Abstract: A multi-lumen insertion tube for use with an endoscope, the multi-lumen insertion tube having a circumferential outer wall defining a main inner lumen, and a plurality of inner septa dividing the main inner lumen into a plurality of lumens. The circumferential outer wall is configured to expand radially outwardly when positive pressure is applied through the insertion tube, and to at least partially collapse against at least one of the inner septa when negative pressure is applied through the insertion tube, such that further collapse of the circumferential wall is prevented by at least one of the inner septa.

Abstract: A handle for at least partially covering an endoscope with a protective thin sleeve, the handle comprising: a handle body shaped and sized to receive a distal portion of an endoscope therein; a detachable portion at a proximal end of the handle body, the detachable portion configured to detach from the handle body and to be moved proximally along at least a portion of a length of an endoscope received within the handle body; and a thin elongate protective sleeve axially compacted within the handle body, a proximal end of the sleeve coupled to the detachable portion, wherein movement of the detachable portion proximally along the endoscope pulls on the proximal end of the sleeve and extends the sleeve in length from its axially compacted state to a lengthened state, thereby covering the at least a portion of the length of the endoscope.

Abstract: In general, the invention features an intra-vascular device for filtering or deflecting emboli or other large objects from entering a protected secondary vessel or vessels. the device of the invention may include a filter to prevent a particle in a blood vessel from passing through the filter, a lateral structure to hold the filter, and two wires attached to lateral structure, on each at its distal and proximal ends. These wires may be used to control the deflection or orientation of the filter upon its installation within a blood vessel. Further, in some embodiments, these wires may be capable of readily detaching from the device, thus making it possible to install a filter without any significant appendages in a blood vessel.

Abstract: In general, the invention features an intra-vascular device (100) for filtering or deflecting emboli other large objects from entering a protected secondary vessel or vessels. The device of the invention may include a filter (201) to prevent a particle in a blood vessel from passing through the filter, a lateral structure (200) to hold the filter, and two wires (202, 203) attached the lateral structure, one each at its distal and proximal ends (206a, 206b). These wires may be used to control the deflection or orientation of the filter upon its installation within a blood vessel. Further, in some embodiments, these wires may be capable of readily detaching from the device, thus making it possible to install a filter without any significant appendages in a blood vessel.

Abstract: An intra-vascular device (100) may include a skeleton (102) to hold a blood filter (104), an upper member (110) to fit into a branch artery of an aorta, and a pair of lower members (106, 108) whose distal ends are not connected to each other, such lower members to press against a wall of an ascending artery and to provide lift to the device so that a middle portion of the device is above a lateral plane of the device. The device may be positioned in a middle area of an aortic arch near but not covering an opening of the branch arteries of the aorta, and may filter or deflect emboli or other large objects from entering into the branch arteries.