Systems and methods for mechanical displacement of an esophagus

A mechanical esophageal displacement system comprising:

• an assembly that is to be operatively coupled to a vacuum system, the assembly comprising:
• an introducer sized to receive an esophageal positioning device, the introducer comprising:
• a soft outer tube sized to pass through a mouth or nasal passage into an esophagus, the soft outer tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a body, wherein the body defines a plurality of radial vacuum holes spaced circumferentially around the soft outer tube, wherein the plurality of vacuum holes are in fluid communication with the vacuum system to apply a vacuum to an esophageal wall;
• and
• a tube tip located at the distal end of the outer tube;
• and
• the esophageal positioning device, wherein the esophageal positioning device includes:
• a first segment;
• and
• a second segment having a central axis, a proximal end pivotally connected to the first segment and a distal end opposite and spaced apart from the proximal end, the second segment being pivotable about the first segment between a first position and a second position upon articulation,
• wherein the second segment comprises a distal band laminate assembly housing a plurality of distal bands in which the distal ends of the bands are slidable along the central axis relative to each other,
• wherein the esophageal positioning device further comprises a handle selectively couplable to the assembly and the first segment and at least one articulation drive cable,
• wherein the at least one articulation drive cable pivots the second segment about the first segment,
• wherein the second segment comprises a distal band guard and a distal pivot retainer,
• wherein all but one of the bands has a slot at a distal end of the plurality of distal bands,
• wherein the one band has a hole rather than a slot at the distal end, and
• wherein the distal band guard retains the distal band assembly by a pin that passes through the plurality of distal bands, and wherein the distal guard has a rounded tip.