A method for positioning a guide element in a patient and a kit for use in the method. In one embodiment, the method involves transorally inserting an endoscope into a patients stomach. An incision site is externally indicated by transilluminating the stomach and abdominal walls of the patient from within the stomach. Next, a scalpel incision is made at the indicated incision site, and an access needle is inserted into the incision, the proximal end of the access needle remaining external to the patient and the distal end of the access needle extending into the patients stomach. The stylet of the access needle is then removed from the patient while keeping the cannula in place. Next, the distal end of a grasping tool is inserted through the cannula and into the patients stomach. The looped leading end of a pullwire is then inserted through the endoscope and into the stomach. The tool is then manipulated until a distal hook on the tool catches the looped leading end. Next, the tool and the looped leading end are withdrawn from the patient through the cannula. The endoscope is then withdrawn from the patient over the trailing end of the pullwire. In this manner, the pullwire is positioned so that the trailing end of the pullwire extends from the patients mouth and the leading end of the pullwire extends from the incision.
