Devices and methods for endoluminal plication

A tissue acquisition and fixation device, comprising:

• an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis;
• an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft, the end effector having a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that pivots relative to the fixed jaw;
• and
• a tissue acquisition member coupled to the end effector, the tissue acquisition member being limited to:
• (1) movement along a longitudinal axis of the tissue acquisition member, and
• (2) movement perpendicular to a first plane extending through the first and second jaws.

A method of acquiring and fixating tissue using a plurality of fasteners, comprising:

• positioning a surgical device having a stapling member and a tissue acquisition member adjacent to tissue such that a longitudinal axis of any of a first and a second jaw of the stapling member is parallel to a surface of tissue;
• drawing tissue to the tissue acquisition member and moving the tissue acquisition member vertically away from the first and second jaws;
• moving the first and second jaws of the stapling member to a closed position and driving at least one fastener through the tissue disposed between the first and second jaws;
• moving the first and second jaws of the stapling member to the open position and translating the tissue acquisition member along a longitudinal axis of the tissue acquisition member that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of at least one of the first and second jaws;
• and
• moving the first and second jaws of the stapling member to the closed position such that at least one fastener is driven through the tissue disposed between the first and second jaws.