The present invention relates to an improved endoscopic tissue apposition
device having multiple suction ports. The invention permits multiple
folds of tissue to be captured in the suction ports with a single
positioning of the device and attached together by a tissue securement
mechanism such as a suture, staple or other form of tissue bonding. The
improvement reduces the number of intubations required during an
endoscopic procedure to suture tissue or join areas of tissue together.
The suction ports may be arranged in a variety of configurations on the
apposition device to best suit the desired resulting tissue orientation.
The inventive tissue apposition device may also incorporate tissue
abrasion means to activate the healing process on surfaces of tissue
areas that are to be joined by operation of the device to promote a more
secure attachment by permanent tissue bonding.