Patent ID: 7179267

Claim:
An apparatus for facilitating performance of a gastroplasty procedure, which comprises: an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient, the outer guide member having a trailing proximal end and a leading distal end, and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member; an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member, the delivery member adapted for relative distal longitudinal movement within the outer guide member from an initial position to an actuated position; and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member, the anvil including an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod, the anvil head being at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being arranged proximal of the anvil rod when in the initial position of the delivery member and being fully exposed from the distal end of the outer guide member upon movement of the delivery member to the actuated position.