Abstract: Disclosed herein are intestine pleating attachable structures for use with endoscopes and methods for using said structures. The intestine pleating attachable structures may act in conjunction with a gastrointestinal endoscope and, optionally, a balloon to improve visualization during endoscopic procedures. The intestine pleating attachable structures are coupled to the endoscope shaft, and include at least one flexible appendage to enhance contact between the structure and the intestinal wall. When the endoscope is retracted, the flexible appendage assists in moving the intestinal wall relative to the imaging system. This movement causes the intestine to pleat. Pleating reduces looping, improves efficiency, and results in a less painful endoscopic procedure for the patient. The attachable structures may be used in conjunction with a dome-shaped balloon that is inflated at the distal, imaging end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscopic clip device for closure of a mucosal defect or transmural perforation in a gastrointestinal wall may include a sleeve and a clip disposed at least partially within and coupled to the sleeve. The clip may be configured for reversibly moving between an open configuration for positioning relative to the wall and a closed configuration for closing the defect or perforation. The clip may include a first clip arm configured for engaging the mucosal and submucosal layers of the wall and including a first needle extending to a distal end of the first clip arm and configured for advancing through the mucosal layer and into at least the submucosal layer, and a second clip arm disposed opposite the first clip arm and configured for engaging the mucosal layer. The device may be configured for advancing through an operative channel of an endoscope or overtube having a tortuous shape.

Abstract: An endoscopic clip device for closure of a mucosal defect or transmural perforation in a gastrointestinal wall may include a sleeve and a clip disposed at least partially within and coupled to the sleeve. The clip may be configured for reversibly moving between an open configuration for positioning relative to the wall and a closed configuration for closing the defect or perforation. The clip may include a first clip arm configured for engaging the mucosal and submucosal layers of the wall and including a first needle extending to a distal end of the first clip arm and configured for advancing through the mucosal layer and into at least the submucosal layer, and a second clip arm disposed opposite the first clip arm and configured for engaging the mucosal layer. The device may be configured for advancing through an operative channel of an endoscope or overtube having a tortuous shape.

Abstract: An endoscopic clip device for closure of a mucosal defect or transmural perforation in a gastrointestinal wall may include a sleeve and a clip disposed at least partially within and coupled to the sleeve. The clip may be configured for reversibly moving between an open configuration for positioning relative to the wall and a closed configuration for closing the defect or perforation. The clip may include a first clip arm configured for engaging the mucosal and submucosal layers of the wall and including a first needle extending to a distal end of the first clip arm and configured for advancing through the mucosal layer and into at least the submucosal layer, and a second clip arm disposed opposite the first clip arm and configured for engaging the mucosal layer. The device may be configured for advancing through an operative channel of an endoscope or overtube having a tortuous shape.

Abstract: The endoscopy tool and methods of use disclosed herein are used to move gastrointestinal tissue. The endoscopy tool includes an auxiliary gastrointestinal device, or a catheter, having a proximal region and a distal region. The endoscopy tool includes a non-conductive, polymeric loop coupled to and extending distally from the distal end of the gastrointestinal device. The surfaces of the loop are smooth such that the loop can move intestinal tissue without causing lacerations.

Abstract: The endoscopy tool and methods of use disclosed herein are used to move gastrointestinal tissue. The endoscopy tool includes an auxiliary gastrointestinal device, or a catheter, having a proximal region and a distal region. The endoscopy tool includes a non-conductive, polymeric loop coupled to and extending distally from the distal end of the gastrointestinal device. The surfaces of the loop are smooth such that the loop can move intestinal tissue without causing lacerations.

Abstract: Insufflation is currently considered to be a necessary part of an endoscopic procedure. However, it introduces risks and costs that would be beneficial to eliminate. The endoscopic assistance devices and methods disclosed herein facilitate the performance of endoscopic procedures without insufflation. The devices attach directly or indirectly to the distal end portion of the endoscope. One or more resilient, curved bars extend from the attachment point around an internal void space to form a resilient, curved cage that spreads tissue gently during the advance of the endoscope. The resilient, curved bars define the windows of the cage that enable the visualization of the internal anatomy via a lens on the distal face of the endoscope and the passage of treatment devices from the operative channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are intestine pleating attachable structures for use with endoscopes and methods for using said structures. The intestine pleating attachable structures may act in conjunction with a gastrointestinal endoscope and, optionally, a balloon to improve visualization during endoscopic procedures. The intestine pleating attachable structures are coupled to the endoscope shaft, and include at least one flexible appendage to enhance contact between the structure and the intestinal wall. When the endoscope is retracted, the flexible appendage assists in moving the intestinal wall relative to the imaging system. This movement causes the intestine to pleat. Pleating reduces looping, improves efficiency, and results in a less painful endoscopic procedure for the patient. The attachable structures may be used in conjunction with a dome-shaped balloon that is inflated at the distal, imaging end of the endoscope.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are intestine pleating attachable structures for use with endoscopes and methods for using said structures. The intestine pleating attachable structures may act in conjunction with a gastrointestinal endoscope and, optionally, a balloon to improve visualization during endoscopic procedures. The intestine pleating attachable structures are coupled to the endoscope shaft, and include at least one flexible appendage to enhance contact between the structure and the intestinal wall. When the endoscope is retracted, the flexible appendage assists in moving the intestinal wall relative to the imaging system. This movement causes the intestine to pleat. Pleating reduces looping, improves efficiency, and results in a less painful endoscopic procedure for the patient. The attachable structures may be used in conjunction with a dome-shaped balloon that is inflated at the distal, imaging end of the endoscope.

