Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving severed tissue or foreign bodies from within a subject is disclosed. The device comprises a support unit and a tissue retrieving net system. The net system is carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to retrieve tissue that has been severed by a conventional method. The net system comprises a net, a net actuator, a net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator. The net system further comprises at least one net connector disposed such that only one connector is within an articulation zone, defined by locations of severe bending of the device during operation.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving severed tissue or foreign bodies from within a subject is disclosed. The device comprises a support unit and a tissue retrieving net. system. The net system is carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to retrieve tissue that has been severed by a conventional method. The net system comprises a net, a net actuator, a: net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator. The net system further comprises at least one net connector disposed such that only one connector is within an articulation zone, defined by locations of severe bending of the device during operation.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving severed tissue or foreign bodies from within a subject is disclosed. The device comprises a support unit and a tissue retrieving net system. The net system is carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to retrieve tissue that has been severed by a conventional method. The net system comprises a net, a net actuator, a net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator. The net system further comprises at least one net connector disposed such that only one connector is within an articulation zone, defined by locations of severe bending of the device during operation.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving severed tissue or foreign bodies from within a subject is disclosed. The device comprises a support unit and a tissue retrieving net system. The net system is carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to retrieve tissue that has been severed by a conventional method. The net system comprises a net, a net actuator, a net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator. The net system further comprises at least one net connector disposed such that only one connector is within an articulation zone, defined by locations of severe bending of the device during operation.

Abstract: An overtube device for use in intubation during an endoscopic procedure is disclosed. The device includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a first handle disposed on the proximal end. The inner tube includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a second handle disposed on the proximal end. The inner tube is inserted through an entire length of the outer tube such that the inner tube extends beyond the outer tube. At the proximal end of the device, a proximal end of the first handle is connected to a distal end of the second handle. When the inner tube is co-axially inserted within the outer tube, a clearance exists between a length of the inner and outer tubes, and between a length of the inner tube and the endoscope. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving severed tissue or foreign bodies from within a subject is disclosed. The device comprises a support unit and a tissue retrieving net system. The net system is carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to retrieve tissue that has been severed by a conventional method. The net system comprises a net, a net actuator, a net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator. The net system further comprises at least one net connector disposed such that only one connector is within an articulation zone, defined by locations of severe bending of the device during operation.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving severed tissue or foreign bodies from within a subject is disclosed. The device comprises a support unit and a tissue retrieving net system. The net system is carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to retrieve tissue that has been severed by a conventional method. The net system comprises a net, a net actuator, a net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator. The net system further comprises at least one net connector disposed such that only one connector is within an articulation zone, defined by locations of severe bending of the device during operation.

Abstract: A device for delivering an apparatus or object to a targeted location within a human subject is disclosed. The device includes a body, a handle mounted to and movable relative to the body, a tube, a cable, and retention unit. The tube has a first end fixed to the body and a second end fixed to the retention unit. The cable has a first end fixed to the handle and a second end remote from the body. The cable extends substantially through the tube. The retention unit applies a retention force sufficient to retain the capsule during endoscopic delivery to the targeted release location. Manipulation of the handle in a direction relative to the retention unit generates a force on the apparatus greater than the retention force. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for suctioning material out of an instrument channel during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a biopsy valve having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The biopsy valve defines an internal passage leading from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to an endoscope instrument channel inlet port. Tubing connects the biopsy valve second end to a suction source connector disposed remote from the biopsy valve. A flow controller is fixed to the tubing and disposed between the biopsy valve second end and the suction source connector. The device may include an irrigation port and an instrument entry port.

Abstract: A polyp trap for use in collecting tissue samples. The device includes a collection container and a removable tray. The collection container has an inlet port, a sidewall aperture, and an exit port. The removable tray has a first end and a second end. The tray is sized for movement within the sidewall aperture between an inserted position forming a seal with the collection container and a withdrawn position remote from the collection container. The tray has a perforated bottom surface such that fluids traveling under suction from the inlet port to the outlet port pass through the tray.

Abstract: A polyp removal tool and method of use is disclosed. The tool includes a main body, an elongated hollow conduit fixed to the body, a handle, a cable assembly, a suction assembly and an irrigation system. The handle is used to actuate a snare at the end of a cable for transecting of polypoid tissue. The suction assembly is used in pre-conditioning the tissue for cutting and in polyp retention after cutting. The irrigation system is included for tissue recovery after transection. The tool may include a screen for capture of tissue within the device.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving objects, such as for example, severed human tissue, foreign objects or impacted food bolus, from within a subject is disclosed. The device includes a body and handle movable relative to the body, a tubular member fixed to the body, a link having a first end fixed to the handle and a second end remote from the body, and a net including a loop and a net element. The loop is expandable and collapsible by action of the handle relative to the body. The loop retains an expanded configuration when deployed to allow for the capture certain objects that were otherwise difficult to capture because of positioning, location, or object characteristics. The loop may be constructed of flat wire and form a polygon shape when deployed. Structure at the distal end of the loop may propel and retain the loop into an open position when in use in narrow organs such as the esophagus.

