member 346 Each of side openmgs 348 has a size and shape which approximates the size and shape of the openmg of vacuum cavity 393 and is longitudinally positioned on the overtube member 346 so that when the overtip assembly 338 abuts the end of the overtube member 346, one of the openings 348 can be selectively registered with the vacuum cavity 393 End opening 349 preferably has a size and shape approximating the size of central bore 340 of the overtip assembly 339 for permitting forward viewmg through the overtube member 346 A flange member or handle 350 is formed on proximal extremity 346a of overtube member 346 for facilitating rotation of the overtube member about msertion tube 54 and overtip assembly 338 In operation and use, overtube member 346 serves to facilitate rotation of overtip assembly 338 and insertion tube 54 within the body cavity, particularly where the overtube member is snugly disposed withm such body cavity. Where, for example, a probe is so snugly disposed in a body cavity, apposition of soft tissue to the probe can occur and thus hinder rotation of the probe within the cavity As a result, the ability of the operating physician to desirably position the probe within the cavity may be limited Overtube member 346, which has multiple side openings or windows 348, overcomes this disadvantage when used within an esophagus 240 by allowing the operatmg physician to adjust the position of the overtube member 346 by rotatmg the overtube member 346 within esophagus 240 or other body passageway once and then treat several areas therem by rotatmg msertion member 54 and overtip assembly 338 within the overtube member to one or more of the several positions in which vacuum cavity 393 of the overtip assembly registers with a side window 348 of the overtube member Apposition of soft tissue to apparatus 337 is reduced and/or eliminated because overtube member 346 is not repeatedly rotated within the esophagus Overtip assembly 338 is provided with only a single vacuum cavity 393. This advantageously enhances the suction forces exerted on the protrusion formed in the vacuum cavity 393, in contrast to an overtube assembly or overtip assembly in which only one of multiple vacuum cavities is engagmg wall 232 and thus the remainder of the vacuum cavities are open withm the gastrointestinal tract thereby reducing the vacuum force capable of bemg supplied by the common suction source to the selected vacuum cavity. A dedicated vacuum supply is provided to smgle cavity 393 by means of external suction tube 342 As discussed above, vacuum cavity 393 is registerable with the desired side opening 348 in overtube member 346 durmg operation Forward visualization is optimized by means of foreshortened overtip assembly 338, large diametered central bore 340 in the overtip assembly and the unobstructed openings at the distal ends of the overtip assembly 338 and the overtube member 346 In other embodiments, apparatus can be provided havmg means for urgmg the vacuum recess agamst the targeted wall portion for enhancing formation of implants in the wall For example, apparatus 351 shown in FIG 25 has urgmg means m the form of a balloon Apparatus 351 has an overtip assembly 352 substantially similar to overtip assembly 332 Like reference numerals have been used m FIG 25 to identify like components of overtip assemblies 352 and 332 The overtip assembly 352 is mounted on distal end 54b of insertion tube 54 by any suitable means such as flexible sleeve 397 An inflatable balloon 353 is earned withm a recess 354 provided on end cap 339 generally opposite vacuum cavity 393 An externally mounted air feedmg or air supply tube 355 is provided to inflate balloon 353 Supply tube 355 has a proximal end 355a connected to a conventional stop cock and fluid fitting assembly 399 for permitting the tube 355 to be connected m a fluid-tight manner to a suitable fluid inflation supply (not shown) The supply tube has a distal end 355 that extends mto end cap 339 and connects in a fluid-tight manner to balloon 353 Air supply tube 355 may be mounted externally on insertion tube 54 in the same manner as suction tube 342 discussed above, for example by means of rubber sleeve 344 Alternatively, an air or inflation fluid tube internal of insertion tube 54 can be provided for inflating balloon 353 In operation and use, balloon 353 is used to bias or urge insertion tube 54 and overtip assembly 338 agamst the portion of wall 232 to be captured within cavity 393 and implanted Balloon 353 facilitates placement of vacuum cavity 393 agamst wall 232 and the creation of suction withm the vacuum cavity by pressmg end cap 339 agamst the opposite portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body passageway being implanted Balloon 353 can be used independent of suction source 220 or used m conjunction with suction source 220 to urge the targeted portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body passageway mto implantation cavity 393 for injection by needle 96 It should also be appreciated that a balloon such as balloon 353 can be provided in any of the embodiments of the invention discussed above When balloon 352 is used in conjunction with suction source 220, an externally mounted suction tube 342 and air supply tube 355 may be provided In one embodiment, an