# US 7,608,038 B2 · Luminal coupling system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,608,038 B2 - Document ID: US7608038B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/513,315 - Filed: 2003-05-16 - Published: 2005-08-11 - Granted: 2009-10-27 - Earliest claimed: 2002-05-17 - Assignees: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania - Inventors: Gregory G. Ginsberg - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7608038B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/3403: {Needle locating or guiding means} - A61J 15/0019: {inserted by using a pull-wire} - A61M 5/427: {Locating point where body is to be pierced, e.g. vein location means using ultrasonic waves, injection site templates} - A61B 2017/00477: {Coupling (A61B2017/0046 takes precedence)} - A61B 2017/00876: {magnetic} - A61B 2017/3405: {using mechanical guide means} - A61J 15/0034: {Retainers adjacent to a body opening to prevent that the tube slips through, e.g. bolsters} - A61J 15/0069: {Tubes feeding directly to the intestines, e.g. to the jejunum} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - A61J: CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} ## Abstract A luminal coupling tube system for providing access to a lumen of a subject is disclosed. The system includes an internal magnet assembly, a snare assembly, an external magnet, a pull wire system and a feeding tube assembly. The internal magnet assembly includes an internal magnet having a first coupling surface and a tether for traversing an endoscope instrument channel. The snare assembly includes a snare, a snare operating device, and a cable. The external magnet includes a second coupling surface. The polar orientation of the external magnet is opposite the polar orientation of the internal magnet such that the first and second coupling surface are magnetically attracted. The pull wire system includes a needle, a cannula and a pull wire. The feeding tube assembly includes a tube, a snare, a connector, and a dome fixed to the tube. A method of use is disclosed. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A luminal coupling system for providing access directly to a lumen within a subject, for use with an endoscope having an instrument passage and an illumination source on a distal end, the system comprising: a. an internal magnet assembly for inserting into an endoscope instrument channel, said internal magnet assembly comprising: i. an internal magnet comprising a first coupling surface defining a surface shape and size, wherein said internal magnet is characterized by a polar orientation and a magnetic strength; and ii. a tether comprising a first end portion fixed to said magnet, a second end portion disposed remote from said first end portion, and a middle portion spaced between said first and second end portions, said middle portion for traversing the endoscope instrument channel; b. a snare assembly comprising a first snare, a snare operating device, and a cable connecting said first snare to said snare operating device; c. an external magnet comprising a second coupling surface defining a surface shape and size, wherein said external magnet is characterized by a polar orientation and a magnetic strength, wherein said polar orientation of said external magnet is opposite said polar orientation of said internal magnet such that said first and said second coupling surfaces are magnetically attracted to each other; d. a pull wire system comprising a sounding needle, a cannula and a pull wire, wherein said pull wire comprises a mating end and a pull end; and e. a feeding tube assembly comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, a second snare, a connector fixedly joining said tube first end to said second snare, and a dome fixed to said tube second end. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said dome comprises a bottom surface having a tube mounting hole and an annular-shaped perforated side surface, said perforated side surface for distributing liquid in a plurality of radial directions. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said magnetic strength of said internal magnet and said magnetic strength of said external magnet are collectively sufficient to magnetically couple said internal and external magnets when juxtaposed of either side of an lumen wall. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said magnetic strength of said internal magnet and said magnetic strength of said external magnet are of collectively sufficient strength to stabilize an intestinal lumen to an abdominal wall when said magnets are juxtaposed of either side of an abdominal wall. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said surface shape and size of said first coupling surface and said surface shape and size of said second coupling surface are essentially the same. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said external magnet comprises structure defining a needle insertion zone. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said internal magnet comprises structure defining a needle acceptance zone. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said external magnet comprises structure defining a needle insertion zone, and said internal magnet comprises structure defining a needle acceptance zone, whereby said needle insertion zone and said needle acceptance zone cooperatively align when said external magnet and said internal magnet are magnetically coupled. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said internal magnet assembly comprises a lock for prohibiting said magnet from moving relative to a distal end of an endoscope when the internal magnet assembly is inserted into the instrument channel. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The device in claim 1 wherein said internal magnet comprises a coating of biocompatible material. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The device in claim 1 wherein said external magnet comprises a sleeve, said sleeve being disposable to protect the magnet during initial use and allow for subsequent use of said external magnet. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The device in claim 1 wherein said internal magnet is constructed of Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB). ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The device in claim 1 wherein said external magnet is constructed of Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB). ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The device in claim 1 wherein said external magnet comprises an assembly of similarly sized and shaped magnets, wherein a magnetic strength of said assembly can be varied by adding or deleting magnets to the assembly. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The device in claim 1 wherein a width of said external magnet is not greater than 1 inch. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The device in claim 1 wherein a width of said internal magnet is not greater than 1 inch.