Medical device with track and method of use
AssigneeEthicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
InventorGary L. Long
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A medical device for performing medical procedures inside a lumen (such as the GI tract) of a patient is provided. The device includes an elongate flexible member which can be advanced along a track. The track can include a loop portion which can be advanced ahead of the elongate flexible member. The distal end of the flexible member can include a camera, light source, vacuum opening, and a working channel for receiving medical instruments.
Claims23
A medical device for use in a patient's body lumen comprising:
- a flexible member positionable within a body lumen, the flexible member comprising a passageway therethrough;
- and
- a track disposed in the passageway and extending distally of the flexible member, wherein a portion of the track extending distally of the flexible member comprises a loop.
A method of moving a medical device through a patient's body comprising the steps of:
- a. positioning a portion of the medical device within the body lumen;
- b. advancing a length of track distally of the medical device;
- c. advancing the medical device on the track to move distally within the lumen while simultaneously retracting a portion of the track proximally.
A method of moving a medical device through a patient's body comprising the steps of:
- a. positioning a portion of the medical device within the body lumen;
- b. advancing a length of track distally of the medical device without advancing a track end distally of the medical device;
- and
- c. advancing the medical device along the track to move the medical device distally within the lumen.
A method of accessing a body lumen, the method comprising the step of advancing a continuous track portion distally into the body lumen, on which track portion other objects can be advanced.
A medical device adapted to access a body lumen by advancing a continuous track portion forward into a lumen, on which track portion other objects can be advanced.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.