Abstract: An endoscopic system comprising an endoscope having a reusable hand-piece and separable single-use shaft assembly, a single-use cartridge and a console. The single-use shaft assembly includes fluid paths and electrical connectors configured to extend through the single-use cartridge. The single-use cartridge comprises a housing defining fluid paths and electrical connectors. The reusable hand-piece comprises articulation control(s) for articulation of the single-use shaft assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb.

Abstract: A tissue collection device and method. One embodiment of the device includes a body formed by an elongated member, a pair of inflatable balloons at spaced-apart locations on the body, and one or more collection structures on the body. Inflation lumens extending through the body and coupled to the balloons cause the balloons to move between collapsed and expanded states. The collection structures collect a tissue sample from a collection region between the balloons. In another embodiment the collection structures include one or more of an irrigation lumen and an aspiration lumen having one or more ports opening into the collection region.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in obtaining biopsy material from the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal (e.g., a human). For example, devices (e.g., percutaneous biopsy devices) configured to allow a user (e.g., a surgeon) to obtain biopsy material from the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal in a minimally-invasive manner as well as methods for using biopsy devices are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: Kits and methods for submucosal endoscopic access into body cavities such as the peritoneal cavity and the posterior mediastinum through a submucosal endoscopic procedure in which an opening is formed through the muscularis propria within a bleb. The procedure may result in a mucosal flap formed by separated mucosal tissue within the bleb and the mucosal flap may be advantageously used to assist in closure of the opening.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for retracting tissue during a minimally invasive surgical procedure (e.g., an endoscopic surgical procedure). For example, methods and materials for using an expandable space-occupying tissue retractor during an endoscopic surgical procedure such as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure or a NOTES procedure are provided.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: Kits and methods for submucosal endoscopic access into body cavities such as the peritoneal cavity and the posterior mediastinum through a submucosal endoscopic procedure in which an opening is formed through the muscularis propria within a bleb. The procedure may result in a mucosal flap formed by separated mucosal tissue within the bleb and the mucosal flap may be advantageously used to assist in closure of the opening.

Abstract: Methods for creating submucosal fluid cushions using methylcellulose are provided, as well as compositions and articles of manufacture for generating submucosal fluid cushions.

Abstract: This invention provides an endoscopic treatment system for executing at least one of localized injection through mucous membrane, peeling off and cutting off of mucous membrane. This system has an endoscope, which has an insertion section provided with at least one channel extending therein. The system also has a plurality of treatment tools including a syringe needle for executing localized injection through a portion of mucous membrane, forceps for gripping a portion of mucous membrane, and at least one knife for executing at least one of peeling off and cutting off of mucous membrane. Further, this system includes an endoscopic guide tube to be inserted into the esophagus, which has a main channel for inserting therein the endoscope, and at least one sub channel for inserting therein each of the treatment tools.

Abstract: This invention provides an endoscopic treatment system for executing at least one of localized injection through mucous membrane, peeling off and cutting off of mucous membrane. This system has an endoscope, which has an insertion section provided with at least one channel extending therein. The system also has a plurality of treatment tools including a syringe needle for executing localized injection through a portion of mucous membrane, forceps for gripping a portion of mucous membrane, and at least one knife for executing at least one of peeling off and cutting off of mucous membrane. Further, this system includes an endoscopic guide tube to be inserted into the esophagus, which has a main channel for inserting therein the endoscope, and at least one sub channel for inserting therein each of the treatment tools.