externally mounted dual lumen tube may be provided m which one lumen of the tube is fluidly connected to vacuum cavity 393 for providmg suction thereto and the other lumen of the tube is fluidly connected to balloon 355 for supplying air thereto A kit 356 for use in formmg a protrusion m a wall and treating the wall formmg the upper portion of a gastrointestinal tract m a human body in accordance with the method of the present invention is shown schematically m FIG 26 Kit 356 includes a package 358 made from any suitable material such as cardboard or plastic for carrying the contents thereof An exemplary package 358, shown in FIG 26, is a box formed from a bottom wall 360, four side walls 362 and a top wall 364 A portion of top wall 364 is cut away m FIG 26 to reveal an internal space 366 formed by walls 360, 362 and 364 The contents of receptacle or package 358 are disposed in internal space 366 Needle assembly 52 is caπied by package 358 withm internal space 366 As discussed above, needle assembly 52 mcludes a needle 96 within a sleeve 98 and a fluid connector 110 A cap 368 is removably attached to distal end portion 98b of the sleeve 98 for protecting users against undesirable punctures by needle distal end portion 96b during storage and setup Luer fitting portions 114 and 116 of fluid connector 110 are shown as being capped m FIG 26 Kit 356 further includes reservoir or syrmge 118 and a contamer or vial 370 of any suitable implant formmg solution In one prefeπed embodiment, the implant formmg mateπal is the nonaqueous implant- formmg solution referred to above Vial 370 has a needle-penetrable cap 372 and Luer fitting portion 122 of syrmge 118 is attached to a standard hypodermic needle 373, optionally included withm kit 356, that is removably coupled to cap 372 by penetrating the cap 372 for loadmg the syπnge 118 As discussed above, Luer fitting portion 122 of the syrmge 118 is also removably coupled to fluid connector 110 of needle assembly 52 A tubular assembly, such as overtip assembly 332, is included within kit 356 for formmg protrusions in gastrointestinal walls as discussed above Although overtip assembly 332 is shown in FIG 26, kit 356 may include longer overtube assemblies, such as overtube assembly 42 shown m FIGS 1-3, mstead of or in addition to overtip assembly 332 Kit 356 can also optionally include a suitable suction source 220, shown m FIG 26 as bemg a syringe, for producing a negative pressure withm the pressure chamber and vacuum recesses 393 of end cap 333 A delivery mechanism such as gun 150 for supplying a plurality of discrete preselected amounts of the nonaqueous solution from syringe 118 can optionally be included within kit 356 Syrmge 118 is shown m FIG 26 as being mounted within gun 150 Additional optional components of kit 356 include a second reservoir, such as syringe 126, and a container of a biocompatible solvent such as DMSO in the form of vial 374 Vial 374 mcludes a needle-penetrable cap 376 and syπnge 126 has a Luer fitting portion 378 that is attachable to a standard hypodermic needle 377, optionally included m kit 356, that is removably coupled to cap 376 of the vial 374 Kit 356 can optionally further mclude a plurality of stopcocks, such as stopcocks 132, 134, 136 and not shown m FIG 26, for formmg a manifold assembly 130 suitable for selectively directing the flow of liquid through needle assembly 52 m the manner discussed above A third reservoir or syrmge (not shown) and/or a vial of aqueous solution such as saline solution (not shown) can also be optionally included in kit 356 Kit 356 can be used in any of the procedures described above or in any other procedure for treating wall 232 in the upper gastrointestmal tract Needle assembly 52 of the kit 356 is preferably used with a probe device such as probe 44 described above with reference to FIGS 1-3, 6 and 7 In this regard, needle assembly 52 is diametrically sized for introduction mto the gastromtestinal tract through probe 44 and, more particularly, through working channel 88 of probe insertion tube 54 Syπnge 118 is loaded with the nonaqueous solution from vial 331 by any suitable means such as coupling Luer fitting portion 122 of the syπnge 118 to hypodermic needle 373 for penetrating cap 332 of the vial 330 When filled, syπnge 118 is attached to fluid connector 110 in a manner discussed above Probe 44 is introduced into esophagus 240 until distal extremity 54b of insertion tube 54 is in the vicinity of the treatment area Thereafter, distal end portions 96b and 98b of needle assembly 22 are advanced through msertion tube 54 until such distal end portions of needle 96 and sleeve 98 are in the vicinity of insertion tube distal extremity 54b When gun 150 is so used, syringe 118 is mounted within the gun in a manner discussed above In addition, optional syringe 126 can be used for supplymg a suitable biocompatible solvent such as DMSO through needle assembly 52 during the procedure The syπnge 126 is filled by removably couplmg Luer fitting portion 378 thereof to hypodermic needle 377 for penetrating cap 376 of vial 374 Thereafter, the syrmge 126 is coupled to fluid connector 110 m a manner discussed above In addition, optional salme solution syringe 128 can be coupled to fluid connector 110 in a manner discussed above for use durmg the