Abstract: A ligating band dispenser capable of retraction during movement and exploration to offer an improved field of view for an image sensing device of a hosting endoscope as well as extension to facilitate a conventional ligating procedure.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser includes a cylindrical inner sleeve and at least a partially encompassing balloon, where the inner sleeve supports one or more expanded ligating bands external to the balloon. This ligating band dispenser allows the introduction of a pressurized fluid between the inner sleeve and the balloon, proximal to a distal-most, stored ligating band, to effect the distal displacement and dispensing of one or more stored ligating bands.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser has a first sleeve, to store one or more ligating bands, and a second member, which at least partially extends about and is movable relative to the first sleeve. The second sleeve is capable of engaging and moving a distal-most ligating band positioned on the first sleeve from an initial storage position to a dispensing position, irrespective of other ligating bands which may be stored thereon.

Abstract: A device for dissolving friable or coagulated tissue within a human body is provided, such lysing operation being achieved through high-speed rotation of at least one thread- or ribbon-like lysing member. Lysing is achieved through shear and/or wear. A flexible drive member, used to rotate the at least one lysing member, may be received within an encompassing, static flexible member. Interaction between the rotating flexible drive member and the encompassing static flexible member causes at least lysed tissue to be pumped and further dissolved along the encompassed length of the flexible drive member.

Abstract: A ligating band is formed so as to have a pre-stress compression along its inner periphery and a pre-stress tension along its outer periphery at a free state, wherein all the material of the band is at a substantially equal tension when the band is subject to full circumferential expansion. In a free state, the inner periphery can buckle, at least partially filling an inner perimeter defined by the inner periphery with a plurality of material folds.

Abstract: A self-disposing ligating band dispenser is formed of a member having predisposed windings, where the windings form a surface to support one or more expanded ligating bands. The wound member has a free portion which enables a properly oriented displacement of the free portion to effect the unwinding of the dispenser, and the dispensing of one or more stored ligating bands.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser capable of retraction during movement and exploration to offer an unimpaired field of view for an image sensing device of a hosting endoscope as well as extension to facilitate a conventional ligating procedure. Actuating the ligating band dispenser is accomplished with an actuating mechanism that includes a controller to enable a user to selectively dispense one or more ligating bands and/or retract/extend the dispenser.