EndoGastric Solutions (EGS), the recognized leader in the emerging field of Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS), announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a key patent covering its SerosaFuse fastener and 'over the wire' delivery system.

Patent no. 7,632,287, entitled 'Tissue fixation devices and assemblies for deploying the same', was issued on December 15, 2009. The invention describes a slotted fastener that enables deployment over a stylet. The technologies created using this intellectual property provide unique clinical value in different ways – the SerosaFuse fastener is delivered over a guiding stylet, minimizing tissue trauma by assuring the fastener is the largest device entering the involved tissue. The fastener serves as a pledget for the tissue injury created by the guiding stylet; the guiding stylet is placed before the fastener is delivered, enabling precise placement of the fastener; the unique design of the fastener creates the opportunity for fasteners of varying lengths to accommodate specific tissue thicknesses and morphologies; and the low-profile guiding-stylet design enables a minimally invasive device that is used over a standard endoscope, obviating the need for proprietary visualization technology.

“We are pleased that the US Patent Office recognizes the uniqueness and applicability of the SerosaFuse fastener,” commented EndoGastric Solutions’ president and chief executive officer, Thierry Thaure. “The design allows our devices to be used transorally, without incisions and permits multiple fastener deployment with a single device insertion, minimizing patient risk, discomfort and recovery time. The fastener and delivery mechanism are core components of the EndoGastric Solutions platform, which will continue to spawn a range of innovative products for NOS.”

The ‘287 patent encompasses both an H-shaped fastener and a delivery method. The fastener features a tapered leading leg with an elongated slot and a trailing leg connected together by a measured length of polypropylene material. The leading leg of the fastener slides over the stylet shaft that transects the tissue plication. The fastener passes through both tissue layers until the fastener’s trailing leg makes contact with the tissue surface, stressing the connecting member and releasing the leading fastener leg from the stylet shaft. The stylet shaft is then retracted, allowing the trailing leg to rotate and anchor the tissue plication.

EndoGastric Solutions is a pioneer in endoluminal procedures for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other GI disorders.