Lumen probe apparatuses and methods for using the same
AssigneeInmotion Medical Ltd.
InventorsNir Sinai, Idan Boader
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A probe apparatus adapted for movement through a lumen, comprising: a linearly extendible and retractable element adapted for selective extension and retraction to provide the movement; a front balloon positioned forward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation; a rear balloon positioned backward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation; and, a twisting element adapted to twist at least one of the linearly extendible and retractable element, front balloon and rear balloon during inflation and deflation of the advancement balloon.
Claims19
A probe apparatus adapted for movement through a lumen, comprising:
- a linearly extendible and retractable element adapted for selective extension and retraction;
- a front balloon positioned forward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation;
- a rear balloon positioned backward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation;
- and,
- a twisting element adapted to twist at least one of the linearly extendible and retractable element, front balloon and rear balloon during extension and retraction of the linearly extendible and retractable element,
- wherein cyclic extension and retraction of the linearly extendible and retractable element in combination with selective inflation and deflation of the front and rear balloons provides movement to the apparatus.
A method of using a balloon type probe apparatus, comprising:
- inserting the probe apparatus in a lumen;
- inflating a rear balloon of the probe apparatus, substantially securing the probe apparatus in place in the lumen;
- at least partially extending a linearly extendible and retractable element of the probe apparatus to move a front balloon of the probe apparatus forward in the lumen;
- twisting at least one of the rear balloon, linearly extendible and retractable element and front balloon during the at least partially extending of the linearly extendible and retractable element;
- inflating the front balloon, substantially securing the probe apparatus in place in the lumen without regard for the rear balloon securing;
- and,
- deflating, at least partially, the rear balloon and retracting the linearly extendible and retractable element drawing the rear balloon closer to the front balloon.
A method of navigating a curve in a lumen, comprising:
- inserting the probe apparatus in a lumen;
- inflating a rear balloon of the probe apparatus, substantially securing the probe apparatus in place in the lumen;
- at least partially extending and twisting a linearly extendible and retractable element of the probe apparatus to move a front balloon of the probe apparatus forward and around the curve in the lumen;
- inflating the front balloon, substantially securing the probe apparatus in place in the lumen without regard for the rear balloon securing;
- and,
- deflating, at least partially, the rear balloon and retracting and twisting the linearly extendible and retractable element drawing the rear balloon closer to the front balloon and around the curve in the lumen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.