Rubber band ligation system for treatment of hemorrhoids

A system for treatment of hemorrhoids comprising:

• an anoscope having a first channel extending along a longitudinal axis and a second channel positioned at an angle to the first channel, the second channel intersecting the first channel so a distal opening of the second channel is in communication with the first channel;
• and
• an elastic band ligation device insertable into the second channel, the elastic band ligation device including a first tube and a tissue holder, the first tube movable to advance and dislodge an elastic band from the ligation device onto target tissue, the second channel stabilizing the ligation device and restricting lateral movement while enabling longitudinal movement within the second channel and the second channel enabling access to the target tissue at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the first channel.

A method for applying an elastic band to hemorrhoid tissue comprising a) providing an anoscope having a first longitudinal channel and a second channel extending at an angle to the first channel;

• b) inserting the anoscope through an anal canal adjacent hemorrhoid tissue and anatomically proximal of a dentate line of a patient;
• c) inserting a ligating device through the second channel of the anoscope;
• and d) advancing the elastic band from the ligating device onto the hemorrhoid tissue.

The method of 16, further comprising the step of locking the ligating device to the anoscope to restrict axial and rotational movement of the ligating device within the anoscope.