Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for creating a percutaneous fluidic connection. In one embodiment, the system includes an endoscope having an end cap with a tube that defines a distal cavity and an internal magnet circumferentially arranged around the distal end of the tube. The internal magnet is delivered into the patient's stomach and pressed against an inner wall of the stomach. An external magnet is placed on an external surface of the patient's skin corresponding to the location of the internal magnet and the inner and external magnets are coupled together. An incision is made through the skin to access the distal cavity, and an overtube containing a PEG device is inserted into the distal cavity. The magnets are decoupled and removed, leaving the overtube in place, which is subsequently retracted from the PEG device, allowing the PEG device to be anchored in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for creating an external percutaneous fluidic connections. In one embodiment, a needle is configured for extending through an endoscope. The needle includes a distal sharp tip and a lumen extending therethrough. The needle extends out of the endoscope within a body cavity to create an incision through a patient's skin. A safety cap is attached over the distal sharp tip without occluding the needle lumen. A wire is inserted through the needle lumen such that it extends from outside the body at the incision, through the body, and outside the body at the patient's mouth. After removing the needle and the endoscope from the body, a PEG device is coupled to the wire at the patient's mouth, and the PEG device is delivered through the upper GI tract and out through the incision.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for creating an external percutaneous fluidic connections. In one embodiment, a needle is configured for extending through an endoscope. The needle includes a distal sharp tip and a lumen extending therethrough. The needle extends out of the endoscope within a body cavity to create an incision through a patient's skin. A safety cap is attached over the distal sharp tip without occluding the needle lumen. A wire is inserted through the needle lumen such that it extends from outside the body at the incision, through the body, and outside the body at the patient's mouth. After removing the needle and the endoscope from the body, a PEG device is coupled to the wire at the patient's mouth, and the PEG device is delivered through the upper GI tract and out through the incision.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for creating a percutaneous fluidic connection. In one embodiment, the system includes an endoscope having an end cap with a tube that defines a distal cavity and an internal magnet circumferentially arranged around the distal end of the tube. The internal magnet is delivered into the patient's stomach and pressed against an inner wall of the stomach. An external magnet is placed on an external surface of the patient's skin corresponding to the location of the internal magnet and the inner and external magnets are coupled together. An incision is made through the skin to access the distal cavity, and an overtube containing a PEG device is inserted into the distal cavity. The magnets are decoupled and removed, leaving the overtube in place, which is subsequently retracted from the PEG device, allowing the PEG device to be anchored in place.

Abstract: Biopsy devices which can be used with a flexible endoscope are described herein. Inventive biopsy devices can be used in minimally invasive procedures and other biopsy applications. Inventive biopsy devices can be used through an endoscope channel to perform zero invasive biopsies on the gastrointestinal system and other organs. Actuation devices for use to twist or manipulate the biopsy device even when it is at the end of the endoscopic cable are provided according to embodiments of the present invention.