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: An external bolster having a main body, a curved portion and a hinge. The bolster also includes a base fixably attached to the main body, the base including a spoke configured to allow air through the base and a cap removably attached to the main body at the hinge, wherein the cap is configured to position a tube along the curved portion of the main body when the cap is in a closed position.

Abstract: A percutaneous gastrostomy introduction system may include may include an elongate tube assembly including one or both of a dilator portion and a gastrostomy tube portion, which may be continuously formed or joined by one or more connection joints that may—in certain embodiments—provide for rotation about a common longitudinal axis. The dilator portion includes a helical surface for advancing contact with body tissue and may be disposed near (including up to and defining) a first end of the elongate tube assembly. An engagement structure, including—for example—one or more of a wire loop, a user-graspable handle, or another graspable structure may be included at the first end of the device. Device embodiments may be effective to lessen or prevent tenting of patient tissue during introduction.

Abstract: An external bolster having a main body, a curved portion and a hinge. The bolster also includes a base fixably attached to the main body, the base including a spoke configured to allow air through the base and a cap removably attached to the main body at the hinge, wherein the cap is configured to position a tube along the curved portion of the main body when the cap is in a closed position.

Abstract: An improved ligating system with a ligating barrel having an adjustable diameter for use with endoscopes of varying sizes is disclosed. The adjustable diameter may be provided by a collet, a flexible helical band, a plurality of screws, or a tapered elastomeric section.

Abstract: An apparatus cooperable with a grasping slot of an elevator for an endoscope is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an expandable balloon disposable through the endoscope for dilitating a stricture in the body duct. The apparatus further comprises a catheter disposable about the expandable balloon and through the endoscope. The catheter comprises proximal and distal portions along a longitudinal axis thereof. At least the proximal portion comprises a splittable portion formed therealong to define first and second sections separable from each other for securing the catheter while protecting and maintaining the expandable balloon at the stricture.

Abstract: A clip device for hemostasis includes a clip having a proximal end portion and at least two arm portions extending from the proximal end portion and provided with a tendency to open. A sliding ring is provided for closing the arm portions of the clip. A first retainer is attached to the clip, and the first retainer is configured to be releasably secured to a second retainer that may be attached to an operating wire or a torque cable. In operation, the clip device is advanced to a target site in a body cavity. An outer sheath is retracted to expose the clip, causing the arms to open. An inner sheath is advanced distally, causing the sliding ring to advance distally to close the arms of the clip. Stop elements may be disposed on the clip to ensure that he sliding ring is not advanced distally over the clip. Then, the first retainer is disengaged from the second retainer. Various mechanisms are disclosed to permit the first and second retainers to disengage from one another.

Abstract: An endoscope securing and positioning device is provided for adjusting or maintaining the position of an endoscope. The device allows the medical professional to easily rotate an endoscope or maintain its position without having to maintain a grip on the endoscope.