Abstract: A dilator includes a tube including a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen therethrough. The proximal end includes a connector configured to connect to an inflation device. The dilator includes a balloon disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The balloon is configured to transition between a contracted state and an expanded state, wherein the device is insertable into a body passage of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: This document describes devices for reducing risks to healthcare staff from infectious agents. For example, this document describes a bite block with a shield element or a mask that can reduce risk of infectious or noxious agents exposure to healthcare staff.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument deploys a hemostatic clip during endoscopic submucosal resection. The hemostatic clip has an elongated collar configured to be detachably coupled to a shaft of the surgical instrument, a pair of jaws received in the collar, and a magnet coupled to the jaws.

Abstract: A method of performing an endoscopic submucosal resection includes using two magnet-attached hemostatic clips that are selectively coupled to one another via their respective magnets.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument deploys a hemostatic clip during endoscopic submucosal resection. The hemostatic clip has an elongated collar configured to be detachably coupled to a shaft of the surgical instrument, a pair of jaws received in the collar, and a magnet coupled to the jaws.

Abstract: A method of performing an endoscopic submucosal resection includes using two magnet-attached hemostatic clips that are selectively coupled to one another via their respective magnets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inducing weight loss using blood flow control are described herein. The apparatus and methods operate by controlling blood flow to the stomach and/or small bowel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inducing weight loss using blood flow control are described herein. The apparatus and methods operate by controlling blood flow to the stomach and/or small bowel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inducing weight loss using blood flow control are described herein. The apparatus and methods operate by controlling blood flow to the stomach and/or small bowel.

Abstract: Obesity treatment apparatus and methods are described herein involving gastric recycling of food are described herein. In one or more embodiments, the gastric recycling apparatus keeps returning chyme to the stomach increasing satiety signals and delaying hunger signals associated with an empty stomach. It may also may slow the emptying of the stomach as the caloric load in the stomach delays emptying and/or limit absorption of food within the small intestine by delivering at least a portion of food passing through the small intestine back into the stomach.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in disrupting electrical activity in the stomach. For example, methods and materials involved in delivering one or more electrical shocks to the stomach (e.g., the muscularis propria) in a manner that disrupts the normal electrical activity of the stomach (e.g., defibrillating the stomach) are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and devices for medical diagnostic procedures using a camera system. For example, devices having a camera coupled to a finger cot for use during digital exams of body cavities such as the rectum are provided.

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: Stapling apparatus and methods of assembling or operating the stapling apparatus are described herein. The stapling apparatus described herein can be delivered through an overtube or other large channel. The stapling apparatus may, in various embodiments, allow for secure closure of, e.g., endoluminal openings such as, e.g., perforations, intentional viscerotomy (e.g., NOTES/full thickness resection), and other indications.

Abstract: Devices and methods for achieving weight loss in obese and morbidly obese patients are disclosed. The invention combines a gastric and/or small bowel bypass (in which ingested food bypasses the stomach and, optionally, at least a portion of the small bowel) and a satiety device in the form of one or more expandable chambers, that tend to induce a feeling of satiety after the patient has consumed a relatively small amount of food. This combination of gastric and/or small bowel bypass and satiety structure may be delivered and removed using minimally invasive procedures such as an endoscope. In some instances, the gastric and/or small bowel bypass device itself can form the satiety structure. In other devices, the gastric bypass may be independent of the satiety structure (which may be provided as one or more expandable chambers).

Abstract: Gastric volume of a patient is reduced by deploying an endoscope into a stomach through the esophagus. A plurality of anterior anchors are affixed to the anterior wall of the stomach. The anterior anchors are distributed along an anterior line of the stomach wall beginning near the cardia region and extending toward the stomach exit. A plurality of posterior anchors are affixed to the posterior wall of the stomach. The posterior anchors are distributed along a posterior line of the stomach wall beginning near the cardia region and toward the stomach exit. The anchor line and the stomach wall are drawn towards the posterior line of the stomach wall to reduce gastric volume.