DEVICES AND METHODS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL BYPASS
Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.
1 - 10 . (canceled)
11 . An attachment element for attaching a device through an attachment opening formed in a wall, the attachment element comprising:
an elongate member configured to be passed longitudinally through the attachment opening, the elongate member configured to be deployed transversely on an opposite side of the wall;
a tension element having a proximal portion coupled to the device, the tension element having a distal portion flexibly coupled to a central portion of the elongate member; and
a grasping aid coupled to or near at least one end of the elongate member, the grasping aid capable of being passed through the attachment opening.
12 . The attachment element of claim 11 , wherein the tension element includes a suture.
13 . The attachment element of claim 11 , wherein the grasping aid includes a length of suture.
14 . The attachment element of claim 11 , wherein the grasping aid includes a loop of suture.
15 . The attachment element of claim 11 , wherein the grasping aid is substantially flexible.
16 . The attachment element of claim 11 , wherein the grasping aid is flexibly coupled to the elongate member.
17 . The attachment element of claim 11 , wherein the grasping aid is substantially rigid.
18 . The attachment element of claim 11 , wherein the grasping aid is rigidly coupled to the elongate member.
19 . The attachment element of claim 11 , wherein the attachment opening is formed in a mating device.
20 . The attachment element of claim 11 , wherein the attachment opening is formed in a tissue wall.
21 . A method for attaching a device through an attachment opening formed in a wall, the method comprising:
providing the attachment element of claim 11 ;
grasping the grasping aid;
passing the grasping aid through the attachment opening;
passing the elongate member longitudinally through the attachment opening; and
releasing the grasping aid to deploy the elongate member transversely on an opposite side of the wall.
22 . A method for attaching a device through an attachment opening formed in a wall, the method comprising:
providing the attachment element of claim 11 ;
using a tool to grasp the grasping aid;
advancing the tool through the attachment opening to pass the grasping aid through the attachment opening;
continuing to advance the tool through the attachment opening to pass the elongate member longitudinally through the attachment opening; and
releasing the grasping aid and withdrawing the tool back through the attachment opening to deploy the elongate member transversely on an opposite side of the wall.