Abstract:
An exemplary method of reducing the volume of a stomach comprises providing an adhesive applier and a biocompatible adhesive. The exemplary method further comprises introducing at least a portion of the adhesive applier into the stomach and dispensing the adhesive through the adhesive applier into the stomach. The adhesive may be applied between the submucosa and muscle layers of the stomach to reduce the volume of the stomach. The adhesive may alternatively be applied in layers onto the inner surface of the stomach. Alternatively, a non-expandable member may be introduced into the stomach, and an adhesive may be used to secure the non-expandable member to the stomach. Such uses may provide a treatment for morbid obesity. An adhesive may also be used to provide flow restriction, such as by injecting the adhesive between the submucosa and muscle layers of a cardia or rectum.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Biosurgical adhesives have been used in a variety of ways in various medical procedures. An exemplary adhesive is disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2004/0190975, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Similarly, a variety of devices and techniques have been used to deliver adhesives at various sites. While several systems and methods have been made and used for delivering adhesives, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention described in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a plan view of a patient&#39;s stomach; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a plan view of the esophagus and a portion of the stomach of  FIG. 1  separated from the remainder of the stomach in an exemplary fashion; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a plan view of a patient&#39;s intestine coupled with the stomach portion of  FIG. 2  in an exemplary fashion; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a plan view of the intestine and stomach portion combination of  FIG. 3 , with the stomach portion distended in an exemplary fashion; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view of the intestine and stomach portion combination of  FIG. 4 , taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional view of an adhesive being applied to the stomach of  FIG. 4  using an endoscope in an exemplary fashion; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a cross-sectional view of the stomach of  FIG. 4  with an exemplary apposed-wall portion; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional view of the stomach of  FIG. 4  with an adhesive being injected between the mucosa and muscular layers in an exemplary fashion; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of the stomach of  FIG. 4  with an exemplary mesh deployed therein; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a cross-sectional view of the stomach of  FIG. 4  with the mesh of  FIG. 9  being secured to the inner wall of the stomach with an adhesive in an exemplary fashion; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view of the stomach of  FIG. 4  with an exemplary appliance deployed therein; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a cross-sectional view of the stomach of  FIG. 4  with the appliance of  FIG. 11  being secured to the inner wall of the stomach with an adhesive in an exemplary fashion; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a cross-sectional view of the stomach of  FIG. 4  with the appliance of  FIG. 11  being filled with a medium in an exemplary fashion; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a cross-sectional view of a patient&#39;s stomach with an adhesive being injected between the mucosa and muscular layers in an exemplary fashion; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a cross-sectional view of a patient&#39;s gastroesophageal junction with an adhesive being injected between the mucosa and muscular layers in an exemplary fashion; and 
         FIG. 16  depicts a cross-sectional view of a patient&#39;s rectum with an adhesive being injected in submucous space. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
       FIGS. 1-3  show results of steps that may be performed during a conventional gastric bypass procedure, also known as a Roux-en-Y procedure. As shown, a patient&#39;s stomach ( 10 ) is separated into a first portion ( 12 ) and a second portion ( 14 ). The first portion ( 12 ) is adjacent to the esophagus ( 16 ), while the second portion ( 14 ) is adjacent to the small intestine ( 18 ). Along the line of separation, a series of staples are inserted to close off the separated ends of the first and second portions ( 12 ,  14 ), such that the first portion ( 12 ) forms a pouch. Next, a severed portion of the small intestine ( 18 ) (e.g., the jejunum) is joined to the first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ) via an anastomosis ( 20 ). By way of example only, the anastomosis ( 20 ) between the small intestine ( 18 ) and the first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ) may be provided by an anastomotic device, such as one disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2003/0032967 to Park et al., or one disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0070934 to Tanaka et al., or one disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0070935 to Ortiz, or one disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0070939 to Beaupre, or using any other suitable device or technique. The disclosure of each of U.S. Pub. No. 2003/0032967 to Park et al., U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0070934 to Tanaka et al., U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0070935 to Ortiz, and U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0070939 to Beaupre is incorporated by reference herein. It will be appreciated that the foregoing description of a gastric bypass procedure is merely exemplary, and that a gastric bypass may be performed using a variety of alternative techniques. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that embodiments described herein may be used without any gastric bypass having been performed. 
