Abstract: An apparatus is presented for use with a biologically-compatible-fluid pressure source.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a body lumen is provided including an introducer tube configured to be advanced into a gastrointestinal tract of a subject. A guide member is coupled to a distal end of the introducer tube and is configured to be mounted in a vicinity of a valve of the subject. The apparatus also includes a capsule removably coupled to a distal portion of the introducer tube, and configured to be decoupled from the introducer tube and propelled through a small intestine of the subject once the guide member has been mounted in the vicinity of the valve. The apparatus also includes a gas supply configured to propel the capsule distally through the small intestine by generating positive gas pressure proximal to the capsule. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system including a guide member at least partially insertable into a proximal opening of a body lumen, the guide member including a first passageway connectable to a source of fluid pressure, an elongate carrier arranged for sliding movement through the guide member, and a piston head mounted on the carrier, wherein a greater fluid pressure acting on a proximal side of the piston head than on a distal side of the piston head propels the piston head and the carrier in a distal direction in the body lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a biologically-compatible-fluid pressure source, the apparatus including an elongate carrier, adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a body lumen, and a piston head coupled to a distal portion of the carrier. The piston head is adapted to form a pressure seal with a wall of the lumen after the carrier has been inserted into the lumen, and to be advanced distally through the body lumen in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source. The apparatus is configured to facilitate distal advancement of the piston head by facilitating passage of fluid out of the lumen from a site within the lumen distal to the piston head. The apparatus additionally includes an optical system, coupled to the carrier in a vicinity of the distal portion, the optical system having distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: Apparatus is provide for use with a fluid pressure source, including an elongate carrier, adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a body lumen, and a distal piston head coupled to a distal portion of the carrier. The piston head is adapted to be in direct contact with a wall of the lumen when the carrier is inserted into the lumen, and to be advanced distally through the body lumen in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source. Additionally, the piston head is typically adapted to facilitate passage of fluid out of the lumen from a site within the lumen distal to the piston head.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising an imaging device assembled on a carrier tube, and a first outwardly expandable element and a second outwardly expandable element mounted on the carrier tube, wherein the second expandable element is expandable both radially and axially, the imaging system comprising a mode of operation, wherein during expansion of the second expandable element, obstruction of the radial expansion of the second expandable element causes the axial expansion of the second expandable element to propel the carrier tube and the imaging device axially.