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Publication Number
US-8876730-B2
Publication Date
2014-11-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Apparatus (20) is provided for use in a gastrointestinal tract (40) of a patient, including an inflatable device (22) configured to be moved through the gastrointestinal tract (40) to a treatment site in response to a difference between fluid pressure proximal to the inflatable device (22) and fluid pressure distal to the inflatable device (22). An optical system (24) coupled to the inflatable device (22) configured to image the gastrointestinal tract (40). A working channel (32) coupled to the inflatable device (22) and shaped to define a channel lumen therein to provide access from outside of the patient to the treatment site. A tool (34) configured to be passed through the channel lumen and to emerge from a distal end of the working channel (32). The tool (34) comprises a tool steering mechanism (44) to facilitate steering of the tool (34) from outside of the patient. Other embodiments are also described.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an apparatus for use in a gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The apparatus includes an endoscope with an inflatable device configured to be moved through the gastrointestinal tract to a treatment site in response to a difference between fluid pressure proximal to the inflatable device and fluid pressure distal to the inflatable device, such that the apparatus is advanced distally by application of said fluid pressure proximal to said inflatable device. The inflatable device is coupled to an optical imaging system configured to image the gastrointestinal tract in a certain field of view.
A working channel is shaped to define a channel lumen and passes through a hole in the inflatable device to provide access from outside of the patient to the treatment site. A multi-lumen supply cable is disposed within the inflatable device in the working channel and includes a first lumen configured for passage therethrough of an electrical cable. The multi-lumen supply cable also includes additional lumens and a cable passing through one of the additional lumens.
The cable comprises a hollow tube that defines at least one tool lumen for advancement therethrough of a tool having a tool steering mechanism. The tool is advanced toward a treatment site through the tool lumen to substantially any site of the gastrointestinal tract within the field of view of the optical system, thereby facilitating steering of the tool from outside a body of the patient. The apparatus further includes additional lumens configured for at least one of supplying water to the gastrointestinal tract, controlling pressure inside the inflatable device, sensing pressure inside the inflatable device, and sensing gastrointestinal tract pressures distal to the apparatus.
The tool is directed by the tool steering mechanism while advanced through the working channel hole in the inflatable device. The inflatable device includes fluidic communications via the additional lumens, including in-fluid communication with the inside of the inflatable device for venting distal pressure and regulating intra-balloon pressure. The disclosed tool types include biopsy and treatment tools, and some embodiments use the steerable tool to control or assist endoscope advancement, including tilting and restoring blocked motion.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim covering the overall GI endoscope apparatus and its pressure-driven inflatable advancement, and the coverage includes multiple dependent claim refinements via the tool steering, imaging behavior, and specific luminal/cable and inflatable geometry aspects.
Pressure-differential inflatable advancement to a GI treatment site
An inflatable device configured to be moved through the gastrointestinal tract to a treatment site in response to a difference between fluid pressure proximal to the inflatable device and fluid pressure distal to the inflatable device, such that the apparatus is advanced distally by application of said fluid pressure proximal to said inflatable device.
Coupled optical system imaging of the GI tract field of view
An optical system coupled to the inflatable device and configured to image the gastrointestinal tract in a certain field of view.
Working channel passing through a hole in the inflatable device
A working channel shaped to define a channel lumen to provide access from outside of the patient to the treatment site, the working channel passing through a hole in the inflatable device.
Multi-lumen supply cable with tool lumen in a hollow tube
A multi-lumen supply cable disposed within the inflatable device in said working channel, the multi-lumen supply cable including a first lumen configured for passage therethrough of an electrical cable and a plurality of additional lumens, with a cable passing through one of the additional lumens, the cable comprising a hollow tube having a shape that defines at least one tool lumen for advancement therethrough of a tool comprising a tool steering mechanism configured and operable to direct the tool toward substantially any site of the gastrointestinal tract within the field of view of the optical system.
Additional lumens in fluid communication with the inflatable device for water, pressure control, and distal pressure sensing
At least one additional lumen being in fluid communication with the inside of the inflatable device, wherein the additional lumens are configured for at least one of supplying water to the gastrointestinal tract, controlling pressure inside said inflatable device, sensing pressure inside said inflatable device, and sensing gastrointestinal tract pressures distal to said apparatus.
Across the independent claim, the inventive concept combines a pressure-differentially advanced inflatable device, a coupled optical imaging system, a working channel passing through the inflatable device, and a multi-lumen supply cable that enables tool delivery via a tool lumen in a hollow tube along with water/pressure functions and distal GI pressure sensing via additional lumens in fluid communication with the inflatable device.
Stated Advantages
Facilitates steering of the tool from outside of a body of the patient to substantially any site of the gastrointestinal tract within the field of view of the optical system.
Provides access from outside of the patient to the treatment site via a working channel passing through a hole in the inflatable device.
Supports supplying water to the gastrointestinal tract, controlling pressure inside the inflatable device, sensing pressure inside the inflatable device, and sensing gastrointestinal tract pressures distal to the apparatus.
Documented Applications
Gastrointestinal tract use of an endoscope apparatus advanced to a treatment site for imaging and tool-based procedures including biopsy and treatment tools.
Steerable tool use to control or assist endoscope advancement, including tilting and restoring blocked motion.
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