Abstract: A system can include an elongated member that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion that includes an agitator. The elongated member can extend through a working channel of an endoscope placed within a patient such that the agitator extends past a distal end of the endoscope into a target region within the patient. The agitator can include a plurality of disruption elements that can be in a low-profile state when within the working channel of the endoscope and can transition to an expanded state when advanced past the distal end of the endoscope. The plurality of disruption elements can define an empty cage configuration when in the expanded state. The system can include a driver coupled to the proximal portion of the elongated member. The driver can rotate the elongated member about a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

Abstract: A system can include a tubular member to be inserted into an esophagus of a patient and a catheter assembly that includes a catheter tube that defines a length greater than a length of the tubular member and is configured to pass through a channel of the tubular member such that a distal tip of the catheter tube extends distally past the distal tip of the tubular member while the tubular member is positioned in the esophagus of the patient. The distal tip of the catheter tube defines a cutting element to core a blockage positioned in the esophagus of the patient. Advancement of the distal tip of the catheter tube into contact with the blockage can core a piece from the blockage that is passed through the catheter tube.

Abstract: A system for clearing a blockage in a patient can include a tubular member that defines a channel and is insertable into an esophagus of the patient. The system can include a catheter assembly that includes a catheter tube defining a length greater than a length of the tubular member and being passable through the channel of the tubular member. The catheter tube can include a distal tip that defines a cutting element to core the blockage positioned in the esophagus. The catheter assembly can further include a catheter hub fixedly secured to the catheter tube and couplable with a vacuum line such that, when suction is provided via the vacuum line, advancement of the catheter tube into contact with the blockage cores a piece from the blockage that is passed through the catheter tube.

Abstract: A method can include introducing a device into a lung of a patient to a site of a material lodged in the lung. The device can include a distal end configured to core the material, a proximal end, and a tube that includes a hollow interior. The method can further include coring from the material a piece that is sized to pass through the hollow interior of the tube using the distal end of the device. The method can further include applying suction to the proximal end of the device to pass the piece through the hollow interior of the tube and out of the device through the proximal end. Other and further methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is configured to clear a bolus of food impacted within an esophagus, the device including a catheter tube having a hollow interior and a distal end configured to core the bolus of food and a proximal end configured to be coupled to a source of suction to clear the core.

Abstract: A system for clearing a blockage from a lumen of a patient, such as an impacted food bolus, can include a catheter that includes a distal end for insertion into the lumen of the patient. The catheter further includes a proximal end for coupling with a suction source at a position external to the patient. The catheter further includes a lumen extending through the proximal and distal ends. The system can include a cutting tip for cutting a morsel from the bolus as suction is applied to the bolus via the lumen of the catheter. The system can also include a positioning element that transitions from an undeployed state to a deployed state, which is expanded relative to the undeployed state. The positioning element can contact the esophagus to space the cutting tip from the esophagus when in the deployed state.

Abstract: A system for clearing a blockage in a patient can include a tubular member that defines a channel, the tubular member being insertable into an esophagus of the patient. The system can further include a catheter assembly that includes a catheter tube, which defines a length greater than a length of the tubular member and is passable through the channel of the tubular member while the tubular member is positioned in the esophagus of the patient. The catheter tube can include a distal tip that defines a cutting element to core the blockage positioned in the esophagus of the patient. The catheter assembly can further include a proximal end coupled with the catheter tube, the proximal end being couplable with a vacuum line such that, when suction is provided via the vacuum line, advancement of the catheter tube into contact with the blockage cores from the blockage a piece of the blockage that is passed through the catheter.

Abstract: A device is configured to clear a bolus of food impacted within an esophagus, the device including a catheter tube having a hollow interior and a distal end configured to core the bolus of food and a proximal end configured to be coupled to a source of suction to clear the core.

Abstract: This invention provides a light delivery catheter having a proximal shaft with two lumens and a distal shaft connected to the proximal shaft, which distal shaft has only a single lumen. A guidewire and a light guide are received in the first and second lumens resectively, of the proximal shaft, either of which may be extended into the single lumen of the distal shaft, the distal shaft being sufficiently flexible to facilitate movement of the catheter through tortuous paths. A hub is provided having ports through which appropriate fluids may be applied to the lumens. When used to remove a blood clot in a blood vessel of the brain or other part of the body, the guidewire is extended through the single lumen in the distal shaft and is utilized to guide the catheter adjacent the clot, at least one guidewire/light guide exchange being performed to ablate the clot.