Devices and methods for treating rectovaginal and other fistulae

摘要

Provided by certain aspects of the invention are methods for treating fistulae and various fistula graft assemblages useful in this regard. Illustratively, some inventive methods are useful in treating fistulae having at least a first fistula opening, a second fistula opening and a fistula tract extending therebetween. In one step, a first capping member is positioned over the first fistula opening such that a first pulling member, which extends from the first capping member, passes through the fistula tract. In another step, a second capping member is positioned over the second fistula opening such that a second pulling member, which extends from the second capping member, passes through the fistula tract. A first pulling force is applied to the first pulling member, and a second pulling force is applied to the second pulling member, for maintaining the first capping member over the first fistula opening and for maintaining the second capping member over the second fistula opening, respectively.