Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system to facilitate endoscopic insertion of a balloon into tissues, such as submucosal tissues, and optional resection of tissues elevated by the balloon when inflated. The system includes an endoscope with a delivery system for a detachable balloon having a seal. The balloon can be inserted under the tissue, such as a submucosal insertion, and inflated. The balloon can then be untethered from the delivery system and deployed submucosally while the endoscope is manipulated around the affected area and the affected tissue knife resected. The endoscope can be retracted from the area. The balloon can be made of biodegradable material that can dissolve or be absorbed over a period of time. The system and method can be applied to other areas and medical procedures that require insertion of a balloon for a period of time.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for dilating and/or delivering a stent into a body cavity or vessel is described. The assembly is particularly suited for the dilation, delivery and fixation of a stent in a body cavity, such as in a stricture in the esophagus, and includes a guidewire, an endoscope having a dilator cap affixed to its distal end, a stent, and a flexible stent delivery device. The dilator cap can be customized to various sizes, depending upon the interior diameter of the stricture to be dilated, and can be interchanged with the other dilator caps on the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope-dilator assembly can be slid distally down the guidewire to the stricture to be dilated, and the stent can then be delivered distally along the guidewire using a delivery device. The stent delivery device and the endoscope-dilator assembly can be retracted proximally along the guidewire through the interior of the stent, leaving the stent in place in the stricture.