     In certain instances, the first portion ( 12 ) may undergo distention after a gastric bypass procedure has been completed. An example of such distention is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5 . This distention may occur as a result of the patient overeating, or under other circumstances. It may be possible for such distention to essentially defeat the purpose of a gastric bypass procedure. There are a variety of ways in which such distention may be prevented or otherwise addressed. 
     In the present example, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , an adhesive ( 40 ) is applied to the inner wall ( 42 ) of the first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ). The adhesive ( 40 ) is applied through an endoscope ( 30 ) using an adhesive applier ( 32 ). The endoscope ( 30 ) of the present example is operable to provide light and visualization to the site at which the adhesive ( 40 ) is being applied. Any suitable endoscope ( 30 ) or applier ( 32 ) may be used. Next, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the outer wall ( 44 ) of the first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ) is drawn out and pinched, thereby creating an apposed-wall portion ( 46 ). Apposed-wall portion ( 46 ) may be created using a clamp external to outer wall ( 44 ) or using any other suitable device or technique. The apposed-wall portion ( 46 ) is created such that the adhesive ( 40 ) is entrained therein to provide structural integrity for the apposed-wall portion ( 46 ). Furthermore, as is also shown in  FIG. 7 , a mesh ( 50 ) may be secured to the inner wall ( 42 ) of the first portion ( 12 ) adjacent to apposed-wall portion ( 46 ) (e.g., over the contraction line at apposed-wall portion ( 46 )) using an adhesive ( 40 ). Such a mesh ( 50 ) may provide stress relief for apposed-wall portion ( 46 ), thereby enhancing the structural integrity of the apposed-wall portion ( 46 ). 
     In the example depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the apposed-wall portion ( 46 ) provides volume reduction of first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ), the potential benefits of which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. While the example is provided in the context of a gastric bypass, it will be appreciated that one or more apposed-wall portions ( 46 ) may be provided in a stomach ( 10 ) that has not been subject to a gastric bypass procedure. It will also be appreciated that the exemplary method for forming apposed-wall portion ( 46 ) may be varied or supplemented in a variety of ways. By way of example only, any suitable substitute structure or substance may be used for mesh ( 50 ) and/or for adhesive ( 40 ). Still other ways of varying the foregoing embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     An alternative to the procedure illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is depicted in  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, an endoscope ( 30 ) is again used as an imaging device as described above in the context of the example depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , endoscope ( 30 ) is introduced into first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ) via the esophagus ( 16 ). As also shown in  FIG. 8 , applier ( 32 ) is received through a working channel ( 300 ) formed in endoscope ( 30 ), such that a distal portion of applier ( 32 ) is introduced into first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ) via working channel ( 300 ). In this example, an adhesive ( 40 ) is applied interstitially within first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ). In particular, adhesive ( 40 ) is injected in an interstitial location between a first layer, such as the mucosa ( 52 ) or submucosa layer, and an adjacent second layer, such as the muscular layer ( 54 ), of the first portion ( 12 ) via the tip ( 320 ) of applier ( 32 ), after the tip ( 320 ) of applier ( 32 ) is used to penetrate the mucosa ( 52 ) layer or submucosa layer of the first portion ( 12 ) of stomach ( 10 ) as shown in  FIG. 8 . By way of example only, adhesive ( 40 ) may be generally flexible; though it will be appreciated that adhesive ( 40 ) may have any other suitable properties. The interstitial application of adhesive ( 40 ) may provide volume reduction of first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ), the potential benefits of which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In particular, and as can be clearly seen in  FIG. 8 , the act of dispensing adhesive ( 40 ) separates at least part of the mucosa ( 52 ) layer or submucosa layer from the muscular layer ( 54 ), urging the separated part of the mucosa ( 52 ) layer or submucosa layer inwardly toward a central region