Valved anus seal and method of use for colonoscopy

Abstract

Devices and methods for use with colonoscopy procedures. Embodiments of the device include a diametrically-expandable seal member configured to be interested into an anus of a patient, and a valve coupled to the seal member. The seal member defines a lumen extending through the seal member that is configured to allow a colonoscope to extend through the seal member and into the patient's bowel. The valve is configured to allow the colonoscope to extend through the seal member and to inhibit insufflation gas from escaping the patient's bowel through the lumen. Embodiments of the method include inserting the colonoscope through the valve of the seal member, inserting the colonoscope and the seal member into the patient's anus, and insufflating the patient's bowel with gas through the colonoscope.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.