Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a medical procedure comprising an elongated shaft having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. An actuator tube is positioned within the shaft and a guide wire extends through the tube. A head is attached at one end of the shaft by the guide wire. A specimen is cut by a blade disposed on either the shaft or the head. The device is used to enlarge a lumen that has been occluded with diseased or stenotic tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. In one form of the present invention an irrigation tube is positioned through the patient's mouth, esophagus and into the stomach. An-inflatable balloon tamponade device is initially positioned around the external surface of the irrigation tube for delivery within the patient. A pushing member is utilized to move the balloon tamponade device along the outer surface of irrigation tube and into a location adjacent internal bleeding sites. The invention facilitates irrigation and aspiration of the stomach through the irrigation tube by selectively coupling an irrigation fluid reservoir and a fluid recovery reservoir. The irrigation and aspiration is conducted through a substantially closed system to accurately determine fluids present and limit health care staff exposure to bodily fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. In one form of the present invention an irrigation tube is positioned through the patient's mouth, esophagus and into the stomach. An inflatable balloon tamponade device is initially positioned around the external surface of the irrigation tube for delivery within the patient. A pushing member is utilized to move the balloon tamponade device along the outer surface of irrigation tube and into a location adjacent internal bleeding sites. The invention facilitates irrigation and aspiration of the stomach through the irrigation tube by selectively coupling an irrigation fluid reservoir and a fluid recovery reservoir. The irrigation and aspiration is conducted through a substantially closed system to accurately determine fluids present and limit health care staff exposure to bodily fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the deployment of an esophagastric balloon tamponade device within a patient. In one form of the present invention an irrigation tube is positioned through the patient's mouth, esophagus and into the stomach. An inflatable balloon tamponade device is initially positioned around the external surface of the irrigation tube for delivery within the patient. A pushing member is utilized to move the balloon tamponade device along the outer surface of irrigation tube and into a location adjacent internal bleeding sites. An internal obturator passes through an aperture within the irrigation tube to minimize and/or prevent kinking of the tube during passage of the tube into the patient. A plurality of length indicators are formed on the external surface of the tube in order to apprise the practitioner of the depth of insertion of the tube. The present invention provides for the deployment of a balloon tamponade device adbsent a endoscope.

Abstract: A spring based multi-purpose medical instrument having an internal guiding structure and a slotted end cap. The instrument being deployable through a catheter or endoscope and further passable within the human anatomy. The slotted end cap and internal guiding structure providing for precise controlled movement of the spring jaws through a remote actuator. Further, the slotted end cap preventing the loss of the spring jaws within the internal body cavity upon separation from the actuator. In another embodiment of the spring based multi-purpose instrument the jaws being rotatable for cutting and fragmenting materials.

Abstract: Balloon tamponade devices for treating bleeding sites within the upper digestive tract (e.g. esophageal or upper gastric bleeding sites, or duodenal, pyloric or distal gastric bleeding sites) comprise a tube having proximal and distal open ends and at least one inflatable balloon mounted over the tube. Preferably, two balloons are mounted over the tube, and inflation lumens are provided for each. A bridle is attached to the tube, and is adapted to extend up the esophagus to allow the device to be secured in place having the proximal open end of the tube positioned within the digestive tract to allow for normal feeding and swallowing functions. A method for placing a balloon tamponade device as generally described above is also described. The device is backloaded onto an endoscope by passing the endoscope through the open ends of the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating esophageal varices and mucosal neoplasms. In one form of the present invention a balloon tamponade device is utilized to deliver a dressing containing a sclerosant agent to bleeding esophogeal varices. The balloon tamponade delivery results in a uniformed coating of the inflamed site with the treatment agent. The thrombosant agent penetrates the esophageal mucosa, thrombosis esophageal veins and prevents bleeding by provoking an inflammatory response which replaces the squamous esophogeal mucosa with scar tissue to prevent further bleeding from the varices. Another form of the present invention applies therapeutic agents to portions of the esophagus, rectum and/or other mucosal sites such as the urethral bladder, larynx, bronchial tube axed vagina. Therapeutic agents containing anti-neoplastic and/or corrosive agents are applied to dressings which are placed in contact with the surface area containing the mucosal neoplasm.