Devices and methods for endoluminal plication

A method of acquiring and fixating tissue, comprising:

• positioning a stapling member having first and second jaws adjacent to a tissue surface such that a longitudinal axis of at least one of the first and second jaws is parallel to the tissue surface;
• engaging the tissue surface with a tissue acquirer;
• moving the tissue acquirer to draw tissue up through the first and second jaws;
• moving the first and second jaws to a closed position to engage the tissue therebetween;
• and
• applying at least a first staple from at least one of the first and second jaws through the tissue disposed between the first and second jaws.

A method of acquiring and fixating tissue, comprising:

• positioning an end effector having first and second jaws and a tissue acquisition member such that a longitudinal axis of the end effector is parallel to a tissue surface and the tissue acquisition member is on an opposite side of the first and second jaws from the tissue surface;
• applying a vacuum force to draw the tissue surface through the jaws and against the tissue acquisition member;
• and
• moving the tissue acquisition member in a direction away from the tissue surface to further draw tissue through the first and second jaws to create a tissue fold.