Abstract: A valve for use in irrigating, accessing and sealing the instrument channel of an endoscope is disclosed. The valve is adapted for installation onto an endoscope instrument inlet port. The valve includes a body, a flip cap, and a seal curtain. The body has an open end adapted for connection to the inlet port, interior walls defining an cavity, and an outer surface defining a valve entry port. The entry port is connected to a channel open to the cavity. The flip cap is removably connectable to the valve entry port and has a slit therethrough. The seal curtain contains a flexible cylindrical portion, and a lid at one end, and is removably insertable into the cavity. A longitudinal axis of the seal curtain in an installed position within the cavity is at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A valve for use in irrigating, accessing and sealing the instrument channel of an endoscope is disclosed. The valve includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The second end is adapted for connection to an instrument channel inlet port. The outer circumferential surface may define a side entry port. The valve includes a flip cap having an aperture therethrough. The cap is removably insertable into the first end for providing sealable access to the internal passage. The valve may include a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a check valve disposed at the inlet end. The outlet end is fixed to the side entry port. A fluid may be dispensed through the check valve to irrigate the instrument channel. The valve may include a seal curtain member for providing sealable access to the instrument channel.

Abstract: A surgical device for injecting a chemical agent within a subject for use in endoscopic injection therapies is disclosed. The device includes a support body, a motion transmitting unit, an agent delivery system and a guide housing. The motion transmitting unit is movable relative to the support body. The agent delivery system includes a needle for extending into a subject and structure defining a conduit between the support body and the needle. The guide housing has a flexible elongated body, an internal elongated passage and friction reducing material lining the passage. At least a portion of the motion transmitting unit adjacent the needle is slideably housed within the guide housing. The device offers a surgeon improved ease of needle extension and retraction when the distal end of the endoscope is bent at acute angles.

Abstract: A snare injection device for performing endoscopic transection procedures is disclosed. The device includes a snare system and a needle system, each containing actuator components separately routed in one of two channels of an elongated dual lumen. Deployment of the snare and needle are independently operated by two separate handle controls. The device includes needle travel stop and anti-puncture features for safety and ease of use.

Abstract: A device for use with an endoscope is disclosed. The device includes a body that defines a vessel for collecting fluid that may escape through the port and/or valve of the endoscope. The body includes a bottom and a side wall. The bottom and the side wall form a portion of a cradle surrounding the port of the endoscope. The bottom includes a portion configured to mate with the endoscope adjacent the port. The side wall is configured to partially wrap around the port of the endoscope. Further, the body of the device may be shaped to cover at least the neck portion of the port and may include an aperture. The aperture allows access to the port and facilitates attachment of the valve. Absorbent material may be used in the collection vessel to absorb the fluid. The device may also include a wire anchor for attaching a guide wire.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating the insertion, manipulation and removal of an endoscopic medical device within a body cavity is disclosed. The device may comprise a body portion and a lining. The body portion may be configured to wrap around the outer surface of the insertion tube. The body portion may comprise an outer surface, an inner surface, two ends, and a longitudinal slit extending from one end of the body portion to the other end. The lining may be attached to the interior surface of the body portion. The lining may comprise an at least partially raised surface that contacts the outer surface of the insertion tube at least when a user squeezes the body portion of the device.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an endoscopic device is disclosed. The device has a flexible sleeve movable between a collapsed position and an extended position. The sleeve has an opening at its proximal end. A cleaning tool is disposed within the sleeve. Further, cleaning fluid is included within the sleeve. A method of using the device to clean an endoscopic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining esophageal cells for diagnostic purposes. A distal end of a support body is inserted in a patient's stomach via the esophagus and mouth. A balloon at the distal support body end is inflated. The support body is withdrawn until the balloon engages the sphincter. A support body location is marked that is a predetermined distance from the patient's dental arch. The balloon is deflated and the support body is withdrawn so that the marked location is adjacent the patient's dental arch. The support body is withdrawn a second predetermined distance and a second support body location is marked. A cell collecting element is deployed from within the distal end of the support body. The support body is reciprocated with the cell collecting element deployed so that cells from the esophagus are deposited on the cell collecting element.