procedure Overtip assembly 332 can be mounted on distal end 54b of insertion tube 54 for facilitating the creation of implants the targeted wall of the body 238 Kit 356 can be used for treating tracheo-esophageal fistulas, vems and arteries and gastric ulcers m the manner described above Kit 356 can also be used in any other procedure within the upper gastrointestinal tract or other suitable cavity withm a body where it is desired to form implants in the wall of the gastrointestmal tract or such cavity A further embodiment of the treatment device of the present mvention is shown in FIGS 27-29 The portion of the treatment device shown therein includes an additional member or short overtip assembly 411 for use with insertion probe 54 Overtip assembly 411 is similar to overtip assembly 332 described above and includes an end piece or end cap 412 made from any suitable hard plastic such as PMP or acrylic The end piece 412 is preferably optically clear End piece 412 has proximal and distal extremities 412a and 412b centered on a longitudinal axis and has a length ranging from one to ten centimeters and preferably rangmg from one to three centimeters Distal extremity 412b of the end piece is formed from an outer cylindrical wall 416 At least one recessed portion or recess 417 is provided m overtip assembly 411 and, as shown m FIGS 27-29, a single recess 417 is formed in outer cylindrical wall 416 of the distal extremity 412b The recess 417 is cup-shaped and formed from a base wall or base 418 and a peripheral wall or πm 419 End piece 412 has a blunt nose 422 formed by the distal end of peripheral wall 419 A planar wall m the form of optics window 423 extends at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the end piece from blunt nose 422 Window 423 is disposed substantially opposite recess 417 and extends below the recess 417 Means is included m overtip assembly 411 for removably mounting end piece 412 to the distal end of a probe such as insertion tube 54 Such means includes a sleeve 426 substantially similar to sleeve 397 and made from any suitable mateπal such as sihcone The tubular sleeve 426 has an internal diameter that is sized to snugly receive the distal end of insertion tube 54 Proximal extremity 412a of end piece 412 is annular in conformation and diametrically sized relative to sleeve 426 to snugly receive the distal end of sleeve 426 thereover Sleeve 426 thus serves to secure end piece 412 to insertion tube 54 as well as provide a fluid tight seal between the end piece and the insertion tube An internal chamber or passageway 431 is provided inside the hollow end piece 412 A plurality of passageways or openings 432 extend through the base 418 of recess 417 for providing fluid communication between internal chamber 431 and the recess 417 Although openmgs 432 can be of any suitable size and shape, the openings 432 are shown as including a plurality of slots 432a extendmg across base 418 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of overtip assembly 411 and a large opening 432b formed below rim 419 at the proximal end of the recess 417 End piece 412 is provided with a needle guide 433 for directing a needle shdably caπied withm msertion tube 54 such as needle 96 shown in FIG 27, into the proximal end of recess 417 The needle guide depends from the annular wall of end piece proximal extremity 412a and extends from the openmg at the proximal end of internal chamber 431 mto recess 417 by means of the large proximal openmg 432b Needle guide 433 has a bore 434 which extends from the proximal end ofendpιece 412 mto the recess 417 The proximal end of the bore 434 is flared for facilitating the capture of needle 96 by guide 433 In operation and use, overtip assembly 411 can be removably mounted on the distal end 54b of msertion tube 54 by means of elastic sleeve 426 Distal extremity 54b of the insertion tube is received by the sleeve 426 and generally abuts proximal extremity 412a of end piece 412 The overtip assembly 411 and insertion tube 84 are introduced mto the appropπate cavity of the body, such as through the mouth into the esophagus, m the manner discussed above Overtip assembly 411 is advantageously sized and constructed so as to facilitate its advancement mto and through the esophagus and the treatment of the desired portion of the esophageal wall 232 The relatively short length of end piece 412 permits the overtip assembly 411 to be easily navigated through the entrance of the esophagus, particularly in the vicinity of the vocal chords The optically clear material of the end piece contπbutes to the illumination, by light guides 82, and resultmg clarity of the wall 232 Forward viewing with minimal distortion is permitted by planar wmdow 423 The relatively short length of end piece 412 as well as the relatively large transverse dimension of internal chamber 431 provide optical viewmg device 48 with a relatively large field of view After proper placement of the overtip assembly 411 withm the esophagus, suction from source 220 is provided to recess 417 by means of slots 432a and proximal openmg 432b The desired portion of wall 232 to be treated is pulled mto recess 417 by such suction, with slots 432a pulling the tissue agamst the base of the recess 417 and proximal opening 432b pulling the tissue up