Abstract: An endoscopic support device configured to support an endoscope during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The endoscopic support device has a connection ring with a height smaller than its diameter and configured to be in an open or deployed position and in a closed or non-deployed position. The support device also has at least two guiding elements, an orientation component, and extension means for manipulating the ring between the deployed and non-deployed positions.

Abstract: An elongate catheter shaft having a side port aperture through a side wall of the catheter shaft between proximal and distal ends of the shaft. The side port aperture is open to a lumen. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to stiffening structure disposed in the immediate vicinity of the side port aperture. The stiffening structures may be disposed on or be continuous with, for example, an exterior surface, an interior lumenal surface, within a wall of the catheter shaft, or some combination thereof. The stiffening structures described herein are directed to biasing the catheter shaft in the region of a side port aperture in a straight or curved configuration that resists undesired flexure in the region of the side port aperture.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of interleukin-10 (IL-10) for the prevention and treatment of pancreatitis. It provides methods for preventing the onset or worsening of pancreatitis in patients at risk of developing such condition by administering a therapeutically effective amount of IL-10. In a specific embodiment, IL-10 is administered to patients at risk of developing pancreatitis due to a procedure such as endoscopic retrograde pancreotography.