within first portion ( 12 ) of stomach ( 10 ) to reduce an internal volume defined by stomach ( 10 ). While the example is provided in the context of a gastric bypass, it will be appreciated that interstitial application of an adhesive ( 40 ) may be provided in a stomach ( 10 ) that has not been subject to a gastric bypass procedure. An example of such a context is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . It will also be appreciated that the exemplary method for interstitial application of adhesive ( 40 ) may be varied or supplemented in a variety of ways. By way of example only, any suitable substitute substance may be used for adhesive ( 40 ). As another variation of the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 14 , adhesive ( 40 ) may be applied directly to inner wall ( 42 ). If desired, adhesive ( 40 ) may be so applied in layers until a desired volume reduction of first portion ( 12 ) or stomach ( 10 ) is obtained. In yet another variation, adhesive ( 40 ) is injected into rugal folds of a stomach ( 10 ) wall. Still other ways of varying the foregoing embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a delivery tube ( 34 ) is introduced to first portion ( 12 ) via the esophagus ( 16 ). A mesh ( 60 ) is deployed through delivery tube ( 34 ) into first portion ( 12 ). As shown, mesh ( 60 ) may be in a generally compacted form (e.g., rolled up, folded up, etc.) upon initial deployment. Other suitable configurations for mesh ( 60 ) may be used. In the present example, mesh ( 60 ) comprises a flexible yet non-expanding material such as polyester. Alternatively, any other suitable material having any suitable properties may be used for mesh ( 60 ). Mesh ( 60 ) is then applied to the inner wall ( 42 ) of the first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ). This may include an act of unrolling, unfolding, and/or performing other acts upon mesh ( 60 ) and positioning mesh ( 60 ) about inner wall ( 42 ). Mesh ( 60 ) is secured to inner wall ( 42 ) using an adhesive ( 40 ) applied using an applier ( 32 ) through an endoscope ( 30 ). It will be appreciated that, over time, mesh ( 60 ) may become enveloped in scar tissue, such that adhesive ( 40 ) is not necessary to secure mesh ( 60 ) to first portion ( 12 ). Accordingly, as in various other embodiments described herein, adhesive ( 40 ) may be biodegradable or have any other suitable properties. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 10 , a cutting device ( 36 ) may be used to cut mesh ( 60 ) away from the area of anastomosis ( 20 ) to prevent mesh ( 60 ) from obstructing passage of materials to small intestine ( 18 ). The application of mesh ( 60 ) to inner wall ( 42 ) of first portion ( 12 ) may prevent distention of portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ), the potential benefits of which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. While the example is provided in the context of a gastric bypass, it will be appreciated that the application of a mesh ( 60 ) to the inner wall ( 42 ) of a stomach ( 10 ) may be provided in a stomach ( 10 ) that has not been subject to a gastric bypass procedure. It will also be appreciated that the exemplary method for application of mesh ( 60 ) may be varied or supplemented in a variety of ways. By way of example only, any suitable substitute structure may be used for mesh ( 60 ). Still other ways of varying the foregoing embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 11-13 , a delivery tube ( 34 ) is introduced to first portion ( 12 ) via the esophagus ( 16 ). An appliance ( 70 ) is deployed through delivery tube ( 34 ) into first portion ( 12 ). As shown, appliance ( 70 ) may be in a generally compacted form (e.g., rolled up, folded up, etc.) upon initial deployment. Appliance ( 70 ) of the present example comprises a preformed non-distensible pouch. Other suitable configurations for appliance ( 70 ) may be used. In the present example, appliance ( 70 ) comprises a flexible non-expanding material such as silicone. Alternatively, any other suitable material having any suitable properties may be used for appliance ( 70 ). Appliance ( 70 ) is then applied to the inner wall ( 42 ) of the first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ). This may include an act of unrolling, unfolding, and/or performing other acts upon appliance ( 70 ) and positioning appliance ( 70 ) about inner wall ( 42 ). Appliance ( 70 ) is secured to inner wall ( 42 ) using an adhesive ( 40 ) applied using an applier ( 32 ) through an endoscope ( 30 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , after appliance ( 70 ) has been secured to inner wall ( 42 ), an adhesive ( 40 ) is injected into appliance ( 70 ) using an applier ( 32 ) through an endoscope ( 30 ). By