against the distal end of needle guide 433 at the proximal end of recess 417 Thereafter, needle 96 is advanced from insertion tube 54 through needle guide 433 into the protrusion 230 (not shown) formed within recess 417 so as to permit one or more implants to be formed in the protrusion in the manner discussed above The taut retention of the profusion in the recess 417 by openings 432 facilitates the repeatable formation of similar implants The positioning of insertion tube distal extremity 54b relative to end piece 412 and the relatively large transverse dimension of internal chamber 431 permit the optical viewmg device 48 to easily view needle 96 bemg introduced into recess 417 and the protrusion 230 to be formed therem As can be seen from the foregoing, a minimally invasive apparatus has been provided for injecting a material into a portion of a wall formmg a cavity m a body, such as the gastrointestmal tract, to form one or more implants of a substantially consistent size in the wall A recess in a probe is utilized to shape the portion of the wall into a protrusion into which the material is injected The probe guides and positions an injection needle into the protrusion Consistently sized multiple implants may be formed in a portion of the wall of the cavity The probe inhibits the in j ection need from being pushed through the wall of the cavity The apparatus and procedure can be utilized for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease The foregomg descπptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS 1 An apparatus for use with a suction source to treat a portion of a wall formmg a cavity m a body havmg a natural body openmg for accessmg the cavity compπsmg an elongate probe member havmg proximal and distal extremities, the elongate probe member havmg a length so that when the distal extremity is m the vicinity of the portion of the wall the proximal extremity is outside of the body, the distal extremity of the elongate probe member having an outer surface and bemg provided with at least one recess openmg onto the outer surface and an internal passageway communicating with the recess whereby when the suction source is coupled to the apparatus a suction is created in the recess by means of the passageway to draw the portion of the wall mto the recess, a hollow needle shdably disposed m the elongate probe member and havmg a distal end portion, the needle bemg actuatable from outside the body for movement from a retracted position to an extended position in which the distal end portion of the needle extends mto the recess whereby the needle can be extended mto the portion of the wall drawn mto the recess so as to mtroduce a mateπal into the portion of the wall and form an implant m the portion of the wall 2 The apparatus of Claim 1 wherem the elongate probe member has a lumen extendmg from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity whereby the suction source is coupled to the lumen in the vicinity of the proximal extremity of the elongate probe member 3 The apparatus of Claim 1 wherem the material is a fluid that includes at least one nonaqueous solution capable of forming a nonbiodegradable solid m the body, further compπsmg a supply of the at least one nonaqueous solution coupled to the needle for introducing the nonaqueous solution through the needle into the portion of the wall whereby the nonbiodegradable solid forms from the nonaqueous solution m the wall to create the implant 4 The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the distal extremity has an outer cylindrical surface and is provided with a recess extendmg circumferentially around the outer cylindrical surface 5 The apparatus of Claim 1 wherem the distal extremity has an outer cylindncal surface and is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart recesses in the outer cylindrical surface 6 The apparatus of Claim 1 wherem the elongate probe member has a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity, the hollow needle being shdably disposed in the lumen 7 The apparatus of Claim 1 wherem the elongate probe member includes an elongate first member and a second member removably mounted on the elongate first member, the second member including the distal extremity provided with the at least one recess therem 8 The apparatus of Claim 7 wherem the elongate first member has a lumen extendmg longitudinally therethrough for shdably carrying the hollow needle and the second member has guide means for directing the distal end portion of the needle mto the at least one recess. 9 The apparatus of Claim 7 wherem the second member has a longitudinally-extending lumen commumcatmg with the at least one recess, the hollow needle bemg shdably disposed m the lumen of the second member. 10 The apparatus of Claim 7 further compπsmg sealmg means forming a fluid-tight seal between the second member and the elongate first member 11 The apparatus of Claim 10 wherem the second member has an internal chamber for receiving at least a portion of the elongate first member, the internal chamber bemg in fluid communication with the passageway and the sealing means being disposed between the second member and the elongate first member for permitting a reduced pressure to be created in the chamber. 