Abstract: Insufflation is currently considered to be a necessary part of an endoscopic procedure. However, it introduces risks and costs that would be beneficial to eliminate. The endoscopic assistance devices and methods disclosed herein facilitate the performance of endoscopic procedures without insufflation. The devices attach directly or indirectly to the distal end portion of the endoscope. One or more resilient, curved bars extend from the attachment point around an internal void space to form a resilient, curved cage that spreads tissue gently during the advance of the endoscope. The resilient, curved bars define the windows of the cage that enable the visualization of the internal anatomy via a lens on the distal face of the endoscope and the passage of treatment devices from the operative channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: A balloon access device for use with an endoscope is disclosed. A transparent balloon attached to the distal end of the endoscope allows a user to both separate collapsed intestinal tissue and visualize the path of the endoscope without administering insufflation gas to the collapsed area of a patient. The attachment of the balloon to the endoscope is achieved by the various embodiments of the balloon access device disclosed herein.

Abstract: Transparent domes useful for covering at least a lens located on a scope's distal face, taking the form of a single layer membrane affixed to the distal end of the scope, a solid cap attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the scope, or an inflatable and deflatable balloon having an exterior wall for contacting at least the lens at the scope's distal face. Methods for performing diagnostic or diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within bodily cavities including collapsed intestines using transparent domes and scopes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are intestine pleating methods and devices for use with gastrointestinal endoscopes. Devices include balloon access device, attachable structure(s), and an elongate overtube. Attachable structures may be used to pleat intestinal wall and to advance the endoscope past difficult to navigate areas. Balloon access device may be used to improve visualization of intestinal wall and to pleat intestinal wall. These systems may be used during airless endoscopic procedures that do not require insufflation of the intestinal cavity. The systems may be used during airless intubation procedures. To pleat the intestine, the practitioner inflates balloon to a fully or nearly fully inflated state when a difficult area is encountered. Inflation of the balloon to fully or nearly fully inflated state ensures contact with intestinal wall. Practitioner pulls back on the endoscope shaft to drag intestinal wall back toward the proximal opening of intestinal cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are intestine pleating attachable structures for use with endoscopes and methods for using said structures. The intestine pleating attachable structures may act in conjunction with a gastrointestinal endoscope and, optionally, a balloon to improve visualization during endoscopic procedures. The intestine pleating attachable structures are coupled to the endoscope shaft, and include at least one flexible appendage to enhance contact between the structure and the intestinal wall. When the endoscope is retracted, the flexible appendage assists in moving the intestinal wall relative to the imaging system. This movement causes the intestine to pleat. Pleating reduces looping, improves efficiency, and results in a less painful endoscopic procedure for the patient. The attachable structures may be used in conjunction with a dome-shaped balloon that is inflated at the distal, imaging end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A material-fastening device and related fastener and methods for use, and more particularly, a device with segments of the fastener capable of being independently attached to different sides of a gap in the material.

Abstract: A system and method for gaining access to an internal bodily structure, such as the ampullae. The system includes an elongate catheter having a lumen extending there through. An elongate wire including a distal coil is movably extendable from the distal end of the catheter and is configured to engage the inner surface of the bodily structure. Proximal movement of the elongate wire flattens the inner surface of the bodily structure and aligns the passageway thereof with the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: Provided is a balloon access device having a cap coupleable to an endoscope and a balloon for sealing with the cap when expanded. The balloon access device allows a physician to both separate collapsed tissue and visualize the path of the endoscope without administering insufflation gas to the collapsed area of a patient.

Abstract: Provided is a balloon access device having a cap coupleable to an endoscope and a balloon for sealing with the cap when expanded. The balloon access device allows a physician to both separate collapsed tissue and visualize the path of the endoscope without administering insufflation gas to the collapsed area of a patient.

Abstract: A material-fastening device and related fastener and methods for use, and more particularly, a device with segments of the fastener capable of being independently exposed from a holding mechanism and independently attached to or placed in proximity to the material.

Abstract: Transparent domes useful for covering at least a lens located on a scope's distal face, taking the form of a single layer membrane affixed to the distal end of the scope, a solid cap attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the scope, or an inflatable and deflatable balloon having an exterior wall for contacting at least the lens at the scope's distal face. Methods for performing diagnostic or diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within bodily cavities including collapsed intestines using transparent domes and scopes.