Methods for use in surgical gastroplastic procedure

• US 5,345,949 A
• Filed: 08/20/1993
• Issued: 09/13/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Leonard M. Shlain
• Original Assignee: Leonard M. Shlain
• Inventors: Shlain, Leonard M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sykes, Angela D.
• Application Number:
  US08/107,561
• Time in Patent Office: 389 Days
• Field of Search: 128/897-898, 606/142-143, 606/215-216, 606/219-220, 606/151, 606/157, 606/195, 604/97, 604/99, 604/101, 604/51, 604/28
• US Class Current: 128/898
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0682 for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for performing laparoscopic gastroplasty for the treatment of morbid obesity. The method utilizes a stapling device or clip and a nasogastric tube for positioning the stapling device. A non-absorbable staple support strip or clip is to form and support a passage between a proximal pouch and a distal region in the stomach.

Claims

1. A method for performing laparoscopic gastroplasty on a patient, said method comprising:

percutaneously introducing a plurality of trocars through the patient'"'"'s abdominal wall;

visualizing the patient'"'"'s stomach using a laparoscope disposed in one of the trocars;

manipulating the stomach to expose the lesser curvature, anterior, and posterior walls of the stomach to the laparoscope;

dissecting the stomach from the mesentery along the lesser and greater curvatures dividing the stomach along a line into a proximal pouch adjacent the esophagus and a distal region;

introducing a banding device for encircling the stomach along a dissecting line for defining the proximal pouch, the distal region with an aperture defined between the proximal pouch and the distal region;

introducing a nasogastric tube into the stomach so that it passes through the aperture;

inflating a first balloon on the nasogastric tube distally of the aperture and a second balloon in the esophagus, to seal the proximal pouch in the stomach;

introducing a measured volume of fluid into the proximal pouch through the nasogastric tube until the pouch is filled;

repositioning the banding device and reintroducing fluid until the position of the banding device provides a preselected fluid volume upon filling; and

closing the banding device over the stomach along a line defined by the aperture in the band at its final position, with a passage between the proximal pouch and distal region of the stomach being defined by the aperture.

2. A method for performing laparoscopic gastroplasty on a patient according to claim 1 and wherein said introducing of said banding device includes:

introducing a band having staples thereon with a portion of said band defining said aperture;

and, said closing step includes;

closing said staples on said band to define said aperture with said band and fastening the distal ends of said band with said staples across said stomach.

3. A method for performing laparoscopic gastroplasty on a patient according to claim 1 and wherein said introduction of said banding device includes:

introducing a clip having opposed portions thereon with said opposed portions each defining portions of said aperture;

and said closing step includes;

closing said clip about said stomach to define a proximal pouch to said stomach.

4. A method for performing laparoscopic gastroplasty on a patient according to claim 3 and including the steps of:

fastening mesh to said banding device, and,

stapling said mesh to at least one wall of said stomach to insure against migration of said banding device.

5. A method for performing laparoscopic gastroplasty on a patient according to claim 1 and including the further step of:

examining the arterial blood flow of said stomach during closing of said banding device.

6. A method for performing laparoscopic gastroplasty on a patient according to claim 1 and wherein said introducing step includes:

laparoscopically passing a member from the anterior of said patient around the posterior of said stomach and threading said member exterior of said patient;

attaching a banding device to said exteriorly threaded member;

drawing said banding device interiorly of said patient utilizing said member to lodge a portion of said device posterior of said stomach; and

,

fastening said banding device over said stomach.