12 The apparatus of Claim 11 wherein the second member has a recessed wall which serves as a base for the at least one recess, the recessed wall having a plurality of spaced-apart openings fluidly communicating with respective passageways 13 The apparatus of Claim 10 wherein the second member is an end piece, the sealing means including a flexible sleeve caπied by the end piece and extendable over at least a portion of the elongate first member 14 The apparatus of Claim 7 wherem the elongate first member extends along a longitudinal axis and wherein the elongate first member and the second member are rotatable relative to each other about the longitudmal 15 The apparatus of Claim 7 further compπsmg an optical viewing device caπied withm the elongate first member, the optical viewing device havmg a field of view and the second member havmg a wmdow for permitting the optical viewmg device to view forwardly of the second member 16 The apparatus of Claim 7 wherem the second member is an overtube concentrically disposable about at least a portion of the elongate first member, the overtube havmg an internal chamber for receiving the portion of the elongate first member, the overtube havmg proximal and distal portions and having a length so that when the distal portion is m the vicinity of the portion of the wall the proximal portion is outside of the body, a seal disposed between the elongate probe member and the overtube for permitting a reduced pressure to be created m the chamber 17. The apparatus of Claim 7 wherem the elongate first member is flexible 18 The apparatus of Claim 7 wherein the second member is an end piece, further compπsmg an overtube member rotatably mounted about the end piece and at least a portion of the elongate first member, the overtube member having proximal and distal end portions and havmg a length so that when the distal end portion is m the vicinity of the portion of the wall the proximal end portion is outside of the body, the distal end portion of the overtube member being provided with a plurality of circumferentially disposed side openings whereby the end piece and the overtube member can be rotated relative to each other to selectively register the at least one recess m the end piece with one of the openmgs in the overtube member. 19 The apparatus of Claim 18 wherem the overtube member has a distal opening for permitting viewing distal of the overtube member 20. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising an additional hollow needle shdably disposed in the elongate probe member and having a distal end portion, the additional needle being actuatable from outside the body for movement from a retracted position in which the distal end portion of the additional needle is out of the at least one recess and an extended position in which the distal end portion of the additional needle extends into the recess 21 The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising a balloon caπied by the distal extremity for urging the at least one recess against the portion of the wall 22 An apparatus for treating a portion of a wall forming a cavity in a body having a natural body openmg for accessing the cavity with a suction source and an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal extremities and with a hollow needle shdably disposed in the elongate member and actuatable from the proximal extremity of the elongate member compπsmg an end piece and means adapted to mount the end piece on the distal extremity of the elongate member, the end piece havmg an outer surface and being provided with at least one recess openmg onto the outer surface and an internal passageway communicating with the recess whereby when the suction source is coupled to the apparatus so as to communicate with the passageway a suction is created m the recess to draw the portion of the wall into the recess, the end piece havmg guide means for directing the needle into the recess whereby the needle can be extended into the portion of the wall drawn mto the recess so as to introduce a fluid into the portion of the wall and form an implant in the portion of the wall from the fluid 23. The apparatus of Claim 22 wherein the end piece has a diameter approximating the diameter of the elongate member and wherein the end piece extends forwardly of the elongate member. 24. The apparatus of Claim 23 further comprising a tube extendable alongside the elongate member and secured to the end piece for providing suction to the passageway. 25. The apparatus of Claim 24 further comprising a sleeve for removably securing the tube to the elongate member. 26. The apparatus of Claim 22 further comprising a balloon caπied by the end piece for urging the at least one recess against the portion of the wall. 27. The apparatus of Claim 26 further comprising a tube extendable alongside the elongate member and secured to the end piece for providing a fluid to inflate the balloon. 28. The apparatus of Claim 22 wherein the elongate member has a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity for providing suction to the passageway.

Inventors: GOUGH EDWARD J, SILVERMAN DAVID E, STEIN ALAN, GOUGH, EDWARD, J., SILVERMAN, DAVID, E., STEIN, ALAN
Applicants: ENTERIC MED TECH INC, ENTERIC MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A61F2
IPC codes: A61B17, A61F2, A61M37