Method and apparatus for augmentation of a sphincter

A medical apparatus for introduction into the submucosal space of the lower esophageal sphincter of a patient, comprising:

• an elongate needle member and a coaxial outer sheath sized and configured for introduction through a flexible endoscope, the needle member including a distal end and a first passageway extending therethrough;
• at least one implantable member;
• wherein the at least one implantable member is constrainable into a first, substantial linear configuration for introduction through the first passageway of the needle member;
• and wherein the at least one implantable member includes a shape memory such that it adapted to assume a second, configuration upon deployment from the needle member, the at least one implantable member comprising a plurality of bends such it is adapted to create a volumetric expansion of the submucosal space when implanted therein.

A method for introducing an implantable member for augmentation of the lower esophageal sphincter, comprising the steps of:

• a. visualizing the lower esophageal sphincter
• b. introducing a needle member that includes a passageway extending therethrough into the submucosal tissue layer of the lower esophageal sphincter at a first location;
• and
• c. deploying a first elongate implantable member from the passageway of the needle member into the pocket, the implantable member being adapted to assume a substantially curvilinear shape upon deployment therein, causing a volumetric expansion of the submucosal tissue layer.

A method for introducing an implantable member for augmentation of the lower esophageal sphincter, comprising the steps of:

• a. visualizing the lower esophageal sphincter
• b. anchoring a first implantable member into a first location about the lower esophageal sphincter;
• and
• c. anchoring a second implantable member into a second location at a distance to the first location such that when interconnected, the first and second implantable members are biased toward one another such that the lower esophageal sphincter assumes a state of increased compliance.