APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ACHIEVING SEROSA-TO-SEROSA CLOSURE OF A BODILY OPENING

摘要

The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods for facilitating closure of a bodily opening (75). In one embodiment, a tissue retraction member (20) and a closure member (91) are provided. The tissue retraction member is advanced in a distal direction through the bodily opening in a contracted state, and then expanded at a location distal to the opening. The tissue retraction member then is proximally retracted to engage first and second serosal tissue regions at least partially surrounding the opening, thereby causing the first and second serosal regions to be disposed in an adjacent relationship. The closure member then is deployed around first and second mucosal tissue regions, such that when deployed, the closure member imposes a compressive force to hold the first serosal tissue region in a sealing relationship against the second serosal tissue region to facilitate sealing of the opening.