Patent ID: 7892245

Claim:
A method for reconfiguring tissue, the method comprising: providing an apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and adapted to provide a suction therethrough; a flexible tube mounted on the shaft and disposed parallel to the shaft; two effector mechanisms movably mounted on the distal end of the shaft, each effector mechanism comprising at least one suction element in communication with the shaft suction for gripping tissue, the two effector mechanisms being configured to capture gripped tissue against an outer surface of the flexible tube, wherein the distal end of the shaft comprises a longitudinal axis, wherein the two effector mechanisms are pivotally mounted on the shaft along a pivot axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and a longitudinal axis of the flexible tube, wherein the two effector mechanisms are each configured to move between (i) a closed position wherein the two effector mechanisms fold concentrically about a distal end of the flexible tube, and (ii) an open position wherein the two effector mechanisms are disposed over the flexible tube, and wherein at least one suction element comprises a suction pod for drawing tissue into engagement with the effector mechanism and for maintaining the tissue in such engagement while suction is maintained; at least one actuating mechanism in communication with the proximal end of the shaft; and at least one connection mechanism connecting the at least one actuating mechanism to the two effector mechanisms, whereby a user may utilize the at least one actuating mechanism to actuate the two effector mechanisms and the suction therethrough so as to reconfigure tissue; positioning the two effector mechanisms in a closed position; advancing the apparatus so that the distal end of the shaft is positioned adjacent tissue to be reconfigured; positioning the two effector mechanisms in an open position; engaging tissue proximate the distal end of the shaft and against the two effector mechanisms; and applying suction to the effector mechanisms so as to reconfigure the tissue and capture the tissue against the flexible tube; and positioning the two effector mechanisms in a closed position.