Abstract: Provided is a tissue staining composition containing carbon particles having a mean particle diameter less than 0.3 ?m in diameter (optionally less than 0.2 ?m in diameter) together with one or more agents that maintain the carbon particles in suspension (for example, an anti-settling agent and/or surfactant). In certain circumstances, the anti-settling agent may also have mucoadhesive properties. The tissue staining composition is visually dark and does not disperse rapidly when introduced into regions of tissue of interest making it ideal for marking the regions that can be visualized clearly and over prolonged periods of time via, for example, direct visualization, endoscopic or laparoscopic inspection. The invention also provides methods of making and using the tissue staining composition for marking regions of tissue of interest, for example, gastrointestinal tissue, as well as other tissues.

Abstract: Provided herein are submucosal lifting compositions and methods of using same. The submucosal lifting agents of the disclosure include a polysaccharide, a polyol, and a colorant.

Abstract: An endoscopic tool for facilitating injection of fluid into a submucosal layer of tissue includes a first cannula, a second cannula, and means for attaching the first cannula to a mucosal layer of tissue. The first cannula has a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The second cannula is adapted to be coupled to a source of fluid and carries a needle at a distal end thereof. The means for attaching the first cannula to the mucosal layer draws the mucosal layer, which enlarges the submucosal layer. Fluid is then injected into the enlarged portion of the submucosal layer via the needle, thereby creating a raised portion of tissue around the injection site.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue staining composition containing carbon particles having a mean particle diameter less than 0.3 ?m in diameter (optionally less than 0.2 ?m in diameter) together with one or more agents that maintain the carbon particles in suspension (for example, an anti-settling agent and/or surfactant). In certain circumstances, the anti-settling agent may also have mucoadhesive properties. The tissue staining composition is visually dark and does not disperse rapidly when introduced into regions of tissue of interest making it ideal for marking the regions that can be visualized clearly and over prolonged periods of time via, for example, direct visualization, endoscopic or laparoscopic inspection. The invention also provides methods of making and using the tissue staining composition for marking regions of tissue of interest, for example, gastrointestinal tissue, as well as other tissues.

Abstract: An endoscopic tool for facilitating injection of fluid into a submucosal layer of tissue includes a first cannula, a suction source, a fluid lumen, and a second cannula. The first cannula has a suction surface disposed at a distal end, and defines a suction lumen. The suction source is coupled to the first cannula and creates a negative pressure within the suction lumen. The second cannula is disposed in a fluid lumen separate from the suction lumen, is adapted to be coupled to a source of fluid, and carries a needle at a distal end thereof. The tool draws the mucosal layer via the suction, which enlarges the submucosal layer, and injects a fluid into the enlarged portion of the submucosal layer via the needle, thereby creating a raised portion of tissue around the injection site.