Self-propelled, intraluminal device with hollow, cylindrical head and method of use
OwnerGary L. Long, Kurt R. Bally +1inventors
InventorsGary L. Long, Kurt R. Bally, David Stefanchik
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Abstract
A medical device is provided for use in the lumen of a patient, such as in the Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GI Tract). The medical device can include a through channel for permitting passage of solid material, such as fecal material in the GI tract. In one embodiment, the device includes a self propelled capsule with a through channel, and a balloon disposed inside of the channel of the capsule. When inflated, the balloon provides occlusion of the channel.
Claims35
A medical device comprising:
- an apparatus adapted for movement through a bodily lumen by stimulation of tissue, wherein the apparatus comprises a channel passing longitudinally therethrough, and wherein the channel is sized to pass solid material.
A medical device, the device comprising:
- an apparatus sized and shaped to pass through the lower gastro-intestinal tract, the apparatus comprising a through channel extending the length of the apparatus;
- and
- at least one electrode associated with the apparatus for stimulating tissue to propel the apparatus through the GI tract;
- wherein the through channel is sized and shaped to permit passage of fecal material through the apparatus when the apparatus is propelled through the GI tract.
A method of removing material from a bodily lumen, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an apparatus sized and shaped to pass through the lumen, the apparatus having a through channel;
- moving the apparatus through the lumen wherein material in the lumen upstream of the apparatus passes through the through channel in the apparatus to be positioned downstream of the apparatus;
- at partially occluding the through channel to restrict further passage of material in the lumen through the through channel;
- withdrawing the apparatus from the lumen.
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of moving the apparatus through the lumen comprises stimulating tissue in the lumen.
26 A method of removing fecal material from the lower gastro-intestinal tract, the method comprisng:
- providing an apparatus sized and shaped to pass through the gastro-intestinal tract;
- moving the apparatus through fecal material in the gastro-intestinal tract;
- expanding a member associated with the apparatus;
- and
- withdrawing the apparatus from the gastro-intestinal tract.
A medical device, the medical device comprising:
- an umbilicus;
- an apparatus associated with the distal end of the umbilicus, the apparatus sized and shaped to be positioned in a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract, the capsule having an outer surface facing the tissue of the gastro-intestinal tract;
- wherein the apparatus comprises a recess disposed in the outer surface for providing working access to a portion of gastro-intestinal tract.
A method of treating the wall of a bodily lumen, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an apparatus sized and shaped for movement through the lumen, wherein the apparatus has an outer surface and a recess disposed in the outer surface;
- moving the apparatus in the lumen to position the recess in the outer surface over a portion of the lumen to be treated;
- sealing the portion of the lumen to be treated from an adjacent portion of the lumen;
- and
- treating the portion of the lumen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.