Devices and methods facilitating sleeve gastrectomy and other procedures

Abstract

A device for use in bariatric surgery includes a flexible hollow tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defines a channel therebetween. A series of openings is defined in a distal portion of the tube allowing for fixation of tissue using suction. A flexible member has an initial position disposed alongside the tube and is deployable to a subsequent position in which the flexible member engages a greater curvature of a stomach. The flexible member is configured to be deployable to automatically assume a shape of a greater curvature of a stomach. The flexible member includes a bulging region and a tapering region when deployed. The flexible member is releasably attached to the distal end of the tube.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A medical device, comprising:
 a flexible hollow tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a channel therebetween, a series of openings being defined in a distal portion of the tube allowing for fixation of tissue using suction, the application of suction placing the tube along a lesser curvature of a stomach, fixing anterior and posterior walls of the stomach, and preventing their movement, the tube being visible under stomach tissue;   a plurality of illumination devices distributed along a length of the tube; and   a vision device coupled to the tube.   
     
     
         22 . The medical device according to  claim 21 , wherein the vision device is selected from the group consisting of a camera and a scope. 
     
     
         23 . The medical device according to  claim 21 , wherein the vision device is slidably attached to the tube. 
     
     
         24 . The medical device according to  claim 21 , wherein the plurality of illumination devices are LEDs. 
     
     
         25 . The medical device according to  claim 21 , wherein the plurality of illumination devices are disposed within or on an outer surface of the tube. 
     
     
         26 . The medical device according to  claim 21 , wherein the proximal end of the tube is open. 
     
     
         27 . The medical device according to  claim 21 , wherein the distal end of the tube is tapered. 
     
     
         28 . The medical device according to  claim 21 , wherein the proximal end of the tube is manipulable from outside a patient's body. 
     
     
         29 . The medical device according to  claim 21 , wherein the proximal end of the tube is configured for connection to a suction source. 
     
     
         30 . The medical device according to  claim 21 , further comprising a flexible member having a distal end slidably connected to the tube such that the distal end of the flexible member is configured to slide distally relative to and along the length of the tube from an initial position in which the distal end of the flexible member is coupled to the proximal end of the tube to a deployed position in which the distal end of the flexible member is coupled to the distal end of the tube and bows outwardly from the tube. 
     
     
         31 . The medical device according to  claim 30 , wherein the flexible member is configured to be deployable to automatically assume a shape of a greater curvature of the stomach. 
     
     
         32 . The medical device according to  claim 31 , wherein the flexible member includes a bulging region and a tapering region when deployed. 
     
     
         33 . The medical device according to  claim 30 , wherein the flexible member is selected from the group consisting of a rod and a tube. 
     
     
         34 . The medical device according to  claim 30 , further comprising a coupling device that holds the flexible member to the tube.