US Patent 7507239 Surgical instruments and techniques for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease

An apparatus to treat tissue in a selected wall region of an esophagus is provided. In one embodiment the apparatus includes an elongate member having a circumference and is sized to be deployed in an esophagus. The apparatus further includes an energy delivery element sized to apply electrical energy to tissue in the esophagus, and to produce a pattern of treated tissue within a less than 180° circumferential portion of the esophagus. The elongate member further includes an expandable structure to stabilize the energy delivery element in physical and electrical contact with tissue.