Endoscopic instrument for forming an artificial valve

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The first object of the present invention is to provide the apparatus and method for forming a valve including the proper muscularis below the mucous membrane to prevent gastroesophageal reflux effectively.
The second object of the present invention is to provide the apparatus and method for holding and suspending the junction between the stomach and the esophagus using a holding device extending out of the distal end of an endoscope to improve the ease of the operation for forming the protrusion.
The third object of the present invention is to provide the apparatus and method for forming a valve of varying size by using a separate holding device and a needle to achieve the flexible treatment method, which may be modified due to the degree of GERD severity.
According to the present invention, an apparatus for forming an artificial valve to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease comprising a first endoscope to be inserted from the mouth into a body cavity; a holding device extending out of the distal end of the first endoscope and holding a point of a digestive wall where the artificial valve is formed; a first needle disposed the oral side of the point, retractable along the first endoscope and including a sharp end for penetrating from the oral side of the point to the anal side of the point; a suture passing through following the first needle; and a suture retaining device having a grasping section for grasping the suture after it has passed through the digestive wall.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a treatment method for forming an artificial valve to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease comprises the following steps.
Inserting an endoscope from the mouth substantially adjacent to a point of a digestive wall where the artificial vale is to be formed.
Holding a point with a holding device extending out of the distal end of the endoscope.
Pulling down the point held by holding device.
Penetrating the digestive wall from the oral side of the point to the anal side of the point by a needle positioned along the endoscope