Apparatus and methods for achieving endoluminal access
First Claim
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1. A method for advancing an endoscope through a body lumen, comprising:
- advancing an endoscope having a steerable distal end and a flexible conduit through the body lumen;
engaging a region of body lumen distal to the flexible conduit via the steerable distal end;
retracting the endoscope relative to the flexible conduit such that a portion of the body lumen is retracted relative to the flexible conduit;
rigidizing the flexible conduit;
disengaging the steerable distal end from the region of body lumen; and
advancing the endoscope relative to the rigidized flexible conduit.
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for pleating at least a portion of a patient'"'"'s body lumen, such as the colon. Pleating is achieved via relative motion between an endoscope and a flexible conduit having an engagement element configured to reversibly engage the body lumen.
895 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for advancing an endoscope through a body lumen, comprising:
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advancing an endoscope having a steerable distal end and a flexible conduit through the body lumen; engaging a region of body lumen distal to the flexible conduit via the steerable distal end; retracting the endoscope relative to the flexible conduit such that a portion of the body lumen is retracted relative to the flexible conduit; rigidizing the flexible conduit; disengaging the steerable distal end from the region of body lumen; and advancing the endoscope relative to the rigidized flexible conduit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification