Usgi Medical, Inc.

Desmond Birkett

Vahid Saadat

Chris A Rothe

Eugene G Chen

Tracy D Maahs

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice or passageway, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are also provided.

Method and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endoluminally performing gastroplasty. In one variation, the apparatus comprises a sizing tube, and a steerable guide that may be reversibly disposed within the sizing tube. In another variation, the sizing tube and steerable guide are integrated into a single device. In one method of utilizing the apparatus, a pouch is endoluminally formed within a patient's stomach, thereby partitioning or reducing the stomach and restricting the flow of food therethrough. The pouch may form a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty or Magenstrasse and Mill in an endoluminal fashion. Advantageously, the sizing tube or steerable guide may be used to properly size the endoluminal pouch.

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Boston, MA, United States of America

Desmond Birkett