way of example only, adhesive ( 40 ) may be generally flexible; though it will be appreciated that adhesive ( 40 ) may have any other suitable properties. The injection of adhesive ( 40 ) into appliance ( 70 ), and the resulting expansion of appliance ( 70 ), may provide volume reduction of first portion ( 12 ) of the stomach ( 10 ), the potential benefits of which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. While the example is provided in the context of a gastric bypass, it will be appreciated that adhesive ( 40 ) may be injected into an appliance ( 70 ) provided in a stomach ( 10 ) that has not been subject to a gastric bypass procedure. It will also be appreciated that the exemplary method for applying an appliance ( 70 ) to inner wall ( 42 ), and/or the injection of an adhesive ( 40 ) into an appliance ( 70 ), may be varied or supplemented in a variety of ways. By way of example only, any suitable substitute substance may be used for adhesive ( 40 ). Still other ways of varying the foregoing embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 15 , an adhesive ( 40 ) is interstitially injected between the mucosa ( 52 ) or submucosa and muscular ( 54 ) layers of a gastroesophageal junction or cardia ( 80 ). The adhesive ( 40 ) is injected using an applier ( 32 ) through an endoscope ( 30 ). The injection may provide a reconstruction of the cardia ( 80 ). Such injection may reduce or prevent acid reflux in the patient, may provide an appetite-reducing restriction, and/or may provide other results. Alternatively, any medium other than an adhesive ( 40 ) may be used, adhesive ( 40 ) may be applied in any other suitable fashion or location, and/or the foregoing technique may be varied in any other suitable way. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 16 , an adhesive is interstitially injected in submucous space ( 90 ) of a rectum ( 92 ). The adhesive ( 40 ) is injected using an applier ( 32 ) through an endoscope ( 30 ). The injection may provide an augmentation of the sphincter area. Such injection may reduce or prevent fecal incontinence, and/or may provide other results. Alternatively, any medium other than an adhesive ( 40 ) may be used, adhesive ( 40 ) may be applied in any other suitable fashion or location, and/or the foregoing technique may be varied in any other suitable way. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, including variations of the same, adhesive ( 40 ) may comprise a cyanoacrylate, an isocyanate, and/or any other suitable substance, including combinations of substances. Furthermore, adhesive ( 40 ) may have any suitable properties, including but not limited to flexibility, non-flexibility, hardening capabilities, or any other properties. Adhesive ( 40 ) may also comprise an epoxy and/or include the use of an activator substance. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that non-adhesive substances may be used in addition to or in lieu of adhesive ( 40 ). Such alternative substances may include, but are not limited to, gels, bulking agents, fluids, or any other suitable substance(s), including combinations thereof. To the extent that an applier ( 32 ) or other device has created an access path through tissue in order to dispense adhesive ( 40 ) or otherwise, it will also be appreciated that adhesive ( 40 ) may be used to seal such a path. 
     Embodiments of the present invention have application in conventional endoscopic and open surgical instrumentation as well as application in robotic-assisted surgery. While some embodiments have been described as for use in addressing stomach distention, and others have been described as for use in reducing stomach volume, it will be appreciated that embodiments may serve both such purposes, only one of such purposes, or a variety of other purposes. Accordingly, the inventors do not intend that the embodiments described herein be regarded as being limited to the particular uses described herein, or as being limited to serving the particular purposes that have been noted herein. The uses and purposes described herein have been noted for illustrative purposes only. 
     Embodiments of the devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Embodiments may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, embodiments of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, embodiments of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application. 
     By way of example only, embodiments described herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and if necessary cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed an sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. the sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam. 
     Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.