Patent ID: 8864008

Claim:
A method of treating a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, comprising intraorally introducing a plication device into the gastrointestinal tract of the patient, the plication device including (i) a staple cartridge housed in a staple housing, (ii) an anvil housing with an anvil, and (iii) an expandable vacuum chamber between the staple housing and the anvil housing; positioning the plication device proximate tissue in the gastrointestinal tract; and operating the plication device remotely from a position outside the patient, wherein the operating includes; drawing a portion of the tissue into the vacuum chamber; and compressing the portion of the tissue by (a) moving the staple cartridge relative to the staple housing in a direction of the anvil, and (b) moving the anvil relative to the staple housing in a direction of the staple cartridge; and stapling the compressed portion of the tissue.