Abstract:
Provided is a balloon access device having a cap coupleable to an endoscope and a balloon for sealing with the cap when expanded. The balloon access device allows a physician to both separate collapsed tissue and visualize the path of the endoscope without administering insufflation gas to the collapsed area of a patient.
Abstract:
A material-fastening device and related fastener and methods for use, and more particularly, a device with segments of the fastener capable of being independently attached to different sides of a gap in the material.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube disposed within a hydrophilic sheath, and a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The sheath may be disposable to permit reuse of the overtube. Fail-safe tensioning mechanisms may be provided to selectively stiffen the overtube to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The fail-safe tensioning mechanisms reduce the risk of reconfiguration of the overtube in the event that the tension system fails, and, in one embodiment, rigidizes the overtube without substantial proximal movement of the distal region. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument, while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point.
Abstract:
A catheter for inserting into a bodily structure. The catheter includes a primary lumen for passing a device. One or more flaps or circumferential anchors protrude from a front tip of the catheter. The flaps or circumferential anchors engage with an inter-mural mucosa of the bodily structure.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for pleating at least a portion of a patient's body lumen, such as the colon. Pleating is achieved via relative motion between an endoscope and a flexible conduit having an engagement element configured to reversibly engage the body lumen.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for mucosal biopsy including a stationary base clevis component, upon which an open frame jaw is actuated rotationally to engage tissue and retract samples. A rack and pinion mechanism drives the jaw motion, which can be controlled axially by the physician. A metal retriever component captures tissue from the open frame jaw, and advances the samples proximally into the collection chamber, where they are maintained as the retriever is returned to its most distal position. Furthermore, the open frame design employs a reliable and compact means for actuation that can be decoupled from sample transfer and storage functions.
Abstract:
A catheter sleeve assembly with a zipper-like locking structure is positioned on the outer cylindrical surface of an endoscope at a position outside the body while the endoscope is in viewing position inside the body. The zipper-like locking structure is split and the catheter-sleeve assembly is positioned about the endoscope body and locked into place. The catheter-sleeve assembly is then shuttled into and out of the distal viewing site along the body of the endoscope by manual manipulation while the endoscope remains in viewing position. Surgical stapling and tissue removal procedures can be performed with endoscopic surgical instruments passed down a lumen provided in the catheter-sleeve assembly.
Abstract:
A system and method for gaining access to an internal bodily structure, such as the ampullae. The system includes an elongate catheter having a lumen extending there through. An elongate wire including distal coil is movably extendable from the distal end of the catheter and is configured to engage the inner surface of the bodily structure. Proximal movement of the elongate wire flattens the inner surface of the bodily structure and aligns the passageway thereof with the longitudinal axis of the catheter.