Remote tissue retraction device

Abstract

A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a retractor section disposed at or near the distal end. The retractor section is adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The retraction device can be configured for use with a second therapeutic device or such a therapeutic device may have a retraction device integrated within it or adapted for cooperative use therewith.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to medical apparatuses and methods for remotely retracting or positioning tissue. More particularly, the present invention relates to tools and methods for transoral tissue manipulating and managing within the stomach for treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, including, treatment of GERD, varices, and obesity. [0003] 2. General Background and State of the Art [0004] At present, there are several surgical procedures for treating obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (“GERD”), varices, cancer, hormonal exclusion and the like. To treat these ailments, there are certain procedures that use devices for tissue acquisition and fixation, or gastroplasty, that create a partition within a hollow body organ, such as the stomach, esophageal region, antrum, pyloric region and other portions of the gastrointestinal tract. Currently, there are procedures that advance devices in a minim...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention retractor device, either separate or integrated, can perform several functions. First, the retractor device pulls away, blocks or otherwise manages rogue tissue, for example excess fundus tissues or pleats or folds in the targeted tissue, from being involved in the tissue treatment device. Also, the retraction device organizes the targeted tissue by flattening or removing wrinkles and sub-folds from the desired folds of the targeted area. The prospective tissue that will form the plication (or pouch or sleeve if the device is positioned in the organ to achieve that result) can then be suctioned into, grasped or brought to members of the tissue treatment device for therapy. Any flattening of rugae is beneficial during the surgical procedure to achieve durable and precise fastening. Further, the retraction device can support the placing of the tissue treatment device within the stomach in the desired sleeve forming location. The retractor device can help move the tissue treatment device closer to the lesser curve of the stomach or target tissue surface, or the retractor device can be used to initially move the stomach to bring the lesser curve of the stomach or target tissue surface, to the tissue treatment device. The retractor device or feature can also apply axial tension along the lesser curve of the stomach or target tissue region, to achieve both the desired placement of the device and tissue retraction. Another advantage is that the retractor device can retract or accommodate inter-abdominal pressure from the weight of internal organs and the abdominal wall. The retractor should be strong enough to lift and bear the weight of internal organs or it can orient the stomach in a direction that does not encounter such loads. Yet another advantage is that by having a flexible formed element distal to the tissue treatment device, it helps the tissue treatment device pass tortuosity more easily and reduce trauma to surrounding organs such as the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Problems solved by technology

First, the retractor device pulls away, blocks or otherwise manages rogue tissue, for example excess fundus tissues or pleats or folds in the targeted tissue, from being involved in the tissue treatment device.

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