| abstract |
The present invention provides methods and devices for promoting tissue adhesion, which utilizes the healing process and scar tissue formation to bond two tissue surfaces together. A tissue injury (50) is accomplished by destroying the mucosal layer of tissue. After the injury is initiated, the tissue is preferably held in close contact by a tissue apposition means such as a suture (34), staple or clip device placed adjacent to the treatment site. The tissue injury may be initiated by electrical/radiofrequency energy; chemical or mechanical means integrated with the tissue apposition device or delivered by a separate instrument such as an electrocautery catheter (60) through an endoscope (58). As scar tissue created by the injury forms, the tissue surfaces become bonded